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Coming Clean
An unexpected inheritance lands Jeremy a large house and plenty of money to take a sabbatical from his job teaching poetry at a small college. He intends to sell the house and take off on a new path to discover what he wants out of life. Then he meets Connor. The attraction he feels to a man so different from himself is no less shocking than his change in financial circumstances, but Connor is in the closet and Jeremy wants a life lived out in the sun.
Connor is a former Force Recon Marine who runs a housecleaning business. When he’s hired to get Jeremy’s house market-ready, he’s startled by how attracted he is to his client despite their many differences. But his past, especially his final mission, weighs heavily on him. He’s not certain he can be the man Jeremy needs, but no man has ever made him want to take a risk like Jeremy does.
Connor is a former Force Recon Marine who runs a housecleaning business. When he’s hired to get Jeremy’s house market-ready, he’s startled by how attracted he is to his client despite their many differences. But his past, especially his final mission, weighs heavily on him. He’s not certain he can be the man Jeremy needs, but no man has ever made him want to take a risk like Jeremy does.
210 pages, ebook
First published May 20, 2015
82 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Silvia Violet
171 books1,194 followersSilvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia's stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books. Keep up with her latest ventures by signing up for her newsletter.
For insider information, early looks at works-in-progress, and other rewards, join Silvia on Patreon.
For insider information, early looks at works-in-progress, and other rewards, join Silvia on Patreon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 10, 2015
~2.5~
This is a cute, fairly sexy but ultimately trite story about Jeremy, a nerdy lit professor who inherits a house and money from his estranged aunt and uncle, and Connor, a Marine now running his own successful house cleaning business.
Jeremy and Connor are opposites. Jeremy, openly gay and comfortable with his identity, is "book smart," kind, and shy. Connor is standoffish, controlling, and deeply in the closet.
There is nothing new or original about Coming Clean. The MCs are wooden and the dialogue artificial.
Too many BIG themes are included but not developed. For example, Connor's PTSD feels like an aside. Likewise, Connor's friend Sabrina has a secret that comes out of left field.
Connor, who's portrayed as an angry, immature nozzle, wants to please his homophobic Marine buddy, Mario (Sabrina's brother). Mario is supposed to be this great, loyal guy, except for the part where he's a judgmental, ignorant, homophobic douche.
Both Sabrina and David, Jeremy's best friend, meddle in Connor and Jeremy's life. They are too present, and their constant harping and involvement isn't believable. These are people in their mid- to late-20s, not high school kids.
Bottom line: Easy read with a some steamy scenes, but ultimately forgettable and uninspired.
This is a cute, fairly sexy but ultimately trite story about Jeremy, a nerdy lit professor who inherits a house and money from his estranged aunt and uncle, and Connor, a Marine now running his own successful house cleaning business.
Jeremy and Connor are opposites. Jeremy, openly gay and comfortable with his identity, is "book smart," kind, and shy. Connor is standoffish, controlling, and deeply in the closet.
There is nothing new or original about Coming Clean. The MCs are wooden and the dialogue artificial.
Too many BIG themes are included but not developed. For example, Connor's PTSD feels like an aside. Likewise, Connor's friend Sabrina has a secret that comes out of left field.
Connor, who's portrayed as an angry, immature nozzle, wants to please his homophobic Marine buddy, Mario (Sabrina's brother). Mario is supposed to be this great, loyal guy, except for the part where he's a judgmental, ignorant, homophobic douche.
Both Sabrina and David, Jeremy's best friend, meddle in Connor and Jeremy's life. They are too present, and their constant harping and involvement isn't believable. These are people in their mid- to late-20s, not high school kids.
Bottom line: Easy read with a some steamy scenes, but ultimately forgettable and uninspired.
May 17, 2015
Happy that's over. Review to come.
January 28, 2017
*** A lovely M/M romance ! ***
Jeremy is an English Professor who teaches locally,
and suddenly inherits his Aunt and Uncle's estate. So, he takes a break from work to explore his options.
Connor, our recon Marine for 8 Years, now has a housecleaning service.
He's closeted and moving along, but his inner longing for a partner are in his thoughts. They meet when Jeremy needs his new home cleaned before he decides to keep it or sell it. He and Connor are both breathless when they meet. This is a terrific story with marvelous characters. * We get super sexy times and first times, too ! The side characters are just as fun. We get deep emotions from both men, especially Connor. With his PTSD and need to be "out", he's struggling and feels insecure. But he's not insecure about liking Jeremy. Jeremy is perfect for Connor. He's patient, caring, understanding and open, plus he thinks Connor is a hot hunk.
Several things are happening in this low angst, low key, charming story of two men who seem to be mismatched; who are opposites, but who are great together. The tale is familiar, and it is an emotional journey, with therapy coming into play, and the flow is steady.
ENJOY !
============
Jeremy is an English Professor who teaches locally,
and suddenly inherits his Aunt and Uncle's estate. So, he takes a break from work to explore his options.
Connor, our recon Marine for 8 Years, now has a housecleaning service.
He's closeted and moving along, but his inner longing for a partner are in his thoughts. They meet when Jeremy needs his new home cleaned before he decides to keep it or sell it. He and Connor are both breathless when they meet. This is a terrific story with marvelous characters. * We get super sexy times and first times, too ! The side characters are just as fun. We get deep emotions from both men, especially Connor. With his PTSD and need to be "out", he's struggling and feels insecure. But he's not insecure about liking Jeremy. Jeremy is perfect for Connor. He's patient, caring, understanding and open, plus he thinks Connor is a hot hunk.
Several things are happening in this low angst, low key, charming story of two men who seem to be mismatched; who are opposites, but who are great together. The tale is familiar, and it is an emotional journey, with therapy coming into play, and the flow is steady.
ENJOY !
