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Love Unexpected #4
Filthy and the Beast
There’s no way in hell I’m falling for a man called the Sledgehammer.
Enzo is a lot of things.
A big grump of a jock.
Twenty years my senior.
My employer.
Straight.
I’m living with the retired boxer while he recovers from an injury, just here to earn a good paycheck after my life fell apart.
Getting emotionally involved with the man isn't my job, but my gaze keeps lingering on his thick muscles and the storm clouds in his eyes.
For a million reasons, my geeky heart shouldn’t flutter when Enzo walks in the room.
But then he grunts my name, our eyes lock, and the world turns upside down.
Filthy and the Beast is a steamy standalone M/M romance featuring an older, grumpy jock and the bubbly geek who lands in his mansion and upends his life. It’s got a secret sweetheart, surprise temptation, and a touch of angst. The fourth book in Love Unexpected, Filthy and the Beast can be enjoyed alone or as part of the series.
Enzo is a lot of things.
A big grump of a jock.
Twenty years my senior.
My employer.
Straight.
I’m living with the retired boxer while he recovers from an injury, just here to earn a good paycheck after my life fell apart.
Getting emotionally involved with the man isn't my job, but my gaze keeps lingering on his thick muscles and the storm clouds in his eyes.
For a million reasons, my geeky heart shouldn’t flutter when Enzo walks in the room.
But then he grunts my name, our eyes lock, and the world turns upside down.
Filthy and the Beast is a steamy standalone M/M romance featuring an older, grumpy jock and the bubbly geek who lands in his mansion and upends his life. It’s got a secret sweetheart, surprise temptation, and a touch of angst. The fourth book in Love Unexpected, Filthy and the Beast can be enjoyed alone or as part of the series.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2022
127 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
R. Cayden
38 books311 followersR. Cayden writes steamy M/M romance and sweet, easy reads.
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You can also send along an email. I love hearing from readers, and knowing what you think of the stories!
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Thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
dnf
October 9, 2022time of death: 20%
cause of death: annoying characters
cause of death: annoying characters
October 9, 2022
Damien & Enzo’s story takes the grumpy/sunshine dynamic to some interesting places– much, much grumpiness and some very determined sunshine. In addition to the strong opposites attract energy, there’s also an age gap, a bi awakening, and some compelling supporting characters. It’s fun watching the relationship between the two of them grow and develop – it takes time, but the chemistry, physical and emotional, is strong. Overall, an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 5, 2022
This was an enjoyable grumpy/sunshine, bi awakening, age gap story.
I liked both of these guys from the start. Damien was so fun and I liked Enzo and his gruff stubbornness too. I liked the slow burn between these two.
The side characters were really great too, and has made me want to read the rest of this series.
I liked both of these guys from the start. Damien was so fun and I liked Enzo and his gruff stubbornness too. I liked the slow burn between these two.
The side characters were really great too, and has made me want to read the rest of this series.
October 3, 2022
There’s being blunt but then that walks a fine line of being an ass. For as much as he doesn’t want to be put in a box, he certainly put folks in a box and judged. Maybe the character betters himself by the end, he’s just rubbing me wrong. DNF 40%
October 7, 2022
This is an ARC review book given in return for honest opinion.
This book was about a washed up boxer who hid away, didn’t talk to anyone, he was a grump and he was miserable.
Once an up and coming champion that was in his prime but one mistake and bad press ruined everything.
Enzo now lives alone with his dogs and only trains at night in his friends gym, he’s now a recluse, but can a bubbly nerd bring him out if his shell? Maybe offer him one too many cupcakes!
When Damien takes a job at the local gym so he can pay his bills and share his baked goods with the clients, he knows it’s not what he wants to be doing but it will hopefully get his mums off his back for a bit!
He likes the clients that come in, he gets to meet a mixture of people, one being a giant grumpy teddy bear who is so not his type!!
Circumstances change and an agreement is made where both men get the help they need, it works out ok till they decide to take the next step!
This is an 20 year age gap, grumpy/sunshine, bi awakening, nerdy gamer, with cute dogs, story.
It deals with communication in relationships and there is a brief attack on a main MC if you’re sensitive to it.
But overall it was a good read with good spice.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was about a washed up boxer who hid away, didn’t talk to anyone, he was a grump and he was miserable.
Once an up and coming champion that was in his prime but one mistake and bad press ruined everything.
Enzo now lives alone with his dogs and only trains at night in his friends gym, he’s now a recluse, but can a bubbly nerd bring him out if his shell? Maybe offer him one too many cupcakes!
When Damien takes a job at the local gym so he can pay his bills and share his baked goods with the clients, he knows it’s not what he wants to be doing but it will hopefully get his mums off his back for a bit!
He likes the clients that come in, he gets to meet a mixture of people, one being a giant grumpy teddy bear who is so not his type!!
Circumstances change and an agreement is made where both men get the help they need, it works out ok till they decide to take the next step!
This is an 20 year age gap, grumpy/sunshine, bi awakening, nerdy gamer, with cute dogs, story.
It deals with communication in relationships and there is a brief attack on a main MC if you’re sensitive to it.
But overall it was a good read with good spice.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 19, 2026
This was such a fun read. It was certainly grumpy/sunshine and an age gap to boot. I loved Enzo and Damien. I have to say my favorite characters were the dogs. I smiled every time they appeared in the story. I was so afraid there was going to be a break up scene at about 85%. I’m happy to say that didn’t happen.
