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Time Served #1
Endangered Species
After spending his formative years in an abusive home, NICHOLAS WEBSTER has made a pretty good life for himself. He has friends, a lucrative job with Elite Protection Services, and a side gig that lets him help out those escaping the same abusive home situation he left behind. But no matter how many people he helps, he can’t escape the guilt over the one person he didn’t—his step-brother, Cyrus.
CYRUS WHITAKER has spent the last twenty years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, put there by the very person he vowed to protect. On the inside, he’s made strides to better himself so he can have a future on the outside. But just when he thinks there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, he receives a new cellmate—the boy who put him away all those years ago.
In trying to make things right, Webster has triggered a series of events that will ruin both their lives, or worse, end them. Somebody has framed him and sent him to a prison where they hope Cy’s need to get even will get rid of Webster for good. But they don’t know Cyrus or the bond they shared. A bond they still share. But can Webster figure out who’s doing this to them and why before Cyrus is forced to choose between hurting the one person he loves or spending his life in a cage?
ENDANGERED SPECIES is the first book in the Time Served Series and is a spin-off of the Elite Protection Services Series. It contains an HEA and no cliffhangers.
CYRUS WHITAKER has spent the last twenty years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, put there by the very person he vowed to protect. On the inside, he’s made strides to better himself so he can have a future on the outside. But just when he thinks there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, he receives a new cellmate—the boy who put him away all those years ago.
In trying to make things right, Webster has triggered a series of events that will ruin both their lives, or worse, end them. Somebody has framed him and sent him to a prison where they hope Cy’s need to get even will get rid of Webster for good. But they don’t know Cyrus or the bond they shared. A bond they still share. But can Webster figure out who’s doing this to them and why before Cyrus is forced to choose between hurting the one person he loves or spending his life in a cage?
ENDANGERED SPECIES is the first book in the Time Served Series and is a spin-off of the Elite Protection Services Series. It contains an HEA and no cliffhangers.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2020
About the author
Onley James
36 books3,131 followersOnley James lives in North Carolina with her daughter, her daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and a menagerie of animals, both good and evil. James splits her time between writing m/m romance and mainlining dangerous levels of caffeine and attempting to maintain her ever-slipping sanity.
When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.
Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onley...
Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames
When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.
Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onley...
Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames
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July 6, 2021
⭐ 2.6 "Even [believable relationship development] was under arrest in this prisonmance!" stars ⭐
After much delay and dread, I decided to give the spin-off for Elite Protection Services a go. This featured one of the previous side characters as an MC, so considering I liked him in the other books, expectations were mild to high going in.
Now that I've finished, however, I can look back at my anticipation and proclaim…
While this wasn’t a wholly negative experience, going in expecting nothing would’ve made it significantly better.
********************************
For anyone who has read an Onley James book before, I’m able to tell you that you can let out that breath you didn’t know you were holding, because this first installment of her spin-off definitely sticks to her formula. Unlike with most of her other works, however, this time it didn’t entirely jive with me.
Yet there were still both Positives and Negatives overall, so that’s how the review will be structured.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the chaos…
POSITIVES
— The Dynamic Between MCs (Step-brothers gone wild… ly loving and caring for each other)
First of all, we all know the age-old proverb…
(What do you mean The Office isn’t made out of verifiable life advice?)
But if a brief stint behind bars secures you a significant other like Cyrus, I am willing to do the time and engage in some canine roleplay myself. Because boy was he a devoted man. As is usually the pattern with Onley’s couples, Cyrus simply worshipped the ground Webster walked on.
No matter what Webster did, his big burly cellmate was all over it, and don’t we love to see it. If prison stan accounts were a thing, I just know the man would be running several for his beau.
I do wish there had been more pining and at least an emotional slowburn to make the relationship more rewarding, but at the end of the day…
They’re not even close to being one of my favorite Onley couples, but they still had their moments (even if those happened to mostly be in the smut)
...Which takes me to my next incredibly crucial, important, and impossible to gloss over point...
— Suggestive Physical Displays Of Affection.
Or as I like to call them…
Subtlety is not part of my dossier.
Let me be explicit: This book was earth’s core levels of scorching, delivering on all that I wanted and expected from a prisonmance —when it came to steam, at least. You had the sense of perpetual voyeurism (with even an instance of exhibitionism), then intense tension brought by the dangerous setting, and finally, all of that emphasized by a pronounced theme of possessiveness and ownership.
Think bruises, hickeys, scratching, biting. If it’s rough, Webster was begging for it and Cyrus was gladly delivering.
Which is of course how romance works in this fantasyland, and I’m not complaining at all.
(What do you mean meeting your step-brother in jail does NOT qualify as a meet-cute?Are you implying porn has been lying to me all these years???)
Moving on...
— Introduction Of Future MCs.
So yeah, Cyrus and Webster were fine. They were cute. And had hot sex.
I was still more invested in the side characters showing up though. Older guy Preacher, who wore a crucifix despite not being religious and called himself the Switzerland of prison. Mysterious Lawson, who presented himself as a hillbilly, yet hid the genius of a man with the mental prowess to scam millions out of casinos. And, last but not least, badass Javier, in charge ofWebster not offing himself accidentally Webster’s security while inside, with mysterious ties to the Mexican mafia and who looked like he could beat everyone up with his hands tied behind his back (also tattoos? and written representation of a Latin man who didn’t use gratuitous Spanish every 0.3 seconds? I swooned 😍)
Truly, each and every one of them was simply way more interesting than the actual protagonists we got.
So in short…
The MCs: *exist in this lowly plane we call earth*
Me:
Anyone but one of the MCs: *speaks more than two lines*
Me:
Don’t you love it when they just *clenches fists* have a personality?
And lastly, for the final highlight in the story...
— Shep and Elijah, the MCs from Captivating, were mentioned.
No, they didn't actually show up on-page. And weren't talked about for more than two paragraphs in the whole book... it still won the story an extra 0.2 stars though.
On the other hand (and not-so-smoothly transitioning into my niggles), this also meant I was even MORE over L*nc and W*att — the leads from Intoxicating, cameo-ing for the 99th time.
Those clowns: *show up to make this the L*nc and W*att show yet again, robbing me of an appearance fromElijah and Shep someone I actually give half a shit about*
The immediate reaction:
Please, Onley James, I am BEGGING you on my KNEES. They were cute in their own book, but unless we're attending their funeral now... I'm NOT interested.
But either way, with the negative vibes already entering the chat, let’s proceed to the main dishes...
THE NEGATIVES
— Insta-love ON CRACK.
The transition from “step-brothers who hadn’t seen each other in almost two decades” to “step-brothers WHO FUCK” happened so fast I had to lay down, take a breather, and wonder if I hadn’t accidentally skipped ahead ten chapters into the story.
Because, truthfully, when it came to Cyrus and Webster…
(Let’s pretend like I haven’t been waiting to use this gif for weeks, please and thank you)
Now, don’t get me wrong, I don't mind when characters jump straight into the smut per se. I thrive on the emotional connection, but it can still be fun to see it develop later on. To witness the hesitancy while both ponder on the other's feelings, the pining and resulting angst. Indeed, for me it can be just as satisfying whether it involves sex from the get-go or not...
But if you're not going to give me some UST, then I at least require some UET (aka unresolved emotional tension). Otherwise, what is even the point if all the couple’s development happens before even the halfway mark?
