I started reading this because of praise kink, but it has so many other tropes that I love. It was such a delightful read and I'm only sad that it was so short. I seriously needed another scene with Samuel and Will cuddling on the couch (this time without any interuptions)...

The praise kink also didn't truly come into the scene until very late in the story, but considering the length of the book, the pace felt natural.

I guess I just needed more of it. Loved the characters, the plot, their friendship and their discovery of deeper feelings, all the touches and cuddles, but it was too short and, ugh, I didn't have enough of it.

Still, highly recommended if you want something short but sweet, with a little bit of pining, hurt/comfort and some super sweet & steamy kisses.

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General Notes

-(I didn't read the previous two books in this series, but had no trouble following this)

-friends to lovers, a little bit of secret pining, bi-awakening (Will), hurt/comfort (Samuel had a difficult childhood, and a bad experience with his ex)

-social worker x former marine

-short, low-angst...

-anxious & awkward MC (Sam)

-Sam is 22, Will is somewhere in his middle thirties(33?)

Intimacy Notes

-Top/bottom/verse: strict; Samuel bottoms, Will tops...

-Kinks/sex notes: first time/virgin MC, penetration, coming untouched, frotting, praise kink...

-Other:

・handtimacy & necktimacy

・praise kink

・Will is protective and possessive, but not in a toxic or OTT way.

・consent is sexyyy and this book has lots of it.

・nicknames: baby, babe, pretty boy...