May 31, 2024
DNF @ 33%
The author's approach to this story didn't work for me at all. I adored Enzo (aka Mr. Grumpy Grump Former Pro Athlete) but Damian drove me nuts. He was a walking, talking therapy textbook and the way he approached communicating with Enzo rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it's a generational thing but it really irritated me that Damian was constantly lecturing Enzo about what Enzo should think, do or feel about topics like sexuality, sex and other things. The way Damian talked about these things came across as smug and condescending, particularly because Enzo never asked for Damian's advice or opinion and also never expresses confusion or harmful opinions. Damian just randomly decides to lecture him about these things with the assumption that the Big Dumb Jock is too dumb and repressed to have any healthy opinions about these things on his own.
I also hated Damian's hypocrisy. When Enzo expresses discomfort with certain things, like having a 'recap' (ie an uncomfortable, in-depth conversation about their feelings the morning after they have sex for the first time) then that's a discomfort Enzo has to get over. Damian gets to decide which of Enzo's boundaries or opinions are valid and which ones aren't. But you just know that if the situation is turned around and Damian proclaims he has boundaries/opinions that he doesn't want to challenge then that's perfectly valid and anybody insisting that he does is a toxic person. This type of hypocrisy drives me up the wall. Damian's usage of therapy speak didn't feel like it was done to help Enzo, it felt like it was done to control Enzo. Maybe this is a generational thing because the youngsters these days seem to have fully embraced communicating in this way, but it's not my thing.
The whole thing was also odd because it was so heavy handed that it felt like the author was doing it on purpose instead of it fitting the characters. Damian makes it clear that he has no problem interpreting Enzo's non-verbal body language and his minimalistic speaking style so his insistence that Enzo put himself through the discomfort of expressing himself using words and tell Damian about his internal thoughts when/where/how Damian demands wasn't necessary. It just came across like Damian trying to control Enzo and change the way Enzo acts/thinks/talks.
I also hated that the author conveyed a lot of interactions between the MCs through telling instead of showing while not sparing a single detail of the constant interactions Damian has with pointless side characters. I assume these characters are all from the rest of the series but their conversations added nothing to the story, except they were filled with more therapy-speak. Never mind that I hated having these people openly judging Enzo's lifestyle and behavior when Enzo isn't aware of it and hasn't given Damian permission to share private details about his life with these strangers.
Connected to the above point - my main interest in the story was the hurt/comfort scenario that involved Damian being hired to help take care of Enzo when the latter injures his back in a car accident. The author had Damian learn how to do specific things like how to properly help Enzo get off the floor but the author had Damian learn these things off-page. Yet again, that was a disappointment because having tiny twinky Damian learn how to physically help a mountain sized Enzo was a plotline I was looking forward to seeing. Having spent many years as a lifeguard, my 5-foot-nothing self spent years being taught how to adapt rescue techniques to make up for my short height and not-impressive physical strength so I wanted to see Damian struggle and triumph with a similar situation. Having it be hand-waved away was disappointing.
While I adored Enzo and his bird-watching, pitbull-loving, monosyllabic grunting ways, I can't handle continuing because Damian drives me up the wall. His behavior has become so irritating that it's a distraction so I'll just make myself mad if I keep going.
The author's approach to this story didn't work for me at all. I adored Enzo (aka Mr. Grumpy Grump Former Pro Athlete) but Damian drove me nuts. He was a walking, talking therapy textbook and the way he approached communicating with Enzo rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it's a generational thing but it really irritated me that Damian was constantly lecturing Enzo about what Enzo should think, do or feel about topics like sexuality, sex and other things. The way Damian talked about these things came across as smug and condescending, particularly because Enzo never asked for Damian's advice or opinion and also never expresses confusion or harmful opinions. Damian just randomly decides to lecture him about these things with the assumption that the Big Dumb Jock is too dumb and repressed to have any healthy opinions about these things on his own.
I also hated Damian's hypocrisy. When Enzo expresses discomfort with certain things, like having a 'recap' (ie an uncomfortable, in-depth conversation about their feelings the morning after they have sex for the first time) then that's a discomfort Enzo has to get over. Damian gets to decide which of Enzo's boundaries or opinions are valid and which ones aren't. But you just know that if the situation is turned around and Damian proclaims he has boundaries/opinions that he doesn't want to challenge then that's perfectly valid and anybody insisting that he does is a toxic person. This type of hypocrisy drives me up the wall. Damian's usage of therapy speak didn't feel like it was done to help Enzo, it felt like it was done to control Enzo. Maybe this is a generational thing because the youngsters these days seem to have fully embraced communicating in this way, but it's not my thing.
The whole thing was also odd because it was so heavy handed that it felt like the author was doing it on purpose instead of it fitting the characters. Damian makes it clear that he has no problem interpreting Enzo's non-verbal body language and his minimalistic speaking style so his insistence that Enzo put himself through the discomfort of expressing himself using words and tell Damian about his internal thoughts when/where/how Damian demands wasn't necessary. It just came across like Damian trying to control Enzo and change the way Enzo acts/thinks/talks.
I also hated that the author conveyed a lot of interactions between the MCs through telling instead of showing while not sparing a single detail of the constant interactions Damian has with pointless side characters. I assume these characters are all from the rest of the series but their conversations added nothing to the story, except they were filled with more therapy-speak. Never mind that I hated having these people openly judging Enzo's lifestyle and behavior when Enzo isn't aware of it and hasn't given Damian permission to share private details about his life with these strangers.
Connected to the above point - my main interest in the story was the hurt/comfort scenario that involved Damian being hired to help take care of Enzo when the latter injures his back in a car accident. The author had Damian learn how to do specific things like how to properly help Enzo get off the floor but the author had Damian learn these things off-page. Yet again, that was a disappointment because having tiny twinky Damian learn how to physically help a mountain sized Enzo was a plotline I was looking forward to seeing. Having spent many years as a lifeguard, my 5-foot-nothing self spent years being taught how to adapt rescue techniques to make up for my short height and not-impressive physical strength so I wanted to see Damian struggle and triumph with a similar situation. Having it be hand-waved away was disappointing.