============
May 20, 2016
It's an okay read, but it could have been better. There seemed to be an awful lot of buildup for a rather rushed ending.
June 11, 2015
Alright, I'll come clean too. I freaking love a straight up, is it called contemporary?, I think it is, romance, and this one totally fits that mold. Just an easy, feels good with a touch of angst romance. Makes me feel very happy inside. Totally enjoyed this.
June 2, 2015
Ok, so no new ground was covered here, and that job offer kinda came out of left field, but all in all, I enjoyed this one, when I didn't think I would, so I'm going to give it the bump from 3.5 to 4 stars.
May 25, 2015
This was an amazing book of Coming out, Hot Sex, Relationships, and Love. Silvia did a great job writing this book with a very strong story line that puts you right in the middle of these two beautiful characters. The character development was complex, but Silvia brought out the emotional and loving parts of these men. Jeremy is a PhD in English Literature and poetry. He finds himself inheriting his aunt and uncle's estate and money which allows him to go on a sabbatical to write his book. The house he inherits is large and he hires a cleaning service (Spit Shine Clean) to come in to do a deep clean and he meets the owner, Connor, who is an ex-Recon-Marine, who has experienced things in his last year that he doesn't want to talk about, even his sexuality. He's always been gay, but except for the guys who he had sex with on the run, he never was out, even to his best friend, Mario, who was a true Homophobe and he idolized. Mario and Connor met in the Marines and Connor was so afraid of losing him if he told him he was gay. After Jeremy, who was gay and out, and Connor meet there is a definite attraction to each other, but both were very cautious to pursue. But Jeremy had to know and when he gives Connor a BJ, Connor freaks. Jeremy had his own past to deal with. His ex had broken his heart when he used him and turned on him, saying he was not gay and found a woman to marry because of his conservative job. Jeremy had a hard time even getting out in the world, being an introvert, but Connor seems to have changed that. Connor was stilll in the closet, but Jeremy was patient with him and their relationship blossomed. This is a beautiful story of love that goes through the struggles of the past, maneuvering through the present. The sex was Hot, their emotions were real, but they still had to face their ghosts to make what they had work. This was a great story of two men evolving into what they really were and what they truly wanted. Highly recommend this one. If you love MM Sex, Romance, Love, and the drama that it sometimes brings, you will love this one. Great Job Silvia... Loved it.
May 20, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
3.75 Stars
I’m a sucker for Marines with a sad story so found it very easy to fall for Connor in Coming Clean but as the story progressed I wanted to give him a good shake. Even after the repeal of DADT he never came out but it was largely to do with how his best friend Mario, also a Marine, would view him. He still isn’t over his last mission and is floating aimlessly with no idea what to do with his life. There is a sadness and loneliness to Connor that he doesn’t seem able to get past. Although he has been with other men it doesn’t happen frequently. He has never kissed another man as that would be far too personal and would mean he would have to admit to himself that he was gay. He has never been fully naked with another man, only rushed sex in unpleasant places. One thing Connor is good at is cleaning so the idea of setting up a cleaning business seems like one of his better ones.
Jeremy is bored with his life teaching unappreciative teens so when a large inheritance that includes a house comes his way he takes off on a sabbatical. The house of course needs cleaning which is how Jeremy and Connor meet. They are complete opposites in just about every aspect of their life; Jeremy is out and proud, confident in who he is but shy in new situations and has a gentleness about him whereas Connor stumbles into situations, is terrified of anyone finding out who he really is and comes across as a bit of thug.
I couldn’t understand why Connor would rather hurt Jeremy with his swinging emotions rather than simply stand up to a bigoted so called best friend and I would also have liked to learn more about how his PTSD affected him. When they finally get together things are hot and sizzling and some of Connor’s demons are not nearly as bad as he has built them up to be.
3.75 Stars
I’m a sucker for Marines with a sad story so found it very easy to fall for Connor in Coming Clean but as the story progressed I wanted to give him a good shake. Even after the repeal of DADT he never came out but it was largely to do with how his best friend Mario, also a Marine, would view him. He still isn’t over his last mission and is floating aimlessly with no idea what to do with his life. There is a sadness and loneliness to Connor that he doesn’t seem able to get past. Although he has been with other men it doesn’t happen frequently. He has never kissed another man as that would be far too personal and would mean he would have to admit to himself that he was gay. He has never been fully naked with another man, only rushed sex in unpleasant places. One thing Connor is good at is cleaning so the idea of setting up a cleaning business seems like one of his better ones.
Jeremy is bored with his life teaching unappreciative teens so when a large inheritance that includes a house comes his way he takes off on a sabbatical. The house of course needs cleaning which is how Jeremy and Connor meet. They are complete opposites in just about every aspect of their life; Jeremy is out and proud, confident in who he is but shy in new situations and has a gentleness about him whereas Connor stumbles into situations, is terrified of anyone finding out who he really is and comes across as a bit of thug.
I couldn’t understand why Connor would rather hurt Jeremy with his swinging emotions rather than simply stand up to a bigoted so called best friend and I would also have liked to learn more about how his PTSD affected him. When they finally get together things are hot and sizzling and some of Connor’s demons are not nearly as bad as he has built them up to be.
May 30, 2019
Arc provided courtesy of LesCourt
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
Silvia Violet writes a lot of soft kink, but this one is a pretty straightforward vanilla romance between ex military guy, Conner, and poetry professor, Jeremy.
Conner is still in the closet, and freaked out about telling his homophobic best friend that he's gay.
Jeremy has been taken advantage of by closeted jerks before. He's not sure if he wants to deal with that again.
A sweet comedy of errors. Not too much angst. Just two men trying to make it work. I'd probably recommend this to someone who wanted a more realistic read. Both men have normal jobs and real hangups.
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
Silvia Violet writes a lot of soft kink, but this one is a pretty straightforward vanilla romance between ex military guy, Conner, and poetry professor, Jeremy.
