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Curse Bound #2
Take My Body
“I don’t want to have him. I want to be him.”
Gunner. Big. Butch. Bully… Secretly submissive.
Caspian. Tiny. Weak. Nerd… A Dominant at heart.
Caspian might be rich and destined for a life of privilege, courtesy of loving parents, but he’s far from happy. Short, frail, and hung up on his physique, he’s never built up the confidence to be the dominant man from his dreams.
But when he clashes with his old high school bully - Gunner Russo, reality becomes stranger than either of them could imagine.
Gunner is Caspian’s polar opposite. Tall, muscular, tattooed, he oozes testosterone, and violence. Caspian hates him with all his heart, yet he couldn’t be more jealous, so when they swap bodies, it’s everything Caspian ever wanted.
Only that it isn’t.
Because Gunner is dirt-poor, unemployed, lives in a trailer with his toxic ex, and has drug dealers for friends.
Gunner on the other hand, wakes up in a body that is nothing like the hyper-masculine mask he’d perfected, and in that new form, he feels free to explore his submissive fantasies without consequences.
Only that the man whose body he now occupies isn’t about to let him sleep with just anyone. Caspian wants to experiment too, and if they both found themselves in this crazy situation, why not do that... with one another?
*
Dirty, dark, and delicious, “Take My Body” is a gritty M/M dark romance novel with magical elements and a happy ending. Prepare for violence, intense arguments, and scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenes.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: body swap, enemies to lovers, magical bond, revenge, poverty, body dysmorphia, past bully, masculinity, coming out, size difference, opposites attract
Length: ~130,000 words (Standalone novel)
WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, offensive language and morally ambiguous characters as well as sensitive topics of child abuse, body dysmorphia, and bullying.
Gunner. Big. Butch. Bully… Secretly submissive.
Caspian. Tiny. Weak. Nerd… A Dominant at heart.
Caspian might be rich and destined for a life of privilege, courtesy of loving parents, but he’s far from happy. Short, frail, and hung up on his physique, he’s never built up the confidence to be the dominant man from his dreams.
But when he clashes with his old high school bully - Gunner Russo, reality becomes stranger than either of them could imagine.
Gunner is Caspian’s polar opposite. Tall, muscular, tattooed, he oozes testosterone, and violence. Caspian hates him with all his heart, yet he couldn’t be more jealous, so when they swap bodies, it’s everything Caspian ever wanted.
Only that it isn’t.
Because Gunner is dirt-poor, unemployed, lives in a trailer with his toxic ex, and has drug dealers for friends.
Gunner on the other hand, wakes up in a body that is nothing like the hyper-masculine mask he’d perfected, and in that new form, he feels free to explore his submissive fantasies without consequences.
Only that the man whose body he now occupies isn’t about to let him sleep with just anyone. Caspian wants to experiment too, and if they both found themselves in this crazy situation, why not do that... with one another?
*
Dirty, dark, and delicious, “Take My Body” is a gritty M/M dark romance novel with magical elements and a happy ending. Prepare for violence, intense arguments, and scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenes.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: body swap, enemies to lovers, magical bond, revenge, poverty, body dysmorphia, past bully, masculinity, coming out, size difference, opposites attract
Length: ~130,000 words (Standalone novel)
WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, offensive language and morally ambiguous characters as well as sensitive topics of child abuse, body dysmorphia, and bullying.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2021
189 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
130 books3,032 followers(Goodreads profile run by Kat)
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 31, 2021
⚡️
2 stars.
⚡️
✦ enemies-to-lovers.
✦ opposites attract.
✦ past bully/victim.
✦ magical elements (body swap).
✦ size difference.
✦ i didn’t really care about either of the main characters, so that might be part of the reason why this didn’t work for me.
✦ this was actually okay-ish for like half of the book, but then i got insanely bored for some reason??? i couldn’t pick this back up for days.
✦ i just skimmed the rest of the book to find out how it all ends… and i honestly don’t know how i feel about that ending (even though i kinda saw it coming lol).
✦ the smut was kinda hot i guess?
✦ i literally have nothing else to say. this didn’t really leave any lasting impression on me if you couldn’t tell.
✦ enemies-to-lovers.
✦ opposites attract.
✦ past bully/victim.
✦ magical elements (body swap).
✦ size difference.
✦ i didn’t really care about either of the main characters, so that might be part of the reason why this didn’t work for me.
✦ this was actually okay-ish for like half of the book, but then i got insanely bored for some reason??? i couldn’t pick this back up for days.
✦ i just skimmed the rest of the book to find out how it all ends… and i honestly don’t know how i feel about that ending (even though i kinda saw it coming lol).
✦ the smut was kinda hot i guess?
✦ i literally have nothing else to say. this didn’t really leave any lasting impression on me if you couldn’t tell.
September 10, 2023
“The longer I live in your skin, the more I grasp what you’ve been through,” Caspian whispered.
This was a true enemies to lovers story.
Gunner is Caspian’s polar opposite. Tall, muscular, tattooed, he oozes testosterone, and violence. Caspian hates him with all his heart, yet he couldn’t be more jealous, so when they swap bodies, it’s everything Caspian ever wanted.
Dual POV
Gay/MM romance
Fantasy/PNR element
Degradation/praise kink
Dirty talk
Lite bdsm
Giant sub/small dom
Musical elements
HEA
Works as a standalone
No lie. My brain had a really tough time reading this one. They call each other by their real names, in the opposite bodies, while friends and family call them by the body they see.
It felt like the theme of the story was going to be body positivity. Finding a way to love who you are, despite what society, and possibly those inner demons tell you. The story jumped track a few times, focusing more on the sexual drives of the men rather than their deep insecurities.
There was certainly humor.
“N-no! Don’t you dare be gay in my body!”
And sweetness.
No one had ever been so tender with Gunner before, and it was as if in those new bodies, they’d become one another’s perfect partners.
The fact that Gunner’s sensitivity shines through while first playing piano was so beautiful. Although I completely disagree that a musical skill is mostly muscle memory and would stay with the body. But arguing logic in a body switching book is just silly.
Gunner is the vulnerable character, always willing to take that next step just a bit further than Caspian and I loved him for that. He does some serious self reflection towards the end, yet it is ultimately Caspian that changes their future. I don’t believe Caspian’s motives were completely selfless, but it all works out for everyone.
Overall this story was complicated yet fun to read. Wish there was a deeper dive into the raw emotions rather than the kink, but I appreciated it for what it was.
It certainly made me question how many people (if the possibility of switching bodies existed) would be able to have sex with their own body. Could you kiss yourself? How about an oral? If the body retains the skill, let’s hope you were a generous lover.
An excellent book to discuss and BR with Dan!
This was a true enemies to lovers story.
Gunner is Caspian’s polar opposite. Tall, muscular, tattooed, he oozes testosterone, and violence. Caspian hates him with all his heart, yet he couldn’t be more jealous, so when they swap bodies, it’s everything Caspian ever wanted.
Dual POV
Gay/MM romance
Fantasy/PNR element
Degradation/praise kink
Dirty talk
Lite bdsm
Giant sub/small dom
Musical elements
HEA
Works as a standalone
No lie. My brain had a really tough time reading this one. They call each other by their real names, in the opposite bodies, while friends and family call them by the body they see.
It felt like the theme of the story was going to be body positivity. Finding a way to love who you are, despite what society, and possibly those inner demons tell you. The story jumped track a few times, focusing more on the sexual drives of the men rather than their deep insecurities.
There was certainly humor.
“N-no! Don’t you dare be gay in my body!”
And sweetness.
No one had ever been so tender with Gunner before, and it was as if in those new bodies, they’d become one another’s perfect partners.
