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Behind the Camera #1
Reaching Reed
Reed Ellis is absolutely gorgeous, but a total newbie to camming, a virtual nobody in my world.
I should have just deleted his message request for a steamy, on-camera collaboration. Not everyone is cut out to be a camboy. But there’s just something about him I couldn’t resist.
He’s timid and inexperienced, quiet and closed off, but his fumbling first-times play out scorching hot for the cameras, and our videos together are an instant success.
I know I should just ride this out, sit back and watch the money roll in, and then move on.
But I can’t. I’m intrigued by this brick wall of a man. I see glimpses of Reed hiding behind his silence and he is struggling. He has secrets, someone he cares about that he’s protecting. And I make it my mission to get him to open up and let me in. What will it take to reach the elusive Reed?
Reaching Reed is a very steamy and sweet M/M romance about camboys and first love. It is the first standalone book in the Behind the Camera series.
I should have just deleted his message request for a steamy, on-camera collaboration. Not everyone is cut out to be a camboy. But there’s just something about him I couldn’t resist.
He’s timid and inexperienced, quiet and closed off, but his fumbling first-times play out scorching hot for the cameras, and our videos together are an instant success.
I know I should just ride this out, sit back and watch the money roll in, and then move on.
But I can’t. I’m intrigued by this brick wall of a man. I see glimpses of Reed hiding behind his silence and he is struggling. He has secrets, someone he cares about that he’s protecting. And I make it my mission to get him to open up and let me in. What will it take to reach the elusive Reed?
Reaching Reed is a very steamy and sweet M/M romance about camboys and first love. It is the first standalone book in the Behind the Camera series.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2023
About the author
Cora Rose
27 books1,764 followersCora Rose loves any kind of romance and consumes way too many books each year. She currently lives in the U.S. and spends her days daydreaming about the characters inside her head.
You can email her at [email protected] or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
You can email her at [email protected] or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
May 27, 2023
— 3.5 stars ☆
i just knew anyboy man named carter would have my heart 🥺🥰
i just knew any
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1663899589i/10381707._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
February 2, 2023
When I first found out Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes were working together on a series, I was pretty excited. I love both of their works and was curious to see what they would create together.
We have Carter, a popular Cam boy who receives a DM one day asking him for a collab. He is used to working with popular and experienced people in the industry but takes a chance on this newcomer. However, he soon realizes that Reed is way more of a novice than he expected.
Reed has had a rough life and is struggling to take care of his kid sister. He has walls up and does not trust. It was endearing seeing how Carter managed to break those walls down. There is a feeling of found family as Carter and Reed come together.
I enjoyed the story and the romance. It was spicy (of course), and you get a lot of the Cora -equse quirkiness and the deep emotions of Nicole's stories. Carter's mothers are out there and funny! Reminded me of Basil from the Inevitable Series.
I was worried about their relationship if they decided to commit, with Carter being a popular camboy and what direction his career would go. I'm not a fan of sharing in MM, so I was worried about that, but we get a wonderful HEA.
Overall I enjoyed Reaching Reed! It was a sweet story and I look forward for what is to come in the series. If you enjoy Cora and Nicole's stories, found family, and opposite attract, I recommend this story!
----
Side Note - I’ve noticed for 2023 many popular authors have Camboy related stories coming out.
We have Carter, a popular Cam boy who receives a DM one day asking him for a collab. He is used to working with popular and experienced people in the industry but takes a chance on this newcomer. However, he soon realizes that Reed is way more of a novice than he expected.
Reed has had a rough life and is struggling to take care of his kid sister. He has walls up and does not trust. It was endearing seeing how Carter managed to break those walls down. There is a feeling of found family as Carter and Reed come together.
I enjoyed the story and the romance. It was spicy (of course), and you get a lot of the Cora -equse quirkiness and the deep emotions of Nicole's stories. Carter's mothers are out there and funny! Reminded me of Basil from the Inevitable Series.
I was worried about their relationship if they decided to commit, with Carter being a popular camboy and what direction his career would go. I'm not a fan of sharing in MM, so I was worried about that, but we get a wonderful HEA.
Overall I enjoyed Reaching Reed! It was a sweet story and I look forward for what is to come in the series. If you enjoy Cora and Nicole's stories, found family, and opposite attract, I recommend this story!
----
Side Note - I’ve noticed for 2023 many popular authors have Camboy related stories coming out.
February 19, 2023
Carter doesn’t know what possessed him to accept a collab with an unknown guy that, turns out, has never even tried being a cam boy before. But Carter is a professional and Reed’s body is made to tease. He’s going to take all his inexperienced shyness and use it to make his subscribers lose it. And he’s going to show the ‘straight’ boy what he’s been missing.
As things get hotter, Carter can’t stop wondering why Reed is doing this. Why he can’t tell him where he lives, why he is so closed up about everything. Carter knows he should let him be, but there is something in him determined to make the sad boy happy.
I’m going to take care of him. Not for the cameras. Or for work. But for him. And for me.
Reaching Reed was exactly what the blurb promises: hot, sweet and with a bit of suspense/angst. While it wasn’t anything mindblowing, the characters were endearing and their chemistry was off charts. I usually don’t go for books that promise to have as much smut as romance, but the balance between the two was perfect here.
I loved how Carter cared for Reed without asking for more than Reed was ready to give. The way he begged Reed to eat his leftovers because 'he hated to reheat food', how he made more to make sure Reed always had a container to bring home. The way he took care of Reed’s sister without asking questions why she was with him or why Reed seemed about to cry. It was beautiful and heartwarming and so lovely to read.
Despite his cold attitude, Reed was as sweet as Carter. He was so tired of sacrificing everything and still not being enough. He just wanted to make sure his sister had the happy life he couldn’t have. Although trust was something difficult for him, Carter’s sweetness kept stealing room of his heart. In the end, the only choice left for him was to break his own heart.
“Babe”, he says and my heart flutters at the endearment. Say it again, Carter. Say it all the time.
I would recommend this book if you are looking for a book that’s not something extremely new, but it manages to be both sexy and sweet. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment!
As things get hotter, Carter can’t stop wondering why Reed is doing this. Why he can’t tell him where he lives, why he is so closed up about everything. Carter knows he should let him be, but there is something in him determined to make the sad boy happy.
I’m going to take care of him. Not for the cameras. Or for work. But for him. And for me.
Reaching Reed was exactly what the blurb promises: hot, sweet and with a bit of suspense/angst. While it wasn’t anything mindblowing, the characters were endearing and their chemistry was off charts. I usually don’t go for books that promise to have as much smut as romance, but the balance between the two was perfect here.
I loved how Carter cared for Reed without asking for more than Reed was ready to give. The way he begged Reed to eat his leftovers because 'he hated to reheat food', how he made more to make sure Reed always had a container to bring home. The way he took care of Reed’s sister without asking questions why she was with him or why Reed seemed about to cry. It was beautiful and heartwarming and so lovely to read.
Despite his cold attitude, Reed was as sweet as Carter. He was so tired of sacrificing everything and still not being enough. He just wanted to make sure his sister had the happy life he couldn’t have. Although trust was something difficult for him, Carter’s sweetness kept stealing room of his heart. In the end, the only choice left for him was to break his own heart.
“Babe”, he says and my heart flutters at the endearment. Say it again, Carter. Say it all the time.
