Learn Your Limits

by Van R. Som, Kay Thorne

REID CALLAHAN has spent his life doing exactly as he’s told, living up to the image crafted by his father, but he’s desperate to find something more. When he signs up for a dating app, the last thing he expects is to form a connection with a man who’s fourteen years older than him.

And he definitely doesn’t expect that man to end up being one of his professors for the semester.

EMILIANO CERVANTES has been craving connection.
At thirty-seven, he’s been the perpetual bachelor, never interested in more than a few dates and a casual relationship. At least, not until he’s captivated by a mysterious man on a dating app. Reid quickly becomes everything Emiliano didn’t know he wanted.

Only for Emiliano to realize he’s someone he can’t have.

Learn Your Limits is an MM romance with the following tropes: age gap, professor x student, secret relationship, lots of texting, "teach me," and bi MMCs.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 17, 2025

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

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, spicy, and daddy kink? Say less.

I’m an absolute sl*t when it comes to the professor / student trope. I’m gonna read it ever. Single. Time. And this one was so fun, so spicy, and so very forbidden. Sign me up again and again.

Reid wants no part in the life his parents have laid out for him. He’s supposed to marry a nice girl, have the 2.5 kids, take over the family business, and make his family look good. But that’s not what he wants, so he takes matters into his own hands. He downloads an app to help find a connection with someone, a man. Something that he’s never allowed himself to indulge in before.

Milo lives a simple life of work and travel. He’s been alone for so long that he’s forgotten what connection feels like. When a young, nervous, eager man enters his chat he’s instantly intrigued. Until they find out that their relationship is strictly forbidden.

It was fun to watch these two sneak around, and fight their feelings for one another. But fighting it for too long? Well, it’s bound to crack sometime. And crack it does.

The spice was soooo good, and of course the accidental “daddy” kink hits every time. I say accidental because neither of them knew that was something they’d be into, but it was so hot. Watching Milo teach Reid what he likes? How to please him? Hot. So hot.

I had such a great time with this very quick, very spicy read and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a MM, teacher / student, daddy kink book that has very low drama, a little bit of family interference, and a delicious getaway to a cabin for the weekend that turns out to be equal parts spicy + sweet.

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this MM, high spice, medium stakes romance with lots of mutual pining! Reid is a cinnamon roll, grad student who is dealing with a complicated family relationship with tons of pressure from his family to marry a wealthy woman; however, Reid is bi sexual and wants to explore a relationship with a man.

Reid downloads a MM dating app to find someone and matches with Milo, an older guy who works as an educator. The sexual tension right off the bat is PIPING!! Milo hasn’t dated in eons and only downloaded the app due to his bff’s hounding to finally stop working so hard and date.

Rein (or Cal as he calls himself on the app) and Milo exchange some photos and even videos with plans to go on a date; however, Reid goes to class and immediately recognizes Milo as his professor. Milo realized Reid is Cal and informs Reid they can’t continue the relationship as it is inappropriate and the pining goes up a notch. The forbidden nature of the relationship makes it so much more tense between these two due to their huge attraction.

I normally don’t have professor x student romances but the ages and preexisting relationship between these two made it a really enjoyable read! This is my second book by Van R. Som and my first by Kay Thorne and I really enjoyed it!!

Read this if you like:

📚 student and professor
📚 mutual pining
📚 lots of texting
📚 age gap (24 & 37)
📚 “teach me”
📚 brat & brat tamer
📚 daddy kink
📚 high spice

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


Thank you so much to Van R. Som and Kay Thorne for the eARC!!

[Winnie Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of Van R. Som’s books so I already knew I would enjoy this first venture with Kay Thorne. I just didn’t know I would enjoy it this much! Double bisexual MMCs, brat taming, Spanish sprinkled throughout courtesy of the Latino MMC, it’s just a good time! The professor/student trope has really grown on me in recent months and I think Learn Your Limits executes it very well. I particularly appreciate the student being 23 since he displays a level of maturity that comes with a gap year and being a senior in college. This book is fun, it’s steamy, it’s sweet, and there’s a cameo at the end that made me squeal audibly! Such an enjoyable read. I received a copy of this book directly from the authors and this is my honest review. 4.5 stars. I had the best time telling my silent book club group about it today before diving back in!