I was 40 percent in and these guys were already discussing settling down together and raising pets — after fucking for about a week, I feel compelled to point out too.
So as a renowned realist once said…
Go off, Elsa. These two imbeciles could use the advice.
Because repeat after me, a dick in the ass does not a relationship make.
Next up...
— The Contrived Plot.
I think the fact that I finished reading this a few days ago and already forgot the majority of it says it all. Blah blah national conspiracy, something something FBI, yadda yadda corrupt prison system.
While it was a valiant effort to add depth to the overarching narrative, aided by events that I imagine will continue to impact future books in the series, I just couldn't be bothered to care. As insta and underdeveloped as it was, I was still here for the romance and romance alone. Whenever the story veered elsewhere, my interest bid adieu from the situation.
So to sum the Endangered Species reading experience further…
When theporn romance or side characters happened:
Anything else:
I said what I said and I will stand by what I said.
And with all of those far less important points out of the way, we can finally address the gravest issue of all...
— Not EnoughIncest Stepcest (Yes, we're going there)
They’re step-brothers, but also not really? Because their parents were married for a single year when Cyrus was seventeen and Webster nine. Which of course ended the day Webster’s mother killed Cyrus’ father in cold blood and framed the son for the murder.
(Do you see what I meant earlier about a contrived plot?)
So it’s not even technically stepcest.
Ok, you might have a point there, Shane from Unsolved.
If I’m being fully honest though, the only reason why I’m bringing this up is to complain about the lackluster nature of the setup. Why even give them such a tenuous familial connection if you aren’t gonna play it up even a little? The taboo lover in me kept reading their interactions and waiting for a hint of forbidden flavor to pop up, but nada. Zilch. Absolutely nothing.
So while they were cute together (a bit too much so at times, considering the prison backdrop), I couldn’t help but feel like the author tried to take a risk and then didn’t fully commit to it.
If you’re promising me stepcest, stepcest is what I’ll expect! None of this “but let me correct everyone in a 10-mile radius so they all know we aren’t actually related” bullshit.
Therefore, in conclusion…
@ the author:
I need it and would like to see it! Like siths, I only deal in absolutes and this half-assery will not do.
********************************
Now, after my extensivecomplaining review, my
Final Thoughts:
The book was okay for the most part. Even if, considering only a few days passed and the overall story is already on its fast track to being forgotten, simultaneously not okay enough.
Yet for anyone who was thinking of picking this one up, don't heed myrant opinion and still give it a go. Who knows, it might work out much better for you!
As for me, I'm just glad I got this over with so I can finally move onto the sequels. Which I've been told are several steps up, or at the very least...
Because if they disappoint me too, I don't think I'll recover.
********************************
Time Served series by Onley James (Spin-off of Elite Protection Services)
Endangered Species — 2.6 ⭐
Dangerous Breed — TBR.
Domesticated Beast — TBR.
After much delay and dread, I decided to give the spin-off for Elite Protection Services a go. This featured one of the previous side characters as an MC, so considering I liked him in the other books, expectations were mild to high going in.
Now that I've finished, however, I can look back at my anticipation and proclaim…
While this wasn’t a wholly negative experience, going in expecting nothing would’ve made it significantly better.
********************************
For anyone who has read an Onley James book before, I’m able to tell you that you can let out that breath you didn’t know you were holding, because this first installment of her spin-off definitely sticks to her formula. Unlike with most of her other works, however, this time it didn’t entirely jive with me.
Yet there were still both Positives and Negatives overall, so that’s how the review will be structured.
Without further ado, let’s jump in
POSITIVES
— The Dynamic Between MCs (Step-brothers gone wild… ly loving and caring for each other)
First of all, we all know the age-old proverb…
(What do you mean The Office isn’t made out of verifiable life advice?)
But if a brief stint behind bars secures you a significant other like Cyrus, I am willing to do the time and engage in some canine roleplay myself. Because boy was he a devoted man. As is usually the pattern with Onley’s couples, Cyrus simply worshipped the ground Webster walked on.
No matter what Webster did, his big burly cellmate was all over it, and don’t we love to see it. If prison stan accounts were a thing, I just know the man would be running several for his beau.
I do wish there had been more pining and at least an emotional slowburn to make the relationship more rewarding, but at the end of the day…
They’re not even close to being one of my favorite Onley couples, but they still had their moments (even if those happened to mostly be in the smut)
...Which takes me to my next incredibly crucial, important, and impossible to gloss over point...
— Suggestive Physical Displays Of Affection.
Or as I like to call them…
Subtlety is not part of my dossier.
Let me be explicit: This book was earth’s core levels of scorching, delivering on all that I wanted and expected from a prisonmance —when it came to steam, at least. You had the sense of perpetual voyeurism (with even an instance of exhibitionism), then intense tension brought by the dangerous setting, and finally, all of that emphasized by a pronounced theme of possessiveness and ownership.
Think bruises, hickeys, scratching, biting. If it’s rough, Webster was begging for it and Cyrus was gladly delivering.
Which is of course how romance works in this fantasyland, and I’m not complaining at all.
(What do you mean meeting your step-brother in jail does NOT qualify as a meet-cute?
Moving on...
— Introduction Of Future MCs.
So yeah, Cyrus and Webster were fine. They were cute. And had hot sex.
I was still more invested in the side characters showing up though. Older guy Preacher, who wore a crucifix despite not being religious and called himself the Switzerland of prison. Mysterious Lawson, who presented himself as a hillbilly, yet hid the genius of a man with the mental prowess to scam millions out of casinos. And, last but not least, badass Javier, in charge of
Truly, each and every one of them was simply way more interesting than the actual protagonists we got.
So in short…
The MCs: *exist in this lowly plane we call earth*
Me:
Anyone but one of the MCs: *speaks more than two lines*
Me:
Don’t you love it when they just *clenches fists* have a personality?
And lastly, for the final highlight in the story...
— Shep and Elijah, the MCs from Captivating, were mentioned.
No, they didn't actually show up on-page. And weren't talked about for more than two paragraphs in the whole book... it still won the story an extra 0.2 stars though.
On the other hand (and not-so-smoothly transitioning into my niggles), this also meant I was even MORE over L*nc and W*att — the leads from Intoxicating, cameo-ing for the 99th time.
Those clowns: *show up to make this the L*nc and W*att show yet again, robbing me of an appearance from
The immediate reaction:
Please, Onley James, I am BEGGING you on my KNEES. They were cute in their own book, but unless we're attending their funeral now... I'm NOT interested.
But either way, with the negative vibes already entering the chat, let’s proceed to the main dishes...
THE NEGATIVES
— Insta-love ON CRACK.
The transition from “step-brothers who hadn’t seen each other in almost two decades” to “step-brothers WHO FUCK” happened so fast I had to lay down, take a breather, and wonder if I hadn’t accidentally skipped ahead ten chapters into the story.
Because, truthfully, when it came to Cyrus and Webster…
(Let’s pretend like I haven’t been waiting to use this gif for weeks, please and thank you)
Now, don’t get me wrong, I don't mind when characters jump straight into the smut per se. I thrive on the emotional connection, but it can still be fun to see it develop later on. To witness the hesitancy while both ponder on the other's feelings, the pining and resulting angst. Indeed, for me it can be just as satisfying whether it involves sex from the get-go or not...
