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Dirty Strays #2
Pretty Dogs
It’s hard to imagine dating when I secretly share a bed with my best friend every night. When we can barely spend an hour apart. When he’ll kill anyone who tries to touch me.
We finally escaped the trailer park, but maybe we weren’t ready for freedom. My best friend Beck doesn’t know how to leave the gang he’s always known, even if it costs him his life. And I don’t know how to find my purpose and confidence as a trans man.
We’re too lost in our fears to see what’s right in front of us. But when I almost lose him, it only takes five words for us to fall: I heard about a game.
I run. He hunts me. And if he catches me… there are no limits in the dark.
Daylight is a different matter, full of the ghosts of everything we’ve lost. Until we stumble across someone who needs us, who forces us to take the broken pieces of our pasts and put them together into something strong. The courage it takes to become who we were all along.
A best friends to lovers romance featuring a trans MC, opposites attract, possessiveness, and primal games.
We finally escaped the trailer park, but maybe we weren’t ready for freedom. My best friend Beck doesn’t know how to leave the gang he’s always known, even if it costs him his life. And I don’t know how to find my purpose and confidence as a trans man.
We’re too lost in our fears to see what’s right in front of us. But when I almost lose him, it only takes five words for us to fall: I heard about a game.
I run. He hunts me. And if he catches me… there are no limits in the dark.
Daylight is a different matter, full of the ghosts of everything we’ve lost. Until we stumble across someone who needs us, who forces us to take the broken pieces of our pasts and put them together into something strong. The courage it takes to become who we were all along.
A best friends to lovers romance featuring a trans MC, opposites attract, possessiveness, and primal games.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2023
107 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Riley Nash
16 books856 followersInternational bestselling author Riley Nash (he/they) is based in the rainy PNW and writes stories about broken boys who find home in each other, hurt/comfort, and mental health rep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
December 8, 2023
I would like to thank GRR, immensely, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I think it's fair to say that, for me, a Riley Nash book will lead to gamut levels of crying so intense that it should be considered an Olympic sport. Ummm but like where everyone wins...gold...because this book (and everything else I've read from Nash so far) is gold.
I confess that i didn't even read the blurb for this book before diving in blind. AND SO it's supremely satisfying when an author i've come to love and respect for the way their storytelling promotes and empowers humans-in-progress with dignity, always shining a light to allow their truths to unfold in the most profound and emotionally arresting way, delivers THAT every single time! Dallas and Beck's (and the glimpses of the other strays, old and new) love & living life journey felt very intimate and deeply personal. it was whole-body affecting. it was breathtaking!
No...like LITERALLY breathtaking...because the amount of times I had to put my kindle aside and pause my reading to do deep breathing exercises for my heartaches and palpitations. My face gave Niagara Falls a run for its money. but i rehydrated, and trusted.
because RN's HEAs are always steadfast and earnest versions/interpretations of storybook perfect (for the book-world that was set up as harsh and unyielding at the worst of times), and so NOW i feel like i could sleep in peace again, knowing that ALL the boys are safe, and fed, and on their way to thriving.
Riley Nash is such an outstanding and talented author who, i feel, boldly confronts the more challenging aspects/parts of societal ugliness just so he could show by example how to decimate the bondage of the forlorn and downtrodden by wielding the power of love!
this book compels the reader to reflect on self and identity, individuality, what is home and the myriad ways the natural world is provocative, can provide shelter and sustains, and philosophically, on the perseverance of weeds, empowers the idea that, despite the quality of the environment, growth is possible. love is possible. authenticity is possible. this is literary romanticism, it's plenty romantic, but also a hope infused ray of light that can maybe boost the interiority of the sad and scared by showing that good things in life are always possible.
if you've made it this far, thanks for reading!
and as always, be kind. take care of yourselves, and each other!
I think it's fair to say that, for me, a Riley Nash book will lead to gamut levels of crying so intense that it should be considered an Olympic sport. Ummm but like where everyone wins...gold...because this book (and everything else I've read from Nash so far) is gold.
I confess that i didn't even read the blurb for this book before diving in blind. AND SO it's supremely satisfying when an author i've come to love and respect for the way their storytelling promotes and empowers humans-in-progress with dignity, always shining a light to allow their truths to unfold in the most profound and emotionally arresting way, delivers THAT every single time! Dallas and Beck's (and the glimpses of the other strays, old and new) love & living life journey felt very intimate and deeply personal. it was whole-body affecting. it was breathtaking!
No...like LITERALLY breathtaking...because the amount of times I had to put my kindle aside and pause my reading to do deep breathing exercises for my heartaches and palpitations. My face gave Niagara Falls a run for its money. but i rehydrated, and trusted.
because RN's HEAs are always steadfast and earnest versions/interpretations of storybook perfect (for the book-world that was set up as harsh and unyielding at the worst of times), and so NOW i feel like i could sleep in peace again, knowing that ALL the boys are safe, and fed, and on their way to thriving.
Riley Nash is such an outstanding and talented author who, i feel, boldly confronts the more challenging aspects/parts of societal ugliness just so he could show by example how to decimate the bondage of the forlorn and downtrodden by wielding the power of love!
this book compels the reader to reflect on self and identity, individuality, what is home and the myriad ways the natural world is provocative, can provide shelter and sustains, and philosophically, on the perseverance of weeds, empowers the idea that, despite the quality of the environment, growth is possible. love is possible. authenticity is possible. this is literary romanticism, it's plenty romantic, but also a hope infused ray of light that can maybe boost the interiority of the sad and scared by showing that good things in life are always possible.
if you've made it this far, thanks for reading!
and as always, be kind. take care of yourselves, and each other!
July 8, 2024
Dallas and Beck are so darn cute together. I loved getting this really sweet, endearing, and emotional romance that took its time as these two characters navigated their changing dynamics and the potential complications of such a meaningful relationship.
Overall I was so thrilled and enjoyed this romance between these two and getting some much-needed backstory on Dallas, who owns my heart throughout his story. Such a wonderful read and cannot wait for the next entry.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall I was so thrilled and enjoyed this romance between these two and getting some much-needed backstory on Dallas, who owns my heart throughout his story. Such a wonderful read and cannot wait for the next entry.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
December 13, 2023
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Beck and Dallas were extremely adorable.
Just like in Bad Dogs these characters aren’t perfect, but they don’t need to be.
I loved Riley Nash’s portrayal of Dallas and his struggles with his identity as trans and body dysmorphia.
These guys felt real, full of emotions and depth and hurt.
This was literally the cutest moment ever, when Dallas was excited he passed as cis.
I was fucking sobbing, such a beautiful moment.
The primal play wasn’t introduced in the most fluid and realistic way. It felt a little disjointed from the rest of the story.
It was still pretty hot though, not gonna lie.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Best friends to lovers
- Found family
- Poverty
- Mentions of parent/child abuse
- Trans MC
- Gang activity
- Transphobia and body dysphoria
- Primal and CNC play
- Vers MCs
- Possessive MC
“Everyone is dirt, Beck,” he mumbles, mostly asleep.
“Not you, pretty boy. You’re space dust. All the colors in the universe.”
Beck and Dallas were extremely adorable.
Just like in Bad Dogs these characters aren’t perfect, but they don’t need to be.
I loved Riley Nash’s portrayal of Dallas and his struggles with his identity as trans and body dysmorphia.
These guys felt real, full of emotions and depth and hurt.
“He called me dude,” I hiss as I sprint over to mom, grabbing her arm and jumping up and down.
This was literally the cutest moment ever, when Dallas was excited he passed as cis.
I was fucking sobbing, such a beautiful moment.
The primal play wasn’t introduced in the most fluid and realistic way. It felt a little disjointed from the rest of the story.
It was still pretty hot though, not gonna lie.
“You run,” I blurt desperately. “And I chase you.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Best friends to lovers
- Found family
- Poverty
- Mentions of parent/child abuse
- Trans MC
- Gang activity
- Transphobia and body dysphoria
- Primal and CNC play
- Vers MCs
- Possessive MC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book as I knew it would be a departure from Riley Nash's other series, "Water, Air, Earth, and Fire."
This book has Nash's usual (and much loved) tropes of hurt boys, the boys who love them, finding their own piece of happiness and found family, and it did not disappoint.
This is the second book in the Dirty Strays series and can be read as a standalone (I haven't read book one yet).
It tells the story of Beck and Dallas, who have a two year friendship, which is emotionally and physically, but not sexually intimate. These two are just so beautiful, loving, kind, and respectful of one another. They seriously have each other's backs. Their friendship progresses to a relationship in the story.
What I liked most about this book:
- The transgender representation, as told from trans man, Dallas' perspective. As a trans human, I read this with so many bittersweet emotions and just swooned for how Beck loved Dallas exactly for who he was! The aspects of the story where they navigated the new, sexual part of their relationship was so well done.
- The primal play aspect and how the characters were described in animalistic ways, e.g. marking with scent (inc. cum play), sniffing one another out and growling. The primal element fit well as the characters were so often reduced to baser survival instincts of flight, fight, and freeze due to their harsh circumstances, living in poverty and fear of violence.
I haven't read many books with true primal play, and I am so here for it! 🔥
“I’m just dirt.” The words burst out of me after a long time, because they’ve been sitting on the tip of my tongue for months and I’m feeling too raw to hold them in anymore.
“Everyone is dirt, Beck,” he mumbles, mostly asleep. I smooth a hand over his hair, stroking it back, and kiss his forehead. “Not you, pretty boy. You’re space dust. All the colors in the universe.”