[Hayley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟
4🌶️

"The way Reid and I found each other is unorthodox—I’m well aware—yet I do not regret one moment of hardship we endured and the love that bloomed because of it."

I absolutely love a professor /student trope and this book was amazing

This book was fun and so so spicy and forbidden. Just now I like my books and the age gap between them was really good.

Spice was so so good and the daddy kink throughout the book was done really well

I had a great time reading this book, I read it in 2 days as I just couldn't put it down.
I definitely recommend this book it had everything I was looking for in a book
💜Great romance
💜Great characters
💜The plot was well done
💜 The heart breaking ache and spice

This is the first book I've read by van r dom and it certainly won't be my last as I was obsessed.
I was left wanting more

Thankyou to both the authors for the arc. This is my honest review.

[Cella Oreta · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY FUCK DID I EAT THIS SHIT UP!!!!
4.75⭐️ and 3🌶️
Wowwww- so where do I ACTUALLY BEGIN?! Let’s start with the fact that I loved the differences in these dynamic characters! Poor Reid who has been burdened by a life planned out for him all for just fulfilling daddy’s wishes only to meet Milo, who has his life secured and stabilized as a professor! God these two worlds could not have been more complementary to what the other needed and I lived for the merging of their lives, truths, and vulnerabilities!!!

If you have ever wanted to know what sexy, mature sexting sounds like?? Milk is your man because what in the holy hellll 😍 and if you need lessons in being a brat who also needs his own little daddy kink fulfilled by his hot professor- Reid is your guy!

In all seriousness, this book gave me everything I’d look for in a GREAT romance book; great characters, solid plot with great potential conflict, heart aching for the love between the MMC’s, and a repair so fucking beautiful I screamed 🥹 AND THE SPICY WAS MOTHERFUCKING SPICY LET ME TELL YOU!! 🥵🥵🥵

FUCKING READ IT! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[Spinster Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Heart. This was the most deliciously sweet and spicy story. I am in love! These two had me kicking my feet, swooning, squealing, blushing, crying, screaming, & giggling. I adore them with my whole soul.

Reid is a student in his last year of university who dreams of being a school counsellor.

Emiliano/Milo is a college psych professor who loves his work and is good at it.

They meet on a dating app. It is awkward and interested at first (or fifth in a row) text. Then they find out he is his teacher and he is his student. Things get intense. He tries to end it before it really gets started. So he shows up at his office with lunch and zero fluffs to give about being his student. They keep texting. They keep things secret. And they keep getting spicier & spicier. So good!

Reid is learning how to be. He comes from a wealthy & rigid family with very specific, very straight plans for him. Reid is bisexual but has no experience dating men. He is so adorably & authentically himself when pursuing Milo & getting to know him. I love watching him learn how to love, how to accept love and how to identify & express his needs.

Milo is the most beautiful man. He is so smart, supportive & dominant. He is also bisexual but with much more experience. He has been able to live & express himself, so he knows what he is doing & what he likes. And he wants Reid to have the safety to learn, express & experience. I love how much he is a giddy fool for Reid from the start.

These two together are adorable and hot as heck. They teach, challenge & support each other. When they hit some bumps, they (eventually) learn to listen & trust & grow. There is a depth to them & their stories/story.

I adored every word of this book and cannot recommend it enough.

I received this as an ARC and am beyond grateful. This had zero impact on my review.

[urarchive · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars for me!

Professor x student and age gap are tropes I’ll always go for. I don’t like it when the older guy stays in denial for too long, but thankfully this one isn’t like that.

I love Milo and Reid. I love that they’re honest with each other. I even teared up when they were in that hard situation :””

However, I feel like their conversations were a bit too formal, maybe because of the age gap?, but it didn’t really bother me.

Overall, I enjoyed it!!

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

Milo and Reid are too cute together and I love them so much! It was a quick and funny read!

I loved the spicy scenes and the forbidden part. I loved Milo, he’s so caring and sweet to Reid.

The beginning of the book was very good and I love texting chapters in the romances. The main characters were so cute together and I couldn’t stop reading it.