The fact that Gunner’s sensitivity shines through while first playing piano was so beautiful. Although I completely disagree that a musical skill is mostly muscle memory and would stay with the body. But arguing logic in a body switching book is just silly.
Gunner is the vulnerable character, always willing to take that next step just a bit further than Caspian and I loved him for that. He does some serious self reflection towards the end, yet it is ultimately Caspian that changes their future. I don’t believe Caspian’s motives were completely selfless, but it all works out for everyone.
Overall this story was complicated yet fun to read. Wish there was a deeper dive into the raw emotions rather than the kink, but I appreciated it for what it was.
It certainly made me question how many people (if the possibility of switching bodies existed) would be able to have sex with their own body. Could you kiss yourself? How about an oral? If the body retains the skill, let’s hope you were a generous lover.
An excellent book to discuss and BR with Dan!
Read
June 13, 2022
“I don’t want to have him. I want to be him.”
Gunner. Big. Butch. Bully… Secretly submissive.
Caspian. Tiny. Weak. Nerd… A Dominant at heart.
Caspian might be rich and destined for a life of privilege, courtesy of loving parents, but he’s far from happy. Short, frail, and hung up on his physique, he’s never built up the confidence to be the dominant man from his dreams.
But when he clashes with his old high school bully - Gunner Russo, reality becomes stranger than either of them could imagine.
Gunner is Caspian’s polar opposite. Tall, muscular, tattooed, he oozes testosterone, and violence. Caspian hates him with all his heart, yet he couldn’t be more jealous, so when they swap bodies, it’s everything Caspian ever wanted.
Only that it isn’t.
Because Gunner is dirt-poor, unemployed, lives in a trailer with his toxic ex, and has drug dealers for friends.
Gunner on the other hand, wakes up in a body that is nothing like the hyper-masculine mask he’d perfected, and in that new form, he feels free to explore his submissive fantasies without consequences.
Only that the man whose body he now occupies isn’t about to let him sleep with just anyone. Caspian wants to experiment too, and if they both found themselves in this crazy situation, why not do that... with one another?
*
Dirty, dark, and delicious, “Take My Body” is a gritty M/M dark romance novel with magical elements and a happy ending. Prepare for violence, intense arguments, and scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenes.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: body swap, enemies to lovers, magical bond, revenge, poverty, body dysmorphia, past bully, masculinity, coming out, size difference, opposites attract
Length: ~130,000 words (Standalone novel)
WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, offensive language and morally ambiguous characters as well as sensitive topics of child abuse, body dysmorphia, and bullying.
December 11, 2022
3.5**** stars
This book was really something else. I loved the premise and I was prepared to love this book. I was captivated af and I couldn’t put it down - but I also was confused a lot.
I mean, Gunner had Caspian’s body and Caspian had Gunner’s body and with that they were at times the one and at times the other name-wise to their inner- and the outer-world. On top of it it was told in third-person and I wonder if it would’ve been easier for me to follow in first-person POV. And I’m not sure if not even the authors used the wrong name a time or two. So yeah, this was all pretty confusing and hard to follow.
I loved a lot about this book, like Gunner’s love for the piano, the happiness living in the other’s body brought them but also the message this book delivers, that sometimes you need to see yourself through someone else’s eyes to see your own true beauty and worth, esp when you manage to look beyond the outer shell.
But unfortunately throughout their whole ordeal I somehow stayed detached from both main characters and their love story. And maybe it was a bit too long overall.
I’m still rounding up to four stars because the plot idea was simply super cool and I really loved the conclusion to Gunner’s & Caspian’s story. ♡
This book was really something else. I loved the premise and I was prepared to love this book. I was captivated af and I couldn’t put it down - but I also was confused a lot.
I mean, Gunner had Caspian’s body and Caspian had Gunner’s body and with that they were at times the one and at times the other name-wise to their inner- and the outer-world. On top of it it was told in third-person and I wonder if it would’ve been easier for me to follow in first-person POV. And I’m not sure if not even the authors used the wrong name a time or two. So yeah, this was all pretty confusing and hard to follow.
I loved a lot about this book, like Gunner’s love for the piano, the happiness living in the other’s body brought them but also the message this book delivers, that sometimes you need to see yourself through someone else’s eyes to see your own true beauty and worth, esp when you manage to look beyond the outer shell.
But unfortunately throughout their whole ordeal I somehow stayed detached from both main characters and their love story. And maybe it was a bit too long overall.
I’m still rounding up to four stars because the plot idea was simply super cool and I really loved the conclusion to Gunner’s & Caspian’s story. ♡
May 11, 2021
* 3 stars *
During most of this story I had the feeling that it kind of wanted to promote a positive body image and that the aim was to show that you can be anything you want and you shouldn't let the way others see you affect your goals, your happiness or the way you want to live your life.
For as long as the story was going in that direction, I was happy and excited. I saw it as a story with a deeper meaning, with something more to say. The magic was a means to an end, a way to deliver the message with even more of a punch.
Or so I figured....
That's the way I interpeted the story, like it had hidden messages. I was convinced that that was what I was reading and I was so impressed!
But...... The story did a 180 at some point and all my excitement vanished. I was so sure I knew what the end would be like, at least the big picture, and I was happy with it. Then it went in another direction and all the hidden messages I thought the story was trying to pass to the reader went out the window. I was so disappointed...
I won't tell you that happened in the end, of course, I'll just say that I wasn't happy with it, as you have already guessed from reading my review.
On another note, there were too many sex scenes in the book. Way too many. But I was willing to let that go when I thought the story was about acceptancing yourself and learning to love your body. So tried to ignore them and kept on reading.
Gunner and Caspian weren't good together, especially at the beginning. And even later on. Their connection was mainly physical, despite them thinking that there was more to it. They didn't trust each other, they didn't talk when things got tough and they didn't communicate. Even separately, I didn't like either of them very much.
The epilogue fixed some of that, as it was set about three years later and they both had calmed down.
All in all, I didn't particularly enjoy this story, which is even more difficult for me to say after reading the Dig Two Graves duology by these two authors and being completely swept up by it. That's how it goes with books though, you win one, you lose one. I'll just have to hope that their next one will agree with me more than this one did.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
During most of this story I had the feeling that it kind of wanted to promote a positive body image and that the aim was to show that you can be anything you want and you shouldn't let the way others see you affect your goals, your happiness or the way you want to live your life.
For as long as the story was going in that direction, I was happy and excited. I saw it as a story with a deeper meaning, with something more to say. The magic was a means to an end, a way to deliver the message with even more of a punch.
Or so I figured....
That's the way I interpeted the story, like it had hidden messages. I was convinced that that was what I was reading and I was so impressed!
But...... The story did a 180 at some point and all my excitement vanished. I was so sure I knew what the end would be like, at least the big picture, and I was happy with it. Then it went in another direction and all the hidden messages I thought the story was trying to pass to the reader went out the window. I was so disappointed...
I won't tell you that happened in the end, of course, I'll just say that I wasn't happy with it, as you have already guessed from reading my review.
On another note, there were too many sex scenes in the book. Way too many. But I was willing to let that go when I thought the story was about acceptancing yourself and learning to love your body. So tried to ignore them and kept on reading.
Gunner and Caspian weren't good together, especially at the beginning. And even later on. Their connection was mainly physical, despite them thinking that there was more to it. They didn't trust each other, they didn't talk when things got tough and they didn't communicate. Even separately, I didn't like either of them very much.
The epilogue fixed some of that, as it was set about three years later and they both had calmed down.
