His to Break

Wasteland Temptations #3

by E.V. Olsen

New day. Forbidden desire. Unspoken truths.

I've survived alone for four years.

Until a deal with Mac leaves me his to break.

One heated night together awakens unfamiliar needs I don't understand.

But overwhelming emotions strike me down, consuming me with fear.

I run from the man who's been watching over me all along.

Now winter's chill threatens us both,

And I'm torn between wanting him and fearing what we share.

It's up to me to accept this fragile bond between us,

Before it's too late to fix what I broke and I lose him forever.

A steamy short M/M dark and angsty romance, featuring an OTT protective alpha hero, only one bed, and an age-gap romance.

Genres: M M Romance, Novella, Romance, LGBT, BDSM, Dark, Gay

54 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2024

About the author

I'm a romance author who loves Over The Top alpha males who are possessive and ​completely obsessed with their person or mate. Nothing will get in their way from claiming what's theirs. I enjoy writing darker type romances whether in the contemporary world, PNR worlds, or even post-apocalyptic worlds.

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little story broke my heart. If you’ve read the previous two books, you know the formula.

Post apocalyptic world
20 year age gap
Non-con
Sexual favors for food
Spanking/binding/DAP
Gay/mm sex
Heartbreaking
54 pages

In book one and two, we heard of the character Mac. But this story is Cal’s POV and he’s young, scared, and completely unaware of Mac real feelings.

Cal agrees to sex (like they’ve done once before) in order to get food. Mac is pissed at something Cal has done (he was an idiot), and he unfortunately takes out his aggressions during their time together.

This story has a darker feel, and I’ll just say that Mac better bring the groveling in the next book.

“Letting you fuck me is all I have to offer.”

Overall, a quick, if not somewhat emotionally painful introduction to these two new characters. Could be read as a standalone, but the first two are very short, so why not dive right into this universe with Mine to Claim.

[Romantically Inclined Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are these great? Eh. Not really. There's zero world building. I have no idea wtf led to this apocalypse situation. Minimal character development...if any.

But damn if I'm not eating it up. Trading body for security in an apocalypse is something I can get behind. Fuck, pretty sure I'll trade myself to the first dude I come across cause no way my glasses are gonna last more than like 3 months in this scenario and my blind ass won't make it without some help.

Anyways these are addictive for no good reason and I don't really care if anyone knows that I'm loving them 💁‍♀️

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 3 out of 5]

MM Erotica
Apocalyptic Age Gap
3 Stars ⭐️


Not only did it take me forever to read this shorter than short book but it felt too similar to the previous books in this series. It had the same characters, a brat and an older man, and it just kind of bored me which is why it took me forever to finish it because I kept falling asleep and that is ridiculous when the book is 60 pages maybe. By the end though I was itching to get my hands on the second book 🤷🏻‍♀️🤡

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This one was a bit better and had more context than the previous, but I still feel we need more information about the dystopian aspect. Why are they in that situation? Just a few lines would be enough. 

It was cute and dirty. The sex scene was wow long; it took almost all of the short story, and I honestly felt a bit uncomfortable with all that. I didn't feel Cal's consent in the beginning, but well, in the end he seen to like it I guess :)

It reads quickly, and the end leaves it open for Mac's point of view in the next, just like it happened in books 1 and 2 with Rex and Devon.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Objectively it's a 3.5⭐ novella, but I'm rounding it up, because I like this series and all the characters.

I've found this author a couple of weeks ago and I've read the first two installments of this series - liked it - and I can't wait for more.

This one is one part of the duet we'll be getting about Mac's story. Mac is Rex's ex and a friend. In Rex and Devon's book they were about to go meet Mac and we find out that they've already met, they've been with Mac for a while and that was, sadly, left out, we didn't get to read about it. I wanted to though, because Rex did dream a lot about Mac, so that had to be interesting.