This book has everything I look in a romance book, the plot was interesting and the spicy was very hot!

it’s very low angst (and i hate angst in my romance books)

I really loved everything in this romance but the only thing I didn't really like was how Reid's father treated his son, especially after his coming out, that was not fair.

I received an ARC copy for my honest review.


**

ARC REVIEW
✏LEARN YOUR LIMITS di Van R. Som e Kay Thorne

✏VOTO: 4⭐
✏🌶🌶

✏RECENSIONE:
Lettura molto piacevole e da leggere tutta d’un fiato in un pomeriggio.

Reid è un ragazzo che vuole avere una relazione ma essendo molto timido preferisce usare una app di incontri. Qui sopra incontra un uomo di nome Milo che è molto più grande di lui. Nonostante la grande differenza di età (13 anni), la chimica tra di loro è da subito esplosiva e instaurano da subito un interesse reciproco.

Quando Reid riprende l’Università, scopre che il suo professore di psicologia, Emiliano Cervantes, è proprio il Milo con il quale ha messaggiato, e flirtato, per settimane.

Nonostante tutto, i due si desiderano troppo e durante la pausa autunnale, Milo invita Reid a passare il tempo con lui in una casa nei boschi che ha affittato e la loro relazione diventa ufficiale a tutti gli effetti.

Nel frattempo, però, Reid è costretto ad uscire con Avalon Castillo, figlia di un uomo con il quale il padre ha degli affari in ballo.
Reid non vuole studiare economia per prendere il posto del padre in azienda, lui ama disegnare e vorrebbe studiare altro e questa cosa lo rattrista molto.

Avalon è da subito un’amica e sostenitrice e i due diventano buoni amici.

[Noa Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

"This stunning creature calls me gorgeous while he sits there taking my breath away simply by existing." - Emiliano (Milo)

"The way he looks at me and treats me like I’m everything to him—has awakened a piece of me that’s lay dormant for far too long." - Reid (Cal)

Milo and Reid began chatting on a dating app, not knowing for sure if Milo was his professor, but the idea that it was a possibility was exciting for them. They immediately form a connection, and that is the start of their secret relationship. Reid feels a lot of pressure from his dad, and he has a hard time with that. Milo has found his own ways to help him calm down, and then they start to send a lot of text messages to each other while also exploring each other during spicy time. There was a lot of spicy time, and I had a hard time understanding what they saw in each other outside of that. The chapters are short, which I love. However, I missed a connection between them.

They liked each other a lot from the start, but it felt like they didn't know each other that well. I feel like there was a lot of saying that something happened instead of showing that in the book. For example, Reid was very nervous about what his roommates would think, and that was mentioned a few times, so it was important to him, but that conversation wasn't shown. Milo could talk about his relationship with someone while saying that nobody could know about them, but Reid only has someone that he recently spent time with to talk about his relationship. I missed character depth, and sometimes it just fell flat for me.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

LYL follows two people searching for connection and finding it instantly. But that doesn’t mean getting together was easy! From the start, this book delivers major yearning that had me taking multiple breaks just to breathe. (I’m autistic and feel emotions deeply, so this one hit hard.) The angst level is moderate, but the ache? Very real.

This story is sweet, spicy, and full of longing, with a touch of daddy kink that turns up the heat. The professor x student dynamic already adds tension, but combine that with their 14-year age gap and you’ve got a forbidden romance that really sticks with you. I loved that it wasn’t a bi-awakening story but instead featured two bisexual characters, with Reid experiencing his first and only relationship with a man.

My only critique is that I wish we had more time to see their friendship and emotional connection develop beyond the instalust. The texting period was lovely, but I found myself wanting more depth and moments between them. I also wouldn’t have minded a few extra spicy scenes earlier in the “forbidden” phase, and that’s saying something, coming from someone who usually skims them (I’m ace).

Overall, LYL is an emotionally charged and tender read that balances heart, humor, and heat beautifully. If you love MM romances with professor x student tension, an age gap that brings medium angst, and spice that delivers, this one’s for you.

Thank you VRS and Kay Thorne for trusting me with your ARC!!

