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Crimson Club #4
Left on Read
Using a dating app to find someone willing to sell their tools for cheap might be unconventional, but it wasn't like I was having any luck finding my person on them. I'm about to give up on my search for love, and tools, when Hayden messages me.
Not only is my stolen-tool problem solved, but it turns out he’s a great guy, and we quickly become friends. But the more time we spend together, the more I notice something between us.
Something that doesn’t just feel like friendship.
Something that makes me want more. Makes me want him.
Watching Hayden lose control is everything. So is knowing he can’t stay away from me, either.
Not only is my stolen-tool problem solved, but it turns out he’s a great guy, and we quickly become friends. But the more time we spend together, the more I notice something between us.
Something that doesn’t just feel like friendship.
Something that makes me want more. Makes me want him.
Watching Hayden lose control is everything. So is knowing he can’t stay away from me, either.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2024
543 people are currently reading
1452 people want to read
About the author
Willow Dixon
22 books1,335 followersWhat can I say about myself? It’s kind of like being the new kid in school and being asked to tell everyone a bit about yourself. Anyone else forget everything they’ve ever liked, thought of, and even their name in those moments?
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
March 17, 2024
4/5⭐ 3/5🌶️ 0/5😱 3/5🤣
I love this weird two-dimensional Crimson Club world.
These books aren't meant to be literary masterpieces. What they are meant to be (personal opinion) is exactly what they are, and that is entertaining, sweet, low-angst love stories.
The formula for each one is similar, the characters are usually quite different (often in a M/M contemporary romance novel i struggle to identify the POV, and here they are quite distinct from one another, and as an added aide, the chapters are identified with the name of the POV character).
This is the story of River (Zane's twin) and Hayden (a new character).
There is bi-awakening, there is miscommunication, found family and so much care for the other person's feelings. But i am actually not here to sing praises on this book. As much as i adore Willow D's books and this series has a special place in my heart, this book read like she reverse-engineered a psychology manual on safe attachment relationship practices.
There is no way this miscommunication would have happened in real life, people start talking to each other about their feelings long before it's finally happened in this story. But as stunted and artificial as the conversation flow about their relationship was, as relatable for me were both the characters.
[...] Then there's me, the guy who barely finished high school and spent ten minutes looking for my phone under my bed last night wile using my phone as a flashlight - River, some of us have been there, you adorable sweetie pie.
Hayden is shy and introverted, and characters in romance novels sometimes are, and this is what i loved here: once the guys started opening up to each other, and the 🔥 dirty talk 🔥started going, it made sense that Hayden was getting into it. Often, the shyest characters get between the sheets and the dam breaks and the filthiest filth comes out of their mouths, and i'm like - so you weren't that introverted and traumatized by your past after all. But here River laid the perfect groundwork for Hayden to open up. Believable.
Also, this happened:
[...] "Get jiggy with it?" Hayden's lips tilted up in a smile.
"I think it's from and old song?" - excuse the f* out of me, if this doesn't make the reader feel old 🤣
Anyways, i love these books.
Highly recommend for easy breezy fun reading times.
My other Crimson Club Series Reviews:
Stepbrother Dearest - ⭐⭐⭐/5
Fakers with Benefits - ⭐⭐/5
Best Served Cold - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Left on Read - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I love this weird two-dimensional Crimson Club world.
These books aren't meant to be literary masterpieces. What they are meant to be (personal opinion) is exactly what they are, and that is entertaining, sweet, low-angst love stories.
The formula for each one is similar, the characters are usually quite different (often in a M/M contemporary romance novel i struggle to identify the POV, and here they are quite distinct from one another, and as an added aide, the chapters are identified with the name of the POV character).
This is the story of River (Zane's twin) and Hayden (a new character).
There is bi-awakening, there is miscommunication, found family and so much care for the other person's feelings. But i am actually not here to sing praises on this book. As much as i adore Willow D's books and this series has a special place in my heart, this book read like she reverse-engineered a psychology manual on safe attachment relationship practices.
There is no way this miscommunication would have happened in real life, people start talking to each other about their feelings long before it's finally happened in this story. But as stunted and artificial as the conversation flow about their relationship was, as relatable for me were both the characters.
[...] Then there's me, the guy who barely finished high school and spent ten minutes looking for my phone under my bed last night wile using my phone as a flashlight - River, some of us have been there, you adorable sweetie pie.
Hayden is shy and introverted, and characters in romance novels sometimes are, and this is what i loved here: once the guys started opening up to each other, and the 🔥 dirty talk 🔥started going, it made sense that Hayden was getting into it. Often, the shyest characters get between the sheets and the dam breaks and the filthiest filth comes out of their mouths, and i'm like - so you weren't that introverted and traumatized by your past after all. But here River laid the perfect groundwork for Hayden to open up. Believable.
Also, this happened:
[...] "Get jiggy with it?" Hayden's lips tilted up in a smile.
"I think it's from and old song?" - excuse the f* out of me, if this doesn't make the reader feel old 🤣
Anyways, i love these books.
Highly recommend for easy breezy fun reading times.
My other Crimson Club Series Reviews:
Stepbrother Dearest - ⭐⭐⭐/5
Fakers with Benefits - ⭐⭐/5
Best Served Cold - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Left on Read - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
March 22, 2024
This book was kind of bizarre.
I liked the whole premise and the end was really sweet.
But everything between that was so weird.
These people talked so much. Like pages worth of paragraphs of them monologuing to each other. And it felt so unnatural. They would be talking about mental health or consent/boundaries and it would be a five paragraph speech. It really felt like the author was trying to be preachy and educate people by having her characters give each other long speeches. Really did feel like reading some sort of pamphlet or preachy educational website. Lots of skimming.
I liked the whole premise and the end was really sweet.
But everything between that was so weird.
These people talked so much. Like pages worth of paragraphs of them monologuing to each other. And it felt so unnatural. They would be talking about mental health or consent/boundaries and it would be a five paragraph speech. It really felt like the author was trying to be preachy and educate people by having her characters give each other long speeches. Really did feel like reading some sort of pamphlet or preachy educational website. Lots of skimming.
March 15, 2024
I’m officially old. Apparently this song came out in 1998. Wtf. I’ve done a lot of dancing to this. “…Get jiggy with it?” Hayden’s lips tilted up in a smile. “I think it’s from an old song?”
This was just ok. It read like a policy guideline or a textbook about a topic I have vague interest in. The dialogue felt unrealistic and forced and there was a lot of over explaining and over talking but it remained on a superficial level. There was potential for things to get deeper here with a fair few interesting things hinted at but then they didn’t eventuate into anything. In fact despite all the over talking the main trope was miscommunication.
River’s personality felt completely different to what he was like in the other books.
I don’t think it’s necessary that when someone has a bi-awakening they are instantly a sex god and perfect at everything. Hayden had more realistic insecurities but ultimately I found those two pretty boring together.
The only part that sticks in my mind is one of the characters wanting floor to ceiling bookshelves like in Beauty and the Beast. I’m with ya on that mate.
This was just ok. It read like a policy guideline or a textbook about a topic I have vague interest in. The dialogue felt unrealistic and forced and there was a lot of over explaining and over talking but it remained on a superficial level. There was potential for things to get deeper here with a fair few interesting things hinted at but then they didn’t eventuate into anything. In fact despite all the over talking the main trope was miscommunication.
River’s personality felt completely different to what he was like in the other books.
I don’t think it’s necessary that when someone has a bi-awakening they are instantly a sex god and perfect at everything. Hayden had more realistic insecurities but ultimately I found those two pretty boring together.
The only part that sticks in my mind is one of the characters wanting floor to ceiling bookshelves like in Beauty and the Beast. I’m with ya on that mate.