But if you're not going to give me some UST, then I at least require some UET (aka unresolved emotional tension). Otherwise, what is even the point if all the couple’s development happens before even the halfway mark?
I was 40 percent in and these guys were already discussing settling down together and raising pets — after fucking for about a week, I feel compelled to point out too.
So as a renowned realist once said…
Go off, Elsa. These two imbeciles could use the advice.
Because repeat after me, a dick in the ass does not a relationship make.
Next up...
— The Contrived Plot.
I think the fact that I finished reading this a few days ago and already forgot the majority of it says it all. Blah blah national conspiracy, something something FBI, yadda yadda corrupt prison system.
While it was a valiant effort to add depth to the overarching narrative, aided by events that I imagine will continue to impact future books in the series, I just couldn't be bothered to care. As insta and underdeveloped as it was, I was still here for the romance and romance alone. Whenever the story veered elsewhere, my interest bid adieu from the situation.
So to sum the Endangered Species reading experience further…
When the
Anything else:
I said what I said and I will stand by what I said.
And with all of those far less important points out of the way, we can finally address the gravest issue of all...
— Not Enough
They’re step-brothers, but also not really? Because their parents were married for a single year when Cyrus was seventeen and Webster nine. Which of course ended the day Webster’s mother killed Cyrus’ father in cold blood and framed the son for the murder.
(Do you see what I meant earlier about a contrived plot?)
So it’s not even technically stepcest.
Ok, you might have a point there, Shane from Unsolved.
If I’m being fully honest though, the only reason why I’m bringing this up is to complain about the lackluster nature of the setup. Why even give them such a tenuous familial connection if you aren’t gonna play it up even a little? The taboo lover in me kept reading their interactions and waiting for a hint of forbidden flavor to pop up, but nada. Zilch. Absolutely nothing.
So while they were cute together (a bit too much so at times, considering the prison backdrop), I couldn’t help but feel like the author tried to take a risk and then didn’t fully commit to it.
If you’re promising me stepcest, stepcest is what I’ll expect! None of this “but let me correct everyone in a 10-mile radius so they all know we aren’t actually related” bullshit.
Therefore, in conclusion…
@ the author:
I need it and would like to see it! Like siths, I only deal in absolutes and this half-assery will not do.
********************************
Now, after my extensive
The book was okay for the most part. Even if, considering only a few days passed and the overall story is already on its fast track to being forgotten, simultaneously not okay enough.
Yet for anyone who was thinking of picking this one up, don't heed my
As for me, I'm just glad I got this over with so I can finally move onto the sequels. Which I've been told are several steps up, or at the very least...
Because if they disappoint me too, I don't think I'll recover.
********************************
Time Served series by Onley James (Spin-off of Elite Protection Services)
Endangered Species — 2.6 ⭐
Dangerous Breed — TBR.
Domesticated Beast — TBR.
November 26, 2020
4.5 ‘’Congrats on managing to be the only guy in prison who actually got to have the kind of sex he wanted” stars
As soon as I read the blurb for this, I was sold. I mean two step brothers reuniting in prison and falling in love, sign me up!
I loved most of Onley James’ Elite Protection series and I was so excited when I saw that she was doing a spin-off series and that the first book was about Webster, I loved him in the previous books. Also, I barely remember what it’s like to be excited for things lately and expecially book, I have been excited for about 4 books this entire year and this one was one of them. And then I got an ARC for it and I was so damn excited. And let me just say that it did not dissapoint, at all. This was exactly what I wanted from a book like this, and I absolutely adored it.
Quick summary: Cy is Webster’s (or as he calls him, Nicky) step brother and he was put in jail 21 years ago, after being wrongfully accused of killing Nicky’s mother, Nicky was 6 and Cy was 17. They are now now 27 and 38. And because of weird stuff happening, Nicky is put into jail with him and they have to share a cell. Then they start having sex and then they fall in love.
Let me just start this by saying that I fell in love with both Nicky and Cy. God I love them both so much, alone and together. They’re both so damn strong and resilent and ready to fight with all they have to get what they want. These two were just so damn perfect to me and perfect for each other.
This one is not as romantic as I would normally enjoy, but that worked very well for me here. I can understand why there wouldn’t much romance because they are stuck in prison. But even without a lot of romance, I found myself rooting for Cy and Nicky to get their HEA, so badly. I loved the quick passing of the story and I loved the plot, I had so much fun following along with the story. It was a very interesting plot that fascinated me and made me very interested to keep on reading. It was very nicely crafted and everything ended up being tied up and making sense. I loved that part. Even if it wasn’t very romantic, I could feel Cy and Nicky’s love pooring out of the pages and how much they just wanted to be together. These two fought so much to be together. I loved them for it. I fucking loved how much Nicky fought to get Cy out of prison and how he would have done everything to get it to happen. And I loved how Cy would have done everything to keep Nicky safe, while he was in prison. God it was so sweet. These two would have done everything for the other and I loved it.
“I love you. I want a life with you. You deserve better than this. You deserve all the things they denied you, and I’m going to get them for you.”
Also the sex was so fucking hot, these two were sizzling together and they had so much chemestry, they’re clearly made for each other.
I also enjoyed seeing the change from their old connection to the next one. That was really well done. It was very clear to see how they cared about each other before and how it transformed into being in love.
I admit that I have no idea how life in prison is but the description in this book seemed realistic enough for me to be interested in the story and nothing ever seemed out of place. I really enjoyed the portrayal of prison and of Nicky and Cy’s life in prison. It was really really fasciting to read about. I really loved that part.
This book was so addicting. I stayed up way too late to read it. I just could not put it down. There was just something about it that always kept you on edge to see what would happen next.
One thing that probably would have bothered me a bit more if I wasn’t loving the book so much was that Cy spend 20 years in prison and we never really got to see how it affected him, I would have love to see more of that, I think it could have been a brillant thing to dwelve into. But thats just a personal prefence, I understand why it wasn’t shown, but I would have loved to see it anyway.
This book made me feel all the feels. I laughed with them when they could afford it, I smiled when they did stupid shit to protect each other, but mostly I just cried a shit load, I even started bailing my eyes out in the middle of a fucking sex scene. In total, I cried so many times I lost track of them, but it was atleast 6-7 times.
One thing I really enjoyed but wish was more included in the book was that it was mentioned that Nicky has Asperger’s and there was some really nice scenes like we got to see a vivid description of how prison would affect him, he hated noises, he was oversensitive and there some very nice descriptions of how he disconnected from
the world and that showed how him having Asperger’s would affect him but it was barely there, I really would have loved to see more of it. I just feel like thats a really big thing that would affect him much more than that, but still I appreciated what we got.
The only reason why this isn’t 5 stars is because I wasn’t ready to let go of these guys, I really would have loved to see more of their lives together. I just wanted to see more of those two being in love and being together. I wanted to see all of the nice couple moments that we were told about in the epilogue, I would have much rather seen them then be told about them, but i’m just greedy.
Side note, I loved catching up with the gang again, expecially Linc and Wyatt, I love these two so much and Charlie too, I love Charlie. But it could also work as a standalone easily, you don’t need to have read the other books to enjoy this one, it just makes it more fun to see old characters appear when you know who they are!