I would recommend this book if you are looking for a book that’s not something extremely new, but it manages to be both sexy and sweet. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment!
February 5, 2023
This was so sweet. It was one of those books I couldn’t put down. I read it straight through, only stopping to go to sleep and then picking it back up in the morning. I really loved reading about Carter and Reed. I was wary starting another camboy book because I haven’t had much luck with this trope in the past, but it all worked out thank god.
Reed. My sweet Reed. This man has a heart of gold. He decides to take up camming because he really needs the money, which you will find out why. He sends a message to Carter asking for a collaboration, and Carter says yes. Carter had no idea why he said yes, other than Reed had pretty eyes. Reed was a nobody. Just started camming. And then when they meet, Carter realizes how inexperienced he is. It wasn’t a good idea, but something was pulling them towards each other and it ended up showing on the camera through the sizzling chemistry. Everyone loved it, and they kept making videos (sexy, so very sexy videos yum).
I loved watching Reed open up to Carter. Sometimes this wasn’t very voluntarily, I’m looking at you talking stick, but it was still sweet. Reed doesn’t have a good life and he has many secrets. It’s not like super traumatic or anything, but it’s still secrets nonetheless that weigh on Reed. And little by little, Reed let’s Carter in to help him carry the burden. What a sight.
Carter was such a fun, sassy dude. As are his friends mentioned in this story. All of his friends are in the camming business, and they’re also on a bowling team together which is so funny. I guess I don’t have the proper respect for bowling. It was fun seeing them all react. It will also be fun seeing them get their own stories. Carter also has two lesbian mothers, and they were fabulous. I love when characters have good, supportive, embarrassing, funny, loving, etc parents. Makes me smiley.
It was interesting reading a book from both of these authors. I have read my fair share of books from both of them, so it was easy for me to distinguish which writing was theirs. It worked for the book, though. Cora Rose added her touch of funny, sexy, and slightly ridiculous writing to the book, while Nicole Dykes added her more emotional and sweet writing. I’m looking forward to continuing this series and seeing what they come up with.
Reed. My sweet Reed. This man has a heart of gold. He decides to take up camming because he really needs the money, which you will find out why. He sends a message to Carter asking for a collaboration, and Carter says yes. Carter had no idea why he said yes, other than Reed had pretty eyes. Reed was a nobody. Just started camming. And then when they meet, Carter realizes how inexperienced he is. It wasn’t a good idea, but something was pulling them towards each other and it ended up showing on the camera through the sizzling chemistry. Everyone loved it, and they kept making videos (sexy, so very sexy videos yum).
I loved watching Reed open up to Carter. Sometimes this wasn’t very voluntarily, I’m looking at you talking stick, but it was still sweet. Reed doesn’t have a good life and he has many secrets. It’s not like super traumatic or anything, but it’s still secrets nonetheless that weigh on Reed. And little by little, Reed let’s Carter in to help him carry the burden. What a sight.
Carter was such a fun, sassy dude. As are his friends mentioned in this story. All of his friends are in the camming business, and they’re also on a bowling team together which is so funny. I guess I don’t have the proper respect for bowling. It was fun seeing them all react. It will also be fun seeing them get their own stories. Carter also has two lesbian mothers, and they were fabulous. I love when characters have good, supportive, embarrassing, funny, loving, etc parents. Makes me smiley.
It was interesting reading a book from both of these authors. I have read my fair share of books from both of them, so it was easy for me to distinguish which writing was theirs. It worked for the book, though. Cora Rose added her touch of funny, sexy, and slightly ridiculous writing to the book, while Nicole Dykes added her more emotional and sweet writing. I’m looking forward to continuing this series and seeing what they come up with.
February 6, 2023
4.5/5
I LOVED this!! It was so good. Reed and Carter are so sweet together and I loved them both as individual characters too. I love how their relationship progressed, it was well paced even around the fact that they were camming together.
The premise of this did require you to turn off your logic just a teeny bit, just in regards to how Reed and Carter plan their collaboration, but no where near to the extent as with Cora’s previous books. I’m not sure if this is due to Nicole’s influence since I’ve only read one of her other books and I’m not sure where she lands on the scale of logic on or off, but either way they did a great job together.
It’s different to Cora Rose’s previous books (again I can’t comment on what it’s like compared to Nicole Dykes books since I haven’t read them) so even if you haven’t loved her previous books, I would highly recommend giving this a shot!
There’s a set up for more books in this series and I can’t wait to read them! I especially want to know what is going on with Bennet and Jasper. Cora and Nicole may just become my new favourite author duo.
I LOVED this!! It was so good. Reed and Carter are so sweet together and I loved them both as individual characters too. I love how their relationship progressed, it was well paced even around the fact that they were camming together.
The premise of this did require you to turn off your logic just a teeny bit, just in regards to how Reed and Carter plan their collaboration, but no where near to the extent as with Cora’s previous books. I’m not sure if this is due to Nicole’s influence since I’ve only read one of her other books and I’m not sure where she lands on the scale of logic on or off, but either way they did a great job together.
It’s different to Cora Rose’s previous books (again I can’t comment on what it’s like compared to Nicole Dykes books since I haven’t read them) so even if you haven’t loved her previous books, I would highly recommend giving this a shot!
There’s a set up for more books in this series and I can’t wait to read them! I especially want to know what is going on with Bennet and Jasper. Cora and Nicole may just become my new favourite author duo.
May 12, 2023
“Well, you follow instructions really well, Reed. That will come in handy.” He flushes crimson and clears his throat. “Thank you.”
Well now, what do you get when two MM authors decide to do a book collab about two guys doing a cam collab? Some hot AF, cute, fun, low angst, steamy reading is what!
Reaching Reed by Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes is the first book in their Behind the Camera series featuring sexy camboys. This is Carter and Reed's story and it's hot, hot, hot.
Carter is the experienced, feisty cam boy and Reed is the shy, straight boy who needs to earn money for his own (secret) reasons. After a shaky start, Carter sees a marketing dream and is only too happy to assist Reed in his new-found career, including all his first-times, and maybe find out his secrets (and fall in love) along on his way.
Such a gorgeous read, and some teasers in here for later books with Carter's friends and fellow camboys Jasper, Bennet and Damon that will make for some more steamy reading!
Love it!
4.5 steamy stars.
Well now, what do you get when two MM authors decide to do a book collab about two guys doing a cam collab? Some hot AF, cute, fun, low angst, steamy reading is what!
Reaching Reed by Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes is the first book in their Behind the Camera series featuring sexy camboys. This is Carter and Reed's story and it's hot, hot, hot.
Carter is the experienced, feisty cam boy and Reed is the shy, straight boy who needs to earn money for his own (secret) reasons. After a shaky start, Carter sees a marketing dream and is only too happy to assist Reed in his new-found career, including all his first-times, and maybe find out his secrets (and fall in love) along on his way.
Such a gorgeous read, and some teasers in here for later books with Carter's friends and fellow camboys Jasper, Bennet and Damon that will make for some more steamy reading!
Love it!
4.5 steamy stars.
February 9, 2023
MM Romance
Cam Boy Insta-love
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw these two authors were collaborating but I had to give it a chance. Cora Rose’s writing is too OTT for me most of the time and her characters are so extra that they start to annoy me. When it comes to Nicole Dykes writing, I always feel like something is missing despite liking the characters. I feel like her books need more flair because I tend to lose interest as time goes on. Having Cora’s crazy mixed in with Nicole’s heartfelt characters made this book work for me. Yes, it was mostly a smut fest but because the authors state in the beginning that this started as smut for their paetron accounts, I knew going in to expect a lot of sex. I had a good time reading this book until the last 20% and that’s why this isn’t a 4 star read.
