4.5 stars — Dudes, isn’t it weird how you don’t know you’ve missed something until you get it again? I really love the way this duo writes together. I don’t even know how to describe what it is about their writing, but it’s just seamless. And you get the best of both writers. And OMG, their M/M romances in particular are just super steamy and hot combined with realism and dimension.
And that’s the thing that stands out the most for me in this book, the depth of our two heroes. They are so real. I love how completely different they are from one another, yet I empathize with both of them, and truly feel like I understand how they came to be the men that they are now. And they’re both eminently likable! Keaton truly is a lovable puppy dog, seeking approval from his loved ones, while trying to embrace who he is inside. I loved his nerdy mind, his passion for animals, and his willingness to look deeper within himself. I LOVED that he didn’t try to hide or squash the new things he was learning about himself…I mean, he panicked and was confused, but he forged ahead.
And Luke just broke my heart. He had so much drive, but it came from a place of insecurity. He was truly shaped by his past and his childhood, and it was hard to watch the arrows keep coming his way. I wanted him to discover his worth earlier, to learn to trust faster, but in the end it wouldn’t have been believable. And in the end it made every step forward that much more satisfying.
And the two of them together surprised me. I loved their communications over Kink. I loved the way they connected with one another on a basic level. And in a strange way, I loved that they were so different in real life, neither one taking the time to look deeper into the other. I’m not always into enemies to lovers tropes, but this one was well done. And damn, did that hostility and tension make for some very hot scenes when they first got together. Like smoking. OMG, Luke’s dominant personality was just…wow. And the subtle way their relationship developed was kind of sweet too. I became fully invested in their romance.
There were definitely some great secondary characters in this one as well. From the different personalities of the frat brothers, to Annika, to even Keaton’s Dad. They all added to make us learn more about the boys.
On a side note, there is a very small element of non-physical cheating in this book. Cheating’s normally a button issue for me, but there are always exceptions. This would be one of them. The circumstances surrounding the relationships are super unique, and the way it all played out just didn’t have me turned off. Obviously it’s personal, but just thought I’d give one perspective from someone who doesn’t have much tolerance for that.
So yeah. Super huge hit with me. I can definitely see myself checking out the audiobook when it becomes available, because I’d love to see Keaton and Luke’s story evolve all over again. Such a great combination of sass, humour, steam, and depth.
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Popular Highlights in this book
I’m just a guy, standing on a beach in nothing but his favorite pair of lobster shorts, waiting for the right man to love me.Highlighted by 790 Kindle readers- He made me laugh, and then I made him come? If heads blowing off were a real thing, mine would be detonating right now.Highlighted by 386 Kindle readers
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Reviews with images
He’s his Lobster!
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that when Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy join their wands, the most amazing and otherworldly magic happens. They are extraordinary apart, but together? They are unbelievable.Top Secret is their most recent collaboration, and let me tell you, it is to die for. After waiting for what seemed like forever, they’re back! And what a comeback it is! I sure hope they write together again, because there’s just nothing like it. Nothing.I loved Top Secret. It is flawlessly written, the story flows naturally, and the characters are very well developed. Luke Bailey and Keaton Hayworth III couldn’t be more different. They are not only from very different backgrounds, but their personalities are just not compatible. Two frat brothers with nothing in common but a very intense dislike for each other. One could even call it hatred. That is, until they meet online.Top Secret is everything you want in a romance novel. First of all, it is very well written, no secrets there. It is certainly hilarious, but not only because of the funny situations in the story, but because of the way it’s told. It’s in the words. It’s a pleasure to read their words. Luke and Keaton are both adorable in their own way, and both their stories have depth. They face situations and have issues that any person could relate to, or understand without a stretch.And last but not least, Top Secret is hot. I mean, the heat level is scorching. And also hilarious, you’ll know what I mean when you read all the animal kingdom sex references. (You may want to look those flatworms up on you tube, just saying.) Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy write amazing M/M romance, and Top Secret is certainly another winner.
Top reviews from other countries
Abraham Guzmán
Gran lectura
Reviewed in Mexico on January 21, 2021
Abraham Guzmán
Reviewed in Mexico on January 21, 2021
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