[Katie Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!!! Reid and Milo are the sweetest! This book was well written and extremely easy to read. Very spicy! I am a sucker for an MM romance, and this one kept me turning the pages. Reid is so sweet and shy but also when he came out of his shell a little it was like he was right at home doing what he was doing!! And Milo is really mature and knows what he likes, just hadn’t found it yet!
I loved how they met and that when it was revealed that Reid was in his class no one freaked out, but rather it made him smile and get excited.
Kind of a quick progression of the relationship, but I still couldn’t put it down. I was happy to be along on their ride.
It was a nice romance with very little drama. I thought that the story did fall a little flat at certain points, like the stakes could have been higher. I thought there would be more sneaking around or forbidden aspects. Some parts felt like the story skipped too much and I couldn’t grasp how much they felt for each other. It was stated, I just didn’t feel it totally. After the gala I didn’t really see why there was so much distance between them. I was happy with the HEA, a sweet ending.
Also…When the spice hit, it HIT!!! Chefs kiss to that! I’ve never read these authors before but I’m excited to read something else of theirs. Also are we getting a story about Avalon? I’d love to know her deal.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

The build up over text relationship between Reid & Milo made me giggle into my kindle I can’t lie! I loved how sweet and spicy their interactions were over the app. The relationship fell a little flat for me spice wise when they actually met - maybe that was because I prefer defined stone roles in my MM romance (personal preference irrelevant to the quality of the content!) or maybe it was because the kink aspect felt a little lax. I was hoping for more forbidden toeing the line but Reid and Milo stayed pretty within their bounds aside from the odd risqué move. I very much enjoyed the fluffiness of this book, their love felt genuine and I liked the angst even if it was minimal. By 80% I did feel like I had my HEA and the book could have ended with the extra scenes are more of an epilogue. Overall Learn Your Limits was a solid hidden to unhidden identity read, the characters grew and I rooted for Reid to find his voice.

You’d enjoy Learn Your Limits if you like; Fluff, mostly appropriate student/professor, age gap, topping from the bottom, “Daddy” Kink - only in name not in dynamic, HEA, Men in love, Bi rep

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Sav · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one scorching read! This book starts off with a little steam and then just charges full speed ahead. Reid, a college senior, has always suspected that he’s bi, but has never taken the opportunity to explore this. His father is incredibly controlling and insists on him marrying a woman from a well-connected family for the betterment of the prestigious family company. Milo is the workaholic professor that was tailor made to tame the brat that is Reid.

When these two meet virtually on a dating app, they instantly feel a connection, despite their 14-year age gap. There’s banter, flirty texts, sexy photos, and even an impromptu phone date. It’s obvious that these two have major chemistry and are already starting to develop feelings for one another. But all that changes a few days later when they realize that Milo is actually Reid’s professor for the semester. But their connection is just too strong to deny, and their secret relationship is full of flirty texts, sneaky office meetups, and even a romantic weekend getaway.

The romance is sweet, loving, and healing. The spice is frequent, steamy, and absolutely delicious. If you like student x professor tropes, daddy kinks, brat/tamer dynamics, and filthy mouths, this is definitely the book for you!

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

When I received the e-mail confirming that I got the ARC, I started hopping. I was already invested when I read the blurb, so I couldn't wait to meet our MMCs. I will never be the girl who says no to an age-gap, it has always been one of my guilty pleasures. And professor and student? Music to my ears.

The beginning of the book is very dynamic, the texts they send each other make the story flow quickly and interestingly. The flirting and the bantering are really cute. I wanted to hug Reid after that first class as well, because rejection sucks every time, especially when you have felt that intense connection without even meeting the other person properly.

How the relationship evolves under wraps and how they fall for each other was a delightful thing to read, and the spicy scenes are very well narrated. When they are finally out in the open you can feel their happiness flow from the pages, I was giggling like a schoolgirl the whole time. I had a wonderful time reading this story (finished it up in less than 24 hours) and I am really looking forward to reading more from the authors.

100% recommended!
Happy reading! 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[Jen Altman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured it in less than 24 hours. 5 stars. No notes. Better than porn. 👌

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So apparently I’m in my MM romance era. Who knew?! I hadn’t read one until this year. Now I’ve devoured 3 of them, and they’ve all earned 5 stars. New fiction kink unlocked? I’m ok with that! Especially when it comes to Learn Your Limits. This is the deliciously sweet and spicy MM forbidden romance you NEED in your life!

