A Different Form of Oxygen

Nerds and Tattoos #2

by Ashlynn Mills

Trust: firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

Ben

After I put my trust in the hands of the wrong person and got hurt, I vowed to never let anyone else get that close again. Then I met Gavin Bentley, and everything changed. One night of pure bliss wakes up a apart of me I thought was lost forver. I was so afraid to let him into my life, and now I don’t think I’ll be able to keep him out of my heart. He wants us just to be friends, but memories of that night are making it impossible. I can’t help but think maybe it's safer this way. If Gavin discovers the past I've been running from, I’m sure he'll run, too.

Gavin

With my heart ripped in two, I wandered into a nightclub and shared an unforgettable encounter with a beautiful dancer hiding behind a mask. I never thought I'd share a night of passion like that again but with Ben Gonzalez I discover much more than passion. He healed my heart, brought me back to life, and I see the future I’ve always wanted with him by my side. But as much as I want him, I don’t want to risk our new friendship. Having Ben in my life as a friend is better than not having him at all.

Will two men afraid to love and trust again be able to find in each other what was lost to heartache and betrayal? Or will someone from one of their pasts show up and rip it all away?

This book entails some triggers and light D/S with an adorable botanist who finds his way after an older bartender shows him the real meaning of the word trust.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, BDSM

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2020

About the author

Ashlynn Mills is a Latina from Texas who currently resides in Missouri with her family running a farm. She enjoys reading and writing all genres about people falling in love.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 gwiazdek za scenę nad jeziorem

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of a Dom Gavin finding his sub Ben. The guys do not have any angst in the relationship between them. In fact, they are very sweet and caring with each other.

There is angst with the struggles Ben goes through after leaving an abusive Ex. Poor Ben because he just can’t seem to get away from the ex including the memories but he has sweet Gavin there to help him through his pain.

For me the book was an easy light read but it might affect others so head any warnings the author gives. She has a very sweet epilogue which was beautiful and set up the next book perfectly with wanting to know more.

[Shaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf

I guess I'm the dissenting voice here. I couldn't make myself finish this book... The story was ok, but the grammatical errors and weird phrasing just left me cold. In the first few chapters alone there were a few words that were used completely incorrectly, paragraphs with three different verb tenses in them, and a marked lack of appropriate contractions. The author needs to get some better beta readers/editors!

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A beautifully written story in which Ben and Gavin start an unlikely Romance. They both just got out of toxic relationships, Ben’s ex was abusive, possessive and masquerading as a Dom and Gavin’s was just using him for his money. Then is gun-shy when it comes to relationships because of his past and Gavin has to work at building his trust. They start out as friends and slowly it develops into more but when Ben’s past comes back to haunt him will Gavin be there?

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels,amazing, tug-at-your-heartstrings, heartbreaking yet hopeful, emotionally charged, smoking hot, poignant, powerful, gripping, bittersweet, and totally awesome addition to this marvelous series. It pulled me in from the very first page, and I would recommend getting this gem for yourself. I can't wait to get my greedy hands on book three!

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautifully written novel.
This had romance, hurt, betrayal and some hot kink.
I loved every minute of it.
Can't wait to read more from this author

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I was given a free arc copy from the author for review.

Trigger Warning: a crazy ex who is abusive, and possesive.

I loved this book so much. It truly has all the feels and angst and takes you on a ride where you're on the edge of your seat. Literally I was yelling at my kindle lol. I couldn't put it down from start to finish. It had a little kink and s/d play in a Daddy/boy relationship (or Papi in this case) and was really hot. Yet it also has some swoon moments and that ending! I always like it when an author isn't afraid to go a little dark. No worries though you get your HEA. (Not sure if thats a spoiler. Personally I like knowing).

I loved both of these main characters. I felt they were developed well and a good match with great chemistry.

Once again I can only think of minor things that had me thinking were a little unlikely. One being as if Gavin didn't clue in about that first time at the club. He even knew Ben's profession and they spoke. I'd believe it had tbey not spoke during that scene and had he not known what Ben did for a living.