Also, that guy on the cover? He’s smoking hot! I absolutely adore this cover.
~ I received an ARC of this book
As soon as I read the blurb for this, I was sold. I mean two step brothers reuniting in prison and falling in love, sign me up!
I loved most of Onley James’ Elite Protection series and I was so excited when I saw that she was doing a spin-off series and that the first book was about Webster, I loved him in the previous books. Also, I barely remember what it’s like to be excited for things lately and expecially book, I have been excited for about 4 books this entire year and this one was one of them. And then I got an ARC for it and I was so damn excited. And let me just say that it did not dissapoint, at all. This was exactly what I wanted from a book like this, and I absolutely adored it.
Quick summary: Cy is Webster’s (or as he calls him, Nicky) step brother and he was put in jail 21 years ago, after being wrongfully accused of killing Nicky’s mother, Nicky was 6 and Cy was 17. They are now now 27 and 38. And because of weird stuff happening, Nicky is put into jail with him and they have to share a cell. Then they start having sex and then they fall in love.
Let me just start this by saying that I fell in love with both Nicky and Cy. God I love them both so much, alone and together. They’re both so damn strong and resilent and ready to fight with all they have to get what they want. These two were just so damn perfect to me and perfect for each other.
This one is not as romantic as I would normally enjoy, but that worked very well for me here. I can understand why there wouldn’t much romance because they are stuck in prison. But even without a lot of romance, I found myself rooting for Cy and Nicky to get their HEA, so badly. I loved the quick passing of the story and I loved the plot, I had so much fun following along with the story. It was a very interesting plot that fascinated me and made me very interested to keep on reading. It was very nicely crafted and everything ended up being tied up and making sense. I loved that part. Even if it wasn’t very romantic, I could feel Cy and Nicky’s love pooring out of the pages and how much they just wanted to be together. These two fought so much to be together. I loved them for it. I fucking loved how much Nicky fought to get Cy out of prison and how he would have done everything to get it to happen. And I loved how Cy would have done everything to keep Nicky safe, while he was in prison. God it was so sweet. These two would have done everything for the other and I loved it.
“I love you. I want a life with you. You deserve better than this. You deserve all the things they denied you, and I’m going to get them for you.”
Also the sex was so fucking hot, these two were sizzling together and they had so much chemestry, they’re clearly made for each other.
I also enjoyed seeing the change from their old connection to the next one. That was really well done. It was very clear to see how they cared about each other before and how it transformed into being in love.
I admit that I have no idea how life in prison is but the description in this book seemed realistic enough for me to be interested in the story and nothing ever seemed out of place. I really enjoyed the portrayal of prison and of Nicky and Cy’s life in prison. It was really really fasciting to read about. I really loved that part.
This book was so addicting. I stayed up way too late to read it. I just could not put it down. There was just something about it that always kept you on edge to see what would happen next.
One thing that probably would have bothered me a bit more if I wasn’t loving the book so much was that Cy spend 20 years in prison and we never really got to see how it affected him, I would have love to see more of that, I think it could have been a brillant thing to dwelve into. But thats just a personal prefence, I understand why it wasn’t shown, but I would have loved to see it anyway.
This book made me feel all the feels. I laughed with them when they could afford it, I smiled when they did stupid shit to protect each other, but mostly I just cried a shit load, I even started bailing my eyes out in the middle of a fucking sex scene. In total, I cried so many times I lost track of them, but it was atleast 6-7 times.
One thing I really enjoyed but wish was more included in the book was that it was mentioned that Nicky has Asperger’s and there was some really nice scenes like we got to see a vivid description of how prison would affect him, he hated noises, he was oversensitive and there some very nice descriptions of how he disconnected from
the world and that showed how him having Asperger’s would affect him but it was barely there, I really would have loved to see more of it. I just feel like thats a really big thing that would affect him much more than that, but still I appreciated what we got.
The only reason why this isn’t 5 stars is because I wasn’t ready to let go of these guys, I really would have loved to see more of their lives together. I just wanted to see more of those two being in love and being together. I wanted to see all of the nice couple moments that we were told about in the epilogue, I would have much rather seen them then be told about them, but i’m just greedy.
Side note, I loved catching up with the gang again, expecially Linc and Wyatt, I love these two so much and Charlie too, I love Charlie. But it could also work as a standalone easily, you don’t need to have read the other books to enjoy this one, it just makes it more fun to see old characters appear when you know who they are!
Also, that guy on the cover? He’s smoking hot! I absolutely adore this cover.
~ I received an ARC of this book
April 24, 2024
Book safety, content warnings and tropes & tags down below.
Something about Nicky triggered a Pavlovian response in Cy. The need to protect him came as easy to Cy as breathing. It always had. Maybe it always would. Protecting Nicky was in his DNA.
Reread (audio this time, Liam did a fab job as per usual) and gonna edit my original review a little and add more detailed safety info and content warnings.
I feel like I didn’t know Webster that well sometimes, even after meeting him several times in the Elite Protection series. It was like he was a different person. They do explain that Cyrus makes it possible for Webster to be vulnerable and that he likes being taken care of, so that could 100% be the reason why. I suppose if you go through your entire life expecting abuse and have tons of trauma, you put up walls that might change how you act when you suddenly feel safe.
If Webster had thought county lockup was bad, prison was a never-ending overstimulation of his senses. Lights flickering, alarms blaring, doors buzzing, metal doors slamming, men hollering and banging things against the bars.
Webster is neurodivergent and easily feels overstimulated, which I wish was expanded on a little, as it kinda fell away after a certain point and seemed to be a non issue.
This book is a pretty extreme case of instalove. Thankfully I adore instalove when it’s done well, and I think it is with this one. Nicky and Cy had a strong connection and a bond made through trauma when they were children/teenagers, and this quickly fell back into place when they meet 20 years later.
I think my one ‘issue’ with the book is that Cyrus honestly seems pretty unaffected by being wrongfully imprisoned for 20 years. Like, you’re not even a little bitter? I suppose people are different, but I would think that affected a person pretty strongly in one way or another.
Even after twenty years, Nicky still fit perfectly in Cy’s arms, though his body’s reaction to that fact was a much different one now.
The boys are very cute together, and if you’re looking for protective men, look no further. I enjoyed the suspense/mystery part of this which heavily touches on systemic racism, modern slavery, and much more. It doesn’t get super heavy even with these topics, but they’re there and it’s real.
I of course loved seeing cameos of Linc and Wyatt from Intoxicating. Those two are the best.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Prison romance
Step brothers
Past trauma
Tech genius
Age gap
Neurodivergent MC
Tattooed MC
Fast burn
Marking/bruises
Throat-bulging
Mild pain kink
Fast feelings
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Death of a parent (violent, prologue, some details)
Child abuse - psychological, physical, (past, some details)
Themes of systemic racism
Violence between MCs (punch to keep up appearances)
MCs simulating rape (acting in front of prison guards)
Wrongfully imprisoned MC
Throat-fucking
Erotic spanking
Inmates threatening rape against MC (not carried out)
Exhibitionism (blowjob in front of bad guy)
Rough sex (marking/bruises/some pain - all consensual)
Physical assault and attempted sexual assault (beating, trying to remove clothes - stopped)
Graphic violence
Themes of systemically framing POC
MC sexually assaulted as a child (few details)
Brief moment of animal neglect/abuse
Drinking (MC drunk on page)
Abuse of power
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 27 and 38
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 224
Cy needed to be needed, and Nicky always needed him, even when he didn’t. Maybe that was toxic, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Something about Nicky triggered a Pavlovian response in Cy. The need to protect him came as easy to Cy as breathing. It always had. Maybe it always would. Protecting Nicky was in his DNA.