🟣 Post - apocalyptic world
🔵 Age gap - 20 years
🔴 Non - con (consent without knowing what's going to happen, trying to get out of it, can't, physical restraint, forced climax)
🟢 Too short
🌶️ Descriptive sex; t/b
🟠 Cal's POV

Cal is a 20-year old guy who's been left alone after this apocalypse in his family home with all of them dead. He's trying to survive, he usually doesn't have enough to eat, so he made the choice to exchange sex for food once with Mac, his older ex-military neighbour - as it's usually done in this world - and in this installment he does it again.
But it goes horribly wrong.



Cal runs away and doesn't come back for a longer time, but he has no other options, he's hungry and weak, he can't survive on his own. He's also completely fucked in the head about what transpired between him and Mac, so he goes back to sell himself again.

No depth or feelings between the characters in this installment and Mac was a complete asshole. I hated his guts! This has non-con written all over it, even though Cal consented to sex - but not that kind of sex. Not only that, Cal goes back not knowing what he actually feels, because he does feel something, he's very conflicted and in my opinion, he just wanted to be taken care of, he wants to belong, he hates transactions.

Mac is that person, he does care, he stayed behind only for keeping Cal safe - but Cal doesn't know that and Mac is too big of a dick to show it. So the story ends with the reader being very confused and mad hurt about Cal. I didn't want to see Cal go back, I wanted Mac to go find him and to grovel his ass off.

Maybe that's what we'll get in the next installment?

Again, liking the cover (and Mac's) and rounding this story up because I really like this author's writing and ideas. I love everything, pretty much, I was so disappointed this novella was this short.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story I have read by this author and with the blurb I honestly had no idea what to expect. Overall I quite enjoyed the story! It definitely won’t be for everyone but it’s not too long so absolutely worth a try!

This is a single POV story told by Cal. This is set in a dystopian world and he’s all alone in a town with Mac. This is a darker romance and lingers quite close to the line of non-con but I think it was done well. I would have loved to read a longer story about these two but it was a great peek into their lives. It ends on a HFN.

I absolutely would read future stories by this author. Quick reads that are different, count me in!

[Aida · Rating 1 out of 5]

پایان: ۱۴۰۲/۱۱/۲۲
اِه
مزخرف

[bookishninaa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This all should have been in one book, i’d give it higher rating if so + i liked Rex and Dev better.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
This book is about Mac, Rex's friend (Mine To Claim/Mine To Protect): we're still in the post apocalipt world and we know that Mac, Rex and Colt were together, trying to survive near Cal's house, but then Rex and Colt moved away while Mac stayed behind because he fell in love with Cal. After 4 years of silent pining, finally Cal is in love with Mac too.
This book is basically one long sex scene during wich Mac gets carried away and Cal runs away. While Mac thinks he's a monster for having been too roguh, Cal was actually scared of being seen just like a plaything.

[justreads0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meeting Mac and Cal was everything. I got to read and listen to the first two books. This series takes place in a post apocalyptic world. Grayson Owens is one of my favorite voice actors and he did an amazing job on this audio. I really enjoyed it. The way he brought Mac and Cal to life and you could feel the emotions the characters went through

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

no.

[Miasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these little novellas! They bring me such joys. Even more so as audios.

Grayson Owens does little fawn justice. The emotion he puts in it is top tier. And his rasp? 🫠😮‍💨

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3/5 🌟
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Characters: Mac and Cal

This felt very similar to the previous couple...just kinkier and mostly one long sex scene. I'll definitely read book 4 to finish the series but I kind of wish we had just stayed with our original guys and continued on their journey. This couple felt like it was just a straight up erotica and not a romance novella.

[Lady Lauren Explorer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

I gave wouldn’t need to do for a novella, but still left me questioning things.

There seem to be a little bit of plot holes that hopefully get filled more as the series continues with the other characters in this world.