Conner is still in the closet, and freaked out about telling his homophobic best friend that he's gay.
Jeremy has been taken advantage of by closeted jerks before. He's not sure if he wants to deal with that again.
A sweet comedy of errors. Not too much angst. Just two men trying to make it work. I'd probably recommend this to someone who wanted a more realistic read. Both men have normal jobs and real hangups.
May 28, 2018
Jeremy and Connor
Story of coming out and acceptance.
Connor was a Marine and deep in the closet until he met Jeremy and wanted to change.
From the moment Jeremy met Connor there was an attraction.
Working through their differences to make their relationship work , took trust, understanding, patience and love.
Really enjoyed the dynamics of them finding that balance.
Story of coming out and acceptance.
Connor was a Marine and deep in the closet until he met Jeremy and wanted to change.
From the moment Jeremy met Connor there was an attraction.
Working through their differences to make their relationship work , took trust, understanding, patience and love.
Really enjoyed the dynamics of them finding that balance.
May 24, 2019
this was an interesting read. different from what i thought from the blurb.. i enjoyed it a lot.. but some parts were so sad.. and made me angry. and other parts made me smile and laugh.. it was well written and good characters. i liked it a lot
August 30, 2015
*2.25 Stars
Must read reviews before reading!!
I was so happy about the summary of the book
It sounded as if this book was just for me
Sad to say it was not though
The story it was cute had some sexy elements.
Jeremy and his blabbermouth and quirkiness in the beginning of the story I loved that!
It just went downhill for me from that point on.
The meddling friends *ugh so annoying !
Connor who is an former Force Recon Marine!
came across as a whiny teenager with hormone added anger issues .
He has some issues like the fact he‘s still in the closet and he supposedly has PTSD.
sometimes I thought I was dealing with young adults but No there grown ass men
What had me rolling my eyes:
Were Connor's & Jeremy‘s inner dialogues
What are you thinking ?
Are you really going to pretend to be just friends with your lover after years of being out?
Was he?
Groups of friends go to performances all the time.
But that’s dishonest.
I can’t make Jeremy pretend in public like that.
Never fazed you in the Marines.
You’d jerk off with a guy then act like you’d never met him an hour later.
Those men weren’t Jeremy.
They were just someone to get off with.
This is different.
Then get over your hang-ups.
If only is was that easy.
*ugh
I was so frustrated reading this book
I’m conflicted did I like reading it ??
Some of it yes I did
Did I hate it ?
Nope
Must read reviews before reading!!
I was so happy about the summary of the book
It sounded as if this book was just for me
Sad to say it was not though
The story it was cute had some sexy elements.
Jeremy and his blabbermouth and quirkiness in the beginning of the story I loved that!
It just went downhill for me from that point on.
The meddling friends *ugh so annoying !
Connor who is an former Force Recon Marine!
came across as a whiny teenager with hormone added anger issues .
He has some issues like the fact he‘s still in the closet and he supposedly has PTSD.
sometimes I thought I was dealing with young adults but No there grown ass men
What had me rolling my eyes:
Were Connor's & Jeremy‘s inner dialogues
What are you thinking ?
Are you really going to pretend to be just friends with your lover after years of being out?
Was he?
Groups of friends go to performances all the time.
But that’s dishonest.
I can’t make Jeremy pretend in public like that.
Never fazed you in the Marines.
You’d jerk off with a guy then act like you’d never met him an hour later.
Those men weren’t Jeremy.
They were just someone to get off with.
This is different.
Then get over your hang-ups.
If only is was that easy.
*ugh
I was so frustrated reading this book
I’m conflicted did I like reading it ??
Some of it yes I did
Did I hate it ?
Nope
March 21, 2021
Connor and Jeremy were both hot messes. Jeremy prefers to be a hermit, Connor has some PTSD from his time in the Marines and struggles with being out. There was instant attraction between the two when Jeremy hires Connor to clean his house. I want to say I was frustrated that they didn’t communicate better, but I don’t think either character was really in a solid place to believe in their feelings or those of the other guy. There was growth for both of them, even if it was slow going. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed after so much angst, but was glad to see them finally happy and together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2015
Okay, I will say up front that I edited this story. However, having said that, I loved this story before I touched it. Of course, I enjoy a good wounded-warrior story, so that is probably part of it.
The characters are real and the friendships strong, with the focus being on Jeremy and Connor. Well worth a read anytime.
The characters are real and the friendships strong, with the focus being on Jeremy and Connor. Well worth a read anytime.
May 31, 2015
2.5 stars
Lacking emotion/passion between the MC's, supporting characters were ok but this tended to drag in places.
Lacking emotion/passion between the MC's, supporting characters were ok but this tended to drag in places.
July 23, 2025
This is the story of Jeremy and Connor. Jeremy is a Literature Professor who has just learned that his aunt and uncle have passed away. The real shock is learning that they left everything to him. People who showed him no warmth or caring growing up, left him their house and money. Deciding that he will take a sabbatical to deal with everything, he moves back to Asheville. And while there, he will decide what to do with the house while he has the time to apply to his novel that he wants to write. Realizing that he needs a cleaning company, his best friend recommends Spit Shine Clean Company. Connor is a retired Recon Marine and the founder of the cleaning company. He left the military to try and save himself but he still has a lot of issues to deal with. Like he is totally in the closet and afraid to come out even though he is no longer in the military. He is terrified of losing his best and only friend Mario. Mario is still serving and is a complete homophobe. The two meet when Connor comes to Jeremy's house to give him a quote. There is instant attraction and spark. But Jeremy has been burned by an ex that was unable to come out of the closet. And Connor wants Jeremy with every fiber of his being but is too afraid to move forward. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. The two are total opposites in personality and they fit well together. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed watching these two put their ghosts to rest and start enjoying their lives.