Reread (audio this time, Liam did a fab job as per usual) and gonna edit my original review a little and add more detailed safety info and content warnings.
I feel like I didn’t know Webster that well sometimes, even after meeting him several times in the Elite Protection series. It was like he was a different person. They do explain that Cyrus makes it possible for Webster to be vulnerable and that he likes being taken care of, so that could 100% be the reason why. I suppose if you go through your entire life expecting abuse and have tons of trauma, you put up walls that might change how you act when you suddenly feel safe.
If Webster had thought county lockup was bad, prison was a never-ending overstimulation of his senses. Lights flickering, alarms blaring, doors buzzing, metal doors slamming, men hollering and banging things against the bars.
Webster is neurodivergent and easily feels overstimulated, which I wish was expanded on a little, as it kinda fell away after a certain point and seemed to be a non issue.
This book is a pretty extreme case of instalove. Thankfully I adore instalove when it’s done well, and I think it is with this one. Nicky and Cy had a strong connection and a bond made through trauma when they were children/teenagers, and this quickly fell back into place when they meet 20 years later.
I think my one ‘issue’ with the book is that Cyrus honestly seems pretty unaffected by being wrongfully imprisoned for 20 years. Like, you’re not even a little bitter? I suppose people are different, but I would think that affected a person pretty strongly in one way or another.
Even after twenty years, Nicky still fit perfectly in Cy’s arms, though his body’s reaction to that fact was a much different one now.
The boys are very cute together, and if you’re looking for protective men, look no further. I enjoyed the suspense/mystery part of this which heavily touches on systemic racism, modern slavery, and much more. It doesn’t get super heavy even with these topics, but they’re there and it’s real.
I of course loved seeing cameos of Linc and Wyatt from Intoxicating. Those two are the best.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Prison romance
Step brothers
Past trauma
Tech genius
Age gap
Neurodivergent MC
Tattooed MC
Fast burn
Marking/bruises
Throat-bulging
Mild pain kink
Fast feelings
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Death of a parent (violent, prologue, some details)
Child abuse - psychological, physical, (past, some details)
Themes of systemic racism
Violence between MCs (punch to keep up appearances)
MCs simulating rape (acting in front of prison guards)
Wrongfully imprisoned MC
Throat-fucking
Erotic spanking
Inmates threatening rape against MC (not carried out)
Exhibitionism (blowjob in front of bad guy)
Rough sex (marking/bruises/some pain - all consensual)
Physical assault and attempted sexual assault (beating, trying to remove clothes - stopped)
Graphic violence
Themes of systemically framing POC
MC sexually assaulted as a child (few details)
Brief moment of animal neglect/abuse
Drinking (MC drunk on page)
Abuse of power
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 27 and 38
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 224
Cy needed to be needed, and Nicky always needed him, even when he didn’t. Maybe that was toxic, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
July 10, 2023
It’s been a minute since I read a good prison romance the likes of His Fake Prison Daddy or The Freshman. I was excited to see what Onley James had to offer and I must say I was a little disappointed. The premise of this story had more than enough potential, and the MCs themselves were amazing. My problem was with how fast everything unfolded. This story was like insta-EVERYTHING. And don’t get me wrong, while I’m not a huge fan of insta-love, I can rock with it if it's done in a somewhat convincing way. I’m not sure that was the case here, though I could kind of see what the author was trying to do.
Nicky and Cyrus were stepbrothers for all of one year before Cyrus was arrested and charged with the murder of Nicky’s mother. Nicky was only six years old while Cyrus was seventeen. Obviously, their relationship was far from sexual and it was supposedly Nicky’s testimony that put Cyrus away. In the twenty years since Cyrus was in jail they had not seen each other and the author doesn’t go into great detail concerning their thoughts for one another other than letting us know that Nicky had been trying to prove Cyrus’ innocence for the last 10 years. As for Cyrus, we are told that he worried about what happened to Nicky after he was arrested and he harbored feelings of guilt for not being able to do more for him but it didn’t seem like these were thoughts he dwelled on deeply.
When they finally meet in prison, after not seeing each other in over 20 years, there was absolutely no relationship building whatsoever. They fucked that very evening and presumably every evening after that. Nicky liked it rough and Cyrus was more than happy to oblige. It was hot af but left me feeling cheated because I didn’t get to see them actually get to know each other or fall in love. It just happened.
They were really good for each other, though. Nicky was completely devoted to Cyrus and I was all for that little pornographic show he put on in front of Thor.
“He needs to know. He needs to see who I belong to. Show him. Let me show him.” 😩❤
I also loved how protective Cyrus was. And, Jesus, did he have his work cut out for him. Everyone from Thor and his gang to the prison guards (and just about everyone else) was a threat. That he’d be so willing to give up any hope of ever being free in order to protect Nicky was absolute swoon worthy material.
Despite all that, this just wasn’t as good as it could have been. I’m not even sure how I felt about the ending. I’m happy that they’re free and living together, but something about it felt inauthentic, like it was too perfect and not knowing who it was that discovered his program in the first place really bugged me. 3.5 stars
Nicky and Cyrus were stepbrothers for all of one year before Cyrus was arrested and charged with the murder of Nicky’s mother. Nicky was only six years old while Cyrus was seventeen. Obviously, their relationship was far from sexual and it was supposedly Nicky’s testimony that put Cyrus away. In the twenty years since Cyrus was in jail they had not seen each other and the author doesn’t go into great detail concerning their thoughts for one another other than letting us know that Nicky had been trying to prove Cyrus’ innocence for the last 10 years. As for Cyrus, we are told that he worried about what happened to Nicky after he was arrested and he harbored feelings of guilt for not being able to do more for him but it didn’t seem like these were thoughts he dwelled on deeply.
When they finally meet in prison, after not seeing each other in over 20 years, there was absolutely no relationship building whatsoever. They fucked that very evening and presumably every evening after that. Nicky liked it rough and Cyrus was more than happy to oblige. It was hot af but left me feeling cheated because I didn’t get to see them actually get to know each other or fall in love. It just happened.
They were really good for each other, though. Nicky was completely devoted to Cyrus and I was all for that little pornographic show he put on in front of Thor.
“He needs to know. He needs to see who I belong to. Show him. Let me show him.” 😩❤
I also loved how protective Cyrus was. And, Jesus, did he have his work cut out for him. Everyone from Thor and his gang to the prison guards (and just about everyone else) was a threat. That he’d be so willing to give up any hope of ever being free in order to protect Nicky was absolute swoon worthy material.
Despite all that, this just wasn’t as good as it could have been. I’m not even sure how I felt about the ending. I’m happy that they’re free and living together, but something about it felt inauthentic, like it was too perfect and not knowing who it was that discovered his program in the first place really bugged me. 3.5 stars
February 25, 2021
Nothing but love and adoration for Nicky and Cyrus. My first prison romance was a blast! I would gladly tear one of my limbs off for the next book. Just saying.