All in all, I didn't particularly enjoy this story, which is even more difficult for me to say after reading the Dig Two Graves duology by these two authors and being completely swept up by it. That's how it goes with books though, you win one, you lose one. I'll just have to hope that their next one will agree with me more than this one did.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
May 1, 2021
I was very intrigued by the blurb and really curious to see how things would play out. Body swap isn’t something you can read about very often. And I had no idea I was going to like this story that much! It was awesome!
At first sight, Caspian and Gunner are the least compatible pairing. Everything separates them, from their upbringings to their dark common history and both their bodies that seem to literally enslave them. It’s like they were both born in the wrong places and bodies and life just gave them the chance to change that. But it’s not that simple, otherwise, there wouldn’t be a story there :))
The body swap was extremely well done and it worked perfectly. Obviously it led to very weird moments sometimes - even as the reader ^^ - but I think it was the point of the writers there: that we could fully experience what the protagonists were experiencing. And I did. I really enjoyed being in these two men’s heads and watching them play with the cards - either old ones or new ones - they had been dealt. And I loved watching them find themselves and each other in he process. Because this story isn’t just about two men getting together in exceptional circumstances, it’s about their perception of themselves and of the world around them. And prejudices. A lot of them in every way possible.
This is truly a romance albeit a very unusual one and I didn’t think it was too dark. If you’re looking for character development, self discovery, self love and acceptance, high level steam and dirty talk, this book is for you. Beware of the TW though.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
At first sight, Caspian and Gunner are the least compatible pairing. Everything separates them, from their upbringings to their dark common history and both their bodies that seem to literally enslave them. It’s like they were both born in the wrong places and bodies and life just gave them the chance to change that. But it’s not that simple, otherwise, there wouldn’t be a story there :))
The body swap was extremely well done and it worked perfectly. Obviously it led to very weird moments sometimes - even as the reader ^^ - but I think it was the point of the writers there: that we could fully experience what the protagonists were experiencing. And I did. I really enjoyed being in these two men’s heads and watching them play with the cards - either old ones or new ones - they had been dealt. And I loved watching them find themselves and each other in he process. Because this story isn’t just about two men getting together in exceptional circumstances, it’s about their perception of themselves and of the world around them. And prejudices. A lot of them in every way possible.
This is truly a romance albeit a very unusual one and I didn’t think it was too dark. If you’re looking for character development, self discovery, self love and acceptance, high level steam and dirty talk, this book is for you. Beware of the TW though.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
May 9, 2021
Genre: MM Romance
Type: Standalone book 2 from Curse Bound series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
4.25 Stars
Gunner Russo had been the bane of Caspian Brady’s existence but at the same time the object of his envy. Neither knew what it’s like to walk into each other’s lives, but they were about to learn it the hard way.
This was my first body-swap book. I loved the concept and thought the authors did a good job at making it seamless. It was long but I enjoyed the story overall.
Gunner captured my heart with his gentle soul while I was rooting for Caspian all the way with what his heart desired. I loved the self-acceptance theme throughout the story. However, I felt the ending took away the weight after everything that took them to the point. The sex scenes were hot especially considering the situation they were in.
Take My Body is a story of embracing one’s true nature. It would appeal to readers who enjoy MM Romance with a hint of a paranormal element.
🍆➕🍆 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🍆➕🍆
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Standalone book 2 from Curse Bound series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
4.25 StarsGunner Russo had been the bane of Caspian Brady’s existence but at the same time the object of his envy. Neither knew what it’s like to walk into each other’s lives, but they were about to learn it the hard way.
This was my first body-swap book. I loved the concept and thought the authors did a good job at making it seamless. It was long but I enjoyed the story overall.
The fingers touching his were thick, and rough, and so very hot to the touch. And he liked it. Being small. Being weaker. Being the object of another man’s lust.
Gunner captured my heart with his gentle soul while I was rooting for Caspian all the way with what his heart desired. I loved the self-acceptance theme throughout the story. However, I felt the ending took away the weight after everything that took them to the point. The sex scenes were hot especially considering the situation they were in.
Take My Body is a story of embracing one’s true nature. It would appeal to readers who enjoy MM Romance with a hint of a paranormal element.
🍆➕🍆 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🍆➕🍆
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
November 26, 2022
This, my friends, is a fantastic 5⭐ book.
This book is easily in my Top 3 for 2022. Easily.
The book has 500 pages and you'll be happy to know you'll love every single one of them.
💚BULLY trope
💗Wonderful Mc's
💜SIZE difference (quite a big one)
💙Body swap
🌶️SCORCHING HOT SPICE
❤️A beautiful HEA, they get married in the epilogue
Let's just get right to it, shall we?
I've been looking for that one book that would have a very interesting plot that would move me and make me all giddy and excited again about reading.
It's this book, IT'S THIS BOOK!
❕Spoiler alert-->
Caspian is an only child, he comes from the wealthier part of the town; he's very small, a twink, 5'3" with big blue eyes and no self-confidence. He doesn't have relationships, he's gay but he wasn't out in high school and in college, well, he really thought he wasn't desirable, he doesn't like his body, his size, he has one big wish and that is - to be big and muscular, like Gunner Russo, his former high school bully. He's also attracted to twinks and he's quite dominant, so being big and strong is really the one thing that he missed out on.
Gunner is the son of the infamous local ex-biker club's member; he lost his dad in a fire, he has a younger step- brother that gor really hurt in the fire, so he went into debt to pay for his medical bills. He lives in a trailer park, is hanging around drug dealers, doesn't have real friends, doesn't have money, education or a job and he's a closeted gay, as closeted as they come. He's very tall, muscular, has tattoos all over his body and face. He's intimidating, but a beautiful man.
When Caspian moves back home after graduating college, he decides to do something about his body image, so he enrolls in a local gym. The guys that bullied him in high school attend that same gym. He runs into Gunner and he's still a small kid who can't do anything when there are big bullies harassing him. He'd give anything to be big like Gunner. He drowns his sorrow in a booze from Gunner's neighbour from the trailer park and...that's when the magic happens.
When he wakes up, he's sleeping in a 6'4" body in a trailer with roaches for company.
When the body swap happens, Gunner is finally in the body that suits him. He can be himself, bubbly, fierce, he can drink his pink frapuccino and he can get (hopefully) railed by a big, muscular guy that overpowers him. Yes, Gunner is a total submissive. He's been with some women during his life, but with the way he looks and the life he leads, he can't be openly gay at all. With Caspian's body, he comes alive.
Caspian on the other hand is also in the body that suits his personality. His dominance comes out, he's an alpha male for sure. He starts putting Gunner's life in order and in the process realises that Gunner actually lives a very lonesome existence.
They develop a sexual relationship.
I know, it might sound weird, because it's like they're having sex with themselves, almost, but it's really so well written that the whole persona with the body of the other completely changes the experience for them both.
The spice? AMAZING! One of the best I've read this year.
When they swap back, they don't feel comfortable in their respective bodies. They realise they're in love and want to be together and decide to do so even if the physical part is different. But in the end, they swap back.
I've read some reviewers putting really bad ratings out there, and I wonder why? This book is angsty, but it has a beautiful love story with an amazing ending. The ending was also the problem to many, because while Gunner and Caspian do find the formula to go back to their original bodies, in the end they decide to not stay there. And I completely get it. It works better for both that way.
❤️Talk about Caspian and his unconditional love towards Gunner!
I'm telling you, the last 100 pages or so of the book, I bawled my eyes out. The love is there and it's grand. Gunner gets a life he deserves and he has a man by his side that takes care of him the way he always wanted to be taken care of. And it's the small twink he was bullying in high school.
The book is wonderful.
This book is easily in my Top 3 for 2022. Easily.
The book has 500 pages and you'll be happy to know you'll love every single one of them.
