Allured

by Van R. Som

Allured is a MM Rom-Com story that includes:
age gap, opposites attract, banter, bi-awakening, and open-door spice 🔥

Alek
Is the angelic man I met actually a devil in disguise? I really hope so. There’s nothing more that I want than to get to know Ezekiel Adler, the quiet and proper professor with fuck-me eyes hidden behind his thick-rimmed glasses.
Dating’s been complicated for me in the past but this man has me ready to dive head-first off stage for him.
I can only hope he’ll be in the audience, ready to catch me.

Ezekiel
Has my personal journey of self-discovery led to him?
Alek Delgado. The enigmatic, hot-as-sin burlesque dancer who also wears a cat apron while he cooks. He bewitched me the moment I laid eyes on him. Carefree. Animated. Unafraid. The younger man is everything I wish to be.
At a crossroads in my life, Alek has quickly become the determining factor in my path forward.
Cat apron and all.

"It made me giddy, it made me sad, it made me laugh, it made me blush!”
-Meli, Advanced Reader

Allured is the first book in the Love and Burlesque Series, a trio of interconnected standalones that focus on each of the Delgado siblings and their HEAs ❤

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romance, LGBT, Gay, Found Family, Queer

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2024

About the author

Van R. Som is a tired stay at home mom who runs off romance books and coffee. Located in the hotter-than-hell southwest , she stays inside a lot during the summer and emerges during the fall in a reverse hibernation. She is a first generation Mexican-American eldest daughter writing diverse romance stories.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ezekiel & Alek
Rating: 3.9 ⭐

- Age Gap (8yrs)
- Linguistics Professor/Burlesque Dancer
- Opposites Attract
- Lots of Lingerie
- Banter
- Bi-Awakening
- Found Family
- Romcom
- Insta-lust

This book was fun to read and great characters throughout. This is sweet and spicy, which is a great combination. There is an instant connection between the two but Ez does try to fight it at first, making Alek sad. Of course, the universe pulls them back together and once they acknowledge that they both want each other they're off to the races, the kinky races with these two. Ez is an unassuming dom but when he turns on his commanding voice for Alek, he makes the man melt. Their dynamic with the side characters was fun and the banter all around was entertaining.

It could've been a little more in-depth for the MC's, especially around their backstories. They do spill their past to each other but it didn't feel as deep and profound as the moments called for, more like hey here's this just so you know kind of thing. The whole thing with the dad seemed more like a setup for the next book with Alek's sister, so information but not necessarily prevalent to this couple. There's a minor hiccup with them towards the end but there's no breakup, you know because they're adults and talk to solve problems. You get a glimpse into the other couples for this series, and it will be interesting to see how they all end up together.

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

Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions of parental rejection (past; off-page)
- Homophobia
- Mentions of past sex work

Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No, but Ez is technically still married but getting a divorce when the relationship starts with Alek. Ez wanted to wrap up his affairs with her before telling Alek everything.
Ages: 42 & 34

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an Alpha reader is something SO important to me and I had the pleasure and honor of being one for Allured.

Allured made me giddy, it made me sad, it made me laugh, it made me blush!

I love how straight laced Ez is and how much he allows himself to just be around Alek. The cast of side characters are so fun and have big personalities of their own, and I cannot wait to meet them as well.

Funny, intriguing, interesting, anyone who enjoys MM, bi-awakenings, laughs, and an overall great story NEEDS to read this one.

Update: I got to be an ARC reader too and to see the Alpha reader draft compared to the ARC, I couldn't be more proud to see it all polished and pretty. I also got the excitement of a few scenes that weren't in the initial draft! My rating and feelings won't change.

Allured is an incredible debut, and a must for MM enjoyers who also enjoy spice, jokes, and wicked boys 😉

[Swoony and Spicy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars 🌟
3.5 Spice 🌶️

Tropes and Points:
- Low angst
- 1st person, Dual POV
- Opposites attract
- Age gap
- Burlesque dancer x Professor

Ooooof this is a hot book!! An opposites attract between a quiet nerdy professor and a vibrant loud burlesque dancer... such a great combo!🥵

But these two were so much more than just steamy! Alek and Ezekiel were very sweet with one another and really filled the spaces where the other needed a certain type of love.

The banter between not only the MC's but the side characters was so damn funny, I could not stop giggling, and I'm really keen for the rest of what this series offers!