June 17, 2025
River + Hayden 🖤
Consent Kings | Praise | Teacher + Stripper
I think this was my favorite of the series so far. As always, Willow's banter and relationship development is just so on point. River and Hayden are what book boyfriends are made of.
Sweet baby Hayden has such low self esteem from his upbringing. He's so self conscious and doesn't feel his worth and doesn't understand how someone as attractive as River would be into him.
Then River has been made to feel like hes dumb, slow and annoying so has learned to tone himself down. But with Hayden he doesnt have to.
They were both so good for each other.
I get bummed when we dont get any ass play on a newly awakened MC. That's my only negative.
...
"You're taking me to a bookstore for our... hanging out?"
"Yeah. Is that okay?"
"Yes! I just meant...you don't read."
"No, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy wandering around a bookstore."
"My dick was currently impersonating a crowbar in my pants."
“You’re just so easy to talk to I forget to hold back.” “You never have to hold back with me,” I said honestly. “I like talking to you too. I never want you to think you have to try and be someone else or tone yourself down.”
Holy shit. I was completely naked, and he was fully clothed. “Jesus, you’re beautiful.” “What?” I croaked. “You’re beautiful, Hayden. Now, relax and let me look at you,”
“What?” he asked, his grin fading. He must have seen my expression change. “You’re beautiful,” I said softly. He widened his eyes. “I am?” I nodded and pressed a gentle kiss against his neck. “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever known.”
“That’s right, baby. Tell me, who makes you feel good?” “You do.” “Tell me who you want to fuck you.” “You. Only you.” He shuddered, some of his persona slipping. “Tell me who you belong to.” “You. Just you.” “Say my name.” “River.” “Tell me you love me.” “I love you.”
"Being in love wasn’t some sudden thing that hit out of nowhere and took your breath away. It was a thousand tiny moments that built on each other until you couldn’t breathe without them."
...
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Teacher and stripper
Consent kings
Discussing boundaries and preferences before they ever went further than kissing
Healthy communication
Praise
Accidental "baby" slip
Introvert + extrovert
Friends with benefits but was always really more.
Physically self conscious MC and the man who makes him feel beautiful ("tens didn't go for twos")
Emotionally self conscious MC and the man who tells him he's smart and interesting and worth listening to
Help each other learn their worth
Phone sex
Car sex
Strangers to lovers
Personal lap dance on stage after hours
Strict roles
Bareback
Face sitting
Rimming
Found family
Jealousy
Mine
Soft dominance
Tattooed for him
Books as a gift ("You were so happy when you saw it. I wanted you to keep feeling happy.")
Their safe word is Pterodactyl 😂
TWs:
Low self esteem
Low self worth
Dead parents
Verbal abuse suffered from family in the past
Consent Kings | Praise | Teacher + Stripper
I think this was my favorite of the series so far. As always, Willow's banter and relationship development is just so on point. River and Hayden are what book boyfriends are made of.
Sweet baby Hayden has such low self esteem from his upbringing. He's so self conscious and doesn't feel his worth and doesn't understand how someone as attractive as River would be into him.
Then River has been made to feel like hes dumb, slow and annoying so has learned to tone himself down. But with Hayden he doesnt have to.
They were both so good for each other.
I get bummed when we dont get any ass play on a newly awakened MC. That's my only negative.
...
"You're taking me to a bookstore for our... hanging out?"
"Yeah. Is that okay?"
"Yes! I just meant...you don't read."
"No, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy wandering around a bookstore."
"My dick was currently impersonating a crowbar in my pants."
“You’re just so easy to talk to I forget to hold back.” “You never have to hold back with me,” I said honestly. “I like talking to you too. I never want you to think you have to try and be someone else or tone yourself down.”
Holy shit. I was completely naked, and he was fully clothed. “Jesus, you’re beautiful.” “What?” I croaked. “You’re beautiful, Hayden. Now, relax and let me look at you,”
“What?” he asked, his grin fading. He must have seen my expression change. “You’re beautiful,” I said softly. He widened his eyes. “I am?” I nodded and pressed a gentle kiss against his neck. “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever known.”
“That’s right, baby. Tell me, who makes you feel good?” “You do.” “Tell me who you want to fuck you.” “You. Only you.” He shuddered, some of his persona slipping. “Tell me who you belong to.” “You. Just you.” “Say my name.” “River.” “Tell me you love me.” “I love you.”
"Being in love wasn’t some sudden thing that hit out of nowhere and took your breath away. It was a thousand tiny moments that built on each other until you couldn’t breathe without them."
...
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Teacher and stripper
Consent kings
Discussing boundaries and preferences before they ever went further than kissing
Healthy communication
Praise
Accidental "baby" slip
Introvert + extrovert
Friends with benefits but was always really more.
Physically self conscious MC and the man who makes him feel beautiful ("tens didn't go for twos")
Emotionally self conscious MC and the man who tells him he's smart and interesting and worth listening to
Help each other learn their worth
Phone sex
Car sex
Strangers to lovers
Personal lap dance on stage after hours
Strict roles
Bareback
Face sitting
Rimming
Found family
Jealousy
Mine
Soft dominance
Tattooed for him
Books as a gift ("You were so happy when you saw it. I wanted you to keep feeling happy.")
Their safe word is Pterodactyl 😂
TWs:
Low self esteem
Low self worth
Dead parents
Verbal abuse suffered from family in the past
April 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐
- friends with bennies
- opposites attract
- bi awakening
- all the dirty talk
River and Hayden meet on a dating app when River goes in search of someone looking to sell him tools to replace the ones that he and Zane had purchased after they had been stolen. The pair hit it off, but the communication wires get a bit crossed. River thinks they've been hanging out, Hayden thinks they've been going on dates, and when he makes his move it causes River to realize he's been bi this entire time.
Their relationship was cute, and I loved River going from sweet and silly to just absolutely filthy dirty talk, but there was just too much talking. Not that I wanted this to be pure smut or anything, but I felt like there was more telling that showing, if that makes sense. I mean pages and pages of dialogue/monologue/texts that just felt overwhelming.
- friends with bennies
- opposites attract
- bi awakening
- all the dirty talk
River and Hayden meet on a dating app when River goes in search of someone looking to sell him tools to replace the ones that he and Zane had purchased after they had been stolen. The pair hit it off, but the communication wires get a bit crossed. River thinks they've been hanging out, Hayden thinks they've been going on dates, and when he makes his move it causes River to realize he's been bi this entire time.
Their relationship was cute, and I loved River going from sweet and silly to just absolutely filthy dirty talk, but there was just too much talking. Not that I wanted this to be pure smut or anything, but I felt like there was more telling that showing, if that makes sense. I mean pages and pages of dialogue/monologue/texts that just felt overwhelming.
March 9, 2024
River is officially my favourite character in this series - Bookcase. With. Ladder 🫠🥰 That is my kryptonite and I pretty much automatically love any character who provides this!
I really liked these two together even if they were oblivious and bad at telling the other how they felt for the longest time.
I would have liked their backgrounds to be explored a bit more in depth though. They're both dealing with some trauma and relationship issues, but they don't really resolve anything. It would have been nice to see them really working through their issues together rather than kind of forgetting about it to have another sex scene.
I am looking forward to Quinn's book and I'm kind of hoping he has some flaws for us to discover, because so far he's literally perfect and mega talented and successful at literally everything! Although I do like how he provided a solution for his friends in this book.
I really liked these two together even if they were oblivious and bad at telling the other how they felt for the longest time.
I would have liked their backgrounds to be explored a bit more in depth though. They're both dealing with some trauma and relationship issues, but they don't really resolve anything. It would have been nice to see them really working through their issues together rather than kind of forgetting about it to have another sex scene.