I could read more about Beck and Dallas and was sad when it ended, but it was the perfect HEA!
This book has Nash's usual (and much loved) tropes of hurt boys, the boys who love them, finding their own piece of happiness and found family, and it did not disappoint.
This is the second book in the Dirty Strays series and can be read as a standalone (I haven't read book one yet).
It tells the story of Beck and Dallas, who have a two year friendship, which is emotionally and physically, but not sexually intimate. These two are just so beautiful, loving, kind, and respectful of one another. They seriously have each other's backs. Their friendship progresses to a relationship in the story.
What I liked most about this book:
- The transgender representation, as told from trans man, Dallas' perspective. As a trans human, I read this with so many bittersweet emotions and just swooned for how Beck loved Dallas exactly for who he was! The aspects of the story where they navigated the new, sexual part of their relationship was so well done.
- The primal play aspect and how the characters were described in animalistic ways, e.g. marking with scent (inc. cum play), sniffing one another out and growling. The primal element fit well as the characters were so often reduced to baser survival instincts of flight, fight, and freeze due to their harsh circumstances, living in poverty and fear of violence.
I haven't read many books with true primal play, and I am so here for it! 🔥
“I’m just dirt.” The words burst out of me after a long time, because they’ve been sitting on the tip of my tongue for months and I’m feeling too raw to hold them in anymore.
“Everyone is dirt, Beck,” he mumbles, mostly asleep. I smooth a hand over his hair, stroking it back, and kiss his forehead. “Not you, pretty boy. You’re space dust. All the colors in the universe.”
I could read more about Beck and Dallas and was sad when it ended, but it was the perfect HEA!
December 10, 2023
3.5ish⭐️ - I’m kind of torn on this one. I liked it substantially more than the first book. This was highly emotional and at times overwrought with despair. I absolutely adored the relationship between Dallas and Beck. I also felt like the book was very balanced between the two. I also loved their characters as individual and as a couple. The found family aspect in this one was wonderful!! I really was riveted for the most part. I found it so compelling and truly filled with so much love.
I do have many unanswered questions that took away from the full reading experience.
Here are a few:
Did Dallas’s mom look for him at all - for how long, did she hire investigators??? She had the means. So…
Why was she with a druggie? Who was that guy anyway?
How did the boys afford Dallas’ hormones? They couldn’t even get groceries regularly. They had to contemplate splitting a can of corn for 4 people for days…
How often did Beck work for the gang? Did no one ever follow him? How would they not know where he lived?
If Theo wasn’t living at home but rescued his brother, where did Theo come from? Maybe the next book will delve into it?
How old was Dallas when he started to transition? Had his top surgery?
How was Beck able to be openly gay in gang?
The gang situation felt very…unresolved. And wildly anticlimactic.
In many ways, it felt unfinished.
I do have many unanswered questions that took away from the full reading experience.
Here are a few:
Did Dallas’s mom look for him at all - for how long, did she hire investigators??? She had the means. So…
Why was she with a druggie? Who was that guy anyway?
How did the boys afford Dallas’ hormones? They couldn’t even get groceries regularly. They had to contemplate splitting a can of corn for 4 people for days…
How often did Beck work for the gang? Did no one ever follow him? How would they not know where he lived?
If Theo wasn’t living at home but rescued his brother, where did Theo come from? Maybe the next book will delve into it?
How old was Dallas when he started to transition? Had his top surgery?
How was Beck able to be openly gay in gang?
The gang situation felt very…unresolved. And wildly anticlimactic.
In many ways, it felt unfinished.
December 21, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Not loving this book is kinda sad. Riley Nash can write like few others can, so this was very disappointing. The trans representation is fantastic, and I can only imagine the bravery needed to put so much of yourself in a character and share it with the world like this. Dallas is amazing. However, it felt like everything around Dallas was a bit of a mess. There were some worrying inconsistencies in the characters, which resulted in me not having a good grasp on Beck as character, even after finishing the book. The Beck-being-in-a-gang subplot was simultaneously all over the place as well as going nowhere. It felt unfinished and not fleshed out like it needed. The final quarter of the book springs a massive change in plot related to something that I had no idea was even on either of the MCs minds, and it didn’t work for me at all.
The most ‘upsetting’ thing (for lack of a better word), is that I don’t really buy into Dallas and Beck as a couple. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them in Bad Dogs, and I unfortunately didn’t feel much of it in this either. I think they are the most adorable friends, and whenever they were cuddling I smiled and swooned. The change from tactile friends to suddenly sexing each other up and being boyfriends felt unnatural though, as neither MC hinted at being interested in more prior to the moment it happened. At one point I started shipping Dallas with someone else entirely, and I was more invested in the stories of two newly introduced side characters.
I adored seeing Scout, Roman and Tubbs again. Roman is still adorable as ever, and I want to hug him whenever he’s in a scene.
Oh well. This one didn’t work for me, and that’s okay.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Best friends to lovers
Hurt/comfort
CNC
Primal play
Trans rep
Found family
Tactile MCs
Cuddling
Virgin MC
Size difference
Possessiveness
Opposites attract
Tattoos
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Physical violence between MC and stepparent (past, on page)
Food insecurity
Mentions of past child abuse
Financial problems (poverty)
Graphic violence
Gun violence
Injured MCs
Brief mentions of past stabbing (off page)
Transphobia
Misgendering
Primal kink
Mild consensual non-consent
Internalized transphobia
Medical injections
Mentions of homelessness
Mentions of sex work (not MCs)
Mentions of death of a parent (off page, past)
Brief mention of drug overdose (off page, no details)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 22 and 22
Pages: 279
I want him to know my truth–that I’m built of stories and scars, not chromosomes.
“I just don’t understand why some people are born with the soul of one person and the body of another, and then get punished for it their whole lives.”
I’ve quickly learned that ‘baby’ and ‘bitch’ are this man’s love language. If he speaks to you like a normal person, it means he doesn’t give a shit about you.
“Everyone is dirt, Beck,” he mumbles, mostly asleep. I smooth a hand over his hair, stroking it back, and kiss his forehead. “Not you, pretty boy. You’re space dust. All the colors in the universe.”
“Roman?” Scout hollers at the top of his lungs. “I have a present for you.” After a long pause, clunking footsteps give way to a sleepy-looking Rome, who must have just crawled out of a nap in his hoodie and boxers. As soon as his golden eyes land on the table, he gasps, “Oh shit.” “Do you know how to take care of…” I quit mid-sentence, because the man isn’t listening to me. He shoves past Scout, scoops up the kitten with no hesitation, and cradles it to his chest with a series of gentle crooning noises. Scout raises his eyebrows at me, like see? “What’s his name?” Roman asks, as if he thinks I adopted it from the local shelter. When I don’t answer, he glances up and finally notices my injuries. Instead of asking if I’m alright, he looks down at the kitten with solemn awe. “You got him good, didn’t you? You’re a fighter.”
Not loving this book is kinda sad. Riley Nash can write like few others can, so this was very disappointing. The trans representation is fantastic, and I can only imagine the bravery needed to put so much of yourself in a character and share it with the world like this. Dallas is amazing. However, it felt like everything around Dallas was a bit of a mess. There were some worrying inconsistencies in the characters, which resulted in me not having a good grasp on Beck as character, even after finishing the book. The Beck-being-in-a-gang subplot was simultaneously all over the place as well as going nowhere. It felt unfinished and not fleshed out like it needed. The final quarter of the book springs a massive change in plot related to something that I had no idea was even on either of the MCs minds, and it didn’t work for me at all.
The most ‘upsetting’ thing (for lack of a better word), is that I don’t really buy into Dallas and Beck as a couple. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them in Bad Dogs, and I unfortunately didn’t feel much of it in this either. I think they are the most adorable friends, and whenever they were cuddling I smiled and swooned. The change from tactile friends to suddenly sexing each other up and being boyfriends felt unnatural though, as neither MC hinted at being interested in more prior to the moment it happened. At one point I started shipping Dallas with someone else entirely, and I was more invested in the stories of two newly introduced side characters.
I adored seeing Scout, Roman and Tubbs again. Roman is still adorable as ever, and I want to hug him whenever he’s in a scene.
Oh well. This one didn’t work for me, and that’s okay.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Best friends to lovers
Hurt/comfort
CNC
Primal play
Trans rep
Found family
Tactile MCs
Cuddling
Virgin MC
Size difference
Possessiveness
Opposites attract
Tattoos
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Physical violence between MC and stepparent (past, on page)
Food insecurity
Mentions of past child abuse
Financial problems (poverty)
Graphic violence
Gun violence
Injured MCs
Brief mentions of past stabbing (off page)
Transphobia
Misgendering
Primal kink
Mild consensual non-consent
Internalized transphobia
Medical injections
Mentions of homelessness
Mentions of sex work (not MCs)
Mentions of death of a parent (off page, past)
Brief mention of drug overdose (off page, no details)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 22 and 22
Pages: 279
I want him to know my truth–that I’m built of stories and scars, not chromosomes.
“I just don’t understand why some people are born with the soul of one person and the body of another, and then get punished for it their whole lives.”
I’ve quickly learned that ‘baby’ and ‘bitch’ are this man’s love language. If he speaks to you like a normal person, it means he doesn’t give a shit about you.
“Everyone is dirt, Beck,” he mumbles, mostly asleep. I smooth a hand over his hair, stroking it back, and kiss his forehead. “Not you, pretty boy. You’re space dust. All the colors in the universe.”