💚BULLY trope
💗Wonderful Mc's
💜SIZE difference (quite a big one)
💙Body swap
🌶️SCORCHING HOT SPICE
❤️A beautiful HEA, they get married in the epilogue
Let's just get right to it, shall we?
I've been looking for that one book that would have a very interesting plot that would move me and make me all giddy and excited again about reading.
It's this book, IT'S THIS BOOK!
❕Spoiler alert-->
Caspian is an only child, he comes from the wealthier part of the town; he's very small, a twink, 5'3" with big blue eyes and no self-confidence. He doesn't have relationships, he's gay but he wasn't out in high school and in college, well, he really thought he wasn't desirable, he doesn't like his body, his size, he has one big wish and that is - to be big and muscular, like Gunner Russo, his former high school bully. He's also attracted to twinks and he's quite dominant, so being big and strong is really the one thing that he missed out on.
Gunner is the son of the infamous local ex-biker club's member; he lost his dad in a fire, he has a younger step- brother that gor really hurt in the fire, so he went into debt to pay for his medical bills. He lives in a trailer park, is hanging around drug dealers, doesn't have real friends, doesn't have money, education or a job and he's a closeted gay, as closeted as they come. He's very tall, muscular, has tattoos all over his body and face. He's intimidating, but a beautiful man.
When Caspian moves back home after graduating college, he decides to do something about his body image, so he enrolls in a local gym. The guys that bullied him in high school attend that same gym. He runs into Gunner and he's still a small kid who can't do anything when there are big bullies harassing him. He'd give anything to be big like Gunner. He drowns his sorrow in a booze from Gunner's neighbour from the trailer park and...that's when the magic happens.
When he wakes up, he's sleeping in a 6'4" body in a trailer with roaches for company.
When the body swap happens, Gunner is finally in the body that suits him. He can be himself, bubbly, fierce, he can drink his pink frapuccino and he can get (hopefully) railed by a big, muscular guy that overpowers him. Yes, Gunner is a total submissive. He's been with some women during his life, but with the way he looks and the life he leads, he can't be openly gay at all. With Caspian's body, he comes alive.
Caspian on the other hand is also in the body that suits his personality. His dominance comes out, he's an alpha male for sure. He starts putting Gunner's life in order and in the process realises that Gunner actually lives a very lonesome existence.
They develop a sexual relationship.
I know, it might sound weird, because it's like they're having sex with themselves, almost, but it's really so well written that the whole persona with the body of the other completely changes the experience for them both.
The spice? AMAZING! One of the best I've read this year.
When they swap back, they don't feel comfortable in their respective bodies. They realise they're in love and want to be together and decide to do so even if the physical part is different. But in the end, they swap back.
I've read some reviewers putting really bad ratings out there, and I wonder why? This book is angsty, but it has a beautiful love story with an amazing ending. The ending was also the problem to many, because while Gunner and Caspian do find the formula to go back to their original bodies, in the end they decide to not stay there. And I completely get it. It works better for both that way.
❤️Talk about Caspian and his unconditional love towards Gunner!
I'm telling you, the last 100 pages or so of the book, I bawled my eyes out. The love is there and it's grand. Gunner gets a life he deserves and he has a man by his side that takes care of him the way he always wanted to be taken care of. And it's the small twink he was bullying in high school.
The book is wonderful.
May 7, 2021
Chaos, completely hot, scorching, violent, and at last sweet chaos.
Introducing Caspian: five foot three, hundred twelve pounds, shy
Introducing Gunner Rosso: six feet five, a bully, shady
Caspian had a tiny crush on Gunner, he doesn’t want to fuck him, he fucking wants to be him!
Guess what, dreams come through. Never judge a book by its cover, isn’t that true!
Imagine what can happen when a body swap comes to reality. Oh boy.
Living the others' life is a lot. Finding each other on the way is everything.
Gunner seems to live a shady life and also Caspian has secrets.
They both ruin the others' life or did they free them.
This had to be a hell of a job for the authors, to write and keep the guys apart. My head hurt at times.
It had everything in it, sweetness, dominance, submission, hot encounters, crushes, awareness, being your utterly self.
Introducing Caspian: five foot three, hundred twelve pounds, shy
Introducing Gunner Rosso: six feet five, a bully, shady
Caspian had a tiny crush on Gunner, he doesn’t want to fuck him, he fucking wants to be him!
Guess what, dreams come through. Never judge a book by its cover, isn’t that true!
Imagine what can happen when a body swap comes to reality. Oh boy.
Living the others' life is a lot. Finding each other on the way is everything.
Gunner seems to live a shady life and also Caspian has secrets.
They both ruin the others' life or did they free them.
This had to be a hell of a job for the authors, to write and keep the guys apart. My head hurt at times.
It had everything in it, sweetness, dominance, submission, hot encounters, crushes, awareness, being your utterly self.
September 20, 2023
Dark Romance
Series: (can be read as stand-alone)
Format: digital - KU
God damn. This was a ride!! A total mind-fuck, hot as all hell, and somehow, simultaneously adorably sweet? In a dark romance? Like…? Yeah, I absolutely loved this. I was totally enthralled from page one and everything about it kept me intrigued and eager to keep reading. Definitely recommend to anyone not afraid of a few trigger warnings. 😏
Tags: (may contain spoilers)
m/m, dark, magic, pnr, body swap, musical elements, explicit content, bdsm, D/s, rich kid x poor kid, loan shark, debt collection, violence, death of family member, closeted character, enemies to lovers, coming out, magical bond, revenge, poverty, size difference, opposites attract, Gunner needs a hug, Cas just wants to take care of him, kinky kinkery, degradation/praise kink, in need of an editor/no beta we die like wwx
Trigger/Content Warnings:
body dysmorphia, homophobia, bullying, internalized homophobia, drug dealing and use, mentions of previous drug use and addiction, drinking and smoking, unhealthy relationships
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series: (can be read as stand-alone)
Format: digital - KU
God damn. This was a ride!! A total mind-fuck, hot as all hell, and somehow, simultaneously adorably sweet? In a dark romance? Like…? Yeah, I absolutely loved this. I was totally enthralled from page one and everything about it kept me intrigued and eager to keep reading. Definitely recommend to anyone not afraid of a few trigger warnings. 😏
Tags: (may contain spoilers)
m/m, dark, magic, pnr, body swap, musical elements, explicit content, bdsm, D/s, rich kid x poor kid, loan shark, debt collection, violence, death of family member, closeted character, enemies to lovers, coming out, magical bond, revenge, poverty, size difference, opposites attract, Gunner needs a hug, Cas just wants to take care of him, kinky kinkery, degradation/praise kink, in need of an editor/no beta we die like wwx
Trigger/Content Warnings:
body dysmorphia, homophobia, bullying, internalized homophobia, drug dealing and use, mentions of previous drug use and addiction, drinking and smoking, unhealthy relationships
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 9, 2021
4.25 ★
Caspian Brady is not comfortable in his own skin due to being bullied for how he looked. Though on the verge of starting his career, he wants what he doesn’t have. On the outside, Gunner Russo is a hulking and formidable figure yet very few know him on the inside. But when one moment in time changes reality, Caspian and Gunner become uniquely reconnected.
Narrated in dual POV, the storyline emphasizes the many contrasting facets between Caspian and Gunner. Not only do they have to adjust to each other’s lives, there is years of bias beliefs to overcome. Together, Caspian and Gunner are such an unlikely pair but because it isn’t easy, that is what makes them so interesting – even funny at times. Plus, they are absolutely combustible and filthy as a couple.
In starting this book, I was excited to see how the body swap element was going to affect the story and was eager for each page. Certainly, I sympathized for Caspian and Gunner and but liked how they evolved after seeing how it isn’t always what it seems on the outside. Also, the sexual dynamic between Caspian and Gunner was steamy.