I am looking forward to Quinn's book and I'm kind of hoping he has some flaws for us to discover, because so far he's literally perfect and mega talented and successful at literally everything! Although I do like how he provided a solution for his friends in this book.
April 5, 2025
Remember how I raved in my previous book, on how a good narrator elevates a book? Here, it ruined a mediocre one.
I know, it’s my fault, too. I KNEW that there’s a chance I’ll hate the audio, because it’s dual pov and one of the characters (River) is narrated by Alexander Cendese - but I listened to the sample and thought that it’s not too bad, and decided to give it a chance. I needed something easy to keep me company while working in the garden, and this one sounded - if not perfect - then at least adequate to get the job done.
Turns out, it wasn’t. It’s a shame, because I usually like books that involve texting, but… uh. I think that my main problem was that I was listening to it. And I’m not even putting all the fault on the narration, even though I pulled the plug during one of the sex scenes narrated by Alexander Cendese 😒
I think it was because LISTENING makes it impossible to skim, and it’s a lot slower than reading, leaving enough time to ponder and overthink the things that happen. And as much as I loathe to say stuff like that, but: it felt like a an MF romance, only with men. River, whom we already know from the previous books, is an interesting character, even if he’s very hyper in everything. He has dyslexia, he works in construction and as a stripper on the weekends, and it’s a talented artist when it comes to drawing.
He tends to be self deprecating, having been compared to his “better”, “smarter” twin Zane for most of his life. And he’s straight, at least that’s what he always assumed, until he’s being kissed by….
Hayden. The other MC, a highschool teacher who’s - you guessed it - self deprecating and insecure because one guy took advantage of his feelings back then when he’s been 18.
I mean… COME ON!!! Don’t most of us have an asshole ex somewhere in our teenage past? 🙄 that’s part of growing up.
Annnywayyyy. What annoyed me to no end was his constant assuming what River wants and doesn’t want, his overthinking, and most of all, his lack of communication. He behaved like a 15 year old girl, not like a grown up teacher. And when he talked to his best friend Ryan, it’s all just “I want to be in a relationship, but he’s too good for me, so I’d rather tell him I’m not looking for one, or start distancing myself because he might ditch me in the future”.
Ffs. There are reasons why I usually stay away from MF, and this is one of them.
At 61%, I’m at a point where I’d rather NOT see them having a happy end, because their dynamics feel unhealthy. For the life of me, I have no idea why River is attracted to Hayden.
On top of that, I felt like being lectured on “how to talk it out before having sex”, preferences and safe words and all. That’s so… anticlimactic. Not that I’m against it, but geeez. Do we have to talk everything out in detail? Why talk out the sex, and miscommunicate in basically everything else?
Dnf, rating it with 2 stars mostly because I loved the cameos of previous characters ☹️
I know, it’s my fault, too. I KNEW that there’s a chance I’ll hate the audio, because it’s dual pov and one of the characters (River) is narrated by Alexander Cendese - but I listened to the sample and thought that it’s not too bad, and decided to give it a chance. I needed something easy to keep me company while working in the garden, and this one sounded - if not perfect - then at least adequate to get the job done.
Turns out, it wasn’t. It’s a shame, because I usually like books that involve texting, but… uh. I think that my main problem was that I was listening to it. And I’m not even putting all the fault on the narration, even though I pulled the plug during one of the sex scenes narrated by Alexander Cendese 😒
I think it was because LISTENING makes it impossible to skim, and it’s a lot slower than reading, leaving enough time to ponder and overthink the things that happen. And as much as I loathe to say stuff like that, but: it felt like a an MF romance, only with men. River, whom we already know from the previous books, is an interesting character, even if he’s very hyper in everything. He has dyslexia, he works in construction and as a stripper on the weekends, and it’s a talented artist when it comes to drawing.
He tends to be self deprecating, having been compared to his “better”, “smarter” twin Zane for most of his life. And he’s straight, at least that’s what he always assumed, until he’s being kissed by….
Hayden. The other MC, a highschool teacher who’s - you guessed it - self deprecating and insecure because one guy took advantage of his feelings back then when he’s been 18.
I mean… COME ON!!! Don’t most of us have an asshole ex somewhere in our teenage past? 🙄 that’s part of growing up.
Annnywayyyy. What annoyed me to no end was his constant assuming what River wants and doesn’t want, his overthinking, and most of all, his lack of communication. He behaved like a 15 year old girl, not like a grown up teacher. And when he talked to his best friend Ryan, it’s all just “I want to be in a relationship, but he’s too good for me, so I’d rather tell him I’m not looking for one, or start distancing myself because he might ditch me in the future”.
Ffs. There are reasons why I usually stay away from MF, and this is one of them.
At 61%, I’m at a point where I’d rather NOT see them having a happy end, because their dynamics feel unhealthy. For the life of me, I have no idea why River is attracted to Hayden.
On top of that, I felt like being lectured on “how to talk it out before having sex”, preferences and safe words and all. That’s so… anticlimactic. Not that I’m against it, but geeez. Do we have to talk everything out in detail? Why talk out the sex, and miscommunicate in basically everything else?
Dnf, rating it with 2 stars mostly because I loved the cameos of previous characters ☹️
dnf
March 10, 2024dnf @ 39% - i just can’t do TWO self-deprecating mmcs🥴 also, honestly, this felt like something that’s meant to educate teens on certain topics rather than a romance book. it was giving sermon lmao giving “can we just talk about the political and economical state of the world right now”💀💀 noooo can we talk about two men kissing😩😂😂 so yea it made the dialogue weird and a bit unnatural
March 7, 2024
Willow Dixon 's Crimson Club series never misses. I've LOVED every single book. Honestly, this series is criminally overlooked, and I can't recommend it enough. Each book has its own vibe, and I'm 100% here for it.
Left On Read is book 4, and we're getting River's story. River finds his HEA with Hayden, the shy teacher.
What starts off as a desperate plea for tools *literally construction tools* on a dating site leads to a bi-awakening, an emotional friend with benefits, and finally a considerate love filled partnership. If communication is your kink, look no further.
I loved River's openness. He had nothing to hide and was constantly making sweet and thoughtful gestures. Hayden was heartbreakingly shy and body shy... until he wasn't. 👀 👀
The found family vibes in this series are IMMACULATE. The guys who work at the club are brothers, and they genuinely care for each other. Jokes about the "besties council" aside, I love how they are always there for each other.
I won't lie, this book gave me a lot of feels ❤️ and I was excited to see River find his partner. Being a twin and seeing your other half find love (Zane and Noah from book 3) had to be tough, and watching River snag Hayden made me so happy.
This book is great.
This series is great.
Absolutely a favorite.
Left On Read is book 4, and we're getting River's story. River finds his HEA with Hayden, the shy teacher.
What starts off as a desperate plea for tools *literally construction tools* on a dating site leads to a bi-awakening, an emotional friend with benefits, and finally a considerate love filled partnership. If communication is your kink, look no further.
I loved River's openness. He had nothing to hide and was constantly making sweet and thoughtful gestures. Hayden was heartbreakingly shy and body shy... until he wasn't. 👀 👀
The found family vibes in this series are IMMACULATE. The guys who work at the club are brothers, and they genuinely care for each other. Jokes about the "besties council" aside, I love how they are always there for each other.
I won't lie, this book gave me a lot of feels ❤️ and I was excited to see River find his partner. Being a twin and seeing your other half find love (Zane and Noah from book 3) had to be tough, and watching River snag Hayden made me so happy.
This book is great.
This series is great.
Absolutely a favorite.