“Roman?” Scout hollers at the top of his lungs. “I have a present for you.” After a long pause, clunking footsteps give way to a sleepy-looking Rome, who must have just crawled out of a nap in his hoodie and boxers. As soon as his golden eyes land on the table, he gasps, “Oh shit.” “Do you know how to take care of…” I quit mid-sentence, because the man isn’t listening to me. He shoves past Scout, scoops up the kitten with no hesitation, and cradles it to his chest with a series of gentle crooning noises. Scout raises his eyebrows at me, like see? “What’s his name?” Roman asks, as if he thinks I adopted it from the local shelter. When I don’t answer, he glances up and finally notices my injuries. Instead of asking if I’m alright, he looks down at the kitten with solemn awe. “You got him good, didn’t you? You’re a fighter.”
December 7, 2023
I think I just finished reading my no.1 book of 2023, and it’s no surprise it’s a Riley Nash book.
I’ve been so excited for Dallas and Beck’s stories since reading “Bad Dogs”, and I was even more excited when I found out we’d get their stories together. Best friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and it was done so perfectly in “Pretty Dogs”.
Even before Dallas and Beck’s romantic relationship started, they had a deep bond and love for each other. Before moving into the house with Scout and Roman, the two of them had been living together in Becks trailer since Beck found Dallas lost with no where to go. They went from “you can stay for a week” to “I can’t fall asleep without you”. Back saved Dallas when he had no where else to go, and Dallas showed Beck that he was worth more than he thought.
Their progression from friends to lovers was so natural and easy. They had already been physically close and mildly obsessed with each other, so all that was left was the romantic intimacy. Dallas struggled a bit with his gender dystoria, but Beck was willing to do whatever it took to prove to Dallas that he loved him no matter what.
Primal kink is not something I’ve read before but I really enjoyed it and I like how it helped the two of them deal with certain things. I do feel like the way the topic was brought up was a bit unnatural? But it’s honestly the only minor complaint I have about the entire book.
I absolutely adored the newly introduced side character. Grumpy Theo and his little brother Calvin have my whole heart and I am hoping so much that Theo will get a book too.
I’ve been so excited for Dallas and Beck’s stories since reading “Bad Dogs”, and I was even more excited when I found out we’d get their stories together. Best friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and it was done so perfectly in “Pretty Dogs”.
Even before Dallas and Beck’s romantic relationship started, they had a deep bond and love for each other. Before moving into the house with Scout and Roman, the two of them had been living together in Becks trailer since Beck found Dallas lost with no where to go. They went from “you can stay for a week” to “I can’t fall asleep without you”. Back saved Dallas when he had no where else to go, and Dallas showed Beck that he was worth more than he thought.
Their progression from friends to lovers was so natural and easy. They had already been physically close and mildly obsessed with each other, so all that was left was the romantic intimacy. Dallas struggled a bit with his gender dystoria, but Beck was willing to do whatever it took to prove to Dallas that he loved him no matter what.
Primal kink is not something I’ve read before but I really enjoyed it and I like how it helped the two of them deal with certain things. I do feel like the way the topic was brought up was a bit unnatural? But it’s honestly the only minor complaint I have about the entire book.
I absolutely adored the newly introduced side character. Grumpy Theo and his little brother Calvin have my whole heart and I am hoping so much that Theo will get a book too.
December 5, 2023
I want him to know my truth - that I'm build of stories and scars, not chromosomes.
🌟 Star Rating - 4/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 3/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Trans Rep
🖤 Best Friends to Lovers
❤️ Opposites Attract
🖤 Primal Kink
❤️ Hurt/Comfort
You run and I hunt you...
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
I absolutely loved the first book in the series and wasn't sure if the second would be able to measure up to it, but it definitely did. Dallas and Beck were adorable and I loved them as much as in the first book. I was just goo reading them and how really they were oblivious sweethearts. Riley Nash has a major talent for writing deep powerful stories, this being one of them with the hard-hitting emotion and hurt involved. Whilst it was deeply emotional, the two MCs were the sweetness the book needed and I felt it was the perfect balance of character development and storyline. A few niggles held me back from a full five stars, but nothing to take away from the story. Overall another awesome read from a favourite author of mine.
🌟 Star Rating - 4/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 3/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Trans Rep
🖤 Best Friends to Lovers
❤️ Opposites Attract
🖤 Primal Kink
❤️ Hurt/Comfort
You run and I hunt you...
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
I absolutely loved the first book in the series and wasn't sure if the second would be able to measure up to it, but it definitely did. Dallas and Beck were adorable and I loved them as much as in the first book. I was just goo reading them and how really they were oblivious sweethearts. Riley Nash has a major talent for writing deep powerful stories, this being one of them with the hard-hitting emotion and hurt involved. Whilst it was deeply emotional, the two MCs were the sweetness the book needed and I felt it was the perfect balance of character development and storyline. A few niggles held me back from a full five stars, but nothing to take away from the story. Overall another awesome read from a favourite author of mine.
December 9, 2023
5⭐️ LOVED Dallas and Beck’s story! I was a little worried that I wouldn’t because I didn’t really connect with Bad Dogs, but this one was completely different and reminiscent of Riley’s other series which I adore.
Dallas and Beck are complex, sad boys with devastating histories and so much love and devotion for one another. Watching them pine for each other, the heat, the groveling, the longing, the intensity of their love… I could not put this book down. A top read.
Dallas and Beck are complex, sad boys with devastating histories and so much love and devotion for one another. Watching them pine for each other, the heat, the groveling, the longing, the intensity of their love… I could not put this book down. A top read.
December 10, 2023
This book was highly anticipated for me as Beck and Dallas were my favorite parts in the first book of this series.
I LOVED Dallas and Beck's progression to friends to more. Lowkey they were basically dating the whole time tho. Every time Beck called Dallas "baby" I swooned. I loved how they were both so aware of the other and you could see the care that they each had. The flashback to their first meeting was so on point for both of them. Dallas' hesitancy throughout was heartbreaking to read but I'm glad he has someone like Beck and that they had an actual conversation about it. Dallas' trust in Beck was so pure.
There were a few subplots that I felt weren't necessary to the story and a few things I felt were a bit unbelievable. I also thought the kink was going to be a bigger part of the plot based on the teasers for this book but it wasn't as prominent as I thought it was going to be. But overall none of that made me enjoy the book any less.
Anyway, I'm angling for a book about Theo and hopefully more of Calvin! I loved how Beck and Dallas were sort of his pseudo-dads at one point. I thought Dallas came a long way from not wanting anything to do with being sort of a role model figure to actually becoming that for Calvin along with Beck.
Also just another appreciation for Beck bc he was so hot 🥵
* i received an arc and this is my honest review *
I LOVED Dallas and Beck's progression to friends to more. Lowkey they were basically dating the whole time tho. Every time Beck called Dallas "baby" I swooned. I loved how they were both so aware of the other and you could see the care that they each had. The flashback to their first meeting was so on point for both of them. Dallas' hesitancy throughout was heartbreaking to read but I'm glad he has someone like Beck and that they had an actual conversation about it. Dallas' trust in Beck was so pure.
There were a few subplots that I felt weren't necessary to the story and a few things I felt were a bit unbelievable. I also thought the kink was going to be a bigger part of the plot based on the teasers for this book but it wasn't as prominent as I thought it was going to be. But overall none of that made me enjoy the book any less.
Anyway, I'm angling for a book about Theo and hopefully more of Calvin! I loved how Beck and Dallas were sort of his pseudo-dads at one point. I thought Dallas came a long way from not wanting anything to do with being sort of a role model figure to actually becoming that for Calvin along with Beck.
Also just another appreciation for Beck bc he was so hot 🥵
* i received an arc and this is my honest review *
January 7, 2026
6 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
literally cannot see through my tears or breathe through my sobs. i don’t know what more to say than this was fucking perfect and i love all these boys so much.
(is it greedy to say i want a theo book?)
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
literally cannot see through my tears or breathe through my sobs. i don’t know what more to say than this was fucking perfect and i love all these boys so much.
(is it greedy to say i want a theo book?)
December 6, 2023
*I received a free ARC of this book via GRR in exchange for me honest review.
Aw this book really gave me all the feels.
This book gets off to a slower start than most of Riley Nash’s other books but I enjoyed getting so much of Dallas and Beck’s background and history.
I’m a total sucker for best friends to lovers and this didn’t disappoint. I would have like a bit more tension between them in the build up and whilst I enjoyed the spicy scenes, they didn’t always feel like they fit with where they were at in the story.
I thought Beck coming up with primal play as an initial solution to Dallas’ holdups felt a bit far fetched and I there was another spicy scene that just didn’t feel like it happened in quite the right setting.
This is probably some of the best trans rep I’ve read. I found Dallas was a complex character and written really well. I loved Beck so much 😭 I thought Theo and Calvin were brilliant side characters and I especially loved Roman’s parts in this story too.
Overall this story felt thoughtfully written and I definitely want a Theo story!
Aw this book really gave me all the feels.
This book gets off to a slower start than most of Riley Nash’s other books but I enjoyed getting so much of Dallas and Beck’s background and history.
I’m a total sucker for best friends to lovers and this didn’t disappoint. I would have like a bit more tension between them in the build up and whilst I enjoyed the spicy scenes, they didn’t always feel like they fit with where they were at in the story.
I thought Beck coming up with primal play as an initial solution to Dallas’ holdups felt a bit far fetched and I there was another spicy scene that just didn’t feel like it happened in quite the right setting.