August 1, 2025
Angsty, steamy, passionate gay romance
If you like your gay romances with lots of angst, with two well-established men in their thirties, and with some pretty explicit scenes of intimacy, you will want to read this book. Love the cover too. Exactly what I imagined Connor to look like. Some of the most passionate internal dialogue ever. Funny that they “converse” with themselves about situations or desires. It can get interesting.
Connor left his home as soon as possible and joined the Marines because his step-father was abusive, both physically and emotionally. His mother never stood up for Connor. Sad. Connor left the Marines after eight years. Because the Marines taught him how to clean up fast, he decided he would start a house cleaning business. Now he is so successful that he has three employees. Connor has contracted to clean a house which will go on the market soon belonging to disenchanted college professor Jeremy who became the sole beneficiary of his cold and insensitive aunt and uncle. His inheritance included this big house and all their money. The house had been in Jeremy’s family since his great grand parents owned it. Jeremy has good and bad memories of living in this house. What transpires from the moment these two men meet is worth reading. Poor Connor has hidden his being gay forever, especially while in the Marines and Jeremy is out and proud. He cannot go back into that closet again. Can these two who share a visible attraction to one another, make it work? Can Connor come clean? I loved the secondary characters: David and Sabrina. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
If you like your gay romances with lots of angst, with two well-established men in their thirties, and with some pretty explicit scenes of intimacy, you will want to read this book. Love the cover too. Exactly what I imagined Connor to look like. Some of the most passionate internal dialogue ever. Funny that they “converse” with themselves about situations or desires. It can get interesting.
Connor left his home as soon as possible and joined the Marines because his step-father was abusive, both physically and emotionally. His mother never stood up for Connor. Sad. Connor left the Marines after eight years. Because the Marines taught him how to clean up fast, he decided he would start a house cleaning business. Now he is so successful that he has three employees. Connor has contracted to clean a house which will go on the market soon belonging to disenchanted college professor Jeremy who became the sole beneficiary of his cold and insensitive aunt and uncle. His inheritance included this big house and all their money. The house had been in Jeremy’s family since his great grand parents owned it. Jeremy has good and bad memories of living in this house. What transpires from the moment these two men meet is worth reading. Poor Connor has hidden his being gay forever, especially while in the Marines and Jeremy is out and proud. He cannot go back into that closet again. Can these two who share a visible attraction to one another, make it work? Can Connor come clean? I loved the secondary characters: David and Sabrina. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
August 4, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
The nerdy professor meets the tough Marine, and their opposites attract vibe is immediately off the charts. Jeremy is an out-and-proud poetry professor and unashamed English nerd. Connor is a closeted former Force Recon Marine with serious self-confidence issues. How can an educated and cultured man like Jeremy find a barely-graduated-high-school soldier with deep emotional wounds attractive? What can Connor, who cleans people's houses to earn an honest living, have in common with the beautiful man who makes his living teaching Shakespeare? Jeremy sees the beauty in the tough former Marine, and helps Connor fight his way through all the negative voices in his head, and through his fear of losing his best friend (who is homophobic), to choosing love for himself and his professor.
Despite the somewhat unbelievable resolution of the issues that separate Connor from his bestie Mario the homophobe, and the irritating repetition of each man's destructive negative self-talk, I chose to round this up for 2 reasons. First, I LOVE that Connor doesn't choose to live his civilian life as a law enforcement officer, but instead goes to his strengths, learned as a Marine, and builds a successful business as a house cleaner. It's a breath of fresh air that emphasizes the unglamorous reality of so many veterans' return to civilian life. Second, I love that he wrote Jeremy a love poem after his lover made a mess of something that should never have happened. He shows a lot of growth throughout the story, and I appreciate that.
The nerdy professor meets the tough Marine, and their opposites attract vibe is immediately off the charts. Jeremy is an out-and-proud poetry professor and unashamed English nerd. Connor is a closeted former Force Recon Marine with serious self-confidence issues. How can an educated and cultured man like Jeremy find a barely-graduated-high-school soldier with deep emotional wounds attractive? What can Connor, who cleans people's houses to earn an honest living, have in common with the beautiful man who makes his living teaching Shakespeare? Jeremy sees the beauty in the tough former Marine, and helps Connor fight his way through all the negative voices in his head, and through his fear of losing his best friend (who is homophobic), to choosing love for himself and his professor.
Despite the somewhat unbelievable resolution of the issues that separate Connor from his bestie Mario the homophobe, and the irritating repetition of each man's destructive negative self-talk, I chose to round this up for 2 reasons. First, I LOVE that Connor doesn't choose to live his civilian life as a law enforcement officer, but instead goes to his strengths, learned as a Marine, and builds a successful business as a house cleaner. It's a breath of fresh air that emphasizes the unglamorous reality of so many veterans' return to civilian life. Second, I love that he wrote Jeremy a love poem after his lover made a mess of something that should never have happened. He shows a lot of growth throughout the story, and I appreciate that.
July 29, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Just me over here discovering authors through ARCs that i've somehow collected bajillions of titles over the years lol! Coming Clean was sexy lightweight fluff, with some great side characters and some squirmy bits.
Connor, a closet-case Marine haunted by a lifetime of hiding his truth, was quite vulnerable at times and i appreciated his complexity. The homophobia he had to deal with made me pretty sad, but Jeremy was a darling and i'm glad they found each other! Lots of the hot stuff here, as well as some Shakespeare, a pirate outfit that had me howling, and an earnest attempt at poetry that only bae would love because romance!
But as much as i thought that the romance between Jeremy and Connor was sweet, i was actually mad for bestie David and the way he was ride or die for Jeremy when he needed him the most! It was David's character that flew off the page and had chemistry for days. It's pretty rare for me to come out of a romance lauding the best friend but here we are lol. This book was cute and spicy, but David made it better!