Take My Body is a MM romance about acceptance and sacrifice. This book would appeal to those seeking a unique story with magic, love and hot sex.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Caspian Brady is not comfortable in his own skin due to being bullied for how he looked. Though on the verge of starting his career, he wants what he doesn’t have. On the outside, Gunner Russo is a hulking and formidable figure yet very few know him on the inside. But when one moment in time changes reality, Caspian and Gunner become uniquely reconnected.
“He’s much cuter than I was. And he had this I’ll-cut-you twink mode, which is weirdly hot on him, right?”
Narrated in dual POV, the storyline emphasizes the many contrasting facets between Caspian and Gunner. Not only do they have to adjust to each other’s lives, there is years of bias beliefs to overcome. Together, Caspian and Gunner are such an unlikely pair but because it isn’t easy, that is what makes them so interesting – even funny at times. Plus, they are absolutely combustible and filthy as a couple.
In starting this book, I was excited to see how the body swap element was going to affect the story and was eager for each page. Certainly, I sympathized for Caspian and Gunner and but liked how they evolved after seeing how it isn’t always what it seems on the outside. Also, the sexual dynamic between Caspian and Gunner was steamy.
Take My Body is a MM romance about acceptance and sacrifice. This book would appeal to those seeking a unique story with magic, love and hot sex.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 14, 2021
A former bully and his victim swap bodies in the hottest bully redemption story!
Wow was that good. Thank you to my GR friends who recommended this book when I asked for a bully revenge story. This isn’t exactly that, but damn was it good. The body swap aspect made me hesitant to read this book, but it was such a unique and fun premise.
I loved both these MCs! Gunner and Caspian were both born into the wrong bodies for their personalities. They’ve been navigating life as best as they could under the circumstances, but seeing them flourish after the swap was wonderful to read. It felt so natural and made even more sense as the story progressed. I loved that they got to experience each other’s lives and truly understand the other person. It actually made the instalove of it all make more sense. Plus, understanding Gunner’s bullying made Caspian’s forgiveness that much more believable.
I’d also like to commend these authors for managing to make every sex scene hot. That’s an impressive feat. I typically lose interest after the first scene or second if the author manages to delay gratification, but somehow each scene in this book was different enough to keep my “attention.” The (very mild) D/s relationship these two have is absolute fire. I especially loved the scene in the kitchen after the swap back. It was hot and also necessary for their relationship. Very well done.
I thought this book would be dark and angsty, but it was full of love and some fun heat. It was surprisingly low angst and sweet.
TW: homophobia, bullying, violence
Wow was that good. Thank you to my GR friends who recommended this book when I asked for a bully revenge story. This isn’t exactly that, but damn was it good. The body swap aspect made me hesitant to read this book, but it was such a unique and fun premise.
I loved both these MCs! Gunner and Caspian were both born into the wrong bodies for their personalities. They’ve been navigating life as best as they could under the circumstances, but seeing them flourish after the swap was wonderful to read. It felt so natural and made even more sense as the story progressed. I loved that they got to experience each other’s lives and truly understand the other person. It actually made the instalove of it all make more sense. Plus, understanding Gunner’s bullying made Caspian’s forgiveness that much more believable.
I’d also like to commend these authors for managing to make every sex scene hot. That’s an impressive feat. I typically lose interest after the first scene or second if the author manages to delay gratification, but somehow each scene in this book was different enough to keep my “attention.” The (very mild) D/s relationship these two have is absolute fire. I especially loved the scene in the kitchen after the swap back. It was hot and also necessary for their relationship. Very well done.
I thought this book would be dark and angsty, but it was full of love and some fun heat. It was surprisingly low angst and sweet.
TW: homophobia, bullying, violence
May 20, 2022
Yeah.. I didn’t see this coming lol. I inhaled this book. Not my usual 5 stars book but what can I say.. caught me in a good mood. So entertaining and enjoyable!!
May 23, 2021
Another brilliant story from Kat & Agnes - 5 awesome stars 🌟
May 11, 2021
I devoured this in a day. There aren’t many KA Merikan books I dislike, but I was slightly wary about this one because the first in the Curse Bound series wasn’t my favourite (I found Zane just a little too mean and some aspects were a bit too dark for me).
I loved this, though. Gunner stole my heart almost straight away, and I much preferred him throughout the entire book, even though Cas was undeniably the nicer (but not necessarily better) person.
These authors are just so good at creating well-rounded, emotionally rich characters whose motivations leap off the page without the need for unnatural exposition for the sake of the reader.
The ending was a tough one for me. All the way through reading, I was trying to decide how I wanted it to end (as in, did they swap back or not). I didn’t NOT enjoy the ending, but ultimately I think I would have liked Cas and Gunner to stay in their own, original bodies. It would have been satisfying to see them fully accept themselves, and we saw that their sexual dynamic could work successfully that way too (and that scene, IMO, was the hottest, but I have a soft spot for big domineering guys who are total submissive marshmallows for their partner). I feel like we got to see Cas fully accept himself in his real body, but not Gunner, and I just would have liked to see that internal acceptance for him too.
Overall, though, potentially a favourite from this author duo (I don’t think anything will ever top The Man Who Loved Cole Flores because Cole is just a perfect precious little angel who should be protected at all costs). They are an auto-buy for me, and honestly, I’m already looking forward to what they come up with next.
I loved this, though. Gunner stole my heart almost straight away, and I much preferred him throughout the entire book, even though Cas was undeniably the nicer (but not necessarily better) person.
These authors are just so good at creating well-rounded, emotionally rich characters whose motivations leap off the page without the need for unnatural exposition for the sake of the reader.
The ending was a tough one for me. All the way through reading, I was trying to decide how I wanted it to end (as in, did they swap back or not). I didn’t NOT enjoy the ending, but ultimately I think I would have liked Cas and Gunner to stay in their own, original bodies. It would have been satisfying to see them fully accept themselves, and we saw that their sexual dynamic could work successfully that way too (and that scene, IMO, was the hottest, but I have a soft spot for big domineering guys who are total submissive marshmallows for their partner). I feel like we got to see Cas fully accept himself in his real body, but not Gunner, and I just would have liked to see that internal acceptance for him too.
Overall, though, potentially a favourite from this author duo (I don’t think anything will ever top The Man Who Loved Cole Flores because Cole is just a perfect precious little angel who should be protected at all costs). They are an auto-buy for me, and honestly, I’m already looking forward to what they come up with next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2021
2.5 stars
Sorry it's not you it's me and also I despised Caspian - Gunner was a sweetheart but ugh Caspian was just a hypocritical dickhead IMO
Sorry it's not you it's me and also I despised Caspian - Gunner was a sweetheart but ugh Caspian was just a hypocritical dickhead IMO
May 8, 2021
As only KA can produce - a kinky twist, a romantic vibe and a compelling read ... I just wanted to watch this play out. Really enjoyed this one
May 10, 2021
Kat and Agnes always manage to push the limits in ways that are out of my comfort zone and often edge on problematic but somehow manage to entertain me anyhow. Even though I typically avoid the D/S dynamic and other kink in Take My Body and they’re not my thing at all, even I found it hot. Kat and Agnes manage to balance dark, rough and kinky with super sweet in a way that works for me. They’re able to take problematic themes and push back in really thoughtful and insightful ways that, even when not perfect, enable me to simply enjoy the ride. Take My Body was a really good example of the way they thread that needle.
Knowing K.A. Merikan stories sometime exceed my comfort level, I choose their books carefully. As such, I skipped the previous book in this series but thankfully didn’t feel lost in any way. The MC’s from the previous book did make a cameo appearance in this one, which I’m sure would be bonus for fans but as I mentioned, didn’t make me feel lost or like I had missed anything crucial for this story.