This is probably some of the best trans rep I’ve read. I found Dallas was a complex character and written really well. I loved Beck so much 😭 I thought Theo and Calvin were brilliant side characters and I especially loved Roman’s parts in this story too.
Overall this story felt thoughtfully written and I definitely want a Theo story!
December 25, 2023
Rating - 4.5 Stars
I love friends-to-lovers and Beck and Dallas hit just right. Absolutely codependent, “I can’t sleep without you” best friends. Beck’s touch-him-and-die protectiveness. Beck’s caretaking - braiding Dallas’ hair, helping him with his injections religiously 😍😍
“How am I going to tell my future partner that Beck will kill them if they try to touch my hair?”
“He always watches me like I’m his god and he’s the zealot who’s going to burn down the whole world and lay the ashes at my feet.”
The primal kink was hot (that last scene?! 🥵) I also love how they discussed pretty at length the logistics and what Dallas was comfortable with before getting physical.
My main niggles revolved around the logistics of some of the plot (Beck getting out of the gang - how?, Dallas’ mom, how they afford certain things, etc.) but I can get past a lot of that because I just love these characters so much.
The found family vibes were, once again, top tier. Tied with Beck & Dallas taking their relationship to the next level, watching these boys just live and love each other so fiercely gave me all the feels. And all the physical affection they show each other 🥺
“I adopted Roman, you adopted Dallas. Maybe it’s their turn to adopt someone. Like little birdies leaving the nest. Except no one leaves our nest because we’re too codependent to function apart. Someone should probably warn the new kids about that.”
Some of my favorite moments:
- The Kidz Bop soundtrack in their car 💀💀
- the scene where Dallas is baking and Calvin brings Beck cookies
- Dallas going to the ER to pick up Calvin
“I didn’t believe in soulmates - platonic or otherwise - until I met mine.”
“For good. Forever. Because nothing about us has ever been casual.”
I love friends-to-lovers and Beck and Dallas hit just right. Absolutely codependent, “I can’t sleep without you” best friends. Beck’s touch-him-and-die protectiveness. Beck’s caretaking - braiding Dallas’ hair, helping him with his injections religiously 😍😍
“How am I going to tell my future partner that Beck will kill them if they try to touch my hair?”
“He always watches me like I’m his god and he’s the zealot who’s going to burn down the whole world and lay the ashes at my feet.”
The primal kink was hot (that last scene?! 🥵) I also love how they discussed pretty at length the logistics and what Dallas was comfortable with before getting physical.
My main niggles revolved around the logistics of some of the plot (Beck getting out of the gang - how?, Dallas’ mom, how they afford certain things, etc.) but I can get past a lot of that because I just love these characters so much.
The found family vibes were, once again, top tier. Tied with Beck & Dallas taking their relationship to the next level, watching these boys just live and love each other so fiercely gave me all the feels. And all the physical affection they show each other 🥺
“I adopted Roman, you adopted Dallas. Maybe it’s their turn to adopt someone. Like little birdies leaving the nest. Except no one leaves our nest because we’re too codependent to function apart. Someone should probably warn the new kids about that.”
Some of my favorite moments:
- The Kidz Bop soundtrack in their car 💀💀
- the scene where Dallas is baking and Calvin brings Beck cookies
- Dallas going to the ER to pick up Calvin
“I didn’t believe in soulmates - platonic or otherwise - until I met mine.”
“For good. Forever. Because nothing about us has ever been casual.”
April 24, 2024
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: found family, hurt / comfort, kink
Riley Nash is back with another beautiful, intense and raw story! Dallas and Beck’s story was a rollercoaster of emotions, and Riley truly excels at writing these kind of characters - surrounded by gritty realities, desperation and broken dreams - without making it feel entirely hopeless.
Dallas had my entire heart and I just wanted to hug and protect him… I loved to follow his PoV and how things developed between him and Beck. Their friendship was beautiful, and I liked the glimpses of their past that were shared. Their relationship progress felt very natural and almost inevitable considering their connection.
Beck’s past was haunting and his frustrations, the way he was trapped by circumstances and his past made my heart ache. He was always there for Dallas though, fiercely protective and oh so possessive of him, I was totally there for it though, and their dynamic and chemistry was amazing.
And the kink… Beck and Dallas most certainly can’t make fun of Scout and Roman for being kinky anymore, that’s for sure. Their primal play was really hot and I liked how it had been sort of a long time fantasy for Dallas. The vulnerability between Beck and Dallas when it came to their more intimate moments was almost palpable, and it also showed how much trust they had for each other. They were just so precious together!
Pretty Dog was an emotional and intense story that had me captivated all the way through. I love this little found family that keeps growing, and it was great to see Roman and Scout again. It was also so cute and heart-warming to see both Beck and Dallas with Calvin, I really loved their interactions. It made my heart happy to see how they all took care of and supported each other, and I really hope that I’ll get to see more of these guys!
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: found family, hurt / comfort, kink
Riley Nash is back with another beautiful, intense and raw story! Dallas and Beck’s story was a rollercoaster of emotions, and Riley truly excels at writing these kind of characters - surrounded by gritty realities, desperation and broken dreams - without making it feel entirely hopeless.
Dallas had my entire heart and I just wanted to hug and protect him… I loved to follow his PoV and how things developed between him and Beck. Their friendship was beautiful, and I liked the glimpses of their past that were shared. Their relationship progress felt very natural and almost inevitable considering their connection.
Beck’s past was haunting and his frustrations, the way he was trapped by circumstances and his past made my heart ache. He was always there for Dallas though, fiercely protective and oh so possessive of him, I was totally there for it though, and their dynamic and chemistry was amazing.
And the kink… Beck and Dallas most certainly can’t make fun of Scout and Roman for being kinky anymore, that’s for sure. Their primal play was really hot and I liked how it had been sort of a long time fantasy for Dallas. The vulnerability between Beck and Dallas when it came to their more intimate moments was almost palpable, and it also showed how much trust they had for each other. They were just so precious together!
Pretty Dog was an emotional and intense story that had me captivated all the way through. I love this little found family that keeps growing, and it was great to see Roman and Scout again. It was also so cute and heart-warming to see both Beck and Dallas with Calvin, I really loved their interactions. It made my heart happy to see how they all took care of and supported each other, and I really hope that I’ll get to see more of these guys!
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 22, 2023
Dallas and Beck ❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
✅Friends to lovers
✅Primal play
✅High emotion
Holy hell, I loved this couple!! There is so much here to unpack and I'm not even gonna try so I'm going to be vague and choose not to spoil a sentence of this story...it was just that good. I highly recommend reading especially if you've read the first story in this series, you've seen these characters before and if you wanted to see their story.... you get it, and it's phenomenal!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
✅Friends to lovers
✅Primal play
✅High emotion
Holy hell, I loved this couple!! There is so much here to unpack and I'm not even gonna try so I'm going to be vague and choose not to spoil a sentence of this story...it was just that good. I highly recommend reading especially if you've read the first story in this series, you've seen these characters before and if you wanted to see their story.... you get it, and it's phenomenal!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
December 17, 2023
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
Riley Nash is such an amazing writer. His talent knows no bounds and I’m always in awe of how much emotion he can infuse into a story (and from a reader). Pretty Dogs is the second book in the Dirty Strays series. Dallas and Beck are pure fire! I literally cannot decide which character I love more, both of them are so captivating. I loved every bit of new information I discovered about them, good or not. The trans rep in this book is so beautiful and honest, it touched my soul.
This book is somewhat of a slow burn, but it’s a a journey of love and perfectly encapsulates the friendship and found family that Beck and Dallas have built. I loved every moment of this book, even the terrifying ones. When Dallas and Beck finally come to terms with how they feel about one another, all bets are off. I absolutely love that they declare their love *before* things get down and dirty. (And believe me, they can get real dirty). It’s obvious how much they care for one another and taking things to the next level just amplifies their love and admiration for one another. I love their dedication and I love their love.
Dallas and Beck definitely have some hurdles to overcome. Dallas is dealing with dysphoria and Beck is dealing with gang ties. That said, these two best friends have each other’s backs, and they are ready to fight for a happy life together. (Have I told you how much I love the best friends to lovers trope)?
Beck and Dallas bond over the respective loss of their mothers. Even though their situations are completely different, it’s forms an unbreakable connection between them. What Beck divulges to Dallas later in the book is selfless and unconditional. It’s one of many memorable moments in this story. It was great seeing Scout and Roman again in this novel. Calvin and Theo are good additions. I hope Theo gets his own book! The epilogue is sweet (and seasonal, since it features Christmas). I really recommend this book. It’s such a spectacular and emotional experience. Check it out!
Note: There are some themes that may be sensitive to readers, so be sure to check out this book’s Content Advisory.
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
Riley Nash is such an amazing writer. His talent knows no bounds and I’m always in awe of how much emotion he can infuse into a story (and from a reader). Pretty Dogs is the second book in the Dirty Strays series. Dallas and Beck are pure fire! I literally cannot decide which character I love more, both of them are so captivating. I loved every bit of new information I discovered about them, good or not. The trans rep in this book is so beautiful and honest, it touched my soul.
This book is somewhat of a slow burn, but it’s a a journey of love and perfectly encapsulates the friendship and found family that Beck and Dallas have built. I loved every moment of this book, even the terrifying ones. When Dallas and Beck finally come to terms with how they feel about one another, all bets are off. I absolutely love that they declare their love *before* things get down and dirty. (And believe me, they can get real dirty). It’s obvious how much they care for one another and taking things to the next level just amplifies their love and admiration for one another. I love their dedication and I love their love.