This book reminded me of a tamed down version of Whit at times because Reed had secrets and wouldn’t let people in. We don’t even get his POV until like chapter 7 or something and even then he’s a bit of a mystery. While Carter wasn’t the big golden retriever Caleb was, he was still a caring man who wanted to help Reed anyway he could and I adored his moms. At the start these two are just having mechanical sex as cam boys but once they kiss a bit later on, I could see there was more to them than just the physical. I think Reed’s secret really helped them become closer but I can’t elaborate on that because spoilers.
Without spoiling anything I’ll try to explain why this book went sideways for me. Reed is struggling and needed a solution going forward but I wasn’t fond of the way it went. It would have helped to know how much cam boys make because Carter made it seem like he could afford anything and if that was the case, I didn’t understand the reason things went the way they did. I felt the ending was super rushed because of it and I hated the epilogue. The epilogue takes place a month later and while Carter and Reed are a part of it, it’s not about them. The epilogue basically sets up this series and I just wanted more of Reed and Carter and their future and not everyone else.
All that said though, I liked the side characters enough to want to read more books in this series. And I will look forward to seeing more of Carter & Reed in the future.
Cam Boy Insta-love
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw these two authors were collaborating but I had to give it a chance. Cora Rose’s writing is too OTT for me most of the time and her characters are so extra that they start to annoy me. When it comes to Nicole Dykes writing, I always feel like something is missing despite liking the characters. I feel like her books need more flair because I tend to lose interest as time goes on. Having Cora’s crazy mixed in with Nicole’s heartfelt characters made this book work for me. Yes, it was mostly a smut fest but because the authors state in the beginning that this started as smut for their paetron accounts, I knew going in to expect a lot of sex. I had a good time reading this book until the last 20% and that’s why this isn’t a 4 star read.
This book reminded me of a tamed down version of Whit at times because Reed had secrets and wouldn’t let people in. We don’t even get his POV until like chapter 7 or something and even then he’s a bit of a mystery. While Carter wasn’t the big golden retriever Caleb was, he was still a caring man who wanted to help Reed anyway he could and I adored his moms. At the start these two are just having mechanical sex as cam boys but once they kiss a bit later on, I could see there was more to them than just the physical. I think Reed’s secret really helped them become closer but I can’t elaborate on that because spoilers.
Without spoiling anything I’ll try to explain why this book went sideways for me. Reed is struggling and needed a solution going forward but I wasn’t fond of the way it went. It would have helped to know how much cam boys make because Carter made it seem like he could afford anything and if that was the case, I didn’t understand the reason things went the way they did. I felt the ending was super rushed because of it and I hated the epilogue. The epilogue takes place a month later and while Carter and Reed are a part of it, it’s not about them. The epilogue basically sets up this series and I just wanted more of Reed and Carter and their future and not everyone else.
All that said though, I liked the side characters enough to want to read more books in this series. And I will look forward to seeing more of Carter & Reed in the future.
January 12, 2024
3.5
This was really cute! Intrigued to see what the next book is like.
This was really cute! Intrigued to see what the next book is like.
May 3, 2023
(initial reaction: this is my multiverse of madness)
reread:
i cried again. i talk too much about crying for a self proclaimed cold hearted bitch. in my defense, i mostly cry about books. so yeah.
i don’t have anything new to say. my heart broke again.
but i do have a taylor song for them because they deserve it and it’s sweet nothing: “Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors And smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other And the voices that implore, "You should be doing more" To you, I can admit that I'm just too soft for all of it.” nobody cares but i had to put this, because taylor did you alpha read for cora and nicole or????
original review:
i thought nicole dykes and cora rose together would be like ice cream and barbecue sauce. i like them both but definitely not together. color me surprised because i loved this. this has all the nicole feelings with cora’s possessiveness. an interesting mix.
first of all, is it me or there are a lot books about sex workers coming out lately??
i won’t waste my pretty brain on this question too much.
at first i was scared there would be too much sex, but there is so much more. this is what i mean when i say that you can write more sex scenes if your characters have chemistry and you keep making them interesting.
reed. let’s talk about him. there is a reason why the book is titled “reaching reed”. it’s because he’s the star. he’s the perfect example of “there is strength in softness”. he broke my heart approximately four times. i don’t know for sure because i was crying. don’t get me started on hannah. i have a bitch reputation to keep up and i can’t do that while sobbing.
reed. nervous, shy, timid, strong, loyal, resilient. i want to wrap him in bubble wrap so nothing bad can happen to him.
carter, thank you for your service. looked at reed, broken and desperate and decided “that’s mine”. that’s the kind of behavior i support.
and the way he grew??? be still my poor heart.
i don’t honestly know how these two will top this but sure as hell i will keep reading this series.
reread:
i cried again. i talk too much about crying for a self proclaimed cold hearted bitch. in my defense, i mostly cry about books. so yeah.
i don’t have anything new to say. my heart broke again.
but i do have a taylor song for them because they deserve it and it’s sweet nothing: “Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors And smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other And the voices that implore, "You should be doing more" To you, I can admit that I'm just too soft for all of it.” nobody cares but i had to put this, because taylor did you alpha read for cora and nicole or????
original review:
i thought nicole dykes and cora rose together would be like ice cream and barbecue sauce. i like them both but definitely not together. color me surprised because i loved this. this has all the nicole feelings with cora’s possessiveness. an interesting mix.
first of all, is it me or there are a lot books about sex workers coming out lately??
i won’t waste my pretty brain on this question too much.
at first i was scared there would be too much sex, but there is so much more. this is what i mean when i say that you can write more sex scenes if your characters have chemistry and you keep making them interesting.
reed. let’s talk about him. there is a reason why the book is titled “reaching reed”. it’s because he’s the star. he’s the perfect example of “there is strength in softness”. he broke my heart approximately four times. i don’t know for sure because i was crying. don’t get me started on hannah. i have a bitch reputation to keep up and i can’t do that while sobbing.
reed. nervous, shy, timid, strong, loyal, resilient. i want to wrap him in bubble wrap so nothing bad can happen to him.
carter, thank you for your service. looked at reed, broken and desperate and decided “that’s mine”. that’s the kind of behavior i support.
and the way he grew??? be still my poor heart.
i don’t honestly know how these two will top this but sure as hell i will keep reading this series.
September 13, 2023
Audio: 4.5 stars Cooper North and Zane Daniels 😍
Book: 3 stars
It was alright, nothing special. I liked the beginning then it just got boring..
And the camboys are secret pro bowlers lol 😂
Book: 3 stars
It was alright, nothing special. I liked the beginning then it just got boring..
And the camboys are secret pro bowlers lol 😂
February 4, 2023
Cute
Will look forward to the next book in the series
Will look forward to the next book in the series
January 20, 2023
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Reaching Reed is the first cowrite by Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes and I absolutely loved it. Cora Rose brought her signature quirky premise and Nicole Dykes inserted her classic warmth and heart between her characters. Their writing styles blended wonderfully for this opposite attracts romance. Reaching Reed is a fantastic steamy and sweet romance that I fell head over heels for.