While I adored Enzo and his bird-watching, pitbull-loving, monosyllabic grunting ways, I can't handle continuing because Damian drives me up the wall. His behavior has become so irritating that it's a distraction so I'll just make myself mad if I keep going.
Read
October 8, 2022**DNF at 33%
I actually like Enzo, but Damian was BUGGING. He went from sunshine to a condescending ass and I just couldn’t continue with him. Unfortunate because I just wanted to give Enzo a big hug and I enjoyed the rest in this series.
I actually like Enzo, but Damian was BUGGING. He went from sunshine to a condescending ass and I just couldn’t continue with him. Unfortunate because I just wanted to give Enzo a big hug and I enjoyed the rest in this series.
November 1, 2022
What an enjoyable story! This was so much better than I expected from the title, which in my opinion should have been named, “Flirty and the Beast.” However, it seems the word “filthy” is simply the naming convention for the series.
Though neither character was filthy, Enzo sure was a beast, at least in a physical way: big, muscular, a man of few words, and wearing a permanent scowl—until he meets Damian and readers are shown that on the inside Enzo is soft and kind and totally unprepared for the sweet whirlwind who comes into his life to help him while he’s incapacitated with a back injury.
Damian needed both a job and a place to stay and Enzo was alone in a big old mansion and rarely asked for help. Their common friend, Reggie, managed to arrange for Damian to move in for a while until Enzo was able to take care of himself again. Little did he know he was the catalyst for two lost souls to find each other and overcome their ostensible differences, including the fact that Enzo was straight.
Among my favorite tropes, there’s not much better than age gap and sexual discovery. But add in flirty banter, a sweetheart of a young man who still hasn’t decided what his life’s career will be (though he’s leaning toward sex therapist), and a washed-up, has-been boxer with a horrible reputation, but a big heart, then mix these all together and you have a super-satisfying cocktail mix for a lovely MM romance.
There’s plenty of drama here: misunderstandings, a tough guy who finds it hard to share his emotions, poor judgment calls, a mugging, and a past that’s hard to shake. And the sweetness: friendship, sexual discovery, an unfolding of the truths of long-held secrets, a loving uncle who’s also a dog lover, and a family of the heart.
This story captured me within the first ten percent and I couldn’t resist turning page after page and neglecting my normal routine. The characters are three-dimensional, the story unusual and interesting, and the sexy times are well-done and do not overpower either the action of the story or the slow-building romance. Plus, there’s a wonderful subplot about the plight of pit bulls and their need for rescue to a loving home—one Enzo provides initially before Damian jumps in to help as well.
The book definitely stands alone but characters from previous stories are present and I’m intrigued enough to go back to check out their romances. R. Cayden is a new author to me but this will not be my last story from them, for sure.
A copy of the book was provided to me through Rainbow Book Reviews. This review is my honest opinion.
Though neither character was filthy, Enzo sure was a beast, at least in a physical way: big, muscular, a man of few words, and wearing a permanent scowl—until he meets Damian and readers are shown that on the inside Enzo is soft and kind and totally unprepared for the sweet whirlwind who comes into his life to help him while he’s incapacitated with a back injury.
Damian needed both a job and a place to stay and Enzo was alone in a big old mansion and rarely asked for help. Their common friend, Reggie, managed to arrange for Damian to move in for a while until Enzo was able to take care of himself again. Little did he know he was the catalyst for two lost souls to find each other and overcome their ostensible differences, including the fact that Enzo was straight.
Among my favorite tropes, there’s not much better than age gap and sexual discovery. But add in flirty banter, a sweetheart of a young man who still hasn’t decided what his life’s career will be (though he’s leaning toward sex therapist), and a washed-up, has-been boxer with a horrible reputation, but a big heart, then mix these all together and you have a super-satisfying cocktail mix for a lovely MM romance.
There’s plenty of drama here: misunderstandings, a tough guy who finds it hard to share his emotions, poor judgment calls, a mugging, and a past that’s hard to shake. And the sweetness: friendship, sexual discovery, an unfolding of the truths of long-held secrets, a loving uncle who’s also a dog lover, and a family of the heart.
This story captured me within the first ten percent and I couldn’t resist turning page after page and neglecting my normal routine. The characters are three-dimensional, the story unusual and interesting, and the sexy times are well-done and do not overpower either the action of the story or the slow-building romance. Plus, there’s a wonderful subplot about the plight of pit bulls and their need for rescue to a loving home—one Enzo provides initially before Damian jumps in to help as well.
The book definitely stands alone but characters from previous stories are present and I’m intrigued enough to go back to check out their romances. R. Cayden is a new author to me but this will not be my last story from them, for sure.
A copy of the book was provided to me through Rainbow Book Reviews. This review is my honest opinion.
Want to read
October 1, 2022This was such a sweet, sexy Age-gap "Boss" romance with self-discovery, Mature talk that made me happy & swoons!
Our two MCs are:
The bubbly ball of Sunshine with unexpected-but-welcome matureness about relationship talks after the previous ones, hot top, always been gay "Damien".
The older grumpy ex-boxer who becomes a cuddly teddy bear with the right motivation, so lonely before Damien that it made my heart hurt & eyes tingle, finding his bi side "Enzo".
The age gap is 20 years & romance picks off when Damien comes to live with Enzo as his assistant due to injury.
The emotions were panging good, hot times very sparky & not rushed.
The pet dogs are so cute though!
.
.
.
So ya, I didn't actually read this book fully. I kinda cheated with reading few parts (I said as a preview) therefore no rating. But it left quite an impact of it wasn't aware from the review.
Hopefully I'll read it full soon, 1st intro to R. Cayden for me!
Our two MCs are:
The bubbly ball of Sunshine with unexpected-but-welcome matureness about relationship talks after the previous ones, hot top, always been gay "Damien".