This is a great read for when you need something high heat, low angst that makes you laugh out loud!💜🕺🏽

More reviews on Instagram: @swoonyandspicy 🌶️❤️

[Lauralee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alek is a burlesque dancer at a coveted club in the city with not very good luck in relationships. Ezekiel is a professor who is a little bit older than Alek and meets him while Alek is doing his side gig, cooking. From the start Ezekiel thinks that Alek is the whole package, and he absolutely is. Ezekiel isn’t so sure of his orientation to begin with, but he knows he’s attracted to Alek. They’re so different, but you know what they say! Opposites attract.

This is Van R Som’s debut, the premise of the story is new and unique. However, the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The way one of the MCs talks is very odd to me. It feels very unnatural. I feel as though the author didn’t execute this the way they wanted to. The same MC also goes from not liking men to talking filthy to the other MC without a second’s thought and it just seems very odd to me.

[Lizz_reads._ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I absolutely loved it 😻 it was everything I wanted in this book. When I say MM romances hit different I mean it cause these books just keep getting better like bro I’m head over heels for this couple. Alek and Ezekiel their tension, romance , banter & foreplay omfg I was living for it. These two are sooo kinky like hello!? I absolutely love their kinks though I can’t lie 😂 The storyline and the plot was really great!! I loved reading single bit of it. ❤️❤️ This book was just awesome I absolutely devoted it. 💜💜

💜TROPES💜

💜MM
💜Opposites attract
💜Spice
💜Tons of banter
💜Age gap (8 yrs)
💜Bi- awakening
💜insta- attraction

[Maylovebugs · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - 4.75⭐️

"Ez, you're gonna make me fall."

"I'll catch you."

i sat and binged this read like my life depended on it, and it brings me so much joy to say that this, THIS RIGHT HERE, has made my week. i hope that when you get to read this book, you'll love the "subtitles" (as i call them) as you start each chapter. i hope that you find glitter in your life. that you allow yourself to be seen. that you allow yourself to fall in love with all the brilliance that you are. that you laugh and cry, and more than anything, be allured by how simple and beautiful love can be if you let it 💜

[M.Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for picking me as an ARC reader for this one.
I looooooved the tropes and Alek a burlesque dancer who can cook??? Say no more.
I haven't read too many books with open bisexual topics and it was refreshing to read it without it being an over the top realisation! The normal reaction from both characters revealing themselves to each other was beautiful.
I did wish there was more time to indulge in their pasts and backgrounds, I feel like there were some parts glazed over a little too much but I still did enjoy the story and thought they were incredible cute 😍
Keen to read more from this author

[Biblio · Rating 5 out of 5]

VAN OMG. This was so freaking good. I love love love Alek and Ezekiel so much. The banter, the spice, the chapter titles! CHEFS KISS. MUAH. Delicious and such a fun read! There's so many sweet and intimate moments that will have you tearing up and then you get to the foreplay and kinks and suddenly you have to change your panties. Van nailed this and I am so so proud of her! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!

*pre-release review

[Emma Busch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Lowri Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, especially the concept of it. How Alek and Ez met was brilliant and the way their relationship developed, although it was fast, it was well explained and believable.

I felt this book only scratched the surface and I wanted some more in-depth stuff from them. They spilled their past, but it felt a little superficial and didn’t touch in fears or wants for the future. This meant I didn’t fall as much in love with Alek and Ez as I could have.

However, this is a debut book, and I will definitely be picking up more books from this author in the future.

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

When burlesque dancer Alek gets rope into catering for his friendy he never thought a man he'd be immediately infatuated with would run into his kitchen. But when the hottie professor doesn't call after their one time encounter, he's devastated. By chance, Ezekiel shows up in Alek's club one evening. Will the two men finally get a chance to get to know each other and explore this strange connection between them?
These two are just the cutest patooties!! Both feel drawn to each other from the first moment, but it's Ezekiel's first encounter in being attracted to a man. Alek's and Ezekiel's isn't a slow burn, it's insta-attraction which takes a bit of time to unfold but their dynamic is 🔥!!
If you like cinnamon roll MMCs, cinnadoms, found family, fantastic banter and 🌶️, adorable fluffy cats and characters who really work for making their relationship an understanding, open and successful one, go pick up "Allured"!!

[Isis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartwarming, banter filled, shminky, spicy filled read.