Reed and Carter are complex characters who initially have a strictly business approach to their cam boy agreement, which is why when emotions slowly, but surely creep forward they are both taken completely by surprise.
Another winning aspect of this story is how this author duo has taken a premise and subject matter that is not a favorite of mine and incited so much heart and warmth in this story making the characters shine so brightly. Reed is a quiet character who does not reveal much about his private personal life, whereas Carter is outgoing and not shy about his thoughts.
Together they are magical on and off camera, creating a very complicated situation that was only supposed to be professional, but as their feelings develop the status of their working relationship is called into question.
Overall I loved this story, it was very unique in its premise and its characters are quirky enough that I look forward to the next entry in this fun world.
Reaching Reed is the first cowrite by Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes and I absolutely loved it. Cora Rose brought her signature quirky premise and Nicole Dykes inserted her classic warmth and heart between her characters. Their writing styles blended wonderfully for this opposite attracts romance. Reaching Reed is a fantastic steamy and sweet romance that I fell head over heels for.
Reed and Carter are complex characters who initially have a strictly business approach to their cam boy agreement, which is why when emotions slowly, but surely creep forward they are both taken completely by surprise.
Another winning aspect of this story is how this author duo has taken a premise and subject matter that is not a favorite of mine and incited so much heart and warmth in this story making the characters shine so brightly. Reed is a quiet character who does not reveal much about his private personal life, whereas Carter is outgoing and not shy about his thoughts.
Together they are magical on and off camera, creating a very complicated situation that was only supposed to be professional, but as their feelings develop the status of their working relationship is called into question.
Overall I loved this story, it was very unique in its premise and its characters are quirky enough that I look forward to the next entry in this fun world.
February 8, 2023
This was about what I expected it to be, which was decent. The writing style wasn't my favorite and I found the dialogue odd at times (lots of "look" and "listen" at the beginning of sentences, which felt unnatural in my head). Reed was boring, but Carter's personality made up for it. His kindness and willingness to help Reed won me over. I liked Carter's moms too, but found it funny that everyone who writes this type of family dynamic makes the two moms crafty, soap-making hippies who live in the country. Where are the six figure power lesbians? They can be nosy, awesome moms too.
There were a lot of sex scenes in this book and I never felt the need to skim any of them, which is definitely a compliment from me. I didn't really feel an emotional connection between Reed and Carter, but there were some sweet moments that almost had me convinced. I'm honestly not sure if any of what happened made sense, but decided early on to just go with the flow and I think that allowed me to enjoy the story more than I would have otherwise.
There were a lot of sex scenes in this book and I never felt the need to skim any of them, which is definitely a compliment from me. I didn't really feel an emotional connection between Reed and Carter, but there were some sweet moments that almost had me convinced. I'm honestly not sure if any of what happened made sense, but decided early on to just go with the flow and I think that allowed me to enjoy the story more than I would have otherwise.
September 24, 2023
Wanted to read a quick and sweet ott suspend your disbelief story and while I would say that is exactly what this is - you can also really tell this story was published one chapter at a time. I am looking forward to the rest of the series though
February 18, 2023
This was terrible. I am getting so tired of reading Patreon stories forced into a book. You can absolutely tell this was released a chapter at a time with poor planning and next to no proper editing.
I will admit it started off decent, if you can ignore the improper use of “you and I” that popped up a few times, but once Reed’s little sister and Carter meet, she completely takes over the story (which is why I hate romance with kids!) and things get weird fast. I hated the ending. This was not a good book, but even good romances with kids suck. Of course the kid is priority number one. But I want the main couple to be each others’ number one priority in a romance novel.
Honestly I just found this to be extremely low quality. There was zero structure, both MCs were quite mean at times, and so much shit didn’t make sense. How was Reed so fit when he had zero time to work out and was basically starving? Things moved way too fast and were just absurd, like where Reed, Hannah, and even Carter end up living in the end (even though Carter hates where they end up and never wanted to be there and literally makes all the sacrifices for Reed and Hannah). Reed acts like moving into Carter’s apartment is a ridiculous idea but he and his sister are literally living in a single bedroom. What?
I don’t know. I can’t even put together a competent review cuz this book was so bad. What a mess. I don’t understand what the point of Reed’s backstory was if we weren’t going to actually learn it?!
I feel like I wasted a lot of my time on this.
I will admit it started off decent, if you can ignore the improper use of “you and I” that popped up a few times, but once Reed’s little sister and Carter meet, she completely takes over the story (which is why I hate romance with kids!) and things get weird fast. I hated the ending. This was not a good book, but even good romances with kids suck. Of course the kid is priority number one. But I want the main couple to be each others’ number one priority in a romance novel.
Honestly I just found this to be extremely low quality. There was zero structure, both MCs were quite mean at times, and so much shit didn’t make sense. How was Reed so fit when he had zero time to work out and was basically starving? Things moved way too fast and were just absurd, like where Reed, Hannah, and even Carter end up living in the end (even though Carter hates where they end up and never wanted to be there and literally makes all the sacrifices for Reed and Hannah). Reed acts like moving into Carter’s apartment is a ridiculous idea but he and his sister are literally living in a single bedroom. What?
I don’t know. I can’t even put together a competent review cuz this book was so bad. What a mess. I don’t understand what the point of Reed’s backstory was if we weren’t going to actually learn it?!
I feel like I wasted a lot of my time on this.
February 1, 2023
I really needed something low angst, high emotion, sexy, sweet and comforting. This fit all of that and I’m so happy that Cora and Nicole combined their styles for this truly sweet book with lovable characters.
I adored Carter and Reed. Carter was fun and light while Reed was much more reserved and quiet. Carter came from a loving and accepting home. Whereas, Reed’s background had been filled with abuse and abandonment. They were so different and yet similar. They both wanted to do right by those close to them. They were both a bit stubborn. They also connected inexplicably fast but it seemed so natural. They just fit.
The passion and sex in this book were erotic and fascinating. These two young men had such strong feelings for each other that it made their hot moments so sensual and left them feeling vulnerable. Carter became a safe place for Reed to find comfort. He was able to share his secrets and fears. I swear you could tell they were falling deeper in love with each moment together, each time they were physically united. Their intimacy became powerful expressions of love.
The additions of the friends definitely added to understanding Carter. But it also highlighted how open all of them were as a group. They immediately embraced Reed and Hannah. Speaking of Hannah, she was such a treasure. It was totally understandable why Reed was so afraid of losing her and how much he wanted to protect her. His fears were valid. And then we got Carter’s amazing moms!! They were quirky and so supportive. They were the best parents.
This book made my heart ache because poverty is a trigger for me but their love made the journey worth it!
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I adored Carter and Reed. Carter was fun and light while Reed was much more reserved and quiet. Carter came from a loving and accepting home. Whereas, Reed’s background had been filled with abuse and abandonment. They were so different and yet similar. They both wanted to do right by those close to them. They were both a bit stubborn. They also connected inexplicably fast but it seemed so natural. They just fit.
The passion and sex in this book were erotic and fascinating. These two young men had such strong feelings for each other that it made their hot moments so sensual and left them feeling vulnerable. Carter became a safe place for Reed to find comfort. He was able to share his secrets and fears. I swear you could tell they were falling deeper in love with each moment together, each time they were physically united. Their intimacy became powerful expressions of love.