Gearing up for the new school year to start, the last thing college psych professor Milo expects is to meet a younger man on dating app. He and ‘Cal’ instantly click. The problem? Cal is actually Reid Callihan, and Milo is his teacher. What follows is an intensely hot, secret affair packed with explosive chemistry. I was blushing, giggling, and swooning the whole way through! Their dynamic is the perfect combination of supportive, challenging, and unbearably sexy.

Beyond the spice and swoon though, this forbidden romance delivers serious emotional depth as well. Reid is a bisexual young man who comes from rigid conservative family values, navigating his first experience dating men and learning how to define himself. Milo is dominant and supportive, but even this daddy falls hard when it comes to Reid. Together, Milo provides the safety needed for Reid to learn how to identify and express his needs as he explores his sexuality.

Go grab this book and thank me later!

[Willie Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨LEARN YOUR LIMITS✨ A contemporary, stand-alone romance filled with yearning, banter, heart, and plenty of spice. 🌶️

Reid wants nothing to do with the picture-perfect life his parents planned for him — the wife, the kids, the family business. Instead, he takes control of his own story… and downloads an app that leads him to Milo — the brilliant, workaholic professor who might just be his perfect match. 💻❤️

From secret messages to forbidden meetups, their connection burns bright even before they meet. Watching their love unfold — from hidden to happily out in the open — had me smiling like a fool and melting in all the best ways. 🥹💞

If you love romances that are as cozy as they are spicy, this one’s for you.
Bonus: that epilogue cameo? I squealed. 🫢💜

Things to know
Age Gap (23/37), Forbidden, “Teach Me”, Professor X Student, brat x tamer, prep as foreplay, bi reps, latino mc, explicit language, sexual content, depictions of anxiety, controlling parents, a secret relationship, and a Play power imbalance between the two main characters.

[Josh S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The love in this book was so tender! Milo & Reid were so supportive & sweet to each other. I’ve never really read an age gap romance (23 & 37) or the professor/student trope but it was really well done. Especially since they didn’t know that they had class together until AFTER they formed a connection.

I don’t normally do star ratings because I believe there’s so much nuance when it comes to books. Ratings could vary depending on how much you liked the characters, dialogue, plot etc. But since I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review, I would say this is somewhere between 4 ⭐️ & 5 ⭐️. I loved the texting format dialouge between the characters. I felt immersed in the story by imagining how I would text or respond to certain things 😂 The spice scenes were a bit long at times (like a whole chapter) lol & VERY spicy 🌶️ but they were really well written.

This was a great read & I want to thank the authors Van R Som & Kay Thorne for this eARC. I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy! 😆

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐
4 🌶️

Van R. Som never lets me down. This book was no exception to that!! I've not read any of Kay Thorne's work but I'm going to have to rectify that asap.

Reid & Milo were a delight to read. Milo is the steady force that Reid needs in his life. Reid was such a sweet, sweet human. There were so many times I just wanted to wrap him up.

Reid grew so much from start to finish and I loved every second. He truly could've shut down and gave in but he chose to fight for who he is, and who he loves. Milo, we can't forget about my favorite professor! He was such a protector. I loved how he let Reid find himself without pressure. You can feel his love through the pages.

I could have lived in Reid and Milo's world forever.

WHAT TO EXPECT
♡ Professor x College Student
♡ 14 Year Age Gap (37M, 23M)
♡ Bi MMCs
♡ Secret Relationship
♡ "Teach Me"
♡ Lots of Texting
♡ Brat x Tamer
♡ "Lock the door"
♡ Latino MMC!

Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)

[Nova Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was such an easy, low angst read while still having plot points that didn't make me bored as I was reading. And that is exactly what I've been needing lately. Emiliano (Milo) and Reid are a sweet duo.