January 17, 2022
Webster (Nicky) no tiene idea de que fue lo que hizo para que lo pusieran entre rejas en una prision federal, pero va a hacer todo lo posible para averiguarlo y salir de esta, no solo el sino si "medio-hermano" que ha estado preso desde hace mas de 20 años. Pero volver a encontarse con el, en la prision, fue quizas lo mas dificil que le ha pasado desde que salio corriendo cuando su madre mato a su padre. Y aunque el encuentro no fue como esperaba, si desperto un sentimiento que parecia dormido, una atraccion y una ansia de proteccion que no habia sentido desde que era niño.
Cy no sabe que pensar cuando ve que Nicky cayo en prision, y que es su compañero de celda. Pero cuando comienza a escuchar a los guardias como quieren que le hagan daño, no puede evitar sentir la necesidad de protegerlo como cuando eran pequeños, y no solo eso, tambien comienza a sentir una atraccion que no tiene nada de fratenal y si establecer su reclamo hace que el resto de los presos lo deje tranquilo, entonces eso es lo que va a hacer.
Pero Webster y Cy no solo tienen que enfrentar al grupo que los puso detras de las rejas, tambien tendran que enfrentar a los otros presos y la presion de algunos de los guardias, que intentan por todos los medios, hacerlos cometer errores que los mantendran dentro por el resto de su vida.
En cuanto a series de romance-policial, quizas no sea el mejor autor, pero es uno que es capaz de hacer que te conectes con los protas, que simpatices con sus causas y sus sentimientos, mientras denuncian las injustias, que en este caso, sobre el sistema de justicia y prisiones de los EU.
La trama es un romance, sencillo, sin mucho drama ni expectaciones, pero es el ambiente, el universo, la forma como el autor logra conectar a todos y cada uno de los personajes de su serie anterior (esta es un spin-off de Elite Proteccion Services) con esta, y al ser el primer libro de la nueva serie, el autor logra no solo diferenciar, sino abrirnos a una nueva linea de trama sin que se sienta forzado.
Me esta gustando mucho la serie, quiero ver que mas va a traer, asi que continuare con la lectura.
Cy no sabe que pensar cuando ve que Nicky cayo en prision, y que es su compañero de celda. Pero cuando comienza a escuchar a los guardias como quieren que le hagan daño, no puede evitar sentir la necesidad de protegerlo como cuando eran pequeños, y no solo eso, tambien comienza a sentir una atraccion que no tiene nada de fratenal y si establecer su reclamo hace que el resto de los presos lo deje tranquilo, entonces eso es lo que va a hacer.
Pero Webster y Cy no solo tienen que enfrentar al grupo que los puso detras de las rejas, tambien tendran que enfrentar a los otros presos y la presion de algunos de los guardias, que intentan por todos los medios, hacerlos cometer errores que los mantendran dentro por el resto de su vida.
En cuanto a series de romance-policial, quizas no sea el mejor autor, pero es uno que es capaz de hacer que te conectes con los protas, que simpatices con sus causas y sus sentimientos, mientras denuncian las injustias, que en este caso, sobre el sistema de justicia y prisiones de los EU.
La trama es un romance, sencillo, sin mucho drama ni expectaciones, pero es el ambiente, el universo, la forma como el autor logra conectar a todos y cada uno de los personajes de su serie anterior (esta es un spin-off de Elite Proteccion Services) con esta, y al ser el primer libro de la nueva serie, el autor logra no solo diferenciar, sino abrirnos a una nueva linea de trama sin que se sienta forzado.
Me esta gustando mucho la serie, quiero ver que mas va a traer, asi que continuare con la lectura.
December 3, 2020
Solid 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star read.
If you're looking to turn your brain off (who's not these days) and not dwell too deeply in the corridors of reality his is a good option. The story has it's heart in the right place, the MC are sweet, nicely paired, and ooze chemistry.
I did have a hard time choosing shelves. The story flirts or alludes to a number of tropes but doesn't commit or really explore any of them seriously ... not really? Ignore me. My brain gets stuck on things.
If you're looking to turn your brain off (who's not these days) and not dwell too deeply in the corridors of reality his is a good option. The story has it's heart in the right place, the MC are sweet, nicely paired, and ooze chemistry.
I did have a hard time choosing shelves. The story flirts or alludes to a number of tropes but doesn't commit or really explore any of them seriously ... not really? Ignore me. My brain gets stuck on things.
May 12, 2021
3 stars.
I received an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
This started REALLY WELL. I adored the premise, the blurb was engaging, and the first chapters were in a word "amazing".
Let me start with what I loved:
- I loved both characters. Cy with his protectiveness and the fact that he was basically a teddy bear. Nicky with his vulnerability and internal strength. The sacrifices they both made for each other.
- Showing the inner working of a prison, and how unfair inmates are treated, however bad they are, the cruelty of the guard and the cliques within the jail. It was a touch of realism that went a long way to set the mood of the book.
- The sex was hot, the reasons behind why it started paled in front of their true connection.
- The epilogue. I loved seeing them with the life they wanted, safe and happy.
- Cy's understanding about what happened to him and why.
What I didn't like...
As I said, this started really well... but then, it kind of lost momentum. I don't know what happened but I lost interest and struggled not to skim and finish it.
- I was expecting something darker and grittier, and while the beginning promised that, the rest of it didn't.
- The ILYs came out of nowhere. I didn't believe it and for me it was much too soon to have these feelings, especially with where they were and under those circumstances. I get that Nicky felt safe with Cy because of what he did when they were kids, but that doesn't magically transform into love. They hadn't seen each other for more than 2 years, and for them to fall in love after weeks in a prison. I didn't buy that.
- The reason why Cy was put away was glossed over and it ended way too quickly.
- Nicky went through a lot of abuse, and it wasn't addressed properly.
All in all, I'll keep reading this series because I love Onley's writing and I'm intrigued with what the other will bring.
I received an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
This started REALLY WELL. I adored the premise, the blurb was engaging, and the first chapters were in a word "amazing".
Let me start with what I loved:
- I loved both characters. Cy with his protectiveness and the fact that he was basically a teddy bear. Nicky with his vulnerability and internal strength. The sacrifices they both made for each other.
- Showing the inner working of a prison, and how unfair inmates are treated, however bad they are, the cruelty of the guard and the cliques within the jail. It was a touch of realism that went a long way to set the mood of the book.
- The sex was hot, the reasons behind why it started paled in front of their true connection.
- The epilogue. I loved seeing them with the life they wanted, safe and happy.
- Cy's understanding about what happened to him and why.
What I didn't like...
As I said, this started really well... but then, it kind of lost momentum. I don't know what happened but I lost interest and struggled not to skim and finish it.
- I was expecting something darker and grittier, and while the beginning promised that, the rest of it didn't.
- The ILYs came out of nowhere. I didn't believe it and for me it was much too soon to have these feelings, especially with where they were and under those circumstances. I get that Nicky felt safe with Cy because of what he did when they were kids, but that doesn't magically transform into love. They hadn't seen each other for more than 2 years, and for them to fall in love after weeks in a prison. I didn't buy that.
- The reason why Cy was put away was glossed over and it ended way too quickly.
- Nicky went through a lot of abuse, and it wasn't addressed properly.