The additions of the friends definitely added to understanding Carter. But it also highlighted how open all of them were as a group. They immediately embraced Reed and Hannah. Speaking of Hannah, she was such a treasure. It was totally understandable why Reed was so afraid of losing her and how much he wanted to protect her. His fears were valid. And then we got Carter’s amazing moms!! They were quirky and so supportive. They were the best parents.
This book made my heart ache because poverty is a trigger for me but their love made the journey worth it!
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 6, 2023
I absolutely adored this.
I think these authors balanced each other out well.
I absolutely adored Carter and Reed together, their chemistry was wonderful. And we get plenty of wonderful steam, as they do start out as camboys, after all.
Reed has had a tough life. He had horribly abusive parents - although that isn't expanded on much in this - who left Reed with his 3 year old sister when he was 17, and he's been taking care of her ever since.
He works at a diner, but it barely pays him enough to pay for rent in a shitty one bedroom apartment that he has to share with some random creepy guy.
He's desperate, and wants to give a better life to his now 8-year-old sister, and being a camboy would be quick cash. Although he's never been with a guy - and it seems, doesn't have a lot of experience sexually in general - and sex is important to him.
But there was something about Carter, 24, that grabbed his attention. And if he had to camboy with anyone, he wanted it to be Carter.
Carter has been a camboy for 4 years, and he's enjoyed it. He's had sex with many guys over the years. But none of them have ever been Reed, the sweet, sexy, shy guy who makes him feel something he's never felt before for someone.
Since Reed has never been with a guy, they lead up to fucking with all sorts of things, hot things that are definitely steamy and a fun read.
But aside from the sex, they're so sweet together. At first Carter thinks Reed will be just like all the others, a fun time with an unknown, but he quickly can't get Reed out of his mind. And Reed is so closed off when Carter is just curious to know everything about him.
Reed hides Hannah, his little sister, at first. But when he's out with her once, he runs into Carter and his three camboy friends, and Carter learns about her, and of course gains an instant connection with Hannah.
Reed has just been through such horrible shit, and been trying to protect and raise Hannah on his own for so long, that it's hard for him to let someone in, but Carter is bound and determined to be there for Reed no matter what. There's even a talking stick to get Reed to open up a little, much to Reed's consternation lol.
These two worked wonderful together. And they were monogamous, if anyone is wondering. Reed just isn't built for more than one partner, and Carter soon finds himself possessive of and jealous when it comes to Reed when he never has been before. He discovers he doesn't want a third or even more with them, even though that's a normal thing for them to do. Carter has had sex with all three of his best friends, even if it was always for the camera. They even offer to join, but both Reed and Carter just don't want that.
This was just so enjoyable and sweet and wonderful. I loved seeing Reed slowly open up and get the help he needs from those who love him and Hannah. He's only 22 years old, and he's been raising a kid since he was 17 (and knowing his horrible parents, probably since he was 14 when she was born, lbr), and he can't do it all on his own. And he wants a better life for his sister who is basically his kid at this point.
So the question becomes, how can Carter and Reed make it work when there's a child in the mix? When they can't camboy forever, especially once they agree they want to be monogamous.
Guess you'll just have to read to find out ;).
I can't wait for more from this series, if they end up as good as this one was. I see Bennet and Jasper maybe doing some hate fucking? Hopefully, that then turns to love ;). I wonder if the next one will be about them, since I was getting those vibes from them throughout this.
Can't wait for it. Onto the next! 😍
I think these authors balanced each other out well.
I absolutely adored Carter and Reed together, their chemistry was wonderful. And we get plenty of wonderful steam, as they do start out as camboys, after all.
Reed has had a tough life. He had horribly abusive parents - although that isn't expanded on much in this - who left Reed with his 3 year old sister when he was 17, and he's been taking care of her ever since.
He works at a diner, but it barely pays him enough to pay for rent in a shitty one bedroom apartment that he has to share with some random creepy guy.
He's desperate, and wants to give a better life to his now 8-year-old sister, and being a camboy would be quick cash. Although he's never been with a guy - and it seems, doesn't have a lot of experience sexually in general - and sex is important to him.
But there was something about Carter, 24, that grabbed his attention. And if he had to camboy with anyone, he wanted it to be Carter.
Carter has been a camboy for 4 years, and he's enjoyed it. He's had sex with many guys over the years. But none of them have ever been Reed, the sweet, sexy, shy guy who makes him feel something he's never felt before for someone.
Since Reed has never been with a guy, they lead up to fucking with all sorts of things, hot things that are definitely steamy and a fun read.
But aside from the sex, they're so sweet together. At first Carter thinks Reed will be just like all the others, a fun time with an unknown, but he quickly can't get Reed out of his mind. And Reed is so closed off when Carter is just curious to know everything about him.
Reed hides Hannah, his little sister, at first. But when he's out with her once, he runs into Carter and his three camboy friends, and Carter learns about her, and of course gains an instant connection with Hannah.
Reed has just been through such horrible shit, and been trying to protect and raise Hannah on his own for so long, that it's hard for him to let someone in, but Carter is bound and determined to be there for Reed no matter what. There's even a talking stick to get Reed to open up a little, much to Reed's consternation lol.
These two worked wonderful together. And they were monogamous, if anyone is wondering. Reed just isn't built for more than one partner, and Carter soon finds himself possessive of and jealous when it comes to Reed when he never has been before. He discovers he doesn't want a third or even more with them, even though that's a normal thing for them to do. Carter has had sex with all three of his best friends, even if it was always for the camera. They even offer to join, but both Reed and Carter just don't want that.
This was just so enjoyable and sweet and wonderful. I loved seeing Reed slowly open up and get the help he needs from those who love him and Hannah. He's only 22 years old, and he's been raising a kid since he was 17 (and knowing his horrible parents, probably since he was 14 when she was born, lbr), and he can't do it all on his own. And he wants a better life for his sister who is basically his kid at this point.
So the question becomes, how can Carter and Reed make it work when there's a child in the mix? When they can't camboy forever, especially once they agree they want to be monogamous.
Guess you'll just have to read to find out ;).
I can't wait for more from this series, if they end up as good as this one was. I see Bennet and Jasper maybe doing some hate fucking? Hopefully, that then turns to love ;). I wonder if the next one will be about them, since I was getting those vibes from them throughout this.
Can't wait for it. Onto the next! 😍
January 26, 2023
***ARC Review***
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I could not have been more excited when I heard that two of my favorite MM authors were co-writing a book! “Reaching Reed” is the first book in the Behind the Camera series by Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes. It focuses on camboys and definitely brings the heat. A lot of it.
This book was pure fire! This collaboration was awesome because you have the best of both authors’ writing styles. There were amusing and comical moments, and tender and sweet moments, moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. This book was definitely a treat! It was beyond heartwarming, and at times, heartbreaking.
Carter is the camboy at the center of this novel. He gets a message from Reed asking to collaborate, only to discover that Reed is way more inexperienced than he assumed. Reed is willing to do anything though, adorable nerves aside. Carter is bored and takes a chance on Reed and their interactions are incendiary.
Reed is in need of money. He has his reasons, but we don’t learn them right away. Reed keeps things close to the vest. He has quite a few secrets. I just knew Reed was going to gut me and he did. This man. He deserves every good thing that he wants. Reed really stepped up and is the ultimate sweetheart.