The older grumpy ex-boxer who becomes a cuddly teddy bear with the right motivation, so lonely before Damien that it made my heart hurt & eyes tingle, finding his bi side "Enzo".
The age gap is 20 years & romance picks off when Damien comes to live with Enzo as his assistant due to injury.
The emotions were panging good, hot times very sparky & not rushed.
The pet dogs are so cute though!
.
.
.
So ya, I didn't actually read this book fully. I kinda cheated with reading few parts (I said as a preview) therefore no rating. But it left quite an impact of it wasn't aware from the review.
Hopefully I'll read it full soon, 1st intro to R. Cayden for me!
October 11, 2022
I love this series so much and I am so sad to say goodbye to these characters! Damien and Enzo were two very different men but I loved getting to see them building a relationship together despite those differences. The grumpy-sunshine trope can be really hard to write without it coming across as disingenuous but I feel like this book has the perfect balance of grump and sun while still allowing the characters to naturally find their way to each other. Enzo's growth throughout this book was so sweet and rewarding to see. I love that he did get better at expressing himself with Damien but I was glad he didn't give up all his answering grunts!😂 Damien was such a sweet and fun character. You couldn't help but want him to succeed in everything he did because he was such an amazing character! There are plenty of cameos from previous MC's in this book, which I loved! Hope this isn't the last we will see of the Seattle crew!
October 1, 2022
I think this book was written just for me! Touched on all my favorite tropes! We have older Enzo the ex-boxer who is injured and in need of an in-house assistant. In steps young happy, geeky Damien! I enjoyed Enzo's grumpiness and the fact that he genuinely liked being left alone and was put upon by needing to have Damien there! Damien turned it sweet, and Enzo was powerless to not fall for him! Their relationship takes some time to build and that is the best part! Well along with the steaminess! Highly recommend if you enjoy Beauty and the Beast type stories, with age gaps and grumpy sunshine pairings!
October 7, 2022
Nice grumpy/sunshine read. My heart broke for Enzo as his story was revealed, at heart he's just a big squishy marshmallow. Damien is just what he needs, to rediscover both himself and happiness. I enjoyed meeting the characters from previous stories in the season, and loved how they all grouped together to protect one another, when trouble's sniffing around. An entertaining story, with very little angst, and a lovely HEA.
January 20, 2023
Grumpy boxer with a heart of gold
I only read 20% of the last book and that was enough to not be lost and since I read the first 2 I knew who all the side characters were
I was loving this until 80% where there was just some terrible not communicating(after so much communicating they just stop?) which lost a star
Glad I finished the series not sure if I would ever reread it but if I do to I’ll stop at the first two books.
I only read 20% of the last book and that was enough to not be lost and since I read the first 2 I knew who all the side characters were
I was loving this until 80% where there was just some terrible not communicating(after so much communicating they just stop?) which lost a star
Glad I finished the series not sure if I would ever reread it but if I do to I’ll stop at the first two books.
November 15, 2022
DNF 29%
The pacing is off and the characters did not captivate me.
The writing style is great though.
The pacing is off and the characters did not captivate me.
The writing style is great though.
October 5, 2022
This was so sweet, sensual and romantic.
Two very different men meet, live together grudgingly when one needs help following an injury...until they can't deny their feelings.
Pets help.
Friends help.
Physical attraction and admiration grow until it overflows.
Then you have an HEA that is so special.
Two very different men meet, live together grudgingly when one needs help following an injury...until they can't deny their feelings.
Pets help.
Friends help.
Physical attraction and admiration grow until it overflows.
Then you have an HEA that is so special.
October 27, 2022
Disliked loser Damian. DNF.
Read
July 24, 2023Okay... this is a me problem for why this book was DNF.
The writing is actually really good, great characterization, good flow, it's good.
The problem is...I kind of don't like the main character, Damien. He's just such...a know it all. I actually think I'd ADORE him as a friend, but as a character I'm reading about...no thank you. I like vulnerability in characters, and I didn't really find any. They also hooked up at 30 percent (mind you they're not together together yet, thankfully), and now there's SOOOO much talking--which is healthy, but it's a bit awkard imo, and tedious. It's too logical not enough emotion. And I got bored. So I stopped reading it.
Now, for the record I LOVE that it's showing healthy communication and such, that's rare in books of all types. But it's done in a way that felt almost patronizing to me. It just ruined everything, and when I realized I was only around 30 percent, I realized I don't want to deal with this for another 70% of the novel (I actually though I was at least 50-70% of the book...it felt LONG. So that's why it's a DNF for me. Totally a ME thing.
The writing is actually really good, great characterization, good flow, it's good.
The problem is...I kind of don't like the main character, Damien. He's just such...a know it all. I actually think I'd ADORE him as a friend, but as a character I'm reading about...no thank you. I like vulnerability in characters, and I didn't really find any. They also hooked up at 30 percent (mind you they're not together together yet, thankfully), and now there's SOOOO much talking--which is healthy, but it's a bit awkard imo, and tedious. It's too logical not enough emotion. And I got bored. So I stopped reading it.
Now, for the record I LOVE that it's showing healthy communication and such, that's rare in books of all types. But it's done in a way that felt almost patronizing to me. It just ruined everything, and when I realized I was only around 30 percent, I realized I don't want to deal with this for another 70% of the novel (I actually though I was at least 50-70% of the book...it felt LONG. So that's why it's a DNF for me. Totally a ME thing.
October 1, 2022
4.5 Stars Rounded Up
R Cayden is a favorite of mine and none of the Love Unexpected books have disappointed me so far. I'm glad to say that Filthy and the Beast has continued the trend of not disappointing.