Dallas and Beck definitely have some hurdles to overcome. Dallas is dealing with dysphoria and Beck is dealing with gang ties. That said, these two best friends have each other’s backs, and they are ready to fight for a happy life together. (Have I told you how much I love the best friends to lovers trope)?
Beck and Dallas bond over the respective loss of their mothers. Even though their situations are completely different, it’s forms an unbreakable connection between them. What Beck divulges to Dallas later in the book is selfless and unconditional. It’s one of many memorable moments in this story. It was great seeing Scout and Roman again in this novel. Calvin and Theo are good additions. I hope Theo gets his own book! The epilogue is sweet (and seasonal, since it features Christmas). I really recommend this book. It’s such a spectacular and emotional experience. Check it out!
Note: There are some themes that may be sensitive to readers, so be sure to check out this book’s Content Advisory.
December 13, 2023
”You own me, baby,” he says hoarsely. “I’ll do anything.”
This series is really something unique and special that Riley Nash has created, I loved the first book and I love this one. Dallas and Beck’s story is beautifully told, tough to read in parts because of how heartbreaking it is and carries themes of hope and found family and staying true to yourself through out that I was genuinely moved by.
These two are soulmates in the truest sense and eking out and existence in a desolate place, building something warm and authentic and loving. The tone is so intimate and raw with connection initially and then explodes with pure fire and chemistry when these two transition from best friends to lovers. Both with their heartbreaking pasts, hurts and so much trauma coming together to heal was stunning to read.
I also loved the parts with Theo and Calvin and I loved seeing Scout and Roman again
The writing was perfectly paced and it moved seamlessly between the past and present and had Riley’s emotionally rich signature stamp all over it and I highly recommend checking it out.
Expect:
* Best friends to lovers
* Found family
* Healing
* Trans rep
* Slow burn
* Hurt comfort
* Primal kink
* Possessive MC
* Virgin MC
* Opposites attract
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Quotes:
Every single person deserves to be desired, wholly and passionately, exactly as they are. At least, that’s my dream.
“It’s cute that you think you could leave after you just gave me permission to hunt you,” I murmur, brushing my thumb through the hollow of his throat as he goes still underneath me.
But this is what we do. We love the things that shouldn’t be alive. We fight the rules of nature, because fuck whatever says that we have to stay the way we were born. The things that should poison us just make us stronger. Even though we shouldn’t be here, in a place meant for something beautiful, we find the cracks and we grow toward the light.
This series is really something unique and special that Riley Nash has created, I loved the first book and I love this one. Dallas and Beck’s story is beautifully told, tough to read in parts because of how heartbreaking it is and carries themes of hope and found family and staying true to yourself through out that I was genuinely moved by.
These two are soulmates in the truest sense and eking out and existence in a desolate place, building something warm and authentic and loving. The tone is so intimate and raw with connection initially and then explodes with pure fire and chemistry when these two transition from best friends to lovers. Both with their heartbreaking pasts, hurts and so much trauma coming together to heal was stunning to read.
I also loved the parts with Theo and Calvin and I loved seeing Scout and Roman again
The writing was perfectly paced and it moved seamlessly between the past and present and had Riley’s emotionally rich signature stamp all over it and I highly recommend checking it out.
Expect:
* Best friends to lovers
* Found family
* Healing
* Trans rep
* Slow burn
* Hurt comfort
* Primal kink
* Possessive MC
* Virgin MC
* Opposites attract
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Quotes:
Every single person deserves to be desired, wholly and passionately, exactly as they are. At least, that’s my dream.
“It’s cute that you think you could leave after you just gave me permission to hunt you,” I murmur, brushing my thumb through the hollow of his throat as he goes still underneath me.
But this is what we do. We love the things that shouldn’t be alive. We fight the rules of nature, because fuck whatever says that we have to stay the way we were born. The things that should poison us just make us stronger. Even though we shouldn’t be here, in a place meant for something beautiful, we find the cracks and we grow toward the light.
June 4, 2025
Contemporary MM
Trans MC
Friends To Lovers
Hurt/Comfort
Virgin MC
Primal Play
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
When I was going through my TBR I saw this book and was wondering why I didn’t read it sooner, considering I read book one in the series last year. Well. Once I got about 10% in I remembered: this world… and these characters made me so unbelievably sad. I love Riley Nash books and I love these characters so much but their circumstances and struggles just broke my heart. It’s so realistic and ugh, that just breaks my heart more.
Dallas and Beck are best friends that live together (with Scout and Roman from book one) and they have no problem with their obsession for each other. Dallas and Beck are just always there for each other and it’s an easy move from friends to lovers. Even though Dallas struggles with gender dysphoria, Beck is all in and is constantly supportive. The spice is really good - they go from so loving and shyly intimate to batshit insane primal play. It’s wild.
I really hope there is another book in the series for some characters that were introduced. It’ll make me sad, but I know it’ll be so worth it.
Trans MC
Friends To Lovers
Hurt/Comfort
Virgin MC
Primal Play
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
When I was going through my TBR I saw this book and was wondering why I didn’t read it sooner, considering I read book one in the series last year. Well. Once I got about 10% in I remembered: this world… and these characters made me so unbelievably sad. I love Riley Nash books and I love these characters so much but their circumstances and struggles just broke my heart. It’s so realistic and ugh, that just breaks my heart more.
Dallas and Beck are best friends that live together (with Scout and Roman from book one) and they have no problem with their obsession for each other. Dallas and Beck are just always there for each other and it’s an easy move from friends to lovers. Even though Dallas struggles with gender dysphoria, Beck is all in and is constantly supportive. The spice is really good - they go from so loving and shyly intimate to batshit insane primal play. It’s wild.
I really hope there is another book in the series for some characters that were introduced. It’ll make me sad, but I know it’ll be so worth it.
December 6, 2023
Umm and why exactly this book had to end??
Beck and Dallas are EVERYTHING. I'm not ashamed to say that I loved this book even more than Bad Dogs.
It was vulnerable, hurt as hell AND had so much love and acceptance. Found family? Trans rep? Pretty Dogs has it all.
I really loved the addition of a few new characters -- they showed even more colours in Beck and Dallas, helped them to come at peace with themselves, and I totally can see the guys making the future they're dreaming of.
I teared up so many times that I lost count. There was a constant lump in my throat for half a book, AND I'M HERE FOR IT. Beck and Dallas go to my safety pocket for sure.
**Got a chance to review an ARC**
Beck and Dallas are EVERYTHING. I'm not ashamed to say that I loved this book even more than Bad Dogs.
It was vulnerable, hurt as hell AND had so much love and acceptance. Found family? Trans rep? Pretty Dogs has it all.
I really loved the addition of a few new characters -- they showed even more colours in Beck and Dallas, helped them to come at peace with themselves, and I totally can see the guys making the future they're dreaming of.
I teared up so many times that I lost count. There was a constant lump in my throat for half a book, AND I'M HERE FOR IT. Beck and Dallas go to my safety pocket for sure.
**Got a chance to review an ARC**
December 11, 2023
Without a before, you can’t have an after.
4.5⭐
I will admit that I am fairly new to Riley Nash’s books. A few months ago, while I was on a string of buddy reads with a friend, my friend told me about a new book she wanted to read from this author (Teach Me to Sin) and since I was the one who chose the last couple of books I thought it was fair we did her choice now and said why not? And became instantly obsessed with RN. Immediately subscribed to the newsletter, checked when the next book was coming, and marked my calendar to alert me to it (even though I had not read Dirty Strays #1). So imagine my delight when I was approved for this ARC.
In all fairness, I should’ve finished this book about 3 days ago. But it is hard to finish a book, when you constantly have to keep taking long breaks from the emotional connection you feel reading it (aka the crying fits, the damn crying fits), because the book not only plucks your heartstrings, but with every new chapter bares your soul naked, and while you are accompanying these characters in their journey it allows you to grief with them, accept your own grief, helps you accept your own choices and makes you proud of where you stand right now because of such choices. Yeah, this is my way to say, without dumping TMI in here, that I related to some of these guys' circumstances, deeply.
This alone is a testament of Riley Nash’s writing. No one does hurt/comfort like Riley Nash.
And of course, the romance part did not disappoint. Dallas and Beck are best friends, for all intents and purposes have been pretty much married to each other since 5 minutes after they met, even if they are the only ones who have not realized it yet. So watching them go from that obliviousness to ‘oh, sh*t, you are truly my soulmate and I love you more than anything in this world, and I mean not in a platonic way’ felt perfect. I could go on and on on why best friends to lovers is the superior trope, but the truth is it goes beyond that, because bottom line, what do we all aspire to? To have someone who sees our neuroses, all our dark and uneven edges, all the stupid decisions we make because we crave to feel loved, all the brave and yet alienating ones that we take because we want something better, something that feels right, because every single cell in our body screams at us to be true to ourselves, even if we are not quite sure what that true is, and love us not despite all of that but because all of that. Someone who doesn’t save us, but gives us the time and space to save ourselves while opening our hearts to love, to love them, to love ourselves. And that is exactly what Dallas and Beck are to each other. As I said, perfect.
And talking about, Dallas, he is a trans man, and even though there is a lot of discussion and acknowledgement of the dysphoria that unfortunately comes with that for him when getting into a relationship or simply living life, imho Nash, as he did in book 1 with some other sensitive topics (ie: Roman's selective mutism) approaches everything with the same care, compassion and love that he approaches everything else in his writing. And it is incredibly heartwarming. Still, I would ask you to heed the CW.