Then there were all the times little clues popped up and Ben would worry for a min but then just brush it off as a coincidence. That's what had me yelling at my screen for him to wake up. If it were me in that situation I wouldn't of seen anything as just a coincidence when my guard is up. I also thought that he should of right away pointed these things out to Gavin instead of brushing it off cause he didn't want to ruin the mood. I don't think there would of been any harm done to the plot had he told him. I think it still could of played out the same way but I would of felt a little better knowing he wasn't keeping secrets and being afraid alone and ultimately risking Gavins safety by not telling him about these warning signs.

Also, why no restraining order???. I kind of agree with the characters that if the person is determined they don't work but at least it's on file if you need a defense. By that point the guy already knew where Ben was so it wouldn't of done any harm to have that just in case.

Even still these things had very little influence on my rating cause it's just such a great read.

I would absolutely recommend this and the other books and I can't wait for the next one in this series.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING READ!!! 10/10 I WISH I COULD GIVE IT MORE STARS
WOW THIS WAS ONE EXPLOSIVE READ. MY HEART BLEED FOR BEN. I JUST WANTED TO HOLD HIM TIGHT KNOW HE IS PERFECT THE WAY HE IS. HE IS A TRUE ANGEL. TO GET OUT OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP AND START HIS LIFE ALL OVER AGAIN AND THRIVE JUST SHOWS THE MARK OF THE MAN. HE MOVED BACK TO WHERE HIS FRIENDS ARE IN TEXAS WHERE DAVID DOESNT KNOW OFF AND HE HOPES ITS JUST ENOUGH. BEN IS AN AMAZING DANCER IN A GENTLEMENS CLUB BUT WHAT HE REALLY HOPES TO DO IS WORK WITH PLANTS.
GAVIN HAS JUST GOT OUT OF A BAD RELATIONSHIP WITH A GOLD DIGGER. AND IT FEELS GOOD TO FINALLY BE FREE OF HIM AND THIS TIME THERE IS NO GOING BACK. HE IS SPENDING MORE TIME WITH HIS FRIENDS AND HE IS HAPPY. A LITTLE LONELY BUT HAPPY. HE DECIDES TO STOP AT THE GENTLESMENS CLUB FOR A DRINK AS HIS HOME IS STILL A LITTLE TOO QUIET. WHEN HE IS THERE HE SEES A MASKED ANGEL DANCING ON THE STAGE AND HE CANT TAKE HIS EYES OFF HIM. WHEN HIS DANCE FINISHES THE ANGEL COMES AND TAKES HIM BACK TO HIS DRESSING ROOM. GAVIN HAS TO LEAVE QUICKLY OUT THE BACK DOOR AS THE OWNER OF THE CLUB IS BANGING ON BENS DRESSING ROOM DOOR.
BEN CANT BELIEVE WHAT HE HAS JUST DONE TO HIS FRIEND. HE HAS KNOWN GAVIN FOR A YEAR NOW AND HAD A CRUSH ON HIM FOR A WHILE. BUT HE KNOWS HE MUST TELL HIM WHAT HAPPENED?
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN BETWEEN BEN AND GAVIN??? WOULD DAVID FIND HIM? WOULD BEN EVER FEEL SAFE AGAIN???
OUTSTANDING READ. I REALLY DONT WANT TO GIVE TOO MUCH AWAY BUT HIS IS A BRILLIANT READ THAT WILL KEEP YOU ADDICTED TO THEIR STORY. STORY. I KNOW I AM GOING TO READ AND RE READ THIS BOOK OVER AND OVER AGAIN. AND I AM SUPER EXCITED FOR HER NEXT BOOK
WOOOOOHOOOOOO BRING IT ON!!!!! DRAKE AND STORMS STORY LOOKS LIKE ITS GOING TO BE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

[D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pada saat baca bukunya Casey & Maverick, penasaran banget tentang Ben, tentang hubungannya dia dengan Alex dan his crush toward Gavin.