Overall, Coming Clean was a good time and I'm glad i've finally read a romance by Sylvia Violet! And if her earlier stuff is as fun as this was i'm sure i'll enjoy everything of hers in my kindle library that's still waiting to be read!
Just me over here discovering authors through ARCs that i've somehow collected bajillions of titles over the years lol! Coming Clean was sexy lightweight fluff, with some great side characters and some squirmy bits.
Connor, a closet-case Marine haunted by a lifetime of hiding his truth, was quite vulnerable at times and i appreciated his complexity. The homophobia he had to deal with made me pretty sad, but Jeremy was a darling and i'm glad they found each other! Lots of the hot stuff here, as well as some Shakespeare, a pirate outfit that had me howling, and an earnest attempt at poetry that only bae would love because romance!
But as much as i thought that the romance between Jeremy and Connor was sweet, i was actually mad for bestie David and the way he was ride or die for Jeremy when he needed him the most! It was David's character that flew off the page and had chemistry for days. It's pretty rare for me to come out of a romance lauding the best friend but here we are lol. This book was cute and spicy, but David made it better!
Overall, Coming Clean was a good time and I'm glad i've finally read a romance by Sylvia Violet! And if her earlier stuff is as fun as this was i'm sure i'll enjoy everything of hers in my kindle library that's still waiting to be read!
July 18, 2025
Jeremy and Connor’s story isn’t your typical whirlwind romance—it’s quiet, tender, and unexpectedly deep. Jeremy, the nerdy professor with neon socks and a bruised childhood, inherits not just a house but a heap of unresolved emotions. His decision to take a sabbatical to finally write the book he’s dreamed of sets the stage for a touching collision with Connor, a deeply closeted ex-military man reeling from trauma and isolation. Instead of leaning into heavy-handed conflict, it gives space for the characters to simply exist—messy, awkward, vulnerable, and occasionally hilarious. Their chemistry feels genuine, driven not by grand gestures, but by quiet understanding. Connor’s reaction to Jeremy’s unapologetic queerness is both heartbreaking and sweet. The contrast between the two men—one out and proud, one buried in secrecy—could’ve been a cliché, but it’s handled with nuance. Their dynamic proves that love doesn’t always announce itself loudly; sometimes it’s found in casual conversations, late-night confessions, and learning to trust again. Add to that the presence of loyal friends who aren’t just token sidekicks—they’re lifelines, offering warmth and witty banter while gently nudging Jeremy and Connor toward growth.
July 19, 2025
Amazing!
This book is awesome and I loved it! The tale of Jeremy and Connor is filled with love, great friends, with a bit of past trauma and is an absolute must read. Connor has gotten out of the Marines and is trying to move on with his life even though his best friend Mario stayed in the service. Staying with Mario’s sister Sabrina will give Connor the chance to get back on his feet and has him starting his own cleaning business. And that’s how he’ll meet Jeremy and it will change everything. Jeremy has inherited the family home after the recent death of his aunt and uncle who raised him after the death of his mother. When he needs it cleaned, he calls Connor and the chemistry when the two meet is off the charts! But Connor isn’t out yet and it will take some time and patience on Jeremy’s part. There will be some ups and downs along the way, especially when a job offer comes Jeremy’s way. An award ceremony will cause a gap between them when Connor finds out in the worst way. But with just a bit of meddling from some well meaning friends, Jeremy and Connor will find their way back to each other and on the road to their happily ever after!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This book is awesome and I loved it! The tale of Jeremy and Connor is filled with love, great friends, with a bit of past trauma and is an absolute must read. Connor has gotten out of the Marines and is trying to move on with his life even though his best friend Mario stayed in the service. Staying with Mario’s sister Sabrina will give Connor the chance to get back on his feet and has him starting his own cleaning business. And that’s how he’ll meet Jeremy and it will change everything. Jeremy has inherited the family home after the recent death of his aunt and uncle who raised him after the death of his mother. When he needs it cleaned, he calls Connor and the chemistry when the two meet is off the charts! But Connor isn’t out yet and it will take some time and patience on Jeremy’s part. There will be some ups and downs along the way, especially when a job offer comes Jeremy’s way. An award ceremony will cause a gap between them when Connor finds out in the worst way. But with just a bit of meddling from some well meaning friends, Jeremy and Connor will find their way back to each other and on the road to their happily ever after!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
August 1, 2025
Interesting blurb but didn't live up to it
A professor of poetry and a Marine? Sign me up. I wanted to love it but it was not for me. There was so much repetition and introspection, not to mention conversations with their internal voices of reason which were so overdone. If only they could have just opened their mouths and talked to each other...
There was also a lot of information thrown out then glossed over and the story would have benefitted from a deeper look most of the time. Connor was a Marine and his PTSD was mentioned but not properly explained, just alluded to, as was his best friend Mario's experiences that led to him being described as dead inside.
I also wanted to know more about why Jeremy inherited the house, as it seemed so unlikely given what little we were told.
The best characters were Jeremy's friend, David, and Connor's friend, Sabrina. They came across as fully rounded human beings, capable of talking to others and making sense too.
This book was originally published in 2015 and has now been re-edited. My review is of the re-edited 2025 version. You know what it's like when you come across something from a decade ago and you realise just how much things have moved on since then? Honestly, this book made me feel like that.
A professor of poetry and a Marine? Sign me up. I wanted to love it but it was not for me. There was so much repetition and introspection, not to mention conversations with their internal voices of reason which were so overdone. If only they could have just opened their mouths and talked to each other...
There was also a lot of information thrown out then glossed over and the story would have benefitted from a deeper look most of the time. Connor was a Marine and his PTSD was mentioned but not properly explained, just alluded to, as was his best friend Mario's experiences that led to him being described as dead inside.
I also wanted to know more about why Jeremy inherited the house, as it seemed so unlikely given what little we were told.