Talking about CW, it is my first time reading about primal games and all I can say is WOW. Yeah, WOW. I am probably gonna start looking for more books with it. LOL.
And the found family. Oh sh*t, here go the tears again.
We’re all different here, tied together simply by the fact that we’ve learned how to love and be loved in a way that the darkness outside can’t touch.
I know I have used the word perfect a couple of times already in this review, and sure if we are being analytical, looking at the book in a cold and detached way, I could mention the few niggles I had with it, the plot holes, the parts that didn’t feel as organic as they could have been, and yet none of that matters. Because in the end, and after all the tears I shed, or perhaps because of them, in this holiday season where it can be so hard for some of us to come to terms with the decisions that we have made to protect ourselves, to free ourselves, to be authentic, reading Pretty Dogs has meant the absolute world to me.
We love the things that shouldn’t be alive. We fight the rules of nature, because fuck whatever says that we have to stay the way we were born. The things that should poison us just make us stronger. Even though we shouldn’t be here, in a place meant for something beautiful, we find the cracks and we grow toward the light.
As I said, PERFECT.
[I received an advance review copy from GRR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
P.S. Please, RN, I humbly request to have more of Theo (and Calvin, and Hobbes and all of these beautiful Dirty Strays). Thank you!
4.5⭐
I will admit that I am fairly new to Riley Nash’s books. A few months ago, while I was on a string of buddy reads with a friend, my friend told me about a new book she wanted to read from this author (Teach Me to Sin) and since I was the one who chose the last couple of books I thought it was fair we did her choice now and said why not? And became instantly obsessed with RN. Immediately subscribed to the newsletter, checked when the next book was coming, and marked my calendar to alert me to it (even though I had not read Dirty Strays #1). So imagine my delight when I was approved for this ARC.
In all fairness, I should’ve finished this book about 3 days ago. But it is hard to finish a book, when you constantly have to keep taking long breaks from the emotional connection you feel reading it (aka the crying fits, the damn crying fits), because the book not only plucks your heartstrings, but with every new chapter bares your soul naked, and while you are accompanying these characters in their journey it allows you to grief with them, accept your own grief, helps you accept your own choices and makes you proud of where you stand right now because of such choices. Yeah, this is my way to say, without dumping TMI in here, that I related to some of these guys' circumstances, deeply.
This alone is a testament of Riley Nash’s writing. No one does hurt/comfort like Riley Nash.
And of course, the romance part did not disappoint. Dallas and Beck are best friends, for all intents and purposes have been pretty much married to each other since 5 minutes after they met, even if they are the only ones who have not realized it yet. So watching them go from that obliviousness to ‘oh, sh*t, you are truly my soulmate and I love you more than anything in this world, and I mean not in a platonic way’ felt perfect. I could go on and on on why best friends to lovers is the superior trope, but the truth is it goes beyond that, because bottom line, what do we all aspire to? To have someone who sees our neuroses, all our dark and uneven edges, all the stupid decisions we make because we crave to feel loved, all the brave and yet alienating ones that we take because we want something better, something that feels right, because every single cell in our body screams at us to be true to ourselves, even if we are not quite sure what that true is, and love us not despite all of that but because all of that. Someone who doesn’t save us, but gives us the time and space to save ourselves while opening our hearts to love, to love them, to love ourselves. And that is exactly what Dallas and Beck are to each other. As I said, perfect.
And talking about, Dallas, he is a trans man, and even though there is a lot of discussion and acknowledgement of the dysphoria that unfortunately comes with that for him when getting into a relationship or simply living life, imho Nash, as he did in book 1 with some other sensitive topics (ie: Roman's selective mutism) approaches everything with the same care, compassion and love that he approaches everything else in his writing. And it is incredibly heartwarming. Still, I would ask you to heed the CW.
Talking about CW, it is my first time reading about primal games and all I can say is WOW. Yeah, WOW. I am probably gonna start looking for more books with it. LOL.
And the found family. Oh sh*t, here go the tears again.
We’re all different here, tied together simply by the fact that we’ve learned how to love and be loved in a way that the darkness outside can’t touch.
I know I have used the word perfect a couple of times already in this review, and sure if we are being analytical, looking at the book in a cold and detached way, I could mention the few niggles I had with it, the plot holes, the parts that didn’t feel as organic as they could have been, and yet none of that matters. Because in the end, and after all the tears I shed, or perhaps because of them, in this holiday season where it can be so hard for some of us to come to terms with the decisions that we have made to protect ourselves, to free ourselves, to be authentic, reading Pretty Dogs has meant the absolute world to me.
We love the things that shouldn’t be alive. We fight the rules of nature, because fuck whatever says that we have to stay the way we were born. The things that should poison us just make us stronger. Even though we shouldn’t be here, in a place meant for something beautiful, we find the cracks and we grow toward the light.
As I said, PERFECT.
[I received an advance review copy from GRR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
P.S. Please, RN, I humbly request to have more of Theo (and Calvin, and Hobbes and all of these beautiful Dirty Strays). Thank you!
December 7, 2023
4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
So excited that I got the ARC for this and could immediately jump into Beck and Dallas's story. Best friends to lovers with a sweet found family and themes of acceptance, such a good story with endearing characters.
After Dallas is kicked out of his house by his mother's boyfriend, Beck finds him and gives him a place to stay. Years later they are codependent best friends, who easily slip into something more serious. But with Beck unsuccessfully trying to leave his gang and Dallas striving to make life better for everyone while dealing with his own insecurities, it's not exactly an uncomplicated path to happiness.
Beck and Dallas are two characters who are just meant to be together. There's no Beck without Dallas and vice versa. Their love is big and unconditional. Dallas struggles with dysphoria and Beck is nothing but supportive, patient, and understanding. When Beck has his own fears and doubts, Dallas is there to give that support right back and belief in his courage and strength. It's a perfect give and take, and they make it seem so easy.
All around I loved this book, but like Bad Dogs I just wish it was longer! I got to 95% and didn't even realize I was that close to the end. Maybe a little more wrap up with Beck and the gang, or just them living their lives. I could read about the found family forever really. Thinking about their journeys though, it's really these little moments that make them who they are. Being proud of their small accomplishments, getting things we take for granted, is a happy ending for them.
Roman and Scout were perfect side characters, I just grew to love them even more. It makes me so happy to see Roman living such a happy life. I loved the story line with Theo and Calvin, and I'm too excited for a Theo book. Yet another great read from Riley Nash.
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• friends to lovers
• trans MC
• found family
• primal kink
• opposites attract
So excited that I got the ARC for this and could immediately jump into Beck and Dallas's story. Best friends to lovers with a sweet found family and themes of acceptance, such a good story with endearing characters.
After Dallas is kicked out of his house by his mother's boyfriend, Beck finds him and gives him a place to stay. Years later they are codependent best friends, who easily slip into something more serious. But with Beck unsuccessfully trying to leave his gang and Dallas striving to make life better for everyone while dealing with his own insecurities, it's not exactly an uncomplicated path to happiness.
Beck and Dallas are two characters who are just meant to be together. There's no Beck without Dallas and vice versa. Their love is big and unconditional. Dallas struggles with dysphoria and Beck is nothing but supportive, patient, and understanding. When Beck has his own fears and doubts, Dallas is there to give that support right back and belief in his courage and strength. It's a perfect give and take, and they make it seem so easy.
All around I loved this book, but like Bad Dogs I just wish it was longer! I got to 95% and didn't even realize I was that close to the end. Maybe a little more wrap up with Beck and the gang, or just them living their lives. I could read about the found family forever really. Thinking about their journeys though, it's really these little moments that make them who they are. Being proud of their small accomplishments, getting things we take for granted, is a happy ending for them.
Roman and Scout were perfect side characters, I just grew to love them even more. It makes me so happy to see Roman living such a happy life. I loved the story line with Theo and Calvin, and I'm too excited for a Theo book. Yet another great read from Riley Nash.
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• friends to lovers
• trans MC
• found family
• primal kink
• opposites attract
December 8, 2023
Definitely enjoyed this one way more than the first book.
I felt as though this one had much better character development than Bad Dogs.
Dallas and Beck were the kind of characters that you can’t help but get attached to.
I enjoyed their dynamic and I absolutely LOVED how possessive Beck was.
The primal play kink was done really well – it’s one of those kinks that I really enjoy especially when done this well.
Most definitely looking forward to Theo’s story.
I felt as though this one had much better character development than Bad Dogs.
Dallas and Beck were the kind of characters that you can’t help but get attached to.
I enjoyed their dynamic and I absolutely LOVED how possessive Beck was.
The primal play kink was done really well – it’s one of those kinks that I really enjoy especially when done this well.
Most definitely looking forward to Theo’s story.
April 1, 2024
Immediate first thoughts/reaction: Heartfelt and magnificent. The absolute best of Riley Nash’s writing.
UPDATED REVIEW POSTED FROM IG
If you saw my stories last weekend, you might already know this - but I’ll probably repeat it until someone tells me to STFU - THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!
Pretty Dogs is an MM 🏳️⚧️ best-friends-to-lovers story of epic proportions. I cannot say it enough, Nash must have put his soul into the complexities of these characters bc I could feel emotion flowing from every word on the page. And it wasn’t done in a way that was too emotionally compromising (for a lack of better words) because even the hardest moments were viewed with the knowledge that each MMC was not alone - that they had their people behind them.