[A. gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

so angsty! so goood! this series is so much better then her hockey mm romance serious, like this has depth!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

New Couple in the Wastelands

Mac & Cal
Rating: 3.5 ⭐

- Age Gap
- MM Dark Romance
- OTT Alpha
- Mutual Pining

Well this is pure smut, short and steamy. So far I like the first couple more because you don't really get to know the new MCs since more than half of this novella is one smexy session, with five O's. Not complaining, just stating the facts here. Mac has been pining for Cal for over four years at this point and Cal is just now starting to realize his feelings for Mac, freaking him out. Cal makes a stupid decision and trusted strangers, leaving Mac to come and save him at the beginning of this. After their second exchange for survival, Cal gets overwhelmed and bolts. This one is from Cal's POV and I'm interested to get Mac's in the next book.

I wish the author would've given us a little more insight into the pandemic that caused their current situation, but maybe we'll get it with Mac's POV or when they do Colt's relationship later on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: No
HEA: HFN

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE (DARK) SEX SCENE IS (HANDS-DOWN) MY FAVOURITE PART

I only read MM romance and I'd gladly gobble up any kind, but "age gap" and "dark romance" are among the most powerful magic words—or tags—that infallibly draw me to a book like a charm (literally and figuratively). (Well, yes, those tags and a smashing cover.) Though this struck me more as "dark erotica", which is actually better (erotic romance is the best *brow waggle*). Even more bonus points if the main characters are not only relatable and endearing (and of course, compatible) but quirky-smart and a little cracked, because I just adore insane characters. Not the histrionic OTT ones that are quite clichéd ergo predictable, no; more of the: "functionally neurotic" to "teetering on the very brink of sanity" kind. This book checks almost all those boxes: MM? Mm, yes! Dark? Oh yes. Crazy-lovable characters? Uh-huh. Erotica? Eff yeah. The romance part? Hmm, that's where I'm a bit on the fence. It was definitely on the right track, up until a decisive scene in the story that broke me out of my immersion, and it was one of the worst parts to lose reader engagement too. (It's hard to explain without giving anything away, but I'll do my best…)

Dark erotica-enthusiast me who's a big fan of overstimulation and forced orgasms (and tastefully done sex scenes in general, really) was over the moon and blissed-out drunk from that delectably decadent sex scene (among many other things), so I wanted nothing more than to give a raging 5 stars and even a bazillion more. However, objective copy-editor me feels that 4 stars would be the more objectively accurate rating, as I thought that the part where the romance between them finally culminates – IOW: the critical denouement, was executed in such an anti-climactic manner that it almost felt like nothing more than an afterthought. That *very important* *thing* just happens so abruptly and is resolved too quickly, very much in a "Okay, the story needs to end now, chop chop! so let's pull this rabbit out of the hat already and be done with it!" kind of way. I was very much on board with their cute-loopy romance from the start up until that 90% mark where Cal asks the million-dollar W-question. But then, he says something too leading in response to the indirect answer (which felt incongruent enough to mildly disrupt reading flow), and then Mac makes a seemingly non-sequitur comment to it, which all right, that's fine so far, it could still be salvaged (I'm still hanging on)! But just like that, things jump from point A to point Z in a very confusingly vague way—sure, if I forced it, it could work; but it still feels… inorganic. But that's why it felt all the more jarring, because the style, mood, pacing, flow, wording, everything! had been excellent up until that point; if the writing had been subpar from the beginning, then maybe not so much. It's like one minute I was buzzing in warm fuzzy feels from the story (yes, I get warm fuzzy feels from dark erotica/romance, lol) and practically bubbling in anticipation for that sweet and satisfying—much awaited—HEA, then suddenly I'm getting a bucket of ice-cold water dunked on my head and hurriedly shoved out the "theatre" because show's over! and the staff are in a haste to shut up shop and go home, haha. The context established before Cal's "Oh" moment just didn't feel solid enough, and the way the characters reacted to the "big reveal" felt severely lacking and tone deaf (considering all the endless agonising and suffering both characters went through about it – which was a great build up to this scene, in fact). If that part was just massaged a little bit more smoothly into the story (perhaps preceded by relevant flashbacks to better ease Cal into Mac's frame of mind more, or perhaps showing more of Cal's pleasant shock and face-palm mortification and more of Mac's cute crumbling emotions as he tried to mumble a proper confession but failed—or something, instead of just mentioning his friends? I dunno, haha, anything at all), it would have felt more like the perfect ending suited to the rest of the already perfect story, instead of just… sudden death.