We start the book with Damien working at the gym, commenting on one particular late night patron that he apparently notices a lot and notices that a lot of people are scared of. The Sledgehammer, also known as Enzo, is a former boxer with a bad reputation following a Vegas fight some twenty years prior. It was a fight that ended his career and changed his life, for reasons we later learn are a lot deeper than we originally see.
Damien is in a state of transition during this story, and because of that, he's willing and able to stay with Enzo as a personal assistant, helping him as he recovers from a bad back injury. The details of this injury are a bit... off... Mainly because we learn a bit about what happened later and the timeline doesn't fully seem to match up. It niggled at me and that's honestly part of the reason it lost half a star. It didn't niggle enough to make me want to mark down a full star nor did it take me out of the story. It just lingers in my brain.
During his time as Enzo's personal assistant, he learns more about the former boxer. He learns that Enzo is not an open person, something we also see during the chapters that Enzo narrates. It gives an interesting dichotomy to their relationship and the vastly different narration styles really sells the Grumpy/Sunshine trope that we get here. It also shows that despite a twenty year age gap between them, they are very much on the same page emotionally - perhaps with Damien being a bit older emotionally.
All in all, this book is really sweet. The two men have decent communication, though they could get better in a few places. I love that Damien constantly pushed for honest communication between them, particularly as they explored things sexually. Because its R Cayden, you know to expect a good amount of spice - and they do not disappoint with this book.
You do not have to have read what came before in order to enjoy this. None of the previous plots tie in, though you see the characters from previous books.
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an advanced copy from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **
R Cayden is a favorite of mine and none of the Love Unexpected books have disappointed me so far. I'm glad to say that Filthy and the Beast has continued the trend of not disappointing.
We start the book with Damien working at the gym, commenting on one particular late night patron that he apparently notices a lot and notices that a lot of people are scared of. The Sledgehammer, also known as Enzo, is a former boxer with a bad reputation following a Vegas fight some twenty years prior. It was a fight that ended his career and changed his life, for reasons we later learn are a lot deeper than we originally see.
Damien is in a state of transition during this story, and because of that, he's willing and able to stay with Enzo as a personal assistant, helping him as he recovers from a bad back injury. The details of this injury are a bit... off... Mainly because we learn a bit about what happened later and the timeline doesn't fully seem to match up. It niggled at me and that's honestly part of the reason it lost half a star. It didn't niggle enough to make me want to mark down a full star nor did it take me out of the story. It just lingers in my brain.
During his time as Enzo's personal assistant, he learns more about the former boxer. He learns that Enzo is not an open person, something we also see during the chapters that Enzo narrates. It gives an interesting dichotomy to their relationship and the vastly different narration styles really sells the Grumpy/Sunshine trope that we get here. It also shows that despite a twenty year age gap between them, they are very much on the same page emotionally - perhaps with Damien being a bit older emotionally.
All in all, this book is really sweet. The two men have decent communication, though they could get better in a few places. I love that Damien constantly pushed for honest communication between them, particularly as they explored things sexually. Because its R Cayden, you know to expect a good amount of spice - and they do not disappoint with this book.
You do not have to have read what came before in order to enjoy this. None of the previous plots tie in, though you see the characters from previous books.
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an advanced copy from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **
October 11, 2022
Cute grumpy meets sunshine
This was a fun read. Damien was adorable and Enzo, once you got beyond his gruff exterior, was actually a giant cinnamon roll. The plot is pretty steady throughout (there’s not a ton of angst) and the secondary characters add a good supporting element to the main plot. Enzo was a really interesting character. In many ways he reminded me of how an abused dog at a shelter might act - so convinced everyone will hurt him, because that’s what life has taught him, that he growls and raises his hackles. But once you show you’re trustworthy he’s desperate to love and be loved. He was so closed off from the world and had completely retreated within a prison of his own making. At times, yes he was just rude but honestly even when that occurs it comes across in more as an accident than as a deliberate act with cruel intent. There’s definitely always a feeling that he doesn’t want to ever hurt people (not in that way at least) and that when it does happen he’s remorseful. Initially I was a little ambivalent about his character but pretty quickly it became obvious just how badly he was hurt emotionally and just how much everything was a desperate attempt at protecting himself. In reality, I think he was always a very sensitive person who had been hurt and manipulated so much that he acted how he did out of a panicked need to protect himself. He definitely grew on me as a character and by the end of the book I honestly adored him (actually it was probably by about 20%!) - but don’t necessarily assume you’ll love him straight he away! Damian was very easy to love quickly and it made a lot of sense that he was able to show Enzo so quickly that he could be trusted. Honestly, he was an incredibly sweet and loving guy and that bled through everything he did. Sometimes sunshiny characters can feel one dimensional or almost like they’re faking it at least a good portion of the time but Damian never felt that way. He was exactly who Enzo needed and Enzo was exactly who Damian needed. They balanced each other beautifully and both wanted to be together enough to put the real work in to make sure they lasted.
This was a fun read. Damien was adorable and Enzo, once you got beyond his gruff exterior, was actually a giant cinnamon roll. The plot is pretty steady throughout (there’s not a ton of angst) and the secondary characters add a good supporting element to the main plot. Enzo was a really interesting character. In many ways he reminded me of how an abused dog at a shelter might act - so convinced everyone will hurt him, because that’s what life has taught him, that he growls and raises his hackles. But once you show you’re trustworthy he’s desperate to love and be loved. He was so closed off from the world and had completely retreated within a prison of his own making. At times, yes he was just rude but honestly even when that occurs it comes across in more as an accident than as a deliberate act with cruel intent. There’s definitely always a feeling that he doesn’t want to ever hurt people (not in that way at least) and that when it does happen he’s remorseful. Initially I was a little ambivalent about his character but pretty quickly it became obvious just how badly he was hurt emotionally and just how much everything was a desperate attempt at protecting himself. In reality, I think he was always a very sensitive person who had been hurt and manipulated so much that he acted how he did out of a panicked need to protect himself. He definitely grew on me as a character and by the end of the book I honestly adored him (actually it was probably by about 20%!) - but don’t necessarily assume you’ll love him straight he away! Damian was very easy to love quickly and it made a lot of sense that he was able to show Enzo so quickly that he could be trusted. Honestly, he was an incredibly sweet and loving guy and that bled through everything he did. Sometimes sunshiny characters can feel one dimensional or almost like they’re faking it at least a good portion of the time but Damian never felt that way. He was exactly who Enzo needed and Enzo was exactly who Damian needed. They balanced each other beautifully and both wanted to be together enough to put the real work in to make sure they lasted.