The best characters were Jeremy's friend, David, and Connor's friend, Sabrina. They came across as fully rounded human beings, capable of talking to others and making sense too.
This book was originally published in 2015 and has now been re-edited. My review is of the re-edited 2025 version. You know what it's like when you come across something from a decade ago and you realise just how much things have moved on since then? Honestly, this book made me feel like that.
April 24, 2016
Actual rating is 1/2 a star.
Jeremy is a college professor who unexpectedly inherits a sum of money and a property that turns out to be his childhood home. After taking a sabbatical and moving into the house, Jeremy decides to get a professional cleaning company so the house can be ready to be put in the market.
Connor is a closeted ex-Marine who owns the cleaning company Jeremy hires.
Their mutual attraction might not be enough given how different both men are...
This book was such a mess that I found myself reading it due to trainwreck purposes. I just needed to see how wonky things were going to become, I guess. (Yay, me?).
Since there was really one thing I liked, I'll begin with that:
+ Good female characters
For a book that failed on other levels, Violet wrote a novel that had fully-realized women. Especially Sabrina, Connor's friend. In addition to giving Connor good advice, she also has her own (minor) story line. A part of me wished she'd been in a better book.
What I didn't like (Hoo, boy!)
- Poor writing
This book had WAY TOO MUCH telling and barely any showing. For example, Connor would say a sentence or two and then, the rest of the paragraph would be his thoughts on what he'd just said and trying to figure out if Jeremy was freaked out/disgusted by him, etc.
It could've been argued that this was a stylistic choice but the truth is that it made for an annoying reading experience. The flow of whatever conversation was going on would get broken up. This is something that was doubly frustrating because of:
- Inner dialogue FROM HELL
This book is told from Jeremy and Connor's povs. Perhaps done as a way for the readers to get to know them, Violet wrote a metric ton of both characters having conversations with, well, themselves. It became more pronounced as Jeremy and Connor's relationship turned more serious. Also, for some reason, Connor's conscience/mind would not shut the hell up.
So, in addition to having Connor say one thing AND THEN think about the whys and hows of what he'd said, there would also be an EXTRA break so that more opinons could be had.
Exhibit A
(Jeremy shows up at Connor's and knocks on his door. Behold Connor's thought process):
Are you really going to pretend you're not home?
Um...
Are you afraid of a poet? You are a Marine.
I'm afraid of losing myself.
By being who you are?
No. Jeremy's not like other men.
True.
Jeremy knocked again
Open the damn door.
I could've let it go once, maybe twice, but this happened so often that it almost felt like Connor was possessed by some spirit half of the time.
- So. Many. Misunderstandings (Ughhhh!)
I legit lost track of how many times Jeremy and Connor fought due to withholding information, misinterpreting conversations, not giving the other person a chance to explain before storming off.
It got super old to see two people who were beyond fail-y at having any kind of communication. Neither of these guys read like they were adults.
- The EVIL bisexual guy (Hooray for stereotypes!)
So, there's a scene at a neighbourhood coffee shop. Jeremy's settling down to work on a book he's writing when he runs into Tony, an old acquaintance from high school.
Tony's very aggressive in his flirting which throws Jeremy for a loop since he had a crush on Tony when they were teens that was never reciprocated by Tony.
After some initial confusion, Jeremy comes out to Tony who, in turn, tells him that he is indeed asking Jeremy out on a date. Jeremy spends a few minutes thinking about the way he lusted after Tony back in high school vs. how warm Connor makes him feel in the here and now. And then, there's this:
The way Tony looked at Jeremy made him feel unclean, whereas Connor could tell him to strip and get on his hands and knees and he'd never feel dirty, only turned on. well, maybe a little dirty, but the good kind, not the soul-has-been-soiled-kind.
Uh-huh. So Jeremy decides to turn down Tony's invitation (which puzzles Tony) but he's not done. Oh, no. He goes on to tell Tony:
"Oh, I misunderstood then. You just want to chat and catch up on old times, like when you tried to get me to do your work while you were off doing the cheerleading squad?"
Tony grinned. "I did my share of the football team too."
Great, so you're an equal opportunity slut. <---Jeremy's ACTUAL thought.
Yes, according to Jeremy, all bisexual men are nasty and not worthy of having any kind of positive feelings for. Tony could've been an unlikable character for many reasons, but no, the one thing that made him untrustworthy was that he's bisexual. #Imflippingthebirdatthisauthorrightnow
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
A few chapters later, Jeremy's upset because Connor freaked out and pretty much kicked Jeremy out of his house after Jeremy gave him a blowjob. He calls David to accompany him to a club where he plans to get super drunk, pick up someone to make him forget Connor or both.
Feeling quite tipsy after a few drinks, Jeremy goes to the dance floor and starts mingling with people. Suddenly, someone grabs him and says a cheesy line about knowing that Jeremy "couldn't stay away." WHO COULD THIS MYSTERY BUT COCKY DUDE POSSIBLY BE?
Yup, it's Tony. Who then takes Jeremy by the hand and leads him to the bathroom so they can get busy. Jeremy's intoxicated enough to go along with it until Tony becomes a bit more forceful. This sobers Jeremy up enough to fight him off before David steps in and takes him away from the club.
So, yeah, bisexual dudes are not only creepy and sleazy but also would-be rapists. #Flamesonthesideofmyhead
- Unresolved/Dropped sideplots
Too many to mention. Suffice to say that, for a book of this length, it felt incomplete in many ways.
TL;DR: So many things went wrong with this book that I'm actually surprised I finished it. The one lesson I've learned is to stay as far away from anything this author writes as I can. :|
Jeremy is a college professor who unexpectedly inherits a sum of money and a property that turns out to be his childhood home. After taking a sabbatical and moving into the house, Jeremy decides to get a professional cleaning company so the house can be ready to be put in the market.