Reid doesn't have any experience with men. But he wants to. Which brings him to the queer specific dating app where he texts an older man named Milo. They hit it off immediately, and they have a mutual want to continue whatever may happen between them. The problem? Reid turns out to be Emiliano's student. Understandably, the man tries to end things between them at the initial discovery. But Reid isn't willing to give up on what he could have with the man he connected with so easily. As it turns out, Emiliano isn't ready to give this up either... But they have to keep it a secret. At least until the end of the semester. A torturous few months for the both of them. But worth it in the end.

[Bethiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I absolutely loved this book. Emiliano and Reid were just made for each other

Reid got on a dating app just to see if he would meet someone. He comes across Emiliano's profile and takes a chance. They hit it off. They flirt for a few days and exchange sexy videos and some pictures. But once Reid's classes start, he does not expect his professor to be the guy he has been talking to.

They have to keep their relationship a secret because of course student student-professor relationship is forbidden. But they can't keep their hands off each other. Their chemistry is off the charts. The tension when they are together had me kicking my feet.

Every time Emiliano called Reid "muñeco" I was squealing, and blushing. The way they loved each other and communicated had me swooning.

If you like forbidden, student/professor, daddy, age gap, and secret relationship then this is for you.
Thank you to the authors for the opportunity to read this book.

[JabberwockyStories · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Alpha Reader Review* Thank you Van and Kay for allowing me to read an early copy <3

Learn Your Limits follows student Reid Callahan, and Professor Emiliano Cervantes. Both meet through an app and it's an instant connection. However, Reid has one year left in his degree so they have to keep quiet on their relationship if they don't want to break the rules.

I have loved everything both Van and Kay have wrote! They write emotion so well!! When they announced they were writing a book together I absolutely squealed and let me tell you....they did NOT hold back!

Reid is a SWEETHEART and Milo.....🔥🔥🔥! mmm these two compliment each other so well! I LOVE how Milo guides Reid and makes him feel comfortable to ask for things he previously didn't feel he could ask for.

If you are looking for an MM age-gap romance between a student and a professor look no further! This story not only has heart but humor and spice!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up!

This was such a fun, spicy, and sweet story! The book was full of the best tropes like age gap, professor/student, daddy kink, & brat/brat tamer, and was about 50% smut, which I didn’t mind at all! I loved the relationship between Milo & Reid because it was so simple. Yes, they did have to deal with hiding their relationship, but it was clear that they were both committed to one another from the beginning. Milo is supportive of Reid and his wish to finally break free from his father’s expectations, and Reid helps Milo find the love and steadiness he always wanted.
I really enjoyed this book, but I did feel it lost its momentum for me about 2/3 of the way through. It was still a great story of finding love in an unexpected time and place, and I would recommend reading it if you’re curious.

Thank you Van R. Som & Kay Thorne for this ARC in exchange for any honest review!

[Thais Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my Second Van Som Book and I am absolutely obsessed! Reid and Emiliano Story although you expected there romance to be angsty due to the nature of there relationship it was pretty low angst and I loved it. I loved the dynamic and the muneco like yesssss dadddyyy *wink face* . The age gap was perfect and I felt like the couple truly fell for each other although I was concern at the beginning that it would turn into insta love it really didnt so I appreciate that.

The only thing I felt like kept me from giving it a full 5 stars was is that I love a forbidden romance especially a student teacher but I miss having the angst and the wish that the dirty sex scene happened during the forbidden part instead of back to back at the end. other then that it was chef kiss and I cannot wait to continue reading more from this author.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I don’t typically like instalove, and age gaps (especially with a serious potential for power imbalance) are tricky for me. I’m still not sold on the instalove, but the way Van and Kay handled the potential power imbalance of Milo and Reid’s relationship was very well done.

If you love a bi4bi story that’s as cozy as it is spicy, this one is for you. I laughed, cried, and melted into a puddle in equal measures. The cameo in the epilogue had me squealing.

Thank you to the authors for giving me the chance to read this ARC.

⭐️: Barely finished, almost DNF
⭐️⭐️: Finished, but was nothing wonderful
⭐️⭐️⭐️: Enjoyed, but would probably not read again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Highly enjoyed, would likely read again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: This book is now a part of my regular rotation to re-read and/or changed my brain chemistry

[Queerbookdad · Rating 5 out of 5]

“His love makes me feel like a god amongst men, worshipped so faithfully by him at my altar.”