Pada saat dibaca kok rumit, penuh drama dan sama sekali bukan tipe ku.

Ben punya masa lalu yg sangat traumatis, memiliki hubungan romantis dengan pacarnya yg lebih tua dalam hubungan D/s tapi pacarnya itu sangat sangat abusif, memperlakukan Ben layaknya seperti benda yg bisa mainkan sesuka. Akhirnya Ben bisa melarikan diri dari pacarnya itu dan memulai hidup baru.

Mungkin karena itulah Ben tdk mau terikat dengan pria mana pun dan sepertinya sebelum kenal Gavin, Ben memang sudah menjalin hubungan teman tapi mesra dengan si bos, bernama Alex. Setelah bertemu dan kenal Gavin dan having crush on him pun Ben tidak serta merta memutuskan TTM-an dengan Alex. Yang paling bikin kesel adalah ya sikap Ben itu sendiri. Udah tau diperlakukan buruk oleh Alex, ga dipukulin sih cuma kaya ga dihormatin aja si Ben ini oleh Alex tapi masih aja belum bisa lepas dari Alex. Heran sama Ben!!

Setelah Ben akhirnya muak dengan sikap Alex, baru deh dia akhirnya memutuskan hubungan dan berhenti bekerja sebagai dancer di klubnya Alex.

Memang sih Ben dan Gavin itu awalnya teman tapi dari proses teman jadi pacar itu sangat panjang dan bertele-tele. Belum lagi kemunculan mantan Ben yg "tidak waras".

Setelah mereka Ben-Gavin pacaran ternyata ketahuan bahwa setelah Ben putus dari pacarnya yg psycho, dia tdk pernah jadi bottom. Lalu hubungannya dengan Alex apa dong?? Pantesan Alex pernah bilang "he at least lets me fuck him" berarti kan Alex tdk pernah fucking Ben.

Pokoknya, sangat tdk menikmati baca buku ini dari awal. Ribet, ga suka dgn kepribadian Ben, banyak drama dan bertele-tele.

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lets get back to the Nerds and Tattoos series by Ashlynn Mills. So as you know you have met Ben from the previous book. Well he gets his turn now. However, let me warn you that there are some instances where abuse is talked about and we do get flashbacks of it as well. So if you have triggers you may want to skip over. So we have Ben and we do get a back story for him. Let me say, I did not see this coming. He seems to be the life of the party so you would not have thought that he went through some stuff. With Ben it is about TRUST! He is not ashamed of what he likes as long as he has someone who will be patient with him. Also I never expected him to be a nerd too. WHOLY MOLEY he is like a nerd in disguise. Then we have Gavin, he has a particular taste and wants to find someone to explore it with. However, he has an ex that burned that for him. He is dealing with that mess and trying to move on. These two meet and you can instantly tell that there is an attraction. They have an encounter that is HAWT AS HADES, however one person has no idea who was behind the mask. Ben wants Gavin but decided that he will not pursue anything. They decide that they should be friends. As that mystery unravels another danger lurks around the corner. Ben's past is coming back and it is wanting back what is his. It gets crazy but oh so good. This whole book had me on edge and wondering how things were going to pan out. I am happy to say that we get a happy ending. I loved it and can't wait to read what is next.

[Kathy Seabrease · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all Ashlynn's book, this one is so well written. The story draws you in and keep you there. Ben and Gavin are both recovering from negative past relationships. While Gavin felt used and broken hearted, Ben is a survivor of severe physical and sexual abuse. They knew each other from the group of friends and family, but were not that well acquainted. While Ben has feelings for Gavin, Gavin is not aware, even though he is attracted to Ben. Gavin doesn't know that Ben escaped from his previous lover, David and lives in fear of being found. As they form a friendship and later a relationship, Gavin becomes aware of Ben's situation. This relationship is so good because Gavin is so loving and understanding to Ben, that it grips your heart. As time goes on, little things started happening that make it known that David is lurking.... Gavin is so in tune with Ben and because of that he winds up saving his life. A great love story.