March 10, 2024
Tropes: FWB to lovers, bi awakening, miscommunication, found family
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: mild bdsm
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: dead parents, unsupportive family, bad exes, miscommunications, low self-esteem, body image issues, possible undiagnosed dyslexia and neurodivergence
River is 24 and working in construction and stripping to make ends meet. He's a twin and very close to his brother Zane. River believes in soulmates and wants to find his special person, especially because his friends have been Lucky in Love around him. He keeps communicating poorly with people though, misaligning, and getting blown off. Then his tools are stolen out of his trunk and he needs to shop around for cheap tools. He decides to advertise on a dating app that he's looking for tools just as one other place to try to find tools, and he meets up with Hayden. River thinks he's straight by the way.
Hayden is gay, about 27ish and a teacher. He has tools he doesn't use so he offers them up for sale. They start talking and doing favors for each other and it evolves to them hanging out and being friends. Hayden thinks this is leading up to dating and kisses River. River realizes he's bi. He wants a serious relationship but when Hayden says he's really just looking for casual, they agree to be friends with benefits. Hayden's not really so much looking for casual as he is extremely insecure with low self-esteem and not thinking he deserves more, not thinking he should try asking for more with a person as out of his league as he thinks River is. They get really close.
I think most people would find this a pretty decent book. It's likable characters. An emotional connection is developed as well as physical. The characters are complex. There are some deep things said about love and relationships in this book, so it doesn't glorify insta love and show love in an unrealistic way. There's a nice cast of characters in the background that are supportive.
I didn't love it though. I hate the miscommunication trope. And this one was a unique take on miscommunication that made it doubly bad. They both over communicated and miscommunicated. What I mean by that is they talked a ton about all kinds of things even tough topics and very very personal things. So they're clearly wasn't a hesitance to communicate, yes they still failed to talk about particular things and that created a lot of conflict intention in their relationship. They talk so much and over analyze. I appreciate communication and when characters are mature about things and not little babies. But this book is a lot of talking and I'm not feeling emotions coming off of them. So the words don't have the feeling behind them to back it up and they feel artificial and forced. Over communication could have also then excessive use of dialogue on the author's part, which made the story read a bit awkwardly. The author probably could have been a bit more subtle with what of the story, thoughts and feelings were conveyed via dialogue versus outside of dialogue. Sometimes it's better and more natural for the reader to learn certain things outside of dialogue. If you force everything to be in dialogue it seems like the characters are sharing too much in awkward way.
Also, the self-esteem stuff that Hayden was struggling with was a little tough on my heart to read. So, a hard book for me to enjoy.
Some notable moments:
Book lovers around the world are relating to hard "River: it’s a good movie Hayden: You watched it? River: my friends little sister loves it. We watched it one night when we were babysitting. I liked it. A full staff, singing dishes and a castle you get to live in rent free? Sign me up! Hayden: Right! Add in the library and I’m not a captive, I’m a squatter."
"Nick: can I be an honorary part of the crew? Maybe a supervisor? Nick: I just wanna wear a cool hat and hold a clipboard and look like Im important Gray: how about our mascot"
"Being in love wasn’t some sudden thing that hit out of nowhere and took your breath away. It was a thousand tiny moments that built on each other until you couldn’t breathe without them."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: mild bdsm
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: dead parents, unsupportive family, bad exes, miscommunications, low self-esteem, body image issues, possible undiagnosed dyslexia and neurodivergence
River is 24 and working in construction and stripping to make ends meet. He's a twin and very close to his brother Zane. River believes in soulmates and wants to find his special person, especially because his friends have been Lucky in Love around him. He keeps communicating poorly with people though, misaligning, and getting blown off. Then his tools are stolen out of his trunk and he needs to shop around for cheap tools. He decides to advertise on a dating app that he's looking for tools just as one other place to try to find tools, and he meets up with Hayden. River thinks he's straight by the way.
Hayden is gay, about 27ish and a teacher. He has tools he doesn't use so he offers them up for sale. They start talking and doing favors for each other and it evolves to them hanging out and being friends. Hayden thinks this is leading up to dating and kisses River. River realizes he's bi. He wants a serious relationship but when Hayden says he's really just looking for casual, they agree to be friends with benefits. Hayden's not really so much looking for casual as he is extremely insecure with low self-esteem and not thinking he deserves more, not thinking he should try asking for more with a person as out of his league as he thinks River is. They get really close.
I think most people would find this a pretty decent book. It's likable characters. An emotional connection is developed as well as physical. The characters are complex. There are some deep things said about love and relationships in this book, so it doesn't glorify insta love and show love in an unrealistic way. There's a nice cast of characters in the background that are supportive.
I didn't love it though. I hate the miscommunication trope. And this one was a unique take on miscommunication that made it doubly bad. They both over communicated and miscommunicated. What I mean by that is they talked a ton about all kinds of things even tough topics and very very personal things. So they're clearly wasn't a hesitance to communicate, yes they still failed to talk about particular things and that created a lot of conflict intention in their relationship. They talk so much and over analyze. I appreciate communication and when characters are mature about things and not little babies. But this book is a lot of talking and I'm not feeling emotions coming off of them. So the words don't have the feeling behind them to back it up and they feel artificial and forced. Over communication could have also then excessive use of dialogue on the author's part, which made the story read a bit awkwardly. The author probably could have been a bit more subtle with what of the story, thoughts and feelings were conveyed via dialogue versus outside of dialogue. Sometimes it's better and more natural for the reader to learn certain things outside of dialogue. If you force everything to be in dialogue it seems like the characters are sharing too much in awkward way.
Also, the self-esteem stuff that Hayden was struggling with was a little tough on my heart to read. So, a hard book for me to enjoy.
Some notable moments:
Book lovers around the world are relating to hard "River: it’s a good movie Hayden: You watched it? River: my friends little sister loves it. We watched it one night when we were babysitting. I liked it. A full staff, singing dishes and a castle you get to live in rent free? Sign me up! Hayden: Right! Add in the library and I’m not a captive, I’m a squatter."
"Nick: can I be an honorary part of the crew? Maybe a supervisor? Nick: I just wanna wear a cool hat and hold a clipboard and look like Im important Gray: how about our mascot"
"Being in love wasn’t some sudden thing that hit out of nowhere and took your breath away. It was a thousand tiny moments that built on each other until you couldn’t breathe without them."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
⭐︎
3.5 stars rounded up
⭐︎
Overall, a very sweet, adorable romance.
If you're in the mood for a light, fluffy, healthy romance, this one is it.
River and Hayden were truly adorable and sweet together. They click almost instantly, and have a very mature, loving relationship.
Which...was almost kind of a problem? Not too much, but okay, here me out:
Because they were so healthy from the beginning, very communicative overall, very kind and wonderful to each other...there wasn't a whole lot of conflict?
Humans are messy. And yes we all very much strive to be this fully actualized self who always communicates well, treats everyone respectfully, is always kind, etc etc....
But are we? Nah...at least, not 100% of the time. No one is perfect.
And not to say River and Hayden were perfect - they had their insecurities, their hang ups, personality quirks, all that - but...damn they almost felt as close to perfect as you could get? By that I mean that they...were just so kind to each other and everyone. They never took anything out on anyone. Anything they had to "apologize" for with each other was never all that egregious, and the other was so receptive to it and understanding and...
Does any of this make sense? I hate when there's bad communication so I'm not sneezing at the good communication at all. Or at least...that overall they had good communication. But I think I needed...something, some kind of drama between them.
There was practically none. Like the only thing is Hayden being cautious about starting anything with River because he was scared, because of previous experiences with romantic partners. Understandable, but there isn't actually a ton of push or pull on that at all.
He just says he wants "casual friends with benefits" at first, River accepts even though he's disappointed because that's what Hayden wants and he doesn't want to let go of Hayden. They go months with this "arrangement" but really they're just together, tbh, and there's not a ton of tension about them in this "casual" state.