October 24, 2022
a good sweet romance that holds the promise of more
Rating: 4🌈
Filthy and the Beast was read out of sequence in R. Cayden’s Love Unexpectedly series and I honestly don’t think it matters. Some of the other couples make appearances but who they are is explained or further depth of detail isn’t necessary.
For a quick, sweet contemporary romance, Filthy and the Beast is lovely. It’s got a age gap, nerd/jock, and what is described as sunny/grumpy dynamics happening. Oh and a bi-awakening too.
There’s some terrific elements here that I thought were underdeveloped which is likely due to the shorter length of the novel. Shame because greater attention to such character growth and aspects of their relationship/lives would have enhanced the storylines.
Damian here is a young man who does many things well but hasn’t found what he’s passionate about. Cayden is able to make Damian engaging and very connectable.
Enzo the former boxer is lovely and there’s parts to him I wish had been enlarged. His past is a bit lacking, when we get the major dramatic points filled in , it’s fleeting and not with the dimension it requires. But one of the biggest elements is his rescue and love of pit bulls. It becomes a major story thread. Yet it’s seriously shallow for such a popular and emotional theme.
Their relationship is quick and pretty seamless but with a few minor stumbling blocks.
So it’s a good romance but the promise for a even better one will hang over it all the way to the end.
Love Unexpectedly series:
- [ ] Filthy Sweet #1
- [ ] Filthy Bromance #2
- [ ] Filthy Rock Stars #3
- [x] Filthy and the Beast #4
Rating: 4🌈
Filthy and the Beast was read out of sequence in R. Cayden’s Love Unexpectedly series and I honestly don’t think it matters. Some of the other couples make appearances but who they are is explained or further depth of detail isn’t necessary.
For a quick, sweet contemporary romance, Filthy and the Beast is lovely. It’s got a age gap, nerd/jock, and what is described as sunny/grumpy dynamics happening. Oh and a bi-awakening too.
There’s some terrific elements here that I thought were underdeveloped which is likely due to the shorter length of the novel. Shame because greater attention to such character growth and aspects of their relationship/lives would have enhanced the storylines.
Damian here is a young man who does many things well but hasn’t found what he’s passionate about. Cayden is able to make Damian engaging and very connectable.
Enzo the former boxer is lovely and there’s parts to him I wish had been enlarged. His past is a bit lacking, when we get the major dramatic points filled in , it’s fleeting and not with the dimension it requires. But one of the biggest elements is his rescue and love of pit bulls. It becomes a major story thread. Yet it’s seriously shallow for such a popular and emotional theme.
Their relationship is quick and pretty seamless but with a few minor stumbling blocks.
So it’s a good romance but the promise for a even better one will hang over it all the way to the end.
Love Unexpectedly series:
- [ ] Filthy Sweet #1
- [ ] Filthy Bromance #2
- [ ] Filthy Rock Stars #3
- [x] Filthy and the Beast #4
October 16, 2022
Damian is feeling a little lost. He lost his fun job working at a gamer cafe and would be homeless except for the kindness of his friends. They allow him to sleep on their couch and even give him a job at gym they own. Damian feels out of place at the gym since he loves to bake and offer people samples. The gym goers ignore him. One older guy has caught Damian's eye. He was a famous ex-boxer who's ringname was the Sledgehammer. One night the Sledgehammer throws out his back. Damien gets the job as a live-in assistant for a couple of weeks which provides him his own bedroom to sleep in. Damian is curious to learn all about Enzo, the Sledgehammer but at first Enzo keeps his distance. Damian does get to take care of Enzo's dogs and falls in love with them.
Enzo has always been a quiet loner. He enjoyed boxing but his whole career was filled with pressure from the mob to control him and his matches. His last match was the last straw and led to him retiring. He enjoys his quiet life in the older house he is fixing up with his three pit bulls. He stays in boxing by secretly training his niece. He is getting older and occasionally throws his back out. This time when he does it, he takes the advice of his friend and hires Damian to assist him and take care of his dogs. Enzo wants to keep his distance from Damian because of the age difference and the hidden secrets in his life. However cheerful Damian is hard to resist and he needs a strong man like Enzo to take care of him.
Enzo has always been a quiet loner. He enjoyed boxing but his whole career was filled with pressure from the mob to control him and his matches. His last match was the last straw and led to him retiring. He enjoys his quiet life in the older house he is fixing up with his three pit bulls. He stays in boxing by secretly training his niece. He is getting older and occasionally throws his back out. This time when he does it, he takes the advice of his friend and hires Damian to assist him and take care of his dogs. Enzo wants to keep his distance from Damian because of the age difference and the hidden secrets in his life. However cheerful Damian is hard to resist and he needs a strong man like Enzo to take care of him.
September 28, 2022
Gay for him, age-gap, the beast becomes a kitty-cat with the right motivation
I love anything that alludes to the Beauty & the Beast story. Can’t help myself! This one is humorous, touching and steamy, makes it a must-read for lovers of M/M romance. Lots and lots of steam. Did I already say that? Nice that it mentioned couples from former books like Reggie and Everett. But also nice that it is not at all necessary to have read their stories to understand their being in this book.