[Kelli D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

This book is almost good. There just wasn't enough detail about some stuff, ie: what the MC's look like, age, height, stuff like that. As qell as not enough history detail given, like b/w Gavin/Kyle, Alex/Ben, really there was just stuff in Ben/David.
Plus there wasn't enough Daddy/boy stuff for me.
But what there was way too much of was food. It was every other paragraph they were eating.
Plus the timeline was off all throughout the book. Stuff happened but there wasn't enough lapse of time before something else happened, it was like the MC's woke up and all of a sudden were headed to dinner.
And one other side note. How dumb is Gavin? How many strippers doyou know, with emerald green eyes who end up calling you Papi do you know?

If yoy can look past all the annoying stuff mentioned above Idid end up enjoying Ben and Gavin together.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Gavin are both coming out of bad romances: Gavin's ex was using him for money and material goods and Ben's was a violent abuser masquerading as a dom. In spite of the troubled history and a weird miscommunication at the beginning of the novel, they start a relationship, and then Ben's past comes back to haunt him. I have mixed feelings about this book: I think the plot is good and the d/s relationship between the leads is just as much about communication and emotional support as it is about sex, which is great. The writing style, however, doesn't always live up to the content. The dialog is wooden, the verb tenses switch in and out, and it's sometimes distracting enough to pull you out of the story. Style aside, however, the substance is solid.

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

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!! I adored Gavin and Ben. These two have been hurt by the person they were with before. Ben has listed after Gavin for a year, but Gavin steered clear. He has trust issues due to his most recent breakup. Ben also has trust issues. They both can help each other heal the wounds of their pasts. Gavin is so sweet and caring with Ben and proves that he can trust him with more than his body. He can trust him with his heart and soul. Ben and Gavin are each other’s light in the dark. I haven’t read an MM before and I am glad I read this one. Ashlynn wrote this story so well. She kept me hooked on this story. I didn’t want it to end. There was heat, steam, sweetness, a little suspense and showing how you can open your heart again. I can’t wait to read A Different Kind of Storm.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Ben and Gavin’s story. Both characters are coming from past relationships, where Ben’s ex was abusive, and Gavin’s ex was just using him for money and material things, which has left both with trust issues. Gavin is a dom and Ben is a sub, and one is the light to the others darkness, but can they heal each other along the way? What will happen when Ben’s past comes back to haunt him? No spoilers: this is a must read you will not be disappointed. This is a well written story which is sweet, caring, and steamy, which had me hooked and intrigued throughout. Please be aware that there may be triggers for some readers. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book of the series

This book was low angst between main characters. I loved the first book in the series and the second was just as good. The characters met and are introduced in the first book of the series a different form of chemistry. Ben and Gavin are good together. Ben and Gavin have a D’s relationship with Ben having a past abusive relationship and Gavin had someone using him. Ben and Gavin fit together perfect. Easy to follow story line. Love the way they care about each other and their interactions. Gives some details about past abuse so if you find that hard to read head the trigger warning. The plot kept me invested in the story until the very end. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Love all of ashlynn mills books.

[Melanie Titus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love, love, LOVED this story from Ashlynn Mills!! It was a beautiful and strong add to her Nerds and Tattoos series. The story has two characters we have met before in A Different Kind of Chemistry and seen some of their interaction and wondered..... Now we get the whole story, and boy what a story!! It had me holding my breath for what felt like whole chapters, wanting to bang my kindle over some of the character's heads or shake some sense into them, and crying right along with them at times! But all in all they made me happy and that is so, so Great!!! I would definitely recommend this book, but definitely check out any trigger warnings ahead of time, just in case. :D

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

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben and Gavin have been hurt and been disappointed by past lovers in their lives. On one random night, they meet at a club, have an incredible night and make memories that they think about in the days after. Gavin really doesn't want a commitment. He wants a hook up here and there, but Ben thinks he is the one and is worried if Gavin can ever love him back. Will they find love? Can they trust each other? This book does contain some light Dom/sub and Daddy kink. If you haven't read any Daddy kink, you should, you'll like it. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Enjoy!!