Because honestly, they just both have a talk with Zane, process it all, realize they're in love with each other, wait a bit, then tell each other, and then everything is hunky dory.
It was all...just too easy.
This is my main reason for this 1.5 stars off. There just wasn't a lot of tension. This is the kind of relationship you want in real life, the one we all strive for, and if we ever get it, that's amazing! This is a model relationship for healthiness in real life, I think. But in fiction...well...can we get a tad more drama, maybe? A tad more human-ness? Could these two fuck up maybe once or twice? Nothing too major, but...something? Like one of them saying a shitty thing? Or getting in a fight? They don't even fight in this.
I enjoyed this a lot overall and it was just very sweet and adorable, but there was barely any drama.
River doesn't have any qualms about realizing he's bisexual - which, wonderful, but there goes an avenue for drama - Hayden doesn't have any drama at the school in which he works (a potential avenue for drama), River has some drama with his (non-stripper) job, but it gets taken care of super easily.
The main driving plot of this story was just....these two finally not putting off putting a label on their relationship. Because they're boyfriends from the get go without putting the label on it, let's be real.
But the reason I'm rounding up with this is because...sometimes reading that healthy, loving, communicative relationship is what you need. And these two were so sweet together and the love shined through, so it didn't feel right to round down.
But like...I couldn't believe that at every turn, when they talked about their likes and dislikes so thoroughly before sex, when they just straight up told each other how they felt (even though it took a long while, they was barely any hand wringing over it), etc, I was like...man is that it? Where's the drama?
It's just a very fine line between drama and melodrama. I get that it can be difficult to do. If it gets melodramatic, that's eye-roll worthy. If it's not dramatic enough, it's a tad boring. So finding that balance is hard.
But this just...went in the 'too little drama' direction and it was a detriment to the story at times.
River and Hayden were wonderful together and all, their chemistry good, but I didn't love them together. Or this story. It was good and I enjoyed it, but I wasn't wowed by it. I feel like...honestly, that River's story deserved more. Hayden was a good partner for him, no doubt, but there's so much that could have been done with these two that just wasn't.
So overall, this was just...likable. The sex was good at times, but I really struggled not to skim it near the end. I just didn't care about their sex scenes by the end, honestly. I was ready for the story to be done because there was nothing else to tell in the story. So I kinda wanted it to get to the end point and then there was a few sex scenes and I just didn't really care at that point.
Sucks to say, as River and Hayden were so great together, but it is what it is.
I'm excited to dive into the next one, though. I've been waiting for Quinn's story, so I can't wait for that.
Onto the next! 😍
My Ratings for the Crimson Club Series:
🔆 Stepbrother Dearest: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Fakers with Benefits: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Best Served Cold: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Left on Read: 3.5 stars
🔆 Dad Next Door: Currently Reading
🔆 Their Wicked Ways: Will Not Read
Overall, a very sweet, adorable romance.
If you're in the mood for a light, fluffy, healthy romance, this one is it.
River and Hayden were truly adorable and sweet together. They click almost instantly, and have a very mature, loving relationship.
Which...was almost kind of a problem? Not too much, but okay, here me out:
Because they were so healthy from the beginning, very communicative overall, very kind and wonderful to each other...there wasn't a whole lot of conflict?
Humans are messy. And yes we all very much strive to be this fully actualized self who always communicates well, treats everyone respectfully, is always kind, etc etc....
But are we? Nah...at least, not 100% of the time. No one is perfect.
And not to say River and Hayden were perfect - they had their insecurities, their hang ups, personality quirks, all that - but...damn they almost felt as close to perfect as you could get? By that I mean that they...were just so kind to each other and everyone. They never took anything out on anyone. Anything they had to "apologize" for with each other was never all that egregious, and the other was so receptive to it and understanding and...
Does any of this make sense? I hate when there's bad communication so I'm not sneezing at the good communication at all. Or at least...that overall they had good communication. But I think I needed...something, some kind of drama between them.
There was practically none. Like the only thing is Hayden being cautious about starting anything with River because he was scared, because of previous experiences with romantic partners. Understandable, but there isn't actually a ton of push or pull on that at all.
He just says he wants "casual friends with benefits" at first, River accepts even though he's disappointed because that's what Hayden wants and he doesn't want to let go of Hayden. They go months with this "arrangement" but really they're just together, tbh, and there's not a ton of tension about them in this "casual" state.
Because honestly, they just both have a talk with Zane, process it all, realize they're in love with each other, wait a bit, then tell each other, and then everything is hunky dory.
It was all...just too easy.
This is my main reason for this 1.5 stars off. There just wasn't a lot of tension. This is the kind of relationship you want in real life, the one we all strive for, and if we ever get it, that's amazing! This is a model relationship for healthiness in real life, I think. But in fiction...well...can we get a tad more drama, maybe? A tad more human-ness? Could these two fuck up maybe once or twice? Nothing too major, but...something? Like one of them saying a shitty thing? Or getting in a fight? They don't even fight in this.
I enjoyed this a lot overall and it was just very sweet and adorable, but there was barely any drama.
River doesn't have any qualms about realizing he's bisexual - which, wonderful, but there goes an avenue for drama - Hayden doesn't have any drama at the school in which he works (a potential avenue for drama), River has some drama with his (non-stripper) job, but it gets taken care of super easily.
The main driving plot of this story was just....these two finally not putting off putting a label on their relationship. Because they're boyfriends from the get go without putting the label on it, let's be real.
But the reason I'm rounding up with this is because...sometimes reading that healthy, loving, communicative relationship is what you need. And these two were so sweet together and the love shined through, so it didn't feel right to round down.
But like...I couldn't believe that at every turn, when they talked about their likes and dislikes so thoroughly before sex, when they just straight up told each other how they felt (even though it took a long while, they was barely any hand wringing over it), etc, I was like...man is that it? Where's the drama?
It's just a very fine line between drama and melodrama. I get that it can be difficult to do. If it gets melodramatic, that's eye-roll worthy. If it's not dramatic enough, it's a tad boring. So finding that balance is hard.
But this just...went in the 'too little drama' direction and it was a detriment to the story at times.
River and Hayden were wonderful together and all, their chemistry good, but I didn't love them together. Or this story. It was good and I enjoyed it, but I wasn't wowed by it. I feel like...honestly, that River's story deserved more. Hayden was a good partner for him, no doubt, but there's so much that could have been done with these two that just wasn't.
So overall, this was just...likable. The sex was good at times, but I really struggled not to skim it near the end. I just didn't care about their sex scenes by the end, honestly. I was ready for the story to be done because there was nothing else to tell in the story. So I kinda wanted it to get to the end point and then there was a few sex scenes and I just didn't really care at that point.
Sucks to say, as River and Hayden were so great together, but it is what it is.
I'm excited to dive into the next one, though. I've been waiting for Quinn's story, so I can't wait for that.
Onto the next! 😍
My Ratings for the Crimson Club Series:
🔆 Stepbrother Dearest: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Fakers with Benefits: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Best Served Cold: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Left on Read: 3.5 stars
🔆 Dad Next Door: Currently Reading
🔆 Their Wicked Ways: Will Not Read
March 26, 2024
This felt loosely done.
It was cute up until about 60%. I really enjoyed the absurd meet cute. Would’ve appreciated a bit more time spent on River realising he’s bi, especially the sex part. Some of the dialogue around social commentary was 150% right up my alley, fully agree Willow, fuck capitalism, fuck the patriarchy, eat the rich, long live mental health, but it wasn’t smooth and it jarred me out of the story.