Carter was such a bedrock of kindness and caring in Reed’s life. You could just feel Reed soaking up the nurturing attitude that Carter gradually displays. These two try to keep it professional at first, but they find it hard to resist one another. Their connection has been different from the start.
There are some moments of conflict when conversations arise from the other camboys about collaborations. It’s a reality of their job. Both MCs are possessive of each other, so it’s a balancing act for sure. Don’t worry, there isn’t any sharing and they definitely get their HEA. There’s definitely some nods to found family in this story, so prepare to have this book melt your heart!
This series is going to be epic. The other Camboys are definitely entertaining. It’s going to be so much fun reading all of their stories!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I could not have been more excited when I heard that two of my favorite MM authors were co-writing a book! “Reaching Reed” is the first book in the Behind the Camera series by Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes. It focuses on camboys and definitely brings the heat. A lot of it.
This book was pure fire! This collaboration was awesome because you have the best of both authors’ writing styles. There were amusing and comical moments, and tender and sweet moments, moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. This book was definitely a treat! It was beyond heartwarming, and at times, heartbreaking.
Carter is the camboy at the center of this novel. He gets a message from Reed asking to collaborate, only to discover that Reed is way more inexperienced than he assumed. Reed is willing to do anything though, adorable nerves aside. Carter is bored and takes a chance on Reed and their interactions are incendiary.
Reed is in need of money. He has his reasons, but we don’t learn them right away. Reed keeps things close to the vest. He has quite a few secrets. I just knew Reed was going to gut me and he did. This man. He deserves every good thing that he wants. Reed really stepped up and is the ultimate sweetheart.
Carter was such a bedrock of kindness and caring in Reed’s life. You could just feel Reed soaking up the nurturing attitude that Carter gradually displays. These two try to keep it professional at first, but they find it hard to resist one another. Their connection has been different from the start.
There are some moments of conflict when conversations arise from the other camboys about collaborations. It’s a reality of their job. Both MCs are possessive of each other, so it’s a balancing act for sure. Don’t worry, there isn’t any sharing and they definitely get their HEA. There’s definitely some nods to found family in this story, so prepare to have this book melt your heart!
This series is going to be epic. The other Camboys are definitely entertaining. It’s going to be so much fun reading all of their stories!
February 8, 2023
Guy become a cam boy because he’s desperate for money and then falls in love with a cam boy and makes him quit.
Reluctantly finished. Wanted to DNF at like 50%, but thought it might get better. It didn’t. It tried so hard to be more than it was with regards to tone and content. It was either rushed or too drawn out. Nothing truly felt like it should be where it was or happen on the chosen timeline.
And god this should have been so much hotter than it was.
Reluctantly finished. Wanted to DNF at like 50%, but thought it might get better. It didn’t. It tried so hard to be more than it was with regards to tone and content. It was either rushed or too drawn out. Nothing truly felt like it should be where it was or happen on the chosen timeline.
And god this should have been so much hotter than it was.
February 6, 2023
Was not a fan.
This read like a book that was written by two authors who never worked together before
chapter by chapter on patreon
with little to no story editing or structure.
Which…
It was.
Among the things that didn’t work for me:
- a kid that doesn’t act her age (not unusual but I thought she was 14 most of the book turns out she was supposed to be 8 which is honestly comical)
- carter was kind of a dick for someone who was raised by two moms with a talking stick - and when a talking stick is needed by two adults to move the plot forward? Psht nah, I’m out
- reeds backstory was probably the biggest most important catalyst for this story and we never learned anything other than that his parents were abusive and left one day. That’s literally it. All we know.
- reed was apparently jacked to all hell even though he was literally starving to death and couldn’t afford to go to the gym… but Carter would never have taken a chance on anyone less so it was a weirdly necessary character trait
- there was no tension, no reason for them to be apart except their own poor communication and even then WE were still missing information about their decision making (looking at you Carter) even though we were in their heads
- the creepy roommate that was supposed to be a threat (and could’ve should’ve been) was just like fine… he could have existed or not existed and it wouldn’t have mattered at all. it was giving checkovs gun.
- they acted like Hannah and Reed couldn’t POSSIBLY move into Carters nice one bedroom apartment because there wasn’t enough room EVEN WHEN they were literally living in a single room with a “dangerous” roommate
- I waited the whole story for something to happen. Anything. There was one moment I thought something might happen with the roommate but nope then maybe custody thing because that could have been an interesting disaster but it was just smoothed over a page later by carters moms saying they “knew people” and it would probably be fine. And it was.
- not enough was done to convince me that 3 highly sought after cam boys would want to leave whatever lucrative platforms they were on for a brand new not-yet-launched or tested website with an exclusivity contract… like… it’s a partnered industry… unless everyone else they worked with was exclusive to this new doesn’t-exist-yet site they have no one to work with but each other… it’s not like they were being abused or mistreated by their current platform… and 30% of a SUCCESSFUL watermelon is still a hell of a lot more than 50% of a NOTHING grape. Terrible business decision by the next 3 MCs. But don’t worry I’m sure it’ll all work out annoying and unrealistically well.
It felt dull, unimaginative, and disjointed. Bottom of my list for 2023.
This read like a book that was written by two authors who never worked together before
chapter by chapter on patreon
with little to no story editing or structure.
Which…
It was.
Among the things that didn’t work for me:
- a kid that doesn’t act her age (not unusual but I thought she was 14 most of the book turns out she was supposed to be 8 which is honestly comical)
- carter was kind of a dick for someone who was raised by two moms with a talking stick - and when a talking stick is needed by two adults to move the plot forward? Psht nah, I’m out
- reeds backstory was probably the biggest most important catalyst for this story and we never learned anything other than that his parents were abusive and left one day. That’s literally it. All we know.
- reed was apparently jacked to all hell even though he was literally starving to death and couldn’t afford to go to the gym… but Carter would never have taken a chance on anyone less so it was a weirdly necessary character trait
- there was no tension, no reason for them to be apart except their own poor communication and even then WE were still missing information about their decision making (looking at you Carter) even though we were in their heads
- the creepy roommate that was supposed to be a threat (and could’ve should’ve been) was just like fine… he could have existed or not existed and it wouldn’t have mattered at all. it was giving checkovs gun.
- they acted like Hannah and Reed couldn’t POSSIBLY move into Carters nice one bedroom apartment because there wasn’t enough room EVEN WHEN they were literally living in a single room with a “dangerous” roommate
- I waited the whole story for something to happen. Anything. There was one moment I thought something might happen with the roommate but nope then maybe custody thing because that could have been an interesting disaster but it was just smoothed over a page later by carters moms saying they “knew people” and it would probably be fine. And it was.
- not enough was done to convince me that 3 highly sought after cam boys would want to leave whatever lucrative platforms they were on for a brand new not-yet-launched or tested website with an exclusivity contract… like… it’s a partnered industry… unless everyone else they worked with was exclusive to this new doesn’t-exist-yet site they have no one to work with but each other… it’s not like they were being abused or mistreated by their current platform… and 30% of a SUCCESSFUL watermelon is still a hell of a lot more than 50% of a NOTHING grape. Terrible business decision by the next 3 MCs. But don’t worry I’m sure it’ll all work out annoying and unrealistically well.