Buuut of course, that is just an opinion. One I feel really passionate about only because I really liked this story. Which is why, in the end, erotica-enthusiast me prevailed (the beautifully vivid descriptions alone especially in the sex scenes, lol were a sublime experience) so: 5 stars! I was lucky enough to discover this incredibly talented author through this ARC, and I am so excited to read more E.V. Olsen. :)

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book from GRR and in the notes it says "The reader does not need to have read what's come before." Now, perhaps you don't as it seems like the other books are only about other characters, but who knows. But, I had no idea what was going on honestly and this "relationship" made absolutely no sense to me.

The story opens up with Cal (our only POV) having sex with a woman who then attempts to stab him, only to be shot and saved by the other MC, Mac. Mac then complains that he wasted bullets on him by rescuing him and constantly threatens to shoot or kill him unless he hides to make sure everyone that came with this girl, is dead. Apparently there's only these two left in his dystopian town and when Cal saw the girl and her entourage, he thought it would be fine to talk to them? The next day, Cal goes to his farmhouse to apologize, but then agrees to have sex with him for two hours as his form of an apology, and for food as well as thanks for saving him (????).

Honestly, the sex scenes are the only reason this book isn't a one star, and that's because they were DELICIOUS. Toys, DP, forced orgasms and paddling. Yummy.

So, here's my confusion. They met a few years back when Cal was a teenager and it turns out that Mac stayed behind FOR him. Mac seems to be in his early 40s? Soooooo, this 36 year old man stayed behind for a teenager, why? Did he feel protective? Or...? He's also constantly threatening to shoot him, which honestly got annoying. Turns out though, that Cal has a crush on Mac and yet freaks out during their sexual encounter and afterwards when Mac asks him to stay with him permanently. Honestly, I didn't see why we needed an entire chapter and a half of Cal panicking about it, when it's obvious this kid is crap at taking care of himself and is pining for Mac anyways.

There's vague mentions of a pandemic and how everyone left this city and how it's just him and Mac left. I think honestly this book would have been better as a full length rather than a novella as I feel like you're left with more questions than anything. Like what happened to people? Was it similar to COVID? The black plague? What?

There was also a lot of typos and mistakes that editing should have caught.

[LC · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review contains slight spoilers and goes on a rant (I apologize in advance)

Have you ever heard the term “gay for pay”? Yeah, well, same concept except it’s for food instead of cash.

Though I still like this author, their writing style, and the premise of the book/series, I didn’t like this book as much as books 1 and 2.

Here’s what I didn’t like- most of it.

Cal is not my favorite character in the slightest. You would think at age 20, going through an apocalypse, and fending for yourself since you were 16 would mature you. But nope. He’s reckless, immature, and unable to control his emotions. I still don’t understand why he freaked out the SECOND time they were intimate. The first time (which was off-screen) was quick and rough (from what it sounded like) and the second time Mac was actually being considerate of Cal’s needs and THAT’S when Cal decides to have a freak-out? Makes no sense. Especially since Cal had JUST SAID he has a crush on Mac. Devon is only 18 in the first two books and is far more mature (even being a brat) than Cal is.

I want to know what happened right before the start of the book. How Cal ended up in that… situation… with that woman. 🧐

I also don’t understand why Cal is so adamant that Mac doesn’t want him when Mac has spent the last 4 years protecting him, feeding him, and saving his life. Clearly Cal’s emotional maturity is stunted.

Also, the age-gape gave me the ick. I don’t typically mind age-gaps, HOWEVER, Mac was infatuated with Cal from the get-go… when Cal was 16… and Mac was in his mid-thirties. No, nothing happened until Cal was 20, but it’s knowing that Mac had that infatuation all along that’s just gross.

Speaking of Mac, him calling Cal “Little Fawn” grated on my nerves. Fawns are baby deers, baby deers are already little. Calling him “Little Fawn” is the same as calling him “little baby deer”. Weird. So weird.