And the ROMANCE!! The term ‘Soulmates’ takes its truest form in Beck and Dallas. The emotions, the layers, the absolute acceptance of one another *sighs dreamily* it was sensational. Beck doubted himself, his contributions to his family - Dallas faced his own fears and let the last wall of security fall between him and Beck - they healed and supported each other to make swoony lovebird pie.
Those two love birds along with the rest of the found family make up a ride or die, condependent unit that never fractures no matter how badly one of them messes up. IDK about anyone else, but that sort of unwaveringly unbreakable loyalty is what gives me my favorite kind of comfort characters.
My feelings are still all twisted up in the best way after reading, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. This book is captivating and swoony and a breath of fresh air (if the fresh air makes you cry).
UPDATED REVIEW POSTED FROM IG
If you saw my stories last weekend, you might already know this - but I’ll probably repeat it until someone tells me to STFU - THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!
Pretty Dogs is an MM 🏳️⚧️ best-friends-to-lovers story of epic proportions. I cannot say it enough, Nash must have put his soul into the complexities of these characters bc I could feel emotion flowing from every word on the page. And it wasn’t done in a way that was too emotionally compromising (for a lack of better words) because even the hardest moments were viewed with the knowledge that each MMC was not alone - that they had their people behind them.
And the ROMANCE!! The term ‘Soulmates’ takes its truest form in Beck and Dallas. The emotions, the layers, the absolute acceptance of one another *sighs dreamily* it was sensational. Beck doubted himself, his contributions to his family - Dallas faced his own fears and let the last wall of security fall between him and Beck - they healed and supported each other to make swoony lovebird pie.
Those two love birds along with the rest of the found family make up a ride or die, condependent unit that never fractures no matter how badly one of them messes up. IDK about anyone else, but that sort of unwaveringly unbreakable loyalty is what gives me my favorite kind of comfort characters.
My feelings are still all twisted up in the best way after reading, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. This book is captivating and swoony and a breath of fresh air (if the fresh air makes you cry).
January 29, 2024
Audiobook update: IDK how Riley does it, but he always finds the perfect narrators for every single character & book. I love that he doesn’t always stick to the same narrators throughout a series and it also means I discover new to me narrators that I can seek out in future! 10/10⭐️🎧
——
No one hurts my feelings and then makes up for it like Riley Nash! Book 2 in the Dirty Strays series, Pretty Dogs is the friends-to-lovers story of Dallas and Beck, and I loved it. Friends to lovers is not one of my favorite tropes, but when combined with the hurt/comfort trope typically found in Riley's books, it just works so well!
I also appreciated that there wasn't a ton of back and forth or miscommunication (the normal reasons why friends to lovers trope stresses me out). I also found this book less filled with despair (relatively speaking) than book one. Also, the primal scenes were very well done. The reasoning behind it and the execution were superb.
I do wish we had gotten a bit more about Beck's childhood and history, but what we did get was enough for the length of the book.
Also it is really tough to see Roman out here living my dream of * finding * a kitten lol.
What to expect:
-MM Romance
-Trans Rep
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Primal Kink
-Hurt/comfort
-Terrible parents
-Can't sleep in my own bed, only in yours
*I received an arc of this book, all opinions are my own*
——
No one hurts my feelings and then makes up for it like Riley Nash! Book 2 in the Dirty Strays series, Pretty Dogs is the friends-to-lovers story of Dallas and Beck, and I loved it. Friends to lovers is not one of my favorite tropes, but when combined with the hurt/comfort trope typically found in Riley's books, it just works so well!
I also appreciated that there wasn't a ton of back and forth or miscommunication (the normal reasons why friends to lovers trope stresses me out). I also found this book less filled with despair (relatively speaking) than book one. Also, the primal scenes were very well done. The reasoning behind it and the execution were superb.
I do wish we had gotten a bit more about Beck's childhood and history, but what we did get was enough for the length of the book.
Also it is really tough to see Roman out here living my dream of * finding * a kitten lol.
What to expect:
-MM Romance
-Trans Rep
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Primal Kink
-Hurt/comfort
-Terrible parents
-Can't sleep in my own bed, only in yours
*I received an arc of this book, all opinions are my own*
January 6, 2024
Pretty Dogs is the second book in Riley Nash’s Dirty Strays series (the first book, Bad Dogs, is also worth a read, but I liked this one a bit more). This is a friends-to-lovers gay romance with a transgender MMC.
Beck and Dallas have been best friends since the night Beck heard a noise outside his trailer he thought was racoons and instead found a dirty, homeless, and obviously out of place boy named Dallas digging through his trash looking for food and brought him inside to feed him the last of his macaroni. Beck’s also been in love with him for about as long as they’ve been best friends. It has never mattered to him that Dallas is trans: Dallas is Dallas. That’s all Beck has ever needed.
Dallas was thrown out (by gunpoint) of the secure, suburban home owned by his loving and supportive mother by her bigoted boyfriend when said boyfriend found his T injections one day. He was lucky enough to get his top surgery done before he was thrown out, but the abrupt ejection from his happy life at such an early age left him with gender dysphoria he’s never been able to completely get under control. He’s loved Beck for a long time, but has never dreamed Beck would return it in any way but platonically, because surely a man as into men as Beck couldn’t want someone without the whole package, and Dallas wants Beck to have the world.
I swear. These two. I wanted to wrap them in bubble wrap and pack them away so they could never be hurt ever again, but I also wanted to buy them a private park full of trees and gardens and just let them live and play there for eternity, you know? But then I’d have to let Scout and Roman live there too. It would get crowded.
From Beck’s struggles with self-worth and identity to Dallas’ gender dysphoria and self-esteem, these two broke my heart a million ways. But watching their sexual and romantic relationship bloom was so satisfying. The spice was so nice, with well-written dialogue and eventual primal play (which is one of my favorite kinks). The build up felt organic and I really appreciated the conversations about Dallas’ wants, needs, and limits.
It’s a really terrific read and I’m glad I gave into the hype.
All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. This review was written without offer or reception of compensation. Thank you.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Contemporary Romance/Found Family/Gay Romance/Kindle Unlimited/Kink Friendly/LGBTQ Romance/Spice Level 3/Transgender Romance
Beck and Dallas have been best friends since the night Beck heard a noise outside his trailer he thought was racoons and instead found a dirty, homeless, and obviously out of place boy named Dallas digging through his trash looking for food and brought him inside to feed him the last of his macaroni. Beck’s also been in love with him for about as long as they’ve been best friends. It has never mattered to him that Dallas is trans: Dallas is Dallas. That’s all Beck has ever needed.
Dallas was thrown out (by gunpoint) of the secure, suburban home owned by his loving and supportive mother by her bigoted boyfriend when said boyfriend found his T injections one day. He was lucky enough to get his top surgery done before he was thrown out, but the abrupt ejection from his happy life at such an early age left him with gender dysphoria he’s never been able to completely get under control. He’s loved Beck for a long time, but has never dreamed Beck would return it in any way but platonically, because surely a man as into men as Beck couldn’t want someone without the whole package, and Dallas wants Beck to have the world.
I swear. These two. I wanted to wrap them in bubble wrap and pack them away so they could never be hurt ever again, but I also wanted to buy them a private park full of trees and gardens and just let them live and play there for eternity, you know? But then I’d have to let Scout and Roman live there too. It would get crowded.
From Beck’s struggles with self-worth and identity to Dallas’ gender dysphoria and self-esteem, these two broke my heart a million ways. But watching their sexual and romantic relationship bloom was so satisfying. The spice was so nice, with well-written dialogue and eventual primal play (which is one of my favorite kinks). The build up felt organic and I really appreciated the conversations about Dallas’ wants, needs, and limits.
It’s a really terrific read and I’m glad I gave into the hype.
All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. This review was written without offer or reception of compensation. Thank you.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Contemporary Romance/Found Family/Gay Romance/Kindle Unlimited/Kink Friendly/LGBTQ Romance/Spice Level 3/Transgender Romance
December 9, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
What to Expect:
Trans Rep✔️
Virgin MC/ Possessive MC✔️
Best Friends to Lovers✔️
Opposites Attract✔️
Primal✨KINK✨✔️
Found Family✔️
❌Please Check TW's Before Reading❌
In Bad Dogs (the first book in the series), those little glimpses of Dallas and Beck, GAVE ME LIFE I fell in LOVE with them almost IMMEDIATELY due to their acceptance of Rome, their PATIENCE with him, & showing him what FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, & FAMILY MEANS. In Pretty Dogs, I realized why. I realized the WHY it was important for Rome to KNOW that he had them, to know that he is NOW a part of their family.
I LOVED how different Beck & Dallas were, from their backgrounds to even how they comfort, yet the way they LOVE and it's INTENSITY was EVERYTHING!!!
Their CHEMISTRY?! STOPPPPPPP! 🥵
I SWOONED over the small things that they did for each other, like Dallas baking for Beck, or when Beck PUSHED Dallas for a better opportunity because he wanted MORE for Dallas. Or the Hot wheels car SCENE?!!! STOPPPPPPP🥹 How can you NOT love that man!? gahhh BECK ILY!
At 50%, Riley Nash made me remember why I gave him the HURT/COMFORT KING title. Now, while yes, I do know WHAT the definition of what trans means, it's the WAY he put it into words. It just meant.. SO.MUCH.MORE.