3.5 stars rounded up because, to be honest, I find Kat and Agnes endlessly entertaining on social media and wish them all the best 😘
Knowing K.A. Merikan stories sometime exceed my comfort level, I choose their books carefully. As such, I skipped the previous book in this series but thankfully didn’t feel lost in any way. The MC’s from the previous book did make a cameo appearance in this one, which I’m sure would be bonus for fans but as I mentioned, didn’t make me feel lost or like I had missed anything crucial for this story.
3.5 stars rounded up because, to be honest, I find Kat and Agnes endlessly entertaining on social media and wish them all the best 😘
June 10, 2021
“The longer I live in your skin, the more I grasp what you’ve been through.”
This was a book that really took the old "walk a mile in my shoes" saying to a whole new level. This story messed with my head and I love it. Every time I read a book by K.A. Merikan, it only makes me feel even more justified in my absolute obsession with them. Ohh, Kat and Agnes, how do you understand my soul so well??!! There's always something about their stories that hook me in from the very start, and I'm not sure if it's the writing, the intensity, the characterizations, the originality, the complexities, the unpredictableness, the angst, a combination of all of them, or something else indefinable I've yet to put a name to. Whatever it is, I hope it never stops. The characters always feel so real and balanced to me, and my god was I not disappointed with Caspian and Gunner. K&A are never afraid to give their characters flaws or show their grittier sides and all their ugly imperfections, and I love it. The characterizations are everything.
And I'm sure I say this in every single review, but I can never call how their stories will end, and I absolutely love that edge-of-the-cliff feeling I get when one of their books takes a turn in a completely different direction that I never even saw coming, and that was definitely this book. Even through almost the entirety of the final chapter, I had no idea how it would ultimately play out or how any of the possible resolutions would work for everybody, but they definitely pulled it off.
Ohh, Kat and Agnes, I think I'm in love with your brains ♥
This was a book that really took the old "walk a mile in my shoes" saying to a whole new level. This story messed with my head and I love it. Every time I read a book by K.A. Merikan, it only makes me feel even more justified in my absolute obsession with them. Ohh, Kat and Agnes, how do you understand my soul so well??!! There's always something about their stories that hook me in from the very start, and I'm not sure if it's the writing, the intensity, the characterizations, the originality, the complexities, the unpredictableness, the angst, a combination of all of them, or something else indefinable I've yet to put a name to. Whatever it is, I hope it never stops. The characters always feel so real and balanced to me, and my god was I not disappointed with Caspian and Gunner. K&A are never afraid to give their characters flaws or show their grittier sides and all their ugly imperfections, and I love it. The characterizations are everything.
And I'm sure I say this in every single review, but I can never call how their stories will end, and I absolutely love that edge-of-the-cliff feeling I get when one of their books takes a turn in a completely different direction that I never even saw coming, and that was definitely this book. Even through almost the entirety of the final chapter, I had no idea how it would ultimately play out or how any of the possible resolutions would work for everybody, but they definitely pulled it off.
Ohh, Kat and Agnes, I think I'm in love with your brains ♥
May 12, 2021
This is SO GOOD! It's such classic KA Merikan - funny, clever, dark and twisted, but with an important and heartfelt message at its core. It's always amazing how these authors can make a creepy and/or violent story and make it a heartwarming romance where I'm genuinely cheering for the incredibly flawed characters.
Cas and Gunn are ADORABLE - I was so excited to read their stories, and see how well they work together! The ending is just...WOW! Not what I expected, and yet once I read it, it made total sense. The message of self-acceptance is so beautiful - the parts that made my stomach clench were relatable, for anyone who may have felt completely uncomfortable and unwelcome because of how they saw themselves (and thought others saw them).
It's so well written, so beautiful and raw, and the sex is SEXY! I loved this - I am so excited that there will be a third in the series, and I can't wait.
Cas and Gunn are ADORABLE - I was so excited to read their stories, and see how well they work together! The ending is just...WOW! Not what I expected, and yet once I read it, it made total sense. The message of self-acceptance is so beautiful - the parts that made my stomach clench were relatable, for anyone who may have felt completely uncomfortable and unwelcome because of how they saw themselves (and thought others saw them).
It's so well written, so beautiful and raw, and the sex is SEXY! I loved this - I am so excited that there will be a third in the series, and I can't wait.
June 27, 2024
Este libro pudo haber sido perfectamente una historia de 5⭐️, pero no me gustó el final. Es más, lo odié tanto que cuando me di cuenta de cómo iba a terminar, abandoné el libro por un mes.
En fin, fue interesante leer sobre el cambio de cuerpos, y de cómo los personajes querían ser el otro. En rasgos generales, fue una buena historia.
En fin, fue interesante leer sobre el cambio de cuerpos, y de cómo los personajes querían ser el otro. En rasgos generales, fue una buena historia.
May 1, 2021
Caspian and Gunner may seem like the least compatible people in the world at first, but as the story progresses you can see how even the most diverse people can end up being perfect for each other.
If Caspian is a frail guy that people hardly notice in everyday life or who is mostly targeted by bullies, Gunner is just the opposite, hard to miss for his large size, usually inspiring only restlessness and fear for those who find him on their path.
And when they find themselves in the shoes of the other, they will be able to prove firsthand that however you are, small or big, life is not perfect for anyone.
There will always be someone bigger than you, stronger than you, better than you, and so on, so never believe that someone's life can be perfect.
I also loved the fact that the protagonists have made a path of personal acceptance, because however one is made, one should never fail to allow you to be yourself, and it’s a topic that is particularly close to my heart from personal experience, and it’s always nice to see some representation.
Accepting that you are in a way that society unfortunately many times sees as peculiar or just weird is a very difficult path and it would be really nice to see more books dealing with this topic ♡
In addition to making us think, this book is also full of hot scenes of course, which can never be missing with these authors, and one of my favorites is right near the end *^*
A scene that I will surely re-read over and over again.
And it was also nice to see some familiar faces in this book.
When books are set in universes that have already been explored and I see the MCs interacting with each other, I get excited every time.
Truly a book that I devoured in very little and that I highly recommend.
If Caspian is a frail guy that people hardly notice in everyday life or who is mostly targeted by bullies, Gunner is just the opposite, hard to miss for his large size, usually inspiring only restlessness and fear for those who find him on their path.
And when they find themselves in the shoes of the other, they will be able to prove firsthand that however you are, small or big, life is not perfect for anyone.
There will always be someone bigger than you, stronger than you, better than you, and so on, so never believe that someone's life can be perfect.
I also loved the fact that the protagonists have made a path of personal acceptance, because however one is made, one should never fail to allow you to be yourself, and it’s a topic that is particularly close to my heart from personal experience, and it’s always nice to see some representation.
Accepting that you are in a way that society unfortunately many times sees as peculiar or just weird is a very difficult path and it would be really nice to see more books dealing with this topic ♡
In addition to making us think, this book is also full of hot scenes of course, which can never be missing with these authors, and one of my favorites is right near the end *^*
A scene that I will surely re-read over and over again.
And it was also nice to see some familiar faces in this book.
When books are set in universes that have already been explored and I see the MCs interacting with each other, I get excited every time.
Truly a book that I devoured in very little and that I highly recommend.
May 5, 2021
I'm still trying to get over my warm fuzzies from reading this amazing story! Yeah for a HEA!
l love when my favorite authors churn out yet another unique read! This story starts with a casual trip to the gym for our mc, and twink you will fall in love with, because he just wants to change himself for the better. (Can we all just get to the point where we love the bodies we are given and move on?? Not likely.) So in walks the hulk of a tatted up, in denial about his sexuality, abs for miles mc who in the beginning we know is going to need to see the light. And what a better way to come to terms with everything, then to get caught in a body swap with our deepest most hidden dream man.