Also, Mac’s reaction to Cal leaving (and then coming back) was so over the top, and not in a good way. It was grossly aggressive and shows he also has a hard time controlling his emotions.

The banter between Devon and Rex in books 1&2 helped sell their budding relationship and grow their connection. There was none of that here. I’m honestly not sure how these two developed feelings for each other. I guess it’s implied because Cal and Mac have “known” each other for 4 years, but it still would’ve been nice to see.

The only saving grace for this book was the smut (which is like half of the book). Mac is a dirty, dirty man and I am SO here for it. A bit much for someone (Cal) who has only had something/someone in his ass twice in his life, but still sexy as sin.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ The only thing wrong with this story of the desperate Fawn and the Bear that knows how to survive is that it’s too short…
right as the reader falls in love with them the story drifts away as I'm sure things will do when civilization falls.

To sum it up…
I’m not sure of the MC’s name isn’t mentioned as the narrator of our story or if i’m just forgetting it, after a quick scroll through I’ll be using Fawn since that is how Mac refers to him. I think from the description we get of our MC that it’s a very fitting name, he’s young, naive and not great at keeping alive without help. Sex is his headlights and that is how we were introduced. In a scene worthy of any crime/mafia/assassin, guns blazing and bodies dropping. Mac is rough and the desperation that Mac feels when he thinks about just trying to keep the MC safe is definitely obvious as you move through the story.
Pacing
I finished this book in just a few hours, in one sprint. I will be looking into reading the other Wasteland books by this Author for sure. There is a budding romance between these two born from the heat of a necessity, this is not a Slowburn and you may want to put aside some alone time for during or after reading this spicy, short, age gap, M/M Romance.
Favorite Quote
“Then do it from behind so you don’t have to look at me… if I’m disgusting”- Fawn
I flinch then look up as he jumps back. He’s completely rigid, fingers interlocked so tightly behind his head, the skin of his knuckles goes white as he paces.
“Mac?”
“You're not disgusting. Not fucking at all, You’re damn sexy. Beautiful, even.” - Mac “I’m a damn old fool. A damn monster. “
Spice & Triggers 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tropes & Triggers are right at the front of the book and I always appreciate that. There is a scene that can be considered dubcon but I didn’t find it personally triggering. The mutual pining isn’t a trope I usually seek out, or age-gap either outside of fantasy but the post disaster aspect made the relationship make sense for me. The protector and Protected aspect and the pain Mac feels when he knows his mistake led his fawn almost to starve out of distrust, he really is a wild animal that spooked away for awhile but came back to where he knew was safe.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

old post reposted


I haven't posted much in a while, because I've been reading a lot of serials, collections, and episodes (and a lot of taboo stuff that I enjoyed, but didn't want to necessarily share).
But this series? It was odd at first, but also pretty damn good.

This series is called Wasteland Temptations by E.V. Olsen.

Imagine if the universe didn't bounce back from COVID, if people died and kept dying. If the world literally shut down. The electricity stopped working (no one there to pay for it, run it, ect). Not many people alive. At. All. There are people who lived but let their psychopathic ways thrive, and they spend their times looting and killing; there are people who "lived" but have a brain-like virus that turned them to cannibals (kinda zombie like creatures, but they're not 'dead'). The few people alive either live the nomad life, going from one village/town/city to the next, pillaging to survive OR they hunker down in one village/town/city and live off the land.

The first two books cover Rex and Devon ("Mine to Claim" and "Mine to Protect", respective POVs). And the second two books cover Mac and Cal ("His to Break" and "His to Lead", respective POVs). All four books are less than 75 pages and take no time at all to read. They're all very dark romances (spice wise, age-gap wise, and universe wise (it is a post-apocolyic world)), so mind the trigger below.

We're still waiting on at least two more books to finish out the series, as well as answer some questions from the fourth one.

Not going to lie, this book/series kept popping up as a targetted add, and I kept ignoring it until I figured the book-gods must be telling me something. ;)

Going to go see what other gems E.V. has for me to read (while ignoring the goals I had for this week).