The way I didn’t even realize I was smiling so much while reading this was crazy! 🙃
For this being your debut novel?! INCREDIBLE 😍 Alek & Ez’s communication, trust, understanding and love for one another was so refreshing! Two opposite people that were made to be one, I’m still gushing over these two beautiful men😩
I absolutely adored each MMC. I loved how EZ was dominating and kinky yet so proper, okkaayy Mr. Sir😂 Alex was flirty and very much giving “let me throw glitter on you while tossing you over my shoulder ” ✨
I really loved the family dynamic in this, Alek, Viv and Thomas are the definition of siblings.
The way these men opened up to each other, especially Ezekiel opening up his whole life to make Aleksander understand what he wanted out of them being together had me crying. THIS IS WHY FICTIONAL MEN ARE ELITE.
One scene in particular had me GASPING, the dance room?! EXCUSE ME I NEED AN NFSW ART PERO RAI NOW🥵

[Paris Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so much fun to read! I loved the setting of the burlesque club- it really amped up the sexy but fun vibes and just fit this pair perfectly.
Alek was so funny, but I loved that we saw his vulnerabilities too. He cares so deeply for those close to him, sometimes to his detriment, which I think is incredibly relatable. His backstory was complex, but weaved in in such a way that it didn't make for a heavy or angsty read.
Ez is really the one on a journey of self discovery, and I really enjoyed this take on the bi-awakening where it doesn't need to be a monumental event. I really enjoyed the way that Ezekiel's POV was written, emphasizing his quirks and softer personality.
The spice was also TOP TIER, and I loved the exploration of a more kinky side for these boys.
The writing was funny, and I was impressed with how many characters we met in this short book. This looks like the start of a great series and I cannot wait for all to come

[Rei · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so adorable and had me laughing from the first page. My dear friend Julia was sending me quotes while reading this book and she had me completely sold! I adored Alek and loved his relationship with Ez!

I almost forgot how much I loved the nerdy/jock dynamic (dancing is totally a sport). There’s something really sweet about it. And of course our nerd happened to have a totally different and unexpected side to him. A delicious side 🫠.

This book had all the feel good qualities! Great banter, spice, and some swoon worthy moments/lines! To top it all off, this book happened to be my favorite type of book to pick up, a debut novel!! I love when new authors manage to knock their firsts out of the park and Van totally did!

[alex (masters aquired) · Rating 5 out of 5]

a full review will come soon but i loved this. i will definitely be buying a physical copy when released

[Nova Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been WAITING for this book. Ever since the author started talking about it, really. And it's safe to say that it did not disappoint. First of all, the chapter names are everything. I don't see this often enough in books and it's kind of fun. Secondly, my attention was there between the first couple of lines. Which isn't something that happens entirely often. While I wouldn't say that this book is a favorite, I did really enjoy this book. I thought Alek and Ezekiel were cute! Not to mention the tension between them from the moment they met. For me, there wasn't a ton of angst. Which is not a complaint. I needed an easy read with all of the ARCs lately and this was just that. Of course, this isn't to say there weren't a couple of sad moments. A few secrets were spilled and let's just say one in particular wasn't well received... But there's a happy ending ofc. All and all, I am honored to have been chosen to be one of the many ARC readers after seeing the author's journey for her debut. I'm so excited to see Alek and Ezekiel out in the world.

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC for free in exchange for a honest review*

-This definitely wasn’t bad but needed more editing in my opinion.
-It was a cute romance and Alek and Ez are fun characters however i felt like we didn’t get to see enough of them.
-It was quite insta-lovey which isn’t my favorite but I came to enjoy their relationship anyway.
-My one big problem with this was the lack of realness within the characters. Maybe because this book was kinda short but I feel like we didn’t really see any character flaws that made the characters feel real.
-I really enjoyed the healthy communication in their relationship

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! It was cute, fun, swoony and spicy and just everything that I needed right now.
I loved both MCs and all the side characters. Alek is a burlesque dancer/chef and he meets Ezekiel at a gala he is catering. Ezekiel is a linguistics proffesor and also Alek's boss' cousin. I loved their meet-cute a lot, and also their subsequent second meet-cute too. It was insta-lust and insta-feelings, but when it works it just works. These 2 just knew, and that was fine by me, I was along for the ride. I loved their banter and how they treated each other. I felt bed for Alek feeling like he was only good for a rebound, but thankfully Ezekiel was there to show him that he was more than that.
I really enjoyed the burlesque shows that we got to witness and the costumes the dancers had.
I loved Alek's playfulness and he was kind of a himbo sometimes, but he's also the type of character you can't not love. Ezekiel was so serious and he needed the playfulness Alek brought to the table. I loved that Ezekiel didn't really freak out because of his sexual awakening. He took it so naturally and I really enjoyed his and their experimentation.Another thing that I really enjoyed about them, how natural their relationship felt and how good their worlds fit together.Things moved fast, but you could feel the emotions and the connection between them and I was here for it.
Ezekiel should have been a poet, I loved his swoony declarations and I loved how he was in the spicy scenes. I also love it when characters have this innate knowledge of what the other person enjoys and they give it to them.