Damian is 26yo, looking for his future after having lost his job at a gaming café, lost his apartment and his car. Not a great week! Reggie, his friend, lets him work on the night shift at his gym where every night he sees the same grouchy older jock come in to work out. He snarls and grunts to make people get out of his way. Nothing scares Damian though. Especially not the good-looking older guy they call Sledgehammer.
Sledgehammer aka Enzo is 46yo, straight and a disgruntled former famous boxer. That story is pertinent and you’ll learn what makes him so surly. When Enzo hurts himself, he needs a live-in assistant. Enter Damian. Their story is priceless. Love the cover. In this series I have read “Filthy Bromance” which I liked more, but this one was good. The guys are sweet. As in many books communication would have worked but would also have made for a much shorter book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
I love anything that alludes to the Beauty & the Beast story. Can’t help myself! This one is humorous, touching and steamy, makes it a must-read for lovers of M/M romance. Lots and lots of steam. Did I already say that? Nice that it mentioned couples from former books like Reggie and Everett. But also nice that it is not at all necessary to have read their stories to understand their being in this book.
Damian is 26yo, looking for his future after having lost his job at a gaming café, lost his apartment and his car. Not a great week! Reggie, his friend, lets him work on the night shift at his gym where every night he sees the same grouchy older jock come in to work out. He snarls and grunts to make people get out of his way. Nothing scares Damian though. Especially not the good-looking older guy they call Sledgehammer.
Sledgehammer aka Enzo is 46yo, straight and a disgruntled former famous boxer. That story is pertinent and you’ll learn what makes him so surly. When Enzo hurts himself, he needs a live-in assistant. Enter Damian. Their story is priceless. Love the cover. In this series I have read “Filthy Bromance” which I liked more, but this one was good. The guys are sweet. As in many books communication would have worked but would also have made for a much shorter book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
October 10, 2022
As a reader Im Entrusting the author to take me on a journey that won’t totally crush my soul and if they break my heart please put it back together. When I read a new author like R. Cayden I get a bit nervous and then when I’m pulled into the story so much that I’m talking sternly to one of the m.c’s then both Enzo and Damian are getting lectures from me I get more nervous because what if they don’t listen to me. Well they both listened and everything turned out so sweetly and perfect.
My trust was not for nothing.
I really enjoyed the story. I loved How they’re feelings grew and grew as time went on. Slow but steady. Also I liked the grumpy/sunshine dynamic.
Poor Enzo he really had a rough time of it. He was completely flailing in his life. Retired boxer with no real direction. Needed love desperately and didn’t know it at all. Then there was Damian who was also flailing and also needed a strong romantic connection but he also had a strong support system where as Enzo really had none. These two found each other and the HEA was so swoon worthy, Plus the sex was 🔥🔥🔥.
I will definitely be reading another book by R. Cayden
I have received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
My trust was not for nothing.
I really enjoyed the story. I loved How they’re feelings grew and grew as time went on. Slow but steady. Also I liked the grumpy/sunshine dynamic.
Poor Enzo he really had a rough time of it. He was completely flailing in his life. Retired boxer with no real direction. Needed love desperately and didn’t know it at all. Then there was Damian who was also flailing and also needed a strong romantic connection but he also had a strong support system where as Enzo really had none. These two found each other and the HEA was so swoon worthy, Plus the sex was 🔥🔥🔥.
I will definitely be reading another book by R. Cayden
I have received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
October 16, 2022
Filthy and the Beast is the 4th book in the Unexpected Love series by author R. Cayden. This story is told in dual POV which is my favorite and works very well for this story. This story is an intense, hot, slow-burn romance. The cat-and-mouse game they play is just one kiss away from combusting.
Enzo: he is an ex-boxer. He likes to keep fit. He has a back injury that is making him need help. He hates asking for help. He also hates slowing down. He is straight or so he thinks. Typical tough guy. But once he falls, he falls hard.
Damian: he has lost almost everything. His job, and his apartment, and he is now staying with friends. He is selling cupcakes at the gym. He thinks Jocks are ridiculous. Till he ends up living and working with one.
I love how cheeky Damian is, Enzo really needs someone who can not only help him physically but be a good friend too. They are very much alike in a lot of ways.
This is the first book in this series I have read, and I was not lost starting here. I loved this story and will be going back now to see whose love story I missed.
Five Shooting Stars
Enzo: he is an ex-boxer. He likes to keep fit. He has a back injury that is making him need help. He hates asking for help. He also hates slowing down. He is straight or so he thinks. Typical tough guy. But once he falls, he falls hard.
Damian: he has lost almost everything. His job, and his apartment, and he is now staying with friends. He is selling cupcakes at the gym. He thinks Jocks are ridiculous. Till he ends up living and working with one.
I love how cheeky Damian is, Enzo really needs someone who can not only help him physically but be a good friend too. They are very much alike in a lot of ways.
This is the first book in this series I have read, and I was not lost starting here. I loved this story and will be going back now to see whose love story I missed.
Five Shooting Stars
October 2, 2022
4 stars for a good age gap grumpy romance.
Damian 26 and working at the gym while figuring out what next to do with his life. He can’t help looking at the guys working out late at night. Damian and Sledgehammer have a routine avoiding looks and being his ol grumpy self, until he’s injured.
Needing help Damian is moving in with a boxer named Enzo aka Sledgehammer.
Enzo 46 years is a big grump who doesn’t talk when he’s injured only to yell at poor Damian.
The first scenes with both characters together in the house are skipped over. I thought that would be important to build up their story connection... Not back told to Damian’s friend in a conversation.
The whole point for Damian being there was to “help” but Enzo privacy rules is ridiculous to a point, stubborn men when they need help. Banter with a straight man and includes a bit of sassing on Damian’s part.