Trigger Warnings: dubcon, sub-drop, violence, murder, talks of suicide, cannibalism, and more

#minetoclaim #minetoprotect #histobreak #histolead #evolsen #wastelandtemptations #wastelandtemptationsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Kellie Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWE!!!

*ALC Review*

I absolutely love love love this book from start to finish. I read and listen to this book and one sitting. E.V. you impressed me yet again. I will be one clicking all your books because you have a way of writing that captures my imagination from the beginning.

This audiobook yes performed by one of my all-time favorite narrators Grayson Owens. Grayson, you did an extraordinary job narrating this book, but I’m not surprised by that because I’ve known for a very long time that you’re an extraordinary narrator. You were so distinct when it came to voicing Cal and Mac but I totally forgot that you narrated both of them.

This story is about Cal and Mac who have been surviving together for the past four years. Mac has protected Cal at all cost but Cal is very reckless. The chemistry between Cal and Mac is an inferno that blazes uncontrollably and I absolutely loved every second of it.

This audiobook has so many twist and turns that I had to find out what happened next. This beautiful book made me hot and bothered, made me swoon, a piece of my heart and so many other things. I cannot wait to find out what happens next in the last book.

If you absolutely love, love, love a book where there is a over the top MMC who will sacrifice anything for the person that he’s been protecting for the past four years, this book is for you. It makes me extremely sad that there’s only one more book in the series. I really really don’t want it to end. Seriously people you need to get this book today because it’s gonna put you in your feelings.

[Jammie Bebout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third audiobook in E.V. Olsen’s Wasteland Temptation series. And just like the first two books in this series, I am amazed at how much story and genuine emotion this author manages to squeeze into a short novella. This one revolves around Cal and Mac and is told from Cal’s POV. We’ve heard snippets about Mac in the first two books and how he had chosen to stay behind and settle down in a small town. In this book, we find out why he chose to do that. He did it for Cal, to watch out for him. Cal has a crush on Mac but doesn’t believe his feelings could possibly be reciprocated. And he’s too proud to take help from Mac—even when he desperately needs it—when he believes any interest Mac shows him would be purely transactional. Mac is more than happy to break him of any such ridiculous notions. This story has tons of angst, spice, and heart. If it doesn’t hit you square in the feelings, then you may not have any. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here.

The solo narration for this audiobook is provided by the uber-talented Grayson Owens. He expertly voices both Cal and Mac, bringing both characters to life with all the passion and emotion these intriguing characters deserve. I adored his performance of this story, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next audiobook in this phenomenal series!

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I think out of the three books so far, this one is my least favorite - but it was still a decent read.
This book takes us away from the original couple - Devon and Rex - and brings us a new couple - Mac and Cal. Mac is a friend of Rex's and we hear briefly him briefly mentioned in the previous book. Apparently Mac has sort of a self sustained homestead near a destroyed town. His other military buddies have left but he stayed behind because of a young man named Cal. Cal is trying to survive in the ruins of his childhood home and has lost everyone in his family. He's developed a crush on the handsome guy that occasionally helps him out, but he doesn't think it is possible that Mac could want him for anything more than a (bleep) toy. There's a lot of miscommunication between the two and when Cal barters sex for food we see a different side to both men. Personally I think it steps over the line into non-con and dub-con, and it bothered me just a little bit. Now, don't get me wrong, in the context of the story's setting - post virus apocalyptic world - I can see how trading sexual favors would become a commodity - but I still felt like Mac could have done a better job of checking in with Cal and also aftercare. For a guy who supposedly has stuck around for the young man, he behaves a bit more feral than I expected. I'm still totally invested in the series and am anxious for the next book, but I did drop it down to 4* for this reason.

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

His to Break- E.V. Olsen
Narrated by Grayson Owens

* One bed
* Mutual pining
* Novella

𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳, 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘬. 𝘖𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦, 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘦𝘳𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘏𝘪𝘴. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴.