Connor is a closeted ex-Marine who owns the cleaning company Jeremy hires.
Their mutual attraction might not be enough given how different both men are...
This book was such a mess that I found myself reading it due to trainwreck purposes. I just needed to see how wonky things were going to become, I guess. (Yay, me?).
Since there was really one thing I liked, I'll begin with that:
+ Good female characters
For a book that failed on other levels, Violet wrote a novel that had fully-realized women. Especially Sabrina, Connor's friend. In addition to giving Connor good advice, she also has her own (minor) story line. A part of me wished she'd been in a better book.
What I didn't like (Hoo, boy!)
- Poor writing
This book had WAY TOO MUCH telling and barely any showing. For example, Connor would say a sentence or two and then, the rest of the paragraph would be his thoughts on what he'd just said and trying to figure out if Jeremy was freaked out/disgusted by him, etc.
It could've been argued that this was a stylistic choice but the truth is that it made for an annoying reading experience. The flow of whatever conversation was going on would get broken up. This is something that was doubly frustrating because of:
- Inner dialogue FROM HELL
This book is told from Jeremy and Connor's povs. Perhaps done as a way for the readers to get to know them, Violet wrote a metric ton of both characters having conversations with, well, themselves. It became more pronounced as Jeremy and Connor's relationship turned more serious. Also, for some reason, Connor's conscience/mind would not shut the hell up.
So, in addition to having Connor say one thing AND THEN think about the whys and hows of what he'd said, there would also be an EXTRA break so that more opinons could be had.
Exhibit A
(Jeremy shows up at Connor's and knocks on his door. Behold Connor's thought process):
Are you really going to pretend you're not home?
Um...
Are you afraid of a poet? You are a Marine.
I'm afraid of losing myself.
By being who you are?
No. Jeremy's not like other men.
True.
Jeremy knocked again
Open the damn door.
I could've let it go once, maybe twice, but this happened so often that it almost felt like Connor was possessed by some spirit half of the time.
- So. Many. Misunderstandings (Ughhhh!)
I legit lost track of how many times Jeremy and Connor fought due to withholding information, misinterpreting conversations, not giving the other person a chance to explain before storming off.
It got super old to see two people who were beyond fail-y at having any kind of communication. Neither of these guys read like they were adults.
- The EVIL bisexual guy (Hooray for stereotypes!)
So, there's a scene at a neighbourhood coffee shop. Jeremy's settling down to work on a book he's writing when he runs into Tony, an old acquaintance from high school.
Tony's very aggressive in his flirting which throws Jeremy for a loop since he had a crush on Tony when they were teens that was never reciprocated by Tony.
After some initial confusion, Jeremy comes out to Tony who, in turn, tells him that he is indeed asking Jeremy out on a date. Jeremy spends a few minutes thinking about the way he lusted after Tony back in high school vs. how warm Connor makes him feel in the here and now. And then, there's this:
The way Tony looked at Jeremy made him feel unclean, whereas Connor could tell him to strip and get on his hands and knees and he'd never feel dirty, only turned on. well, maybe a little dirty, but the good kind, not the soul-has-been-soiled-kind.
Uh-huh. So Jeremy decides to turn down Tony's invitation (which puzzles Tony) but he's not done. Oh, no. He goes on to tell Tony:
"Oh, I misunderstood then. You just want to chat and catch up on old times, like when you tried to get me to do your work while you were off doing the cheerleading squad?"
Tony grinned. "I did my share of the football team too."
Great, so you're an equal opportunity slut. <---Jeremy's ACTUAL thought.
Yes, according to Jeremy, all bisexual men are nasty and not worthy of having any kind of positive feelings for. Tony could've been an unlikable character for many reasons, but no, the one thing that made him untrustworthy was that he's bisexual. #Imflippingthebirdatthisauthorrightnow
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
A few chapters later, Jeremy's upset because Connor freaked out and pretty much kicked Jeremy out of his house after Jeremy gave him a blowjob. He calls David to accompany him to a club where he plans to get super drunk, pick up someone to make him forget Connor or both.
Feeling quite tipsy after a few drinks, Jeremy goes to the dance floor and starts mingling with people. Suddenly, someone grabs him and says a cheesy line about knowing that Jeremy "couldn't stay away." WHO COULD THIS MYSTERY BUT COCKY DUDE POSSIBLY BE?
Yup, it's Tony. Who then takes Jeremy by the hand and leads him to the bathroom so they can get busy. Jeremy's intoxicated enough to go along with it until Tony becomes a bit more forceful. This sobers Jeremy up enough to fight him off before David steps in and takes him away from the club.
So, yeah, bisexual dudes are not only creepy and sleazy but also would-be rapists. #Flamesonthesideofmyhead
- Unresolved/Dropped sideplots
Too many to mention. Suffice to say that, for a book of this length, it felt incomplete in many ways.
TL;DR: So many things went wrong with this book that I'm actually surprised I finished it. The one lesson I've learned is to stay as far away from anything this author writes as I can. :|
May 29, 2019
There is a lot to love about this book but unfortunately it is just an okay read for me. I like the storyline, the secondary characters are great and I love Jeremy. I had a difficult time with Connor as he seems way too immature for his age and life experiences. There is so much inner dialogue with Connor constantly questioning himself and his actions that it took away from my enjoyment of the story. He is so conflicted by every interaction he has with Jeremy that I felt sorry for him. They are not a great fit and I wish that Connor had worked on his issues before he pursued a relationship with Jeremy. There are also a lot of threads in this story that were never resolved or addressed after they were initially introduced. I like that David and Sabrina are very supportive of their friends but they also added to the angst at times. Overall this story had a lot of potential but it just never quite came together for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2019
Great book that was well written about two complete opposite people that seem to be attracted, one openly gay and the other still in the closet because of his time in the military.