All in all, I'll keep reading this series because I love Onley's writing and I'm intrigued with what the other will bring.
December 1, 2020
I usually love Onley James' work but this one didn't work for me at all. The series this is spun off of is frothy, sexy fun with a dash of action/adventure plot. I love that series because it follows a clear pattern of throwing a young twink in the path of a big bad bodyguard and watching the sparks fly. A good sexy time is usually had by all and nobody sweats the details.
Veering off that path unfortunately reveals a ton of flaws in Onley James' writing and plotting abilities. Everything is too much in this book. Webster gets framed as a terrorist and thrown in jail. He's being framed because he uncovered the shady dealings that put his step-brother in prison 20 years ago. The step-brother went to prison because Webster's abusive mother killed his father and now Webster is being sent to the same prison because the shady conspiracy thinks he'll kill Webster for them. Instead they immediately start hooking up and obviously fall in love because of course they do. Can you still keep up? Yeah, it's a lot and we haven't even touched on the childhood abuse angle to all of this.
All of the relationship development and plot happen at lightning speed. The prison industrial complex and the pipeline from school to prison are a serious topic, as is sexual violence in prison. None of these topics get anywhere near treated with the necessary finesse needed here. It feels more like a school project reciting some wikipedia facts and definitely doesn't read like lived experience. Hell, watching an episode of Oz is more harrowing than what gets described here.
I don't think this branch of the Elite Protection is for me.
Veering off that path unfortunately reveals a ton of flaws in Onley James' writing and plotting abilities. Everything is too much in this book. Webster gets framed as a terrorist and thrown in jail. He's being framed because he uncovered the shady dealings that put his step-brother in prison 20 years ago. The step-brother went to prison because Webster's abusive mother killed his father and now Webster is being sent to the same prison because the shady conspiracy thinks he'll kill Webster for them. Instead they immediately start hooking up and obviously fall in love because of course they do. Can you still keep up? Yeah, it's a lot and we haven't even touched on the childhood abuse angle to all of this.
All of the relationship development and plot happen at lightning speed. The prison industrial complex and the pipeline from school to prison are a serious topic, as is sexual violence in prison. None of these topics get anywhere near treated with the necessary finesse needed here. It feels more like a school project reciting some wikipedia facts and definitely doesn't read like lived experience. Hell, watching an episode of Oz is more harrowing than what gets described here.
I don't think this branch of the Elite Protection is for me.
May 15, 2021
4.5 stars!
Enjoyed this a lot.
Full RTC....
~*~
First book in the spin-off of the Elite Protection Services series, and we finally get Webster's book.
We learn that he had an abusive mother growing up, and when he was 5 she married a man and Webster gained a step-brother, Cyrus, who was 11 years older than him.
A year later, Webster's (or Nicky, as Cryus knows and calls him) mother murders Cryus' father. Nicky is only 6 years old, so Cyrus tells him to run and get help why he deals with Phoebe, Nicky's mother.
It turns out they - Phoebe and her new 'boyfriend' the Sheriff of the small town they live in - frame Cyrus for the murder and he gets 25 years in prison.
At the start of this, it's been 20 years since that night. Nicky was only 6, but they made him help put Cyrus away. And when Nicky, who has been trying to prove Cyrus' innocence for 10 years, gets closer to the truth that he ever has before, whoever is pulling the strings that helped framed Cyrus (and many others, it doesn't just stop at Cyrus) then frame Nicky for something, and they make sure he ends up in the same prison, in the same cell as Cryus, hoping Cyrus will be blaming Nicky for helping put him away all this time and kill him for them.
Doesn't work that way. Cyrus is a gentle giant type, and doesn't blame Nicky, who was only a 6 year old boy, at all.
And before when they were younger they had a connection, but it was platonic. But they only knew each other as "brothers" for a year and haven't seen or talked to each other in 20 years. So seeing each other after that long, with both them fully grown men...that "brotherly" love they had so long ago turns into something different.
The attraction is there right away between them, and when Cy has to look like he's basically making Nicky his bitch so no one else will come after him, it leads to them having consensual sex that has to look like it's not so consensual.
Now, on a more practical note, I don't know if people are sent to a full on prison, especially a maximum security one, when they haven't been indicted yet? Nicky gets framed for like hacking the FBI and doing cyber terrorism stuff, but would he already be sent to the prison when he hasn't even been indicted yet? I find it hard to believe, but maybe someone with better knowledge of the legal system can correct me.
Either way I'm not *too* bothered by it, because it helps the story along and these two reconnect and get together. But I was just thinking that how they got together was a tad unrealistic. But hey, I could be totally wrong. And I mean, if there are many big wigs like judges and the like who are dirty, maybe it's not too out of the realm of possibilities.
And while Nicky is in the prison, Linc and the others as Elite are working to get Nicky out, who does want out but also wants to get Cy out.
In many ways, it's a race against the clock as Nicky needs to not get killed or raped in prison and Cy needs to not get in trouble so he can get out in a year - or less time if Nicky has anything to say about it.
Their chemistry was hot and on point. Their sex scenes were hot, and these two were so sweet together.
Once they get their HEA, it felt earned and I loved it. Definitely recommend, two thumbs up from me!
Enjoyed this a lot.
Full RTC....
~*~
First book in the spin-off of the Elite Protection Services series, and we finally get Webster's book.
We learn that he had an abusive mother growing up, and when he was 5 she married a man and Webster gained a step-brother, Cyrus, who was 11 years older than him.
A year later, Webster's (or Nicky, as Cryus knows and calls him) mother murders Cryus' father. Nicky is only 6 years old, so Cyrus tells him to run and get help why he deals with Phoebe, Nicky's mother.
It turns out they - Phoebe and her new 'boyfriend' the Sheriff of the small town they live in - frame Cyrus for the murder and he gets 25 years in prison.
At the start of this, it's been 20 years since that night. Nicky was only 6, but they made him help put Cyrus away. And when Nicky, who has been trying to prove Cyrus' innocence for 10 years, gets closer to the truth that he ever has before, whoever is pulling the strings that helped framed Cyrus (and many others, it doesn't just stop at Cyrus) then frame Nicky for something, and they make sure he ends up in the same prison, in the same cell as Cryus, hoping Cyrus will be blaming Nicky for helping put him away all this time and kill him for them.
Doesn't work that way. Cyrus is a gentle giant type, and doesn't blame Nicky, who was only a 6 year old boy, at all.
And before when they were younger they had a connection, but it was platonic. But they only knew each other as "brothers" for a year and haven't seen or talked to each other in 20 years. So seeing each other after that long, with both them fully grown men...that "brotherly" love they had so long ago turns into something different.
The attraction is there right away between them, and when Cy has to look like he's basically making Nicky his bitch so no one else will come after him, it leads to them having consensual sex that has to look like it's not so consensual.
Now, on a more practical note, I don't know if people are sent to a full on prison, especially a maximum security one, when they haven't been indicted yet? Nicky gets framed for like hacking the FBI and doing cyber terrorism stuff, but would he already be sent to the prison when he hasn't even been indicted yet? I find it hard to believe, but maybe someone with better knowledge of the legal system can correct me.