The sex scenes are wicked hot. Like the porn in my head has no words to describe it!
The story line hits all the topics that go along with coming out, falling in love and making life choices that will make you happy.
Well done K & A!
l love when my favorite authors churn out yet another unique read! This story starts with a casual trip to the gym for our mc, and twink you will fall in love with, because he just wants to change himself for the better. (Can we all just get to the point where we love the bodies we are given and move on?? Not likely.) So in walks the hulk of a tatted up, in denial about his sexuality, abs for miles mc who in the beginning we know is going to need to see the light. And what a better way to come to terms with everything, then to get caught in a body swap with our deepest most hidden dream man.
The sex scenes are wicked hot. Like the porn in my head has no words to describe it!
The story line hits all the topics that go along with coming out, falling in love and making life choices that will make you happy.
Well done K & A!
December 20, 2022
3.5 - Incredibly ridiculous and strangely endearing, Take My Body is an mm body swap romance where two individuals wake up in the body they've always wished they had and begin to explore parts of themselves they once thought not possible to explore.
Caspian is small framed and timid from the years he was bullied in high school. He randomly wakes up one morning in the large, intimidating body of his dreams, which happens to be the body of his high school bully, Gunner. Across the way, Gunner wakes up in Caspian's body and finds it easier to dress the way he has always wanted and finally feels safe to explore his sexuality. The two meet up in hopes of figuring out how this happened and how to swap back. However, they both realize the other seems to wear their original body better then they ever could and find that maybe swapping back isn't what they really want.
I flew through the first 200 pages of this book. The OTT plot is just what I like in romance and I really loved the character's arcs of finally able to express their truest selfs openly. The smut was really hot and definitely used the body swap aspect of the story to it's full advantage. Some of the dirty talk was super cringe, but I can overlook that.
I do think this should've been 100 pages shorter and the ending wasn't as impactful as I thought it would to be. Also, I really disliked Caspian at times.
Gunner was a treasure and I adored his pov's. He was such a sweet and unique character that was perfect for this type of plot. Originally, he was this big, bulky dude with a skull tatted on his face, but when he wakes up in Caspian's body he begins to explore his more "feminine" side that he knew he'd be judged for in his original life. It was an incredibly sweet inner journey with him.
Caspian, on the other hand, was a major dick and the power of being in such a large and intimidating body went straight to his head. I don't even blame Gunner for bullying him in high school because he was so insufferable. And I'm anti-bullying, obviously, but it's revealed that Gunner only begins bullying Caspian when he overhears him saying some really despicable things about Gunner's father right after he had passed away. Like I would knock him around a bit too if I overheard someone saying that 🤨 I guess he does redeem himself towards the end, but I hated how the narrative tried painting Caspian as this really good person when his actions just didn't match that.
But yeah the first half of the book was lot of fun and I think it's worth the read overall. And even though I hated Caspian, I really did love Gunner so it balanced out. And when the two characters got together they did have a lot of chemistry. Just wish this could've had like one more round of tighter editing and it would've been a solid 4 star read for me.
Caspian is small framed and timid from the years he was bullied in high school. He randomly wakes up one morning in the large, intimidating body of his dreams, which happens to be the body of his high school bully, Gunner. Across the way, Gunner wakes up in Caspian's body and finds it easier to dress the way he has always wanted and finally feels safe to explore his sexuality. The two meet up in hopes of figuring out how this happened and how to swap back. However, they both realize the other seems to wear their original body better then they ever could and find that maybe swapping back isn't what they really want.
I flew through the first 200 pages of this book. The OTT plot is just what I like in romance and I really loved the character's arcs of finally able to express their truest selfs openly. The smut was really hot and definitely used the body swap aspect of the story to it's full advantage. Some of the dirty talk was super cringe, but I can overlook that.
I do think this should've been 100 pages shorter and the ending wasn't as impactful as I thought it would to be. Also, I really disliked Caspian at times.
Gunner was a treasure and I adored his pov's. He was such a sweet and unique character that was perfect for this type of plot. Originally, he was this big, bulky dude with a skull tatted on his face, but when he wakes up in Caspian's body he begins to explore his more "feminine" side that he knew he'd be judged for in his original life. It was an incredibly sweet inner journey with him.
Caspian, on the other hand, was a major dick and the power of being in such a large and intimidating body went straight to his head. I don't even blame Gunner for bullying him in high school because he was so insufferable. And I'm anti-bullying, obviously, but it's revealed that Gunner only begins bullying Caspian when he overhears him saying some really despicable things about Gunner's father right after he had passed away. Like I would knock him around a bit too if I overheard someone saying that 🤨 I guess he does redeem himself towards the end, but I hated how the narrative tried painting Caspian as this really good person when his actions just didn't match that.
But yeah the first half of the book was lot of fun and I think it's worth the read overall. And even though I hated Caspian, I really did love Gunner so it balanced out. And when the two characters got together they did have a lot of chemistry. Just wish this could've had like one more round of tighter editing and it would've been a solid 4 star read for me.
April 13, 2023
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3.5 ⭐
I was so very intrigued by how the whole body swapping was going to go, and I must confess myself convinced by how things went.
Is it a little weird? I mean, yes, of course. Body swap, guys! How could it not? But even with that bit of weirdness I ended understanding how things went between Gun and Caspian.
In comparison with the first book, this one is much more likeable because both MCs are fine enough, and unlike Zane, they are not impossible to bear sometimes. They have their ups and downs, they are not perfect, but you can understand why they are like that or do certain things.
The core of the story is Caspian being a dominant man that hates himself, his body. He's small, petite and not that strong. Gunner, on his hand, is the opposite: a tender man living in a ruthless world that makes him being hard, strong and as big as he can be (and that he is).
The two have an ugly past together, since they attended the same HS and Gunner ended being his bully. When they meet again years after, things don't go well, and Caspian finds himself wishing he had Gunners big body so no one would dare touch him again.
And he gets it!
It was funny seeing them waking up in s different body, and I loved how they accustomed to their new lives.
Surprisingly, with him being the bully and all, I liked Gunner better. He ended being such a cute and tender being, just one that had to deal with certain cards and couldn't be himself. But once he has Caspian's cute and beautiful body, he finally can.
One thing I loved was how they defend each other body's against the other. Loved how when Caspian (in Gunner's body) said he felt ugly and weak in his original body Gunner (in Caspian's body) would feel offended and call himself cute. It was sweet.
I loved how they both ended liking themselves and understanding that the physical part in not the most important one. And that they could be dominant or submissive without being necessarily big or petite.
Yes, I do believe this was a bit too long. But it didn't get to bore me, really. And the hot scenes were really hot. I liked them together, since their first time at Karma Motel (loved how it happened there, considering the first book) until the epilogue. They were hot together, but also unexpectedly tender to each other.
I don't know if there will be more books in this series. Maybe with Noah? .
I said this with Gale during book 1 and I'm saying it with Noah now: I want a book of his own!!
3.5 ⭐
I was so very intrigued by how the whole body swapping was going to go, and I must confess myself convinced by how things went.
Is it a little weird? I mean, yes, of course. Body swap, guys! How could it not? But even with that bit of weirdness I ended understanding how things went between Gun and Caspian.
In comparison with the first book, this one is much more likeable because both MCs are fine enough, and unlike Zane, they are not impossible to bear sometimes. They have their ups and downs, they are not perfect, but you can understand why they are like that or do certain things.