This story follows Reid and Emiliano (Milo) in navigating their relationship through different hardships. This story is full of love and hope and joy. If you love love you’ll love this book. Also if you love spice you’re definitely going to enjoy this. I think the Dom/sub relationship is really well executed on the pages and let’s be real a professor x student, Daddy Dom x sub dynamics are super hot to start with but when they are done right 🥵🤤🫠

There were a few scenes that really made me either giggle, smile or sweat. Especially the tree ornament scene, the after hours before graduation and the “Easter egg” at the show they watch at Pride

All in all this book is one of the best MM romances I’ve read.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This book was marketed very much in a way that had my interests peaked and when I started this I had high expectations!

Unfortunately some of my expectations weren’t met (for me personally) and let me say this was not a bad book but some things for me didn’t work.

I don’t mind the insta love trope but this one felt almost too rushed and the pacing of the book felt kind of off to me in a way especially when it came to the spicy scenes. The younger character Reid felt even younger to me and don’t get me wrong I love when “daddy” and “good boy” are used but in this case it felt off.

I think overall I just went into the book with a different mindset and that’s on me

Thank you to Van R. Som and Kay Thorne for the ARC!

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

MM? ✅
Age gap? ✅
Professor/student relationship? ✅
Surprise daddy kink? YEEEEES.

When I got the ARC email, I may or may not have screamed. The blurb had already sold me (because let’s be real—professor/student and age gap? That’s my jam). From page one, I was hooked. The banter? Flirty perfection. The texting? Adorably chaotic in the best way. The rejection? Chile, I felt that one deep in my soul.

Reid and Milo have this crackling chemistry that makes you cheese so hard. Their connection starts off spicy, forbidden, and just keeps getting better and better. Watching them sneak around while trying not to fall for each other? I was internally screaming, “Too late, boos, it’s happening.”

And then—BAM—accidental daddy kink enters the chat. I say “accidental,” but the execution was chef’s kiss. Milo teaching Reid what he likes? I was giggling and kicking my feet

This book was such a fun, fast, and filthy delight—equal parts sweet and spicy, with low drama and high satisfaction. I devoured it in under 24 hours and immediately wanted more from these authors.

10/10 would enroll in that class again. 🍎🔥

[Maurisa Risareads221 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The slow burn had me burning up!! But once they said f$&k it - it was on! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Reid is being molded to follow his dad’s footsteps. But he has never wnated anything less in his life. Instead he is focused on his last year of school and exploring his sexuality.

A downloaded app leads him to Milo. The professor but he is not his professor so it’s ok… until Milo is his professor. Now they fight against an insane attraction they both feel as they try and keep the away form each other.

But fires burning hot consume everything around them. Will either one survive the flames??

Loved it! And I saw what you did with that epilogue 😮‍💨😉

#learnyourlimits #vanrsomauthor #kaythorneauthor #mmromance #bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #daddyvibes #idratherbereading #risareads221 #risareads221reviews

[Perla Najera · Rating 4 out of 5]

arc review:

⭐️: 4
🌶️: 4

i ate this book up! an mm romance book with a daddy kink? um HELL YEAH!!

although the connection was created so fast i was all for it. i was a bit confused how milo knew reid was “cal” when he first saw him since all he had seen was reid’s body…

but did that stop me from reading? no.
when milo lost control that first time? good god 🥵
and that first weekend at the cabin?! these 2 men really brought the heat.

i’m a sucker for an age gap trope!
this book definitely did not disappoint and i’m so happy that reid kept a relationship with his mom!
now i’m wondering will anything happen with his dad?👀

regardless milo & reid have a piece of my heart🖤

[Candace P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Milo and Reid stole my heart! I loved their story from the beginning.

I really liked the dating app meet cute and how we got the hint there might be something a little forbidden. Seeing that transition to more of the professor and student relationship definitely helped build the tension between the two, but it wasn't overly angsty.

These two authors totally nailed the balance of sweet and heat! I loved the dynamic between the main characters and how perfectly they are matched!

I want to see more from this duo and the world they started building! I loved seeing characters from Van's previous books crossover and definitely need to dive into Kay's backlist!