A really enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend if you want to swoon, sweat and kick your feet and giggle while reading.

Thanks to the author for this ARC - I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Riina E · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Oh, this is so cute and funny! Yes, it's indie and thus not edited to perfection, but that doesn't affect the content of the story. Loveable characters, funny and healthy relationship dynamics, and the cutest love story. I kept giggling and squealing and laughing out loud throughout the whole book (which I read almost in one day (I started it on release day and then unfortunately had to pause it, but finished the rest on one day)). It's a book that feels like chocolate when you were in a bad mood - it instantly brightens your day. Low stakes, nothing to worry or fear, perfect if you need to feel better! And that warm hug of a book obviously gets a lot hotter. Very good spice scenes (although some of the dirty talk wasn't really my thing and I also don't especially care about men in lingerie, it was still great to read).And the communication between the main characters!!
I recommend it and am looking forward to more books by Van R Som.

[Baby Got Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me count the ways I adored this book!

1. Such a fun world set in a burlesque club.
2. Fun, cool, interesting main characters and side characters.
3. Cozy, low angst while still being hot!
4. Straight (ha ha ha) forward adult communication about feelings and desires.
5. Exploration of said desires...hot!
6. More thong talk then I have read in a book in a long time ha ha ha
7. I have always wanted a Batman and Superman hookup...always!
8. I am a sucker for literary, studious dirty talk...looking at you Ezekiel!
9. Give me a man who cooks...that's my Alek!

But seriously what a fun, cozy world to visit for this first time author! I can't wait for more in this series. Alek and Ezekiel deserve their happy ending!

[Winnie Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp. I love this book so much! It’s required reading for the Devoted ARC (Book 2 in the Love and Burlesque series) I’m reading next, but I would have absolutely read this book on my own. This is my kind of going on!

Beautifully described burlesque shows, a nerdy MMC (Ez) who shares my favorite show (mans was bemoaning missing the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions and I get it, bro!), and absolute hilarity. I love an unintentionally funny bloke because I have the same sense of humor. The chemistry is chemistrying and the steam is steaming.

Honey, I was giggling in the mirror like I was the one flirting and flirted with. It all made the instalove feel less like a trope and more like reality; I enjoyed every second of it. Alek is so sweet and supportive and suggestive. They really are perfect for each other. Best bi-awakening I’ve read in a while! Anyhoo, I received a copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review. 4.5-4.75 stars and all the heart eyes.

Also, the bonus Christmas story is a must-read. Talk about a satisfying addition! Super thankful for all the authors I found via Threads.

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️


I really enjoyed this quick, rom com, MM bi awakening read! This was my first time reading this author and it won’t be my last!

The sexual tension between these two was THICK! There was certainly some insta-lust from both our MMCs. I loved how Ezekiel only had positive reactions to his attraction to Alek. The best part of this book was their pre-hook up tension.

And even after they hooked up, it was so sweet to read about their love story and journey to being a couple. We did have a mild third act break up BUT it was not something I stressed about as a reader. I’m exciting to check this one off my Villains and Vixens TBR!

Read this if you like:

🎀 burlesque show moments
🎀 bi awakening for one MMC
🎀 dominant MMC
🎀 spicy times including in a car
🎀 low angst, fluffy plot
🎀 mild age gap

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
A chance meeting and instant attraction between a burlesque dancer and a sexy older nerdy guy bloom into a romance. This book has insta-love / attraction, a cast of characters that really feel like people, and some very fun moments.

I really enjoyed the book at the beginning, and felt that it had a lot of exciting dynamics. A car blowie, a surprise meeting during a sexy dance, supply closet make outs— very exciting stuff!

The book did kind of lose steam for me after about halfway. It got a lot more about navigating the relationship and miscommunication, which felt less exciting and more stressful. Despite this, it’s still a great debut novel, and I encourage you to support the author by reading!