It meant SO fxckn much that I bawled & I wanted to apologize & say I'm so sorry for thinking so shallowly, for just looking at the definition. For thinking that it was a 'switching of gender' instead of getting reacquainted with your SOUL.
and for that Riley Nash.... THANK YOU. Thank you for opening my eyes & for giving me such fxckn AMAZING fictional characters that it's IMPOSSIBLE not to fall in love with them and Pretty Dogs was no exception.
Thank you to Riley Nash & team for this ARC & as always, all thoughts & opinions are honest & my own
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
What to Expect:
Trans Rep✔️
Virgin MC/ Possessive MC✔️
Best Friends to Lovers✔️
Opposites Attract✔️
Primal✨KINK✨✔️
Found Family✔️
❌Please Check TW's Before Reading❌
In Bad Dogs (the first book in the series), those little glimpses of Dallas and Beck, GAVE ME LIFE I fell in LOVE with them almost IMMEDIATELY due to their acceptance of Rome, their PATIENCE with him, & showing him what FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, & FAMILY MEANS. In Pretty Dogs, I realized why. I realized the WHY it was important for Rome to KNOW that he had them, to know that he is NOW a part of their family.
I LOVED how different Beck & Dallas were, from their backgrounds to even how they comfort, yet the way they LOVE and it's INTENSITY was EVERYTHING!!!
Their CHEMISTRY?! STOPPPPPPP! 🥵
I SWOONED over the small things that they did for each other, like Dallas baking for Beck, or when Beck PUSHED Dallas for a better opportunity because he wanted MORE for Dallas. Or the Hot wheels car SCENE?!!! STOPPPPPPP🥹 How can you NOT love that man!? gahhh BECK ILY!
At 50%, Riley Nash made me remember why I gave him the HURT/COMFORT KING title. Now, while yes, I do know WHAT the definition of what trans means, it's the WAY he put it into words. It just meant.. SO.MUCH.MORE.
It meant SO fxckn much that I bawled & I wanted to apologize & say I'm so sorry for thinking so shallowly, for just looking at the definition. For thinking that it was a 'switching of gender' instead of getting reacquainted with your SOUL.
and for that Riley Nash.... THANK YOU. Thank you for opening my eyes & for giving me such fxckn AMAZING fictional characters that it's IMPOSSIBLE not to fall in love with them and Pretty Dogs was no exception.
Thank you to Riley Nash & team for this ARC & as always, all thoughts & opinions are honest & my own
December 15, 2023
Dallas • Beckham
….
“Not you, pretty boy. You’re space dust. All the colors in the universe.”
.
“Mine, Dallas. Dallas, mine. Like a heartbeat in my brain that never shuts up. But I think he just claimed me back. For good. Forever. Because nothing about us has ever been casual.”
….
Riley is my king of hurt/comfort. Words so powerful. This book felt like digging into Riley’s soul. Even though I am a very aware and empathetic person - you Riley still opened my eyes, schooled me and I thank you for that.
As for Dallas and Beck. Do you believe in meant to be? Boo… RUN 🩷.
….
The Neighbourhood - You Get Me So High
….
“I’m not an apology.” // “What hurts us will never be stronger than what we have together.” // “If he’s going to be my first real friend, I want him to know my truth–that I’m built of stories and scars, not chromosomes.” // “Who touched you?” // “No one could ever laugh at you. If they did, I’d wreck them.” // “I just don’t understand why some people are born with the soul of one person and the body of another, and then get punished for it their whole lives.” // “Because he’s the only perfect thing there is.” // “…because the one I need, the one that every atom of my body associates with safety and comfort, isn’t here.” // “Dallas is in every single box. He’s the world around the boxes, he’s the boxes, he’s everything.” // “Run.” // “A perfect, scared rabbit.” // “When there’s nothing left, I’ll still be holding you.” // “Even though we shouldn’t be here, in a place meant for something beautiful, we find the cracks and we grow toward the light.” // “I put him against the wall and kiss him until all the planets and suns melt.” 🩷.
….
….
“Not you, pretty boy. You’re space dust. All the colors in the universe.”
.
“Mine, Dallas. Dallas, mine. Like a heartbeat in my brain that never shuts up. But I think he just claimed me back. For good. Forever. Because nothing about us has ever been casual.”
….
Riley is my king of hurt/comfort. Words so powerful. This book felt like digging into Riley’s soul. Even though I am a very aware and empathetic person - you Riley still opened my eyes, schooled me and I thank you for that.
As for Dallas and Beck. Do you believe in meant to be? Boo… RUN 🩷.
….
The Neighbourhood - You Get Me So High
….
“I’m not an apology.” // “What hurts us will never be stronger than what we have together.” // “If he’s going to be my first real friend, I want him to know my truth–that I’m built of stories and scars, not chromosomes.” // “Who touched you?” // “No one could ever laugh at you. If they did, I’d wreck them.” // “I just don’t understand why some people are born with the soul of one person and the body of another, and then get punished for it their whole lives.” // “Because he’s the only perfect thing there is.” // “…because the one I need, the one that every atom of my body associates with safety and comfort, isn’t here.” // “Dallas is in every single box. He’s the world around the boxes, he’s the boxes, he’s everything.” // “Run.” // “A perfect, scared rabbit.” // “When there’s nothing left, I’ll still be holding you.” // “Even though we shouldn’t be here, in a place meant for something beautiful, we find the cracks and we grow toward the light.” // “I put him against the wall and kiss him until all the planets and suns melt.” 🩷.
….
March 30, 2024
Well, @rileynashbooks has done it again. I read Bad Dogs and Pretty Dogs back to back in like 48 hours, finished in a puddle of tears, and I AM OBSESSED. These were my last two reads for #transrightsreadathon, and they were just SO perfect. EPIC found family, incredibly nuanced characters with all kinds of rep, and just the most perfect romance 🫠🫠.
Both couples in the books are dirt poor and living on the wrong side of town. Bad Dogs tells the story of Roman and Scout in an interesting take on the typical camboy/BDSM romance. Scout recruits Roman to act as his sub for his p0rn channel, but he ends up falling for Roman as he helps him find his voice. Pretty Dogs is a best friends to lovers story - Dallas and Beck have been roommates for years, secretly pining but afraid to lose their friendship if things don't work out. When they finally realize that they have feelings for each other, they work together to find some truly creative ways to protect their future together.
While all of the guys have horrible backstories, they are all able to intuit each other's needs so well and get themselves out of some awful situations. Roman and Scout really find each other and themselves through their dom/sub relationship. Roman's experience with selective mutism is also SO well done; somehow he and Scout always figure out a way to communicate whether Roman is able to actually speak or not. Pretty Dogs focuses on Beck trying to break free of a gang he's been involved in for most of his life, while Dallas tries to navigate being in a relationship for the first time as a trans man. While they are both so uncertain at first, once they learn that they can truly trust each other's words, bodies, and intentions, they both end up feeling safe for the first time in years.
Though both books are gritty and raw, the writing is gorgeous and the romance is so swoony. This book has some of the BEST found family vibes I've ever read - these guys only have each other, but they will all sacrifice literally anything for their friendship. I'm really looking forward to more from this series (Theo's book?!), I'm SO into it and Riley's writing in general. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Both couples in the books are dirt poor and living on the wrong side of town. Bad Dogs tells the story of Roman and Scout in an interesting take on the typical camboy/BDSM romance. Scout recruits Roman to act as his sub for his p0rn channel, but he ends up falling for Roman as he helps him find his voice. Pretty Dogs is a best friends to lovers story - Dallas and Beck have been roommates for years, secretly pining but afraid to lose their friendship if things don't work out. When they finally realize that they have feelings for each other, they work together to find some truly creative ways to protect their future together.
While all of the guys have horrible backstories, they are all able to intuit each other's needs so well and get themselves out of some awful situations. Roman and Scout really find each other and themselves through their dom/sub relationship. Roman's experience with selective mutism is also SO well done; somehow he and Scout always figure out a way to communicate whether Roman is able to actually speak or not. Pretty Dogs focuses on Beck trying to break free of a gang he's been involved in for most of his life, while Dallas tries to navigate being in a relationship for the first time as a trans man. While they are both so uncertain at first, once they learn that they can truly trust each other's words, bodies, and intentions, they both end up feeling safe for the first time in years.
Though both books are gritty and raw, the writing is gorgeous and the romance is so swoony. This book has some of the BEST found family vibes I've ever read - these guys only have each other, but they will all sacrifice literally anything for their friendship. I'm really looking forward to more from this series (Theo's book?!), I'm SO into it and Riley's writing in general. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
June 25, 2024
My favorite thing about Dallas and Beck and Scout and Roman is how they all simply accept each other. Yes, they have squabbles and they get on the other's nerves sometimes, but they don't try to make anyone feel uncomfortable or ashamed of who they are. It's a beautiful portrayal of what friendship should be.
I wanted to wrap Dallas and Beck up in so many hugs. When their friendship turned to more, I was cheering with my whole heart. Throw in Dallas' mom, and my heart was bursting with happiness. I LOVE a parent positive storyline, and this delivered. As with Scout and Roman's story in the first book, nothing was easy, and the HEA was hard earned.
We're gifted some new characters, and I'm super curious, hoping we get more from them in future books.
I wanted to wrap Dallas and Beck up in so many hugs. When their friendship turned to more, I was cheering with my whole heart. Throw in Dallas' mom, and my heart was bursting with happiness. I LOVE a parent positive storyline, and this delivered. As with Scout and Roman's story in the first book, nothing was easy, and the HEA was hard earned.
We're gifted some new characters, and I'm super curious, hoping we get more from them in future books.
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