Jeremy is a professor of poetry and just inherited a house and small amounts of money from his Uncle and Aunt that he was estranged from due to how he was treated by family when he came out as being gay and also promised himself not to ever be in the closet again due to an ex that treated him like a secret.
Conner ex-Marine and part of the don’t ask don’t tell and still have that same mentality. Even though he is a civilian now and have his own business he still feels like he has to hide who he is but meeting Jeremy makes him fight to be the man that he thinks he should be.
Both men have to learn how to trust each other to make things work. Love the story line, hope to see more of the friends in other books but great over all!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jeremy is a professor of poetry and just inherited a house and small amounts of money from his Uncle and Aunt that he was estranged from due to how he was treated by family when he came out as being gay and also promised himself not to ever be in the closet again due to an ex that treated him like a secret.
Conner ex-Marine and part of the don’t ask don’t tell and still have that same mentality. Even though he is a civilian now and have his own business he still feels like he has to hide who he is but meeting Jeremy makes him fight to be the man that he thinks he should be.
Both men have to learn how to trust each other to make things work. Love the story line, hope to see more of the friends in other books but great over all!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2024
Jeremy has just inherited most of his late Aunt and Uncle's estate including the home he was raised in after his mother's death. Now he needs to decide what to do with everything. He was not on good terms with his Aunt and Uncle after he came out and doesn't think he wants the large house with all its memories. He hires a local cleaning contractor to get the house ready for sale. Connor started the cleaning company after leaving the military and meets Jeremy while doing an estimate on the cleaning. Connor finds Jeremy getting to him in ways that he shouldn't if he's to remain professional. Despite attempts to remain professional they end up crossing those boundaries. Trouble erupts because Connor is very much in the closet and Jeremy isn't. Coming to terms about secrets is difficult for them. Will they find the strength to be honest with themselves and those near to them to find their HEA?
July 19, 2025
Jeremy, freshly free from academia thanks to an inheritance, plans to sell his late aunt’s house and embark on a personal journey of self-discovery. But his plans derail when he meets Connor—a stoic, closeted ex-marine turned cleaning business owner—whose intensity ignites something powerful in Jeremy. Despite their stark differences and Connor’s emotional baggage, the connection between them is magnetic. As they navigate their individual fears and pasts, both men find themselves facing the risk of vulnerability in pursuit of something extraordinary: love that might just reshape everything.
The quiet longing and brave honesty running through this one really hit deep. However, I did find the book too irritating because a lot of time was spent with angst and tortured feelings that felt pointless and gave very little to the overall story. I ended up being frustrated with them and their story. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
The quiet longing and brave honesty running through this one really hit deep. However, I did find the book too irritating because a lot of time was spent with angst and tortured feelings that felt pointless and gave very little to the overall story. I ended up being frustrated with them and their story. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
July 18, 2025
This is a good read about a closeted marine, Connor, and professor, Jeremy, who suddenly comes into money and sets out to live loud, out and proud. Jeremy hires Connor's company to clean his house and get it ready for sale. These two have an attraction but Connor cannot go there. In fact, for much of this book I struggled to like Connor but the author did bring me around to liking him as much as I did Jeremy. A book about learning to love yourself and learning to accept someone else's love. The two men are opposites but connect on a level that is easy to see. I will see the only reason I did not give it five stars is that I felt some topics were presented then ghosted. But overall a good read that will make you think. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
July 21, 2025
story of Jeremy and Connor
This is an opposites attract romance, featuring Jeremy and Connor, and is a standalone book.
Jeremy plans to sell his aunt’s house and start a new life but meeting Connor, a quiet ex-marine, changes everything. Their attraction is strong, but with Jeremy out and proud and Connor still in the closet, love won’t be easy.
This story was pretty low angst. Connor struggled being with Jeremy at the beginning but watching them find their way to each other was sweet. They were so cute together, and I was genuinely happy they got their HEA.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM romance
Opposites attract
Professor x ex marine
Starting over
Closeted MC
Insta-attraction
Spicy times
Coming out
Minor mis communication
Found family
HEA
This is an opposites attract romance, featuring Jeremy and Connor, and is a standalone book.
Jeremy plans to sell his aunt’s house and start a new life but meeting Connor, a quiet ex-marine, changes everything. Their attraction is strong, but with Jeremy out and proud and Connor still in the closet, love won’t be easy.
This story was pretty low angst. Connor struggled being with Jeremy at the beginning but watching them find their way to each other was sweet. They were so cute together, and I was genuinely happy they got their HEA.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM romance
Opposites attract
Professor x ex marine
Starting over
Closeted MC
Insta-attraction
Spicy times
Coming out
Minor mis communication
Found family
HEA
July 26, 2025
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 4
Performance – 5
Story – 4
I loved it right up until the end.
This 2025 edition of Coming Clean is an updated version, in first person POV, of the 2015 one that was in third person POV. I listened to the audiobook and I loved it – Michael Dean is a favorite voice actor – but the ending was way too abrupt for me. This story really, really, needed an epilogue. There is a solid HFN but getting a glimpse of the characters even a few months after they worked their problems out would have made this a solid five-star story for me.
Michael Dean did an excellent job performing the story and I’m glad I chose to listen to this instead of reading it with my eyes.
Overall – 4
Performance – 5
Story – 4
I loved it right up until the end.
This 2025 edition of Coming Clean is an updated version, in first person POV, of the 2015 one that was in third person POV. I listened to the audiobook and I loved it – Michael Dean is a favorite voice actor – but the ending was way too abrupt for me. This story really, really, needed an epilogue. There is a solid HFN but getting a glimpse of the characters even a few months after they worked their problems out would have made this a solid five-star story for me.
Michael Dean did an excellent job performing the story and I’m glad I chose to listen to this instead of reading it with my eyes.
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