I loved the emotions coming from Enzo as he started to have feels for another man.
Told in switching povs with an HEA ending. This is a second book in this series that I’d read and liked.
Damian 26 and working at the gym while figuring out what next to do with his life. He can’t help looking at the guys working out late at night. Damian and Sledgehammer have a routine avoiding looks and being his ol grumpy self, until he’s injured.
Needing help Damian is moving in with a boxer named Enzo aka Sledgehammer.
Enzo 46 years is a big grump who doesn’t talk when he’s injured only to yell at poor Damian.
The first scenes with both characters together in the house are skipped over. I thought that would be important to build up their story connection... Not back told to Damian’s friend in a conversation.
The whole point for Damian being there was to “help” but Enzo privacy rules is ridiculous to a point, stubborn men when they need help. Banter with a straight man and includes a bit of sassing on Damian’s part.
I loved the emotions coming from Enzo as he started to have feels for another man.
Told in switching povs with an HEA ending. This is a second book in this series that I’d read and liked.
October 13, 2022
Surprisingly sweet!
I think this is the first book I've read by Cayden and I really enjoyed it. I loved how each MC had such a distinct voice. Enzo's speech and internal thought pattern was really effective in illustrating his personality and social awkwardness. It created better characterization and depth. Same for Damian. He was such a sunny and hyper guy and that really comes through his POV chapters.
This book is well written and was surprisingly tender and sweet. I wasn't expecting Enzo to be such a cinnamon roll...I just loved him and felt bad for his circumstances, but was so happy he found his HEA with Damian. I also enjoyed the progression of their physical relationship. It was believable based on Enzo's lack of experience with men.
I did not read the other books in this series before this one, but I never felt lost. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I think this is the first book I've read by Cayden and I really enjoyed it. I loved how each MC had such a distinct voice. Enzo's speech and internal thought pattern was really effective in illustrating his personality and social awkwardness. It created better characterization and depth. Same for Damian. He was such a sunny and hyper guy and that really comes through his POV chapters.
This book is well written and was surprisingly tender and sweet. I wasn't expecting Enzo to be such a cinnamon roll...I just loved him and felt bad for his circumstances, but was so happy he found his HEA with Damian. I also enjoyed the progression of their physical relationship. It was believable based on Enzo's lack of experience with men.
I did not read the other books in this series before this one, but I never felt lost. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 30, 2022
I haven’t written a review in years. But I just loved this book. What I really noticed and appreciated was how different the men were from each other, even in their thoughts. Enzo’s thoughts had short, stilted sentences that matched up completely with the way he expressed himself outwardly. He’s such a sweet guy who is too tough on himself and who works hard to reach out and meet Damian half way. I just wanted to give him a hug the whole time. 😅
Damian is much more open and enthusiastic. He is smart and very long-winded. His over-talking might bug some readers, but it basically sells the fact that he is an entire person. He’s not a cookie-cutter romance character. He’s very endearing, sensitive and in tune with his emotions. He “gets” Enzo right away, and it was like fresh water to Enzo.
I’ve enjoyed the whole series so far, but this one made me happy. That’s what I want in a book. Happy.
Damian is much more open and enthusiastic. He is smart and very long-winded. His over-talking might bug some readers, but it basically sells the fact that he is an entire person. He’s not a cookie-cutter romance character. He’s very endearing, sensitive and in tune with his emotions. He “gets” Enzo right away, and it was like fresh water to Enzo.
I’ve enjoyed the whole series so far, but this one made me happy. That’s what I want in a book. Happy.
October 11, 2022
***3.5 stars***
Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into this book. I like a lot of the tropes—age gap, caretaking, grumpy/sunshine, bi-awakening geek/athlete, but this just wasn’t my cup of tea.
My issue is that grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite tropes but it has to have a good balance. Too grumpy and you wonder what’s the appeal. Too sunshine and you just want to smack the little ray of light. Enzo was adorably grumpy but it was almost too much at times. And Damian was sassy, but that sometimes turned into being too blunt and making judgements about Enzo and who he was/what he needed. Plus, a lot of their issues could have been solved if they just communicated!
Overall, this was cute but not for me. It can be read as a standalone, I didn’t feel I’d missed out on anything by starting with book 4.
***I received this as an ARC and this has been my honest review.***
Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into this book. I like a lot of the tropes—age gap, caretaking, grumpy/sunshine, bi-awakening geek/athlete, but this just wasn’t my cup of tea.
My issue is that grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite tropes but it has to have a good balance. Too grumpy and you wonder what’s the appeal. Too sunshine and you just want to smack the little ray of light. Enzo was adorably grumpy but it was almost too much at times. And Damian was sassy, but that sometimes turned into being too blunt and making judgements about Enzo and who he was/what he needed. Plus, a lot of their issues could have been solved if they just communicated!
Overall, this was cute but not for me. It can be read as a standalone, I didn’t feel I’d missed out on anything by starting with book 4.
***I received this as an ARC and this has been my honest review.***
November 11, 2022
I had a lot of fun reading this, Damian and Enzo had a really cute dynamic that I enjoyed. I love age gap stories and the grumpy/sunshine trope is always fun to read because most of the time they follow a similar formula but the characters always make it good or not. I liked how light hearted this story was and that the characters had great communication. I did however find Damian to be annoying at times and him being big on communication but not being the one to push the relationship topic more was frustrating. I was living for their happy ever after and I’d straight up read a sequel to this about their after story
I didn’t find the spice to be very steamy but it was important for the bi awakening arc of the story so I let it slide.
All in all this was a solid book for how short it was.
I didn’t find the spice to be very steamy but it was important for the bi awakening arc of the story so I let it slide.
All in all this was a solid book for how short it was.
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