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

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Gavin shouldn't fit with there tragic pasts and relationships that broke them and taught them how painful love is when its lies and pain. Ben has seen the ugly side of a dominate relationship his ex was abusive is he prepared to let someone dominate him again especially when that past won't stay away. Gavin thought he had a loving relationship but his ex only used as and atm card how do you learn to trust your hart to another is Ben his perfect sub or will there new start end before it has a chance to grow.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Gavin and Ben are trying to move forward, each trying to recover from relationships that were not good for either of them for different reasons. And then they meet and what they share seems to suggest that something good is there but they hesitate because they need to get to the point where they can trust. I liked how they built their friendship first and their care for one another on their way to figuring out that they can be the one for each other.

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

[SFBookReviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Ben and Gavin who fall in love and try and get away from Ben's ex. David who is the antagonist in this story. The story was emotional and there were lots of triggers as well that might not sit well with some readers. After reading about David you can't help but dislike him. The book had a good writing stile but the timing of the story felt off and didn't flow as well as would have been expected. Some pieces felt rushed and then other areas dragged out a bit. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danyelle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationship built on trust

This is the first book that I have read by this author and it was a great read. I'm definitely going to have to read book 1 now.

I absolutely feel in love with Ben and Gavin. They have both been hurt in different ways and they come together to heal. I love how much the communicate with each other, which is important in all relationships as well as some/sub relationships. It was a beautiful realtionship to see develop.

And the sneak peek of the next book with drake....yes please

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. The author is a fab story teller and this one was nice! Both Ben and Gavin have a second chance for love and happiness. They had issues in the past with other relationships (Ben had an abusive relationship and Gavin had a user) but both took a chance to be what the other needs. Their chemistry was HOT. I read some Dom/Sub stories and this one was really good. The guys had a lovely HEA. I'm loving the series and can't wait for the next book.

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

[Michi · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Please read the trigger warnings before deciding to read**

This is the 2nd book in the Nerds and Tattoos series, but can safely be read on its own. Ben is trying to recover from an abusive relationship and Gavin is trying to move on past his last relationship.

Both of these men have a beautiful journey together towards healing. There’s plenty of snark & laughter for everyone. Things aren’t *magically* fixed and each person has to put the work in to make things work.

There were a few moments I geared up, but don’t worry, there’s a strong HEA with the best kind of ending.

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It focuses on healing, friendship and love. Yeas it recognizes the trama, suffering, disappointment and insecurity we suffer from as imperfect humans, but shows the focus we need in life to move on from the hurts of the past to the the true life we should live in love if we only accept it and work at it, to achieve it.
Loved Ben and Gavin.

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

[Tammy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of emotion

Ben and Gavin are two men who have serious trust issues. Ben fled an abusive relationship and Gavin was fleeced by a greedy gold digger. Neither of them are looking to get involved, but a chance encounter has their passions igniting. They are both cautious but soon realize they are better together than they are apart. This book has intense drama, a very bratty boy, and a Dom that truly cares.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Ben and Gavin met at a nightclub they had one magical night together and all Gavin wants is to be friends. It was quite an amazing book loved it.

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

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a holiday novella about this couple so I figured I should read their original story first . It wasn't bad and I enjoyed it but the dialogue felt robotic at times because the author seemed to be afraid to use too many contractions. It was just a bit rough at times 🤷🏻‍♀️

TW: domestic abuse and PTSD from said abuse

Kink : Daddy/boy (no age play)

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My oh my the smoke is still rolling off of my kindle from Gavin ( Papi) and Ben's story. Gavin and Ben are two peas in a pod as far as their emotions go from bad juju of past relationships. It was exciting reading how they worked hard to get to a good place for both of them and a future to look forward to.

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

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gavin and Ben stole my heart. They both have been hurt, albeit differently but neither is ready for more. Their connection is undeniable though and I could feel the sparks coming off the pages when they were together. It's a beautiful story of forgiving, moving forward.