It felt dull, unimaginative, and disjointed. Bottom of my list for 2023.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
I rather enjoyed this story and was not surprised. This was my first read from Nicole Dykes, but I haven't read anything from Cora Rose I haven't loved. The story kept me intrigued and Carter and Reed were so hot together. Carter's friends, his moms, as well as Hannah were great secondary characters and I’m a total sucka for a happy ending. This book made me feel emotional at times, giving me the feels. I love it when a story makes that happen, it's what I want from a book and this one did not disappoint. Very much looking forward to the next installment of the series.
Audio version was fantastic!
Audio version was fantastic!
November 23, 2023
✰3.5 stars✰
This was actually a pretty good, and a lower angst read. There is certainly a little, but it's not anything gut punching or devastating.
In the first we pages we learn that it was originally written as smut for Patreon but was eventually turned into a full length novel with other additions in the series to be written as well.
I usually really enjoy Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes both together and separately as authors, and while I did here as well, I think it was just some of the writing and the fumbling beginning of the book that brought my star rating down for it. Which, again, might be because it was originally written as a one off for Patreon and then added to and worked into a full book for a series.
As for the characters, I think the way that Carter began to care for Reed and his younger sister Hannah was so wholesome and a perfect depiction of how we can love and support the people we care about.
Reed is also such a sweet character, sometimes a little reserved but that makes sense for his backstory in the book.
I do think it's a fun read, and I do recommend it if you're looking for a well done camboys trope.
This was actually a pretty good, and a lower angst read. There is certainly a little, but it's not anything gut punching or devastating.
In the first we pages we learn that it was originally written as smut for Patreon but was eventually turned into a full length novel with other additions in the series to be written as well.
I usually really enjoy Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes both together and separately as authors, and while I did here as well, I think it was just some of the writing and the fumbling beginning of the book that brought my star rating down for it. Which, again, might be because it was originally written as a one off for Patreon and then added to and worked into a full book for a series.
As for the characters, I think the way that Carter began to care for Reed and his younger sister Hannah was so wholesome and a perfect depiction of how we can love and support the people we care about.
Reed is also such a sweet character, sometimes a little reserved but that makes sense for his backstory in the book.
I do think it's a fun read, and I do recommend it if you're looking for a well done camboys trope.
January 20, 2023
𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗺𝗲. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲.
———
“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲, 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗲.”
“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲.”
The book gods have gifted us readers with a co-write between two of the BEST MM writers out there. Book 1 of their new series, Behind the Camera. When I saw the announcement, I knew I was going to devour this book and these two QUEENS did not disappoint. I cried, I swooned, and I absolutely ate this love story up. Im only mad that I finished it so fast because Carter and Reed (and Hannah) stole my freaking heart. Reaching Reed will definitely be a favorite of mine for 2023!!
From the first page I was hooked. Carter was outgoing, dominant, expressive, and hilarious. His attitude was on point and he made me giggle with his thoughts. Reed killed me dead. I wanted to hug him so tight. He was vulnerable and brave and loving and desperate. The way Carter was drawn to him and the way he wanted to take care of him (and Hannah) had me tearing up.
My babies. And y’all, this book had the most phenomenal line EVER:
𝗜 𝗺𝗼𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗮 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆.
WHHHHAAAAATTTTTT?????? 👀🙌🏻🥵
I loved every single second. This was exceptionally high in heat but it was also exceptionally high in heart. It’s hard to balance both so well but with these two QUEENS, they nailed it.
QUOTE HIGHLIGHTS: 20
POV: 1st, Dual
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
TROPES: MM, Bi-Awakening
🅁🄰🅃🄸🄽🄶: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 15, 2023
I'm a little surprised, because I definitely didn't expect this book to be so boring.
Many things just weren't working for me and after reading it I'm left feeling confused, because, what even happened here? I don't get the point of the story, there was no message here, no particular event or character that would be memorable, a bunch of side characters thrown in there to make it more interesting and that was it.
The story is about a cam boy Carter, who's pretty successful and is living the modern life. He agrees to do a collab with someone he doesn't know and when he meets Reed, he realises Reed is straight and completely new to the business.
When they start recording videos, they start liking each other and Reed, while having his younger sister to care about, starts spending more and more time with Carter with them eventually ending up in a relationship and Carter leaving the business, but not quite (he decides to produce in the future).
🟡 Carter's character was annyoing, not appealing, he had no charisma, no depth.
🟠 Reed was interesting in the beginning, but again, no depth, I felt like there was so much more to Reed and his life, but it just wasn't tapped into, all we know is that he was broke and that he was ripped while eating pasta in a can.
🔴 Hannah was the focal point of this book and in the end I felt like Hannah was the glue for Carter and Reeds entanglement.
🟣 Carter kept saying how he doesn't know what Reed's thinking and what's in his head. He's such an intriguing man, not telling Carter what's up and not answering his questions. Oh yes, so intriguing.
🔵 What was the point of Reed's shady roommate?
🟢 Carter and Reed's relationship seemed so fake, it faked the fake. Not believable at all.
The story wasn't interesting, it didn't pull me in, bored me out of my mind and most of the characters were downright annoying.
November 13, 2023
Cora's writing is like my own personal brand of heroin, fr. her characters are always a lil OTT, but in the best way. the pace is just right, the sass and bants are just right, the jealousy, the spice, the loved up ending... lord won't she do it! i laughed, cried, and swooned all within an hour of reading. the power she has over me...
Carter is a camboy living his best life in San Diego when he receives a message from Reed asking to collaborate. drunk and probably at least a little horny, Carter finds himself taken with the way Reed looks and agrees... even though Reed can only boast around 100 followers to Carter's million or so. Carter is not expecting a shy, blushing Virgin Gay. what he expects even less is how much Reed draws him in.
Reed is down on his luck and has been his whole life. his parents abandoned him and his sister, Hannah, when he was 17 and she was just 3. with no one to ask for help and scared of losing his baby sister, Reed burdens himself with raising her, working shit hours for shit pay at a shit diner. now 22 and desperate to make more money, Reed seeks out creative ways to line his pockets. enter Carter.
the two decide to capitalize on the fact that Reed has never been with another man by drawing out all his first time experiences. on the way, our resident sassy camboy catches all the feeler bugs for his soft and broody giant and the busy bee that's his little sister. with feelings in the mix for them both, a group of camboys that Carter has definitely fucked but kept neatly in the friend-zone, and two very aggressively well-meaning moms—Carter and Reed tentatively dance around their growing obsession and what their future will look like with Hannah at the center of any carefully laid plans.
i absolutely ADORED Carter and Reed. where most authors would really lean into Carter's snarky personality, i think Cora once again, got it just right. he was equal parts sassy and serious. not once does Carter shy away from having open conversations with Reed, and for his part, Reed doesn't stay perpetually trapped in his insecurities, allowing Carter to pry him open and spill his secrets. i actually cried for Reed because his story is so familiar and the unfortunate reality for a lot of people. it just made my heart ache for him, but in true Cora fashion, i was mended every time Carter took extra notice and extra care of his two orphans. Carter's tenderness and attentiveness towards Hannah melted me just as much as it did Reed. just big fat dreamy sighs all the way around, okay. i also really appreciate the fact that Cora tends to play with the top/bottom dynamics. as much as i love the gentle/grumpy alpha dommy top with a smaller sassy/sunshine bottom, it's more realistic to have some diversity in the pair ups. and as always, the sexy was sexing and i was a fan.
so 4 stars from me and i can't wait to get into Jasper and Bennet's frenemies situation. i just know those two are gonna singe my screen 🔥 cheers x
Carter is a camboy living his best life in San Diego when he receives a message from Reed asking to collaborate. drunk and probably at least a little horny, Carter finds himself taken with the way Reed looks and agrees... even though Reed can only boast around 100 followers to Carter's million or so. Carter is not expecting a shy, blushing Virgin Gay. what he expects even less is how much Reed draws him in.