Around 60% there’s a four ish month time jump where nothing has really progressed, and suddenly side characters are given PAGES of dialogue to try to convince our mains to get together for real. And there’s really zero reason why they haven’t, and I was annoyed right from day one when Hayden said he only wanted to be FWB when clearly both these guys wanted a relationship.
The rest of the book became so frustrating to me after an entire chapter of Zane telling Hayden that River wants a relationship that I just skimmed.
It was cute up until about 60%. I really enjoyed the absurd meet cute. Would’ve appreciated a bit more time spent on River realising he’s bi, especially the sex part. Some of the dialogue around social commentary was 150% right up my alley, fully agree Willow, fuck capitalism, fuck the patriarchy, eat the rich, long live mental health, but it wasn’t smooth and it jarred me out of the story.
Around 60% there’s a four ish month time jump where nothing has really progressed, and suddenly side characters are given PAGES of dialogue to try to convince our mains to get together for real. And there’s really zero reason why they haven’t, and I was annoyed right from day one when Hayden said he only wanted to be FWB when clearly both these guys wanted a relationship.
The rest of the book became so frustrating to me after an entire chapter of Zane telling Hayden that River wants a relationship that I just skimmed.
August 23, 2024
What.the.hell. Like seriously. 1.5⭐
River's book was the worst so far. Where did the author pull these characters from?
So much of completely unrealistic bullshit, not to mention the whole story is a replica of all the other tropes and ideas that have already been used in all three books so far.
Boring, repetitive, stretched out sex scenes and a shitty bi-awakening.
I expected more for River.
🟢 Dating app, blind non date
🟣 Gay/bi-awakening
🟡 Teacher/male stripper
🔵 Unlikely match (one character completely out of other's league)
🟣 Timeline - 4 months
🟢 Miscommunication
🟠 Completely same as the previous book, same scenario, words, even events
🌶️ Repetitive, boring; I was over it, skipped a few, the mandatory wall sex that's in every book, the same sequence of sex positions, the chubby guy who has a problem with his small belly, same same same; t/b
In this one the unlikely couple was even more unlikely - with Zane and Noah it was passable, it could happen, but with River and Hayden?
Girl, please.
Tell me this. If you're a male stripper that trained a bit of gymnastics, knows how to dance like crazy, is tall, ripped, hot, tattooed, but somehow, somehow you've got this idea that noone wants you and you meet a below average guy who gives you your bi-awakening - and suddenly you, the ripped hot AF dancer are down for forever.
Give me a break.
If River had his bi-awakening in real life and he'd be working as a MALE STRIPPER, would that really be the outcome? Would it?
Working around a mid guy for 4 months just to officially become his boyfriend?
"Jealousy rose in my chest at the thought of River dancing for a crowd of screaming women."
"Outwardly he seemed like he was having the time of his life, grinding along to the music and teasing the audience, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. He was putting on a show and wasn’t as into it as he was pretending."
HE'S A STRIPPER. IT'S HIS FUCKING JOB!
Stripping is River's job and this guy is going over there checking if River is emotionally or physically invested in customers? Like -- ok, great, now I can see he's not enjoying it and I can sleep at night.
Don't those tips come from him putting on a good show??
"I felt better now that I understood his job, but I wasn’t comfortable with the amount of jealousy I’d felt seeing women fawn over him."
This has to be a joke.
Really.
I mean if I were Hayden and River would suddenly realise he's bi, I'd be more worried about that one night per month when the club has an LGBT night and the hot men come over.
But fine, Hayden's so fixated on women customers - women that River, the hot male stripper with tattoos has absolutely no luck with - when what he should really be worrying about is this sexy baby bi now suddenly realising there's a lot of hot guys out there and they most likely want to fuck him!
But fine, let's go with his story.
“You finally get it.”
“Get what?” I asked Noah, not tearing my gaze from River.
“What a rush it is knowing all these jagoffs would do anything to get him to look twice at them and you get to go home with him.”
That's all good and dandy but the problem for River was that he didn't get any women. At all. He was always dumped or stood up. That was the point. It didn't seem like anyone was fawning over the guy.
So these ladies - pardon, jagoffs - screaming and watching him aren't your problem, Hayden.
I get the apprehension about bi guys, I definitely do, but the whole thing was just stupidly written. It wasn't good.
Hayden and River were as boring as can be, River was down for being bi in a heartbeat and even more down for having a forever relationship with the first guy he kissed -- and let's face it, River dated down, so no
“Our best friends work there too, so it’s our escape from reality."
This was mentioned in two books already. How is stripping escape from reality? It's facing reality, that's what it is, it's having to strip otherwise you're homeless kind of reality.
I'm shocked and mortified that this lasted for 330 pages. It delivered absolutely nothing.
March 14, 2024
* 3.5 stars *
This was pretty average. It had a good beginning, with the characters connecting through a dating app and becoming friends, but it moved too fast.
River switching gears so easily and embracing his newly discovered bi identity was actually nice. There was no bi freak out.
I wished for more page time with just Zane and River. I'm glad Zane was present in many scenes, but I wanted to see more of their connection and twin bond.
Once again, there's a boss that crosses his employees, and they have to figure out what to do, but we've already seen that in this series.
Next up is Quinn, and I've been waiting for his story ever since he was first introduced, so I'm excited to see what the author will come up with for his HEA.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
This was pretty average. It had a good beginning, with the characters connecting through a dating app and becoming friends, but it moved too fast.
River switching gears so easily and embracing his newly discovered bi identity was actually nice. There was no bi freak out.
I wished for more page time with just Zane and River. I'm glad Zane was present in many scenes, but I wanted to see more of their connection and twin bond.
Once again, there's a boss that crosses his employees, and they have to figure out what to do, but we've already seen that in this series.
Next up is Quinn, and I've been waiting for his story ever since he was first introduced, so I'm excited to see what the author will come up with for his HEA.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
July 31, 2025
DNFing this at 70% - i really tried to give this a chance because i love Rivers character, but I can't deal with Hayden. The self deprecation is so off-putting I just can't continue reading. River deserved better!
June 8, 2024
Tried, but... Boring. Not that these books are literary masterpieces, but ... Some conflict is essential, something needs to progress the story. Even if I deeply identify with one of the MCs' struggles with self-image and so on, nothing can make me go on.
February 20, 2024
I loved book so much - and these twins ❤️ River was everything I thought he would be, just so sweet and a little lost sometimes but that just makes him the cutest human, and when he loves it’s deeply and 100% for it 🥰
From the beginning River and Hayden had a connection, while River first just wanted to buy tools, he got caught up helping Hayden with little things and without realising it, he came back again and again creating a little misunderstanding but a cute one. Hayden is insecure when it comes to relationships and has his own fear linked to denigration…
However, River is exactly who he needs, there is this aura of dominance in his attitude that helps Hayden to lose control and just let go - the dynamic is the sweetest and I couldn’t stop reading !!
It’s the kind of story where you can see them develop feelings while being careful to not get hurt and that shows that communication is key in any relationship. Also, Zane and the boys are doing everything to help and protect River, they’re just the best, their relationship is amazing and one of the true visions of chosen family.
Also, I totally connected with River when he talks of online dating, it was close to home 😅
The Crimson Club boys are definitely my fav, and now I cannot wait to see Quinn have his HEA, he deserves it sooo much.
I received an ARC Copy of this book from Foreword PR, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
From the beginning River and Hayden had a connection, while River first just wanted to buy tools, he got caught up helping Hayden with little things and without realising it, he came back again and again creating a little misunderstanding but a cute one. Hayden is insecure when it comes to relationships and has his own fear linked to denigration…
However, River is exactly who he needs, there is this aura of dominance in his attitude that helps Hayden to lose control and just let go - the dynamic is the sweetest and I couldn’t stop reading !!