[Tully ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay… I didn’t love this.

I am personally not a fan of the Insta-love trope, especially when it comes along with a bi-sexual awakening. I feel like there was huge gap in the MMC coming to terms with his sexuality. I don’t feel as though a 42 year old man has little to no inner thoughts about being with a man for the first time in his life.

Their relationship moved too quick in my opinion, after the first time they met they were essentially dating.

I also felt like Ezekiel spoke like a robot. His dialogue was so stiff and I understand he is a linguistics professor, but come on, it was unnatural and made me uncomfortable.

As for Alek, he was a cutie but I didn’t feel any attachment to him or any other characters.

I didn’t hate it but I don’t think I would recommend it.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alek and Ez story was beautiful. I love a bi awakening moment. The plot twist was predictable. I enjoy having more moments between Alek, Emma and Vivian. Knight being grumpy truly does makes sense and I suppose his plan worked

[The Tale Whale · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad we got to read the debut novel of our friend @vanrsomauthor! This was a sweet and spicy romance between Ezekiel, a linguistics professor, and Alek, a burlesque dancer. We get to witness them fall for each other, even though they both have their own reservations about getting into something serious. The opposites attract aspect was fun, especially with the dual POV. While they each had their own secrets, they found ways to share those parts of themselves and be vulnerable with each other. The voice of each character is starkly different, which helps make the characters feel real. I really enjoyed the scenes where Alek shared his culture with Ezekiel, and Ezekiel’s appreciation of Alek’s skills and everything he had overcome. I loved the relationship between Alek and his siblings. Not to mention, Ezekiel’s cat Peaches was a star in her own respect! The Halloween epilogue was so fun, and the perfect way to end the book!

Read this if you love:
💜 MM romance
🪩 Banter 
💜 Opposites attract
🪩 Spice
💜 Found family
🪩 Grumpy/sunshine
💜 Love at first sight

[Shivany · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶🌶🌶🌶

The most gripping MM romance I read and grafeful to be in the arc team for this book 💜
When I started it, I was curious, and when Ez and Alek met, I wanted to read another chapter and then another and another and it went on!
The story is very very gripping. The plot is AMAZING 👏 It kept me hooked the whole time and I finished it in one sitting. ONE DAMN SITTING!
Loved the spice and smut and the plot fits just perfect 🫶🏼
I adored both the characters, they were so easy to connect with. Their emotions were displayed in a very mesmerising manner and the connection between them is very hot 🔥
This book is an *alluring* concoction of humour, spice, love, plot and emotions.💗

I personally, didn't eant Alek to forgiveness Ez very easily at the end 🫣
Overall, the book is very delicious 😋
Added to my comfort reads 🤭

Tropes-
Age Gap
Strangers to lovers
Opposites attract
Insta love
Banter
Lots and lots of spice

[Chelsea Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been taking chances on books that I've seen authors promote on threads and boy this one did not disappoint. I was mostly hooked by the bi-awakening trope, personally one of my faves. And these characters were just *chefs kiss*. I really loved Alek and Ez's characters. You have your charismatic burlesque dancer and tight buttoned linguistic professor. Their insta lust attraction was just adorable with Ezekiel getting super flustered with Alek's flirting and unwavering feelings for him. This is definitely for you if you love MM, low angst, power dynamics with size differences, and just amazing characters(main and side). I'm really excited for Van's next book. This was an amazing debut novel.

[Aileen Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chemistry between Ezekiel and Alek was true perfection! I love the found family aspect of this book and the happily ever after because DUH that’s why I love to read books! Ez was def my favorite with all his quirks and bi-awakening. Alek is a fun loving free spirited goof who you just instantly fall in love with 🫶🏼 if you want some spice you’ll for sure get it with this book! And can I say there is a quote in here that is probably the DIRTIEST quote I have ever read 🥵
I was honored to be an alpha reader for this book and I cannot wait for the rest of the series. You will not be sorry you read this one.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO SWEET!!!

Allured was so cute! I loved how sweet and wholesome Alek and Ezekiel were.
Ezekiel meets his handsome chef preparing for an event, who could have thought his chef could also be a burlesque dancer? These two are exactly what the other needs. If you love found family, a poor man who keeps choking, and body glitter (lots of body glitter) then check out Allured. This was the perfect fluffy love story I needed.
On a side note, I really liked that some of the songs were named so I could listen to them while reading, I’d love to see the playlist Van R Som had in mind!