Reed is down on his luck and has been his whole life. his parents abandoned him and his sister, Hannah, when he was 17 and she was just 3. with no one to ask for help and scared of losing his baby sister, Reed burdens himself with raising her, working shit hours for shit pay at a shit diner. now 22 and desperate to make more money, Reed seeks out creative ways to line his pockets. enter Carter.
the two decide to capitalize on the fact that Reed has never been with another man by drawing out all his first time experiences. on the way, our resident sassy camboy catches all the feeler bugs for his soft and broody giant and the busy bee that's his little sister. with feelings in the mix for them both, a group of camboys that Carter has definitely fucked but kept neatly in the friend-zone, and two very aggressively well-meaning moms—Carter and Reed tentatively dance around their growing obsession and what their future will look like with Hannah at the center of any carefully laid plans.
i absolutely ADORED Carter and Reed. where most authors would really lean into Carter's snarky personality, i think Cora once again, got it just right. he was equal parts sassy and serious. not once does Carter shy away from having open conversations with Reed, and for his part, Reed doesn't stay perpetually trapped in his insecurities, allowing Carter to pry him open and spill his secrets. i actually cried for Reed because his story is so familiar and the unfortunate reality for a lot of people. it just made my heart ache for him, but in true Cora fashion, i was mended every time Carter took extra notice and extra care of his two orphans. Carter's tenderness and attentiveness towards Hannah melted me just as much as it did Reed. just big fat dreamy sighs all the way around, okay. i also really appreciate the fact that Cora tends to play with the top/bottom dynamics. as much as i love the gentle/grumpy alpha dommy top with a smaller sassy/sunshine bottom, it's more realistic to have some diversity in the pair ups. and as always, the sexy was sexing and i was a fan.
so 4 stars from me and i can't wait to get into Jasper and Bennet's frenemies situation. i just know those two are gonna singe my screen 🔥 cheers x
February 15, 2023
Secrets can change lives, but can also change others.
Reed has to make changes to better care for his sister. His diner job does not pay enough to survive for two. His education and availability restrict what he is qualified or able to do while being the guardian for his sister.
He investigated opportunities and possibilities for increased income, but finds a limited variety. He has to keep his sister secret. He has no friends that can help. He parents left him with his sister years before.
So he has to convince himself to take chances or loose his sister for sure. He wants a better life for her, but now must keep his new job secret from his sister.
Can selling himself in internet porn by a realistic method of making money? Can he trust others to be fair and friendly in a business built on taking advantage of others? Can he change his life and his sister's for the better without destroying what little that they have now? Is love possible when selling your body and soul for worthwhile purchases? Can he even find someone he can trust to do it with?
Reed has to make changes to better care for his sister. His diner job does not pay enough to survive for two. His education and availability restrict what he is qualified or able to do while being the guardian for his sister.
He investigated opportunities and possibilities for increased income, but finds a limited variety. He has to keep his sister secret. He has no friends that can help. He parents left him with his sister years before.
So he has to convince himself to take chances or loose his sister for sure. He wants a better life for her, but now must keep his new job secret from his sister.
Can selling himself in internet porn by a realistic method of making money? Can he trust others to be fair and friendly in a business built on taking advantage of others? Can he change his life and his sister's for the better without destroying what little that they have now? Is love possible when selling your body and soul for worthwhile purchases? Can he even find someone he can trust to do it with?
July 5, 2024
This was exactly the easy-breezy, low stakes romp I was expecting. The story wasn't anything groundbreaking or spectacular, but it had all the vibes 😍 I fell in love with Carter and Reed instantly. From the very first moment they hooked up, I was invested in seeing how things were going to play out between the two. I expected there to be more drama, but in the end it was a fairly smooth ride to an HEA for these two. Bennet, Jasper, and Damon were fun side characters, so I'm looking forward to seeing them in their own books.
If I'm being honest, I picked this series up for the audiobooks. Cooper North and Zane Daniels? Yes please. The audio was amazing and I loved every minute of it though I did find Cooper North's voice for Damon to be a bit odd. It will be interesting to see how it goes in Discovering Damon later on in the series.
If I'm being honest, I picked this series up for the audiobooks. Cooper North and Zane Daniels? Yes please. The audio was amazing and I loved every minute of it though I did find Cooper North's voice for Damon to be a bit odd. It will be interesting to see how it goes in Discovering Damon later on in the series.
January 20, 2023
Um. Excuse me? Can I please chat for a f**king second? Y’all. Ya. All. Y’ALL!! Can someone please explain to me what the f**k I just read? Like this b!tch came out the door in full GLAM, did a HIGH KICK to a SPLIT and spanked me for MY MONEY! The audacity of it. What did I do? I just smirked, showed my beautiful blue eyes, bent REAL deep and shook my ass baby!! The blush, the sweat, the glide… sweet baby Jane. This book grabbed my wheel (that means junk 😝) and did a cage roll right on I95. For those asking, yes I am ok, but you might not be once you get your paws on it. It is SPICY and it is not afraid to show it. Hiding? What the f**k… I’m a rockstar and y’all damn well better agree. I knew I was going to be in a sticky predicament when the page read “It’s nice - thick and long even in its limp state…” {Tajie is now deceased 💀} and that was chapter 1 👏👏👏
This collab of Cora Rose & Nicole Dykes did not disappoint and just filled me gooooood. It was spicy. It was heartfelt. It was angsty. It was EVERYTHING I love about romance with the perfect concoction of “please don’t stop. Please” to destroy me. The characters were special and they just grabbed your heart. Carter is good, no great. He has his shit together, a job he loves, friends he adores and moms who just obsess over him. He is all set, until he sees someone hit those DMs. Reed, now this hunk is MINE. He’s scared, nervous and timid… but in the end he has to do what right for more than just him. Secrets are tricky Reed. I almost teared up NOW! I’m most excited to see how this SERIES (prayers to the sun b**tche because trust me we need more) plays out. I need to get in deep and find love with those other camboys 🥵 ya know for science and all.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This collab of Cora Rose & Nicole Dykes did not disappoint and just filled me gooooood. It was spicy. It was heartfelt. It was angsty. It was EVERYTHING I love about romance with the perfect concoction of “please don’t stop. Please” to destroy me. The characters were special and they just grabbed your heart. Carter is good, no great. He has his shit together, a job he loves, friends he adores and moms who just obsess over him. He is all set, until he sees someone hit those DMs. Reed, now this hunk is MINE. He’s scared, nervous and timid… but in the end he has to do what right for more than just him. Secrets are tricky Reed. I almost teared up NOW! I’m most excited to see how this SERIES (prayers to the sun b**tche because trust me we need more) plays out. I need to get in deep and find love with those other camboys 🥵 ya know for science and all.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2024
So good! 4+++
April 23, 2023
This was a sweet story with likeable heroes. I wish there had been more story and less sex, but I am.probably in the minority in thinking this.
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