It’s the kind of story where you can see them develop feelings while being careful to not get hurt and that shows that communication is key in any relationship. Also, Zane and the boys are doing everything to help and protect River, they’re just the best, their relationship is amazing and one of the true visions of chosen family.
Also, I totally connected with River when he talks of online dating, it was close to home 😅
The Crimson Club boys are definitely my fav, and now I cannot wait to see Quinn have his HEA, he deserves it sooo much.
I received an ARC Copy of this book from Foreword PR, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
February 29, 2024
☆ Opposites attract
☆ Friends with benefits
☆ Bi-awakening
☆ Chosen family
River and Hayden are too good for this world, both of them. No wonder they fell in love because they belong together. They form a deep connection that eventually blossoms into a beautiful love story.
They are both struggling with their own insecurities. River because he thinks that he’s too much for people to handle, and Hayden is shy and introverted and thinks that River is out of his league and must be interested only to experiment sex with a guy.
River is such a cutie pie!! He’s a good person, with an open heart and a sweet soul. He cares deeply for the people he loves and forgets his own needs and wants sometimes. He’s dependent on his twin brother and it annoys him but given their childhood and backstory, it makes so much sense.
Hayden is a cinnamon roll too. He’s very insecure and shy so it’s a surprise for him that someone like River would genuinely be interested in him. But little by little, he understands that he has nothing to be worried about with River.
They took their time before eventually confessing their feelings to each other because they were too scared of losing what they had together. They built a strong friendship first, which only adds to the emotional depth of their relationship. It was a very beautiful read.
[ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ]
☆ Friends with benefits
☆ Bi-awakening
☆ Chosen family
River and Hayden are too good for this world, both of them. No wonder they fell in love because they belong together. They form a deep connection that eventually blossoms into a beautiful love story.
They are both struggling with their own insecurities. River because he thinks that he’s too much for people to handle, and Hayden is shy and introverted and thinks that River is out of his league and must be interested only to experiment sex with a guy.
River is such a cutie pie!! He’s a good person, with an open heart and a sweet soul. He cares deeply for the people he loves and forgets his own needs and wants sometimes. He’s dependent on his twin brother and it annoys him but given their childhood and backstory, it makes so much sense.
Hayden is a cinnamon roll too. He’s very insecure and shy so it’s a surprise for him that someone like River would genuinely be interested in him. But little by little, he understands that he has nothing to be worried about with River.
They took their time before eventually confessing their feelings to each other because they were too scared of losing what they had together. They built a strong friendship first, which only adds to the emotional depth of their relationship. It was a very beautiful read.
[ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ]
March 8, 2024
DNF @ 34%
Kind of gutted because I’ve loved every other WD book I’ve read. I felt like I was being lectured to. Sure, communication is needed in a relationship, but there was so much serious convo whenever these guys spoke that I didn’t feel anything about them or their relationship.
Kind of gutted because I’ve loved every other WD book I’ve read. I felt like I was being lectured to. Sure, communication is needed in a relationship, but there was so much serious convo whenever these guys spoke that I didn’t feel anything about them or their relationship.
October 31, 2025
This book was sweet. Maybe a little too sweet. Like saccharine. But I knew that going in, as Dixon is the queen of feel good romance.
It was just entirely too predictable - boys not communicating their feelings - dominant kink but not really explored - jealousy over things that any adult should have dealt with - a prologue that has everything way too tied up with a big red bow.
One positive was having a MC who wasn't ripped and had a bit of a dad bod. Also seeing the boys deal with the very real life issue of trying to make a romance flourish with busy lives was also a good reality check.
So a good fun read.
It was just entirely too predictable - boys not communicating their feelings - dominant kink but not really explored - jealousy over things that any adult should have dealt with - a prologue that has everything way too tied up with a big red bow.
One positive was having a MC who wasn't ripped and had a bit of a dad bod. Also seeing the boys deal with the very real life issue of trying to make a romance flourish with busy lives was also a good reality check.
So a good fun read.
June 8, 2024
This book is so weird.😵💫🥴
It reads like a guide on how to have a “healthy” relationship according to whatever is currently trending under healthy relationship tropes than a coherent plot with an actual romantic relationship in it.
I kept thinking that no one talks like this or has these endless internal monologues.
The bi-awakening is unrealistic too. I can completely understand not having a freak out over suddenly being into the opposite sex, but going straight into a friend’s with benefits arrangement felt rushed as hell. Where was the curiosity and exploration? The Google and porn research wormholes? The conversations with his twin and friends? Hell, the simple apprehension in trying something new.
Also, River kept emphasizing how important his friendship with Hayden is so why would “a friends with benefits arrangement” even be an option this early in the friendship? Why would you want to hang out as friends, then fuck, exclusively mind you, but call it friends with benefits? How does that make sense?
We are going to go on dates. We are going to talk endlessly about our feelings. Tell each other our deepest secrets and insecurities. We are not going to fuck other people… but we are calling it “friends with benefits” and not dating.
Delusional Plot Set-Up!!
⚠️RANT⚠️
Where is this dating fear in recent books coming from? This has become such an annoying trope in romance.
‼️Not every one you date will end up being your forever after, but each will either teach you a lesson, give you new experiences, or both‼️
Single people, date often. Spend time with people. Create memories. If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t. It doesn’t have to be an HEA every time.
Hooking up, friends with benefits, and dating are three distinct relationship dynamics and authors need to stop confusing them and interchanging them for one another. Ugh!!! 😣
It reads like a guide on how to have a “healthy” relationship according to whatever is currently trending under healthy relationship tropes than a coherent plot with an actual romantic relationship in it.
I kept thinking that no one talks like this or has these endless internal monologues.
The bi-awakening is unrealistic too. I can completely understand not having a freak out over suddenly being into the opposite sex, but going straight into a friend’s with benefits arrangement felt rushed as hell. Where was the curiosity and exploration? The Google and porn research wormholes? The conversations with his twin and friends? Hell, the simple apprehension in trying something new.
Also, River kept emphasizing how important his friendship with Hayden is so why would “a friends with benefits arrangement” even be an option this early in the friendship? Why would you want to hang out as friends, then fuck, exclusively mind you, but call it friends with benefits? How does that make sense?
We are going to go on dates. We are going to talk endlessly about our feelings. Tell each other our deepest secrets and insecurities. We are not going to fuck other people… but we are calling it “friends with benefits” and not dating.
Delusional Plot Set-Up!!
⚠️RANT⚠️
Where is this dating fear in recent books coming from? This has become such an annoying trope in romance.
‼️Not every one you date will end up being your forever after, but each will either teach you a lesson, give you new experiences, or both‼️
Single people, date often. Spend time with people. Create memories. If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t. It doesn’t have to be an HEA every time.
Hooking up, friends with benefits, and dating are three distinct relationship dynamics and authors need to stop confusing them and interchanging them for one another. Ugh!!! 😣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
4.5 stars
I think this is my favourite book in this series so far. I loved River, we have met him before as a happy-go-lucky guy who is quite different from his grumpy twin Zane but here we got to know how much depth he has to his character, he was so freaking romantic and I loved his story so much.
River has taken a break from online dating after his disappointment with the dates he went on. But he creates an online profile in search of some tools which were stolen from his car where he meets Hayden.
Hayden is a shy and introverted character who thinks the friendly meetings they are having together are dates which makes him make an impulsive decision to kiss him, even though River is shocked at first he also has this primal need to kiss him again and then the most beautiful love story started.
River and Hayden were the perfect and cutest couple. River loves deeply and damn I loved their intimate scenes, the author had written them so wonderfully I enjoyed every second of it and yes they were spicy. Even though they both wanted more, they had their insecurities which kept them from taking the next step, Hayden thought River was out of his league while River thought Hayden would realise that River was not the one for him and leave him but the best part about their relationship was they communicated and solved everything.