First off, Grayson did this narration so amazing. I was sucked in how the emotions rolled out of him for both characters, but it was when he narrated Mac in the last chapter that really made me love this audiobook so much.

I loved everything about this book. I loved the trade for food and it was so well written. It kind of had the same concept in the first book but this one was definitely so much better.

I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. I wonder if the first characters will pop in as well. If you’re looking for a short novella with some emotion, this is it for you!

I received a copy of this audiobook and this is my honest review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a different time, when small towns are abandoned and few are left behind, only Mac and Cal are left. Cal is young, living on his own, scavenging abandoned houses for food or fishing for something to eat. There is no electricity, winter is coming, and the weather this year seems worse than before. Mac is older, ex-military, and he has made it his job to watch out for and protect Cal. When Mac asks for favors in exchange for food, Cal is uncertain, and runs when emotions overwhelm him. What will Cal do the next time he is unable to scavenge enough to feed himself? Will he return to Mac and accept what he wants?
Short but intense story with plenty of steam and heat, strong emotions, and an awareness of certain self-truths.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Linda V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

Story - ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶.5
Narration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

His to Break is the 3rd novella in the Wasteland Temptations series. We finally get to Mac, Rex's military buddy from the first two books. This story is in Cal's POV. Cal is on his own, barely hanging on when Mac comes to his rescue. Cal is overwhelmed by Mac and his feelings for him and runs. While this is a short (about an hour) story, there is a LOT of emotion going on. This could be a standalone, but you should definitely start at the beginning to get all the background. I can't wait for Mac's POV in the next book.

The narration was fantastic. Grayson Owens voicing the gentle, slightly naive Cal perfectly. I can only say I was tearing up with the audio over the book. Loved his performance. 5/5 stars!

[Danielle Hendrikse · Rating 2 out of 5]

"His to Break" immerses readers in a world where desire meets the forbidden, secrets linger in the shadows, and emotions simmer beneath the surface. In this gripping M/M dark and angsty romance, the author weaves a tale of survival, desire, and the delicate threads that bind two souls.

The review effectively captures the essence of the narrative's opening—a lone survivor navigating a solitary existence until a deal with the enigmatic Mac shatters the fragile equilibrium. The promise of a single heated night ignites a passionate connection, but the review hints at the complexities that follow—a journey into unfamiliar desires and the overwhelming emotions that threaten to unravel everything.

[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

His to Break and His to Lead need to be reviewed as one continuous story as they belong to one couple, young Cal and army veteran Mac, living in the same small town while human predators roam around. Who knew erotica could be so hot in this post-apocalyptic world? This book (His the Break) is from Cal's POV.
Mac, an army veteran, has been watching over young Cal for years after everyone leaves their town. There is an intensity to the older guy that equal measure excites and frightens Cal. The two share an incredibly intense night that intimidates Cal with its power. He runs away from Mac, only to return out of desperation even though his feelings for the older man didn't change. Mac, once again, takes care of him (even though he is obviously holding a part of himself back) until unexpected visitors turn up at their door. Having Rex and his boyfriend back in their life rattles their world in the best possible way. And while things between Cal and Rex’s young boyfriend, Devon, become brotherly, a new threat nearly takes away all their happiness when brutal visitors descend on their quiet town. The third and fourth installments of this series have more BDSM plays and some voyeurism, while still giving cozy vibes in the last chapter.
BDSM with Restrains, Toys and Impact Play
Voyeurism
Hurt/Comfort
Apocalyptic Setting
Possessiveness
Age Gap
Please check the TW for sensitive content!

[Cyn's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loving this series. 🔥
This story veers away from the first two in the series and we get Cal's POV in his blossoming relationship with Mac, who was mentioned in the first two stories as being a friend to Rex. It is possible to read this as a standalone, or to start here and then go back to book 1, but this series is best read in order.

I feel like this book has the most dubious consent in the series, so if you have any issues regarding dubcon, but have otherwise liked this series, I recommend skipping this book and come back for book 4.
Other CW: lack of aftercare after an intense scene, lack of negotiation in terms of additional bondage and impact play, see my tags for other possible content issues.