The core of the story is Caspian being a dominant man that hates himself, his body. He's small, petite and not that strong. Gunner, on his hand, is the opposite: a tender man living in a ruthless world that makes him being hard, strong and as big as he can be (and that he is).
The two have an ugly past together, since they attended the same HS and Gunner ended being his bully. When they meet again years after, things don't go well, and Caspian finds himself wishing he had Gunners big body so no one would dare touch him again.
And he gets it!
It was funny seeing them waking up in s different body, and I loved how they accustomed to their new lives.
Surprisingly, with him being the bully and all, I liked Gunner better. He ended being such a cute and tender being, just one that had to deal with certain cards and couldn't be himself. But once he has Caspian's cute and beautiful body, he finally can.
One thing I loved was how they defend each other body's against the other. Loved how when Caspian (in Gunner's body) said he felt ugly and weak in his original body Gunner (in Caspian's body) would feel offended and call himself cute. It was sweet.
I loved how they both ended liking themselves and understanding that the physical part in not the most important one. And that they could be dominant or submissive without being necessarily big or petite.
Yes, I do believe this was a bit too long. But it didn't get to bore me, really. And the hot scenes were really hot. I liked them together, since their first time at Karma Motel (loved how it happened there, considering the first book) until the epilogue. They were hot together, but also unexpectedly tender to each other.
I don't know if there will be more books in this series. Maybe with Noah? .
I said this with Gale during book 1 and I'm saying it with Noah now: I want a book of his own!!
May 10, 2021
Note: Having read the blurbs on both books 1 and 2, I was curious about both but was MUCH more intrigued by book 2. So I started with book 2. There were a few references to the first book, but they seemed very minor, and starting with the second book affected my enjoyment of this series not at all. In fact, given what I enjoy in my reading, I'm guessing that reading 2 before 1, will actually add to my overall enjoyment of both. Sometimes it's OK to eat dessert first.
What I expected to find was a somewhat dark revenge fantasy. What I did find was excellent storytelling and excellent writing in one package. This was billed as a revenge fantasy but it quickly turned into much more, there is revenge but there's also a plot-line involving empathy, personal growth, self awareness, and self acceptance. The story revolves around a body-switch curse, but it seemed to be more of a blessing than a curse. As I read more, I wasn't sure whether I wanted them to swap back, or not. It seemed that each of the main character's personalities were more at home in their post-curse bodies than in the ones that nature had given them. Reflecting on that, and how it might mirror the sense of relief and “ultimate rightness” post op transsexuals might feel, gave me an increase in empathy in that area as well.
The sex here was the hottest I've read in a long time. Given the initial revenge aspect, the dirty, raunchy aspects of the initial sexual encounters are somehow made more acceptable, and given that each is temporarily inhabiting the other's body, the dominance and submission aspects are rendered a lot less ominous. The BDSM aspects of the sex here was some of the most organically justified by the story that I've ever read.
And not only were my lustful expectations for this fulfilled. The empathy aspects of the book, each character seeing the world from another's perspective was incredibly satisfying as well. It truly is harder to hate those we really understand.
Now that I've read book 2, I really am more looking forward to going back to read book 1. Having not read book 1 yet, I'm not sure it matters all that much which you feel most comfortable starting with. I just advise that you pick one up and start.
What I expected to find was a somewhat dark revenge fantasy. What I did find was excellent storytelling and excellent writing in one package. This was billed as a revenge fantasy but it quickly turned into much more, there is revenge but there's also a plot-line involving empathy, personal growth, self awareness, and self acceptance. The story revolves around a body-switch curse, but it seemed to be more of a blessing than a curse. As I read more, I wasn't sure whether I wanted them to swap back, or not. It seemed that each of the main character's personalities were more at home in their post-curse bodies than in the ones that nature had given them. Reflecting on that, and how it might mirror the sense of relief and “ultimate rightness” post op transsexuals might feel, gave me an increase in empathy in that area as well.
The sex here was the hottest I've read in a long time. Given the initial revenge aspect, the dirty, raunchy aspects of the initial sexual encounters are somehow made more acceptable, and given that each is temporarily inhabiting the other's body, the dominance and submission aspects are rendered a lot less ominous. The BDSM aspects of the sex here was some of the most organically justified by the story that I've ever read.
And not only were my lustful expectations for this fulfilled. The empathy aspects of the book, each character seeing the world from another's perspective was incredibly satisfying as well. It truly is harder to hate those we really understand.
Now that I've read book 2, I really am more looking forward to going back to read book 1. Having not read book 1 yet, I'm not sure it matters all that much which you feel most comfortable starting with. I just advise that you pick one up and start.
May 7, 2021
I've learned through time that K.A. Merikan books always become ones that own me while I read them. Work becomes a nuisance, other essential things I have to do, like sleeping or eating, are forgotten, because I just have to read one more chapter to find out what happens next. Precisely what happened after I started this book.
Having already read Feel My Pain, I'd thought I was ready for a story completely whacked out, compelling and unique, but these authors managed to surprise and astonish me yet again. Caspian and Gunnar made me laugh, but their story turned out to be profoundly existential, because with a new body came new responsibilities, new ways for both of them to see things, and definitely new types of struggles on top of the ones they'd already been through. I loved them, especially seeing that the whole point of the story was that Caspian and Gunnar had to learn to love themselves... and eventually each other.
Take My Body wasn't an easy read, but I wasn't expecting it to be, I knew starting it that it would put me through the wringer. The book had some humor, a little pain and heartbreak, plenty of sexiness and a whole lot of love. It was beyond entertaining and edgy, inspiring and powerfully moving. LOVED IT!
Having already read Feel My Pain, I'd thought I was ready for a story completely whacked out, compelling and unique, but these authors managed to surprise and astonish me yet again. Caspian and Gunnar made me laugh, but their story turned out to be profoundly existential, because with a new body came new responsibilities, new ways for both of them to see things, and definitely new types of struggles on top of the ones they'd already been through. I loved them, especially seeing that the whole point of the story was that Caspian and Gunnar had to learn to love themselves... and eventually each other.
Take My Body wasn't an easy read, but I wasn't expecting it to be, I knew starting it that it would put me through the wringer. The book had some humor, a little pain and heartbreak, plenty of sexiness and a whole lot of love. It was beyond entertaining and edgy, inspiring and powerfully moving. LOVED IT!
December 26, 2024
DNF 45%
Yeah no. While the first book felt uncomfortable but good this feels neither. Too surface level, too over the top, their dialogues are blah, their internal progressions meh.
I’m too bored to read it further.
The concept is nice though.
Yeah no. While the first book felt uncomfortable but good this feels neither. Too surface level, too over the top, their dialogues are blah, their internal progressions meh.
I’m too bored to read it further.
The concept is nice though.
May 4, 2021
I am a big fan of a body swap trope, but this body swap book was done differently and so well, that I did not know how things were going to end up. I was immediately excited to read this, and it lived up to how much I hyped it up in my mind, not to mention, completely exceeded it. Two flawed people with completely different lives maneuvering their issues with the added bonus of SO much great dirty talk, and it hit all of my buttons. As always, these K.A. Merikan characters are flawed, a little gross sometimes, and worthy of yelling out "BABY NO!" several times when reading it. I think the magic element is so tactfully handled without taking away from the larger point of the book, which is how these two vastly different men could fit so nicely in one another's lives quite literally. It kept me hooked from the first page, and I already am looking forward to rereading it.
July 28, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/100001061788...WOOOW... I have no words for how much I LOVED this book!!! 💖
This story was just... brilliant, phenomenal, unique, extraordinary, exceptional, a-fucking-mazing and out-freakin'-standing! Easy 5+ stars!!!
Loved literally everything about Take My Body!! 🥰
Kat & Agnes really outdone themselves!!!
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