Zane and the guys were amazing, they protected River fearlessly and opened arms for Hayden and their HEA was the cutest thing ever. I liked Quinn a lot in this book, some of his opinions on online dating and how people are said to find their soulmate/love were so on point, the author had done an amazing job with those topics.
Even though Nick is my favourite character and his book was my favourite so far, River and Hayden happen to be my favourite couple in this series and I highly recommend you start this book.
* I received an ARC copy from Foreword PR and Marketing and this is my honest review *
I think this is my favourite book in this series so far. I loved River, we have met him before as a happy-go-lucky guy who is quite different from his grumpy twin Zane but here we got to know how much depth he has to his character, he was so freaking romantic and I loved his story so much.
River has taken a break from online dating after his disappointment with the dates he went on. But he creates an online profile in search of some tools which were stolen from his car where he meets Hayden.
Hayden is a shy and introverted character who thinks the friendly meetings they are having together are dates which makes him make an impulsive decision to kiss him, even though River is shocked at first he also has this primal need to kiss him again and then the most beautiful love story started.
River and Hayden were the perfect and cutest couple. River loves deeply and damn I loved their intimate scenes, the author had written them so wonderfully I enjoyed every second of it and yes they were spicy. Even though they both wanted more, they had their insecurities which kept them from taking the next step, Hayden thought River was out of his league while River thought Hayden would realise that River was not the one for him and leave him but the best part about their relationship was they communicated and solved everything.
Zane and the guys were amazing, they protected River fearlessly and opened arms for Hayden and their HEA was the cutest thing ever. I liked Quinn a lot in this book, some of his opinions on online dating and how people are said to find their soulmate/love were so on point, the author had done an amazing job with those topics.
Even though Nick is my favourite character and his book was my favourite so far, River and Hayden happen to be my favourite couple in this series and I highly recommend you start this book.
* I received an ARC copy from Foreword PR and Marketing and this is my honest review *
March 10, 2024
Very hard to get through. Their conversations where long.too long. And like I was reading a brochure. Very clinical and like I was being lectured. For example there is a 12 page long conversation on their preferences and expectations of the fwb situation. Communication is good, but they were communicating too much for me too still be interested. So they were very hard to connect with.
I did like the side characters and I’m very hopeful that the next book will be better.
I did like the side characters and I’m very hopeful that the next book will be better.
March 28, 2024
okay read
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2024...
***Spoilers here and there***
I think this one was different to me than the other ones. They kept me interested until the end and wanted more!! I hope that Quinn book isn’t like this one.
Towards the end I got bored and just scan through the rest to finish the book. Overall all it was alright. I’ll give it between a 3 star ⭐️ and 4 ⭐️.. because I can’t decide.
I thought that both Hayden and River was a good fit for each other in the end. It was cute that River did asked Hayden to married him and to finally tell Hayden how he felt and that he wanted more than a friendship I was glad of that.
Plus everybody liked them together. That was a good thing. Especially what Hayden did for them with Quinn when the situation happened at their construction job because that was wrong. I am hoping that the other guys like Bubbles and the rest did ended up getting a job as well with Quinn ….. idk if I saw that in there or not especially with me scanning through the ending!!
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2024...
***Spoilers here and there***
I think this one was different to me than the other ones. They kept me interested until the end and wanted more!! I hope that Quinn book isn’t like this one.
Towards the end I got bored and just scan through the rest to finish the book. Overall all it was alright. I’ll give it between a 3 star ⭐️ and 4 ⭐️.. because I can’t decide.
I thought that both Hayden and River was a good fit for each other in the end. It was cute that River did asked Hayden to married him and to finally tell Hayden how he felt and that he wanted more than a friendship I was glad of that.
Plus everybody liked them together. That was a good thing. Especially what Hayden did for them with Quinn when the situation happened at their construction job because that was wrong. I am hoping that the other guys like Bubbles and the rest did ended up getting a job as well with Quinn ….. idk if I saw that in there or not especially with me scanning through the ending!!
July 12, 2024
I mean, I loved it. What can I say? Was it a fictional masterpiece? No, but it was fun and fluffy as fuck and it made me happy and it tore me out of a slump and I can perty much count on the Crimson Club boys to do that. So here we are...all the yesses to this book and all the others before because the characters are pretty well developed and their found family is amazing and keeps growing with all the hyper unrealistic, dopey heart-eye HEAs that only happen to book boyfriends...now On to Quinn.
Also I think River was an exceptional representation of internalized ADHD. how he perceives the world and how the world perceives him. I felt so seen when reading his struggles.... How, despite this hot af super talented man, can he have such little self-worth because of how he and the world interact...how River is often dismissed because of the barrier of misunderstanding. He explains it better than most people who struggle with ADHD or auDHD but it's close enough to reality to validate people who've experienced living this way.
Zane also pops up with some pretty amazing wisdom that's worthy of a highlight. Did I highlight it? No, because I have ADHD and I was internalizing all the shit he said and forgot, ok. But it's in there. Trust.
Also I think River was an exceptional representation of internalized ADHD. how he perceives the world and how the world perceives him. I felt so seen when reading his struggles.... How, despite this hot af super talented man, can he have such little self-worth because of how he and the world interact...how River is often dismissed because of the barrier of misunderstanding. He explains it better than most people who struggle with ADHD or auDHD but it's close enough to reality to validate people who've experienced living this way.
Zane also pops up with some pretty amazing wisdom that's worthy of a highlight. Did I highlight it? No, because I have ADHD and I was internalizing all the shit he said and forgot, ok. But it's in there. Trust.
March 26, 2024
****
This one wasn’t for me & that’s ok it wasn’t bad by any means, I just hard a hard time connecting to the characters & story. This is the first time this has happened out of ALL the books Willow has wrote which is a testament to their work. Despite this not being my favorite I’m anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
This one wasn’t for me & that’s ok it wasn’t bad by any means, I just hard a hard time connecting to the characters & story. This is the first time this has happened out of ALL the books Willow has wrote which is a testament to their work. Despite this not being my favorite I’m anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
March 14, 2024
I think this is my favourite book of the series. The other books were not bad but I felt a much deeper connection with this one. Plus Hayden and River were just amazing together. I loved River.
July 4, 2025
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
June 14, 2024
It's been a second since I read book 3 in this series so I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy the Crimson Club family.
River is wonderful, though way more insecure than I remembered. He deserves only good things and all the love, he's truly such a wonderful, caring guy, and I'm so glad he started not-dating Hayden.
The two of them thinking they could remain FWB was ridiculous to everyone but them and I loved seeing their relationship evolve. I also really enjoyed their dynamic when intimate, and all of River's dirty talk.
I loved seeing all the guys from the club again, especially Nick loml, and River and Zane's relationship so great, too.
I think exploring a little more of River's issues since childhood (adhd anyone?) would've been cool, and Hayden's insecurities did get a little tiring for a minute. But I still really liked the book.
I'm excited to read more of this series, and to see what Quinn gets up to in his book next.
River is wonderful, though way more insecure than I remembered. He deserves only good things and all the love, he's truly such a wonderful, caring guy, and I'm so glad he started not-dating Hayden.
The two of them thinking they could remain FWB was ridiculous to everyone but them and I loved seeing their relationship evolve. I also really enjoyed their dynamic when intimate, and all of River's dirty talk.
I loved seeing all the guys from the club again, especially Nick loml, and River and Zane's relationship so great, too.
I think exploring a little more of River's issues since childhood (adhd anyone?) would've been cool, and Hayden's insecurities did get a little tiring for a minute. But I still really liked the book.
I'm excited to read more of this series, and to see what Quinn gets up to in his book next.
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