Either way I'm not *too* bothered by it, because it helps the story along and these two reconnect and get together. But I was just thinking that how they got together was a tad unrealistic. But hey, I could be totally wrong. And I mean, if there are many big wigs like judges and the like who are dirty, maybe it's not too out of the realm of possibilities.
And while Nicky is in the prison, Linc and the others as Elite are working to get Nicky out, who does want out but also wants to get Cy out.
In many ways, it's a race against the clock as Nicky needs to not get killed or raped in prison and Cy needs to not get in trouble so he can get out in a year - or less time if Nicky has anything to say about it.
Their chemistry was hot and on point. Their sex scenes were hot, and these two were so sweet together.
Once they get their HEA, it felt earned and I loved it. Definitely recommend, two thumbs up from me!
February 15, 2024
Cy and Nicky are characters you will fall in love with. Their backstory is tangled and tragic. NGL this book made me teary at times. It was angsty, sexy and riveting to read. It will suck you in from the very 1st sentence in the prologue.
I don’t want to give anything away BUT prison is not normally where a romance takes place but in this case it worked brilliantly. HEA does happen and it’s a great resolution! Highly recommend.
I don’t want to give anything away BUT prison is not normally where a romance takes place but in this case it worked brilliantly. HEA does happen and it’s a great resolution! Highly recommend.
Read
November 26, 2020Dear book,
It’s not you. It’s me.
I was very excited to receive this ARC from Onley James. I adored (most) of the books in the Elite Protections series, and I wanted to live in that universe again. So I guess you could say this one was Very Highly Anticipated.
So, I’ve been having trouble connecting with books lately. Let’s blame that on the weather.
I wouldn’t say this is my FIRST time reading a prison romance, but it was my first time reading something very heavily set in prison and low on the romance.
It just didn’t work for me.
I guess the sex was hot, but I’m one of those bitches who likes more longing and hesitation before they jump each other’s bones. In this situation, I understand why there wasn’t the usual ingredients I like. And that totally works for some people, but the whole situation didn’t work for me.
I was looking for FILTH and KINK. I love the stepbrother troupe, but that huge disconnect with Cy behind bars for twenty years was a lot.
Also, did we know Webster had Aspergers from the other books?? It was randomly mentioned and not really explained and ARGH!
It was interesting, and I wish I could’ve loved it. I just...didn’t. But again, that’s not on the book. I love this author.
I’m sorry, book. Believe me, it’s really not you. It’s ME.
Thanks to the author for this ARC!
It’s not you. It’s me.
I was very excited to receive this ARC from Onley James. I adored (most) of the books in the Elite Protections series, and I wanted to live in that universe again. So I guess you could say this one was Very Highly Anticipated.
So, I’ve been having trouble connecting with books lately. Let’s blame that on the weather.
I wouldn’t say this is my FIRST time reading a prison romance, but it was my first time reading something very heavily set in prison and low on the romance.
It just didn’t work for me.
I guess the sex was hot, but I’m one of those bitches who likes more longing and hesitation before they jump each other’s bones. In this situation, I understand why there wasn’t the usual ingredients I like. And that totally works for some people, but the whole situation didn’t work for me.
I was looking for FILTH and KINK. I love the stepbrother troupe, but that huge disconnect with Cy behind bars for twenty years was a lot.
Also, did we know Webster had Aspergers from the other books?? It was randomly mentioned and not really explained and ARGH!
It was interesting, and I wish I could’ve loved it. I just...didn’t. But again, that’s not on the book. I love this author.
I’m sorry, book. Believe me, it’s really not you. It’s ME.
Thanks to the author for this ARC!
Read
December 12, 2020DNF. Time of Death:45%
I started this book a while ago and haven’t come back to it in days and days. It might be a case of my mood though. Hard to tell. I may revisit in the future. Leaving unrated for now.
I started this book a while ago and haven’t come back to it in days and days. It might be a case of my mood though. Hard to tell. I may revisit in the future. Leaving unrated for now.
November 27, 2020
I haven't read prison romance before because I honestly wasn't interested but Onley James managed to change my mind. OMG, this is forced proximity at a completely new more intense level. The gamut of emotions both MCs experience is amazing. The suspense is nail biting and the outcome is so sweet. Nothing makes one appreciate love and second chances than limited time and possibility of death. With the addition of humor and spunky side characters the story was well rounded.
Nick and Cyrus's connection spans years and is unacknowledged until they face each other again behind the prison walls. But under pressure and in inhumane conditions the bond they formed as children is transformed into something more - hunger and desire, possessiveness and protectiveness, a forceful caress that leaves the mark of ownership both men relish. I loved their intensity and their resourcefulness when it came to how they stayed alive (there is one situation where there is consensual noncon but I wasn't bothered since it was agreed between the participants).
Most of the relationship happened inside the prison with just a bit on the outside. The loose ends were neatly tied, the villains started getting their due with the not so friendly help of Elite's finest who showed Nick that he was part of the family and that they protected their own. I ached for Nick after I learned what he has been through but also admired what he achieved and how he coped with everything. I absolutely adored Cyrus - he was such a fierce protector, the gentle giant who could whoop a$$ when needed. The epilogue was just precious. I enjoyed this Elite's spin off more than I expected. The angst and the intensity, the chemistry between the MCs, the dynamics between prisoners coupled with fast pace made this an awesome read for me. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
Nick and Cyrus's connection spans years and is unacknowledged until they face each other again behind the prison walls. But under pressure and in inhumane conditions the bond they formed as children is transformed into something more - hunger and desire, possessiveness and protectiveness, a forceful caress that leaves the mark of ownership both men relish. I loved their intensity and their resourcefulness when it came to how they stayed alive (there is one situation where there is consensual noncon but I wasn't bothered since it was agreed between the participants).
Most of the relationship happened inside the prison with just a bit on the outside. The loose ends were neatly tied, the villains started getting their due with the not so friendly help of Elite's finest who showed Nick that he was part of the family and that they protected their own. I ached for Nick after I learned what he has been through but also admired what he achieved and how he coped with everything. I absolutely adored Cyrus - he was such a fierce protector, the gentle giant who could whoop a$$ when needed. The epilogue was just precious. I enjoyed this Elite's spin off more than I expected. The angst and the intensity, the chemistry between the MCs, the dynamics between prisoners coupled with fast pace made this an awesome read for me. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
April 23, 2021
Who knew I’d be into a book about prison sex. Guess I have a new sub genre to check out.
This book was hot and still managed a good plot and fun characters. I’m quite impressed. There’s intrigue, soul mates, trauma, and sweet resolution.
TW: childhood sexual and physical abuse
This book was hot and still managed a good plot and fun characters. I’m quite impressed. There’s intrigue, soul mates, trauma, and sweet resolution.
TW: childhood sexual and physical abuse
Read
May 14, 20223.5 stars
It was a bit too insta everything for me, but I did keep reading. I guess I was expecting a bit more emotion and a bit more of something based on the situation. Not my favorite of the author's books, but I'll be moving on to the next one.
It was a bit too insta everything for me, but I did keep reading. I guess I was expecting a bit more emotion and a bit more of something based on the situation. Not my favorite of the author's books, but I'll be moving on to the next one.
June 6, 2021
So good!
I absolutely loved everything about this story! I was an emotional wreck just hoping everything would work out because I needed them to be okay!
I absolutely loved everything about this story! I was an emotional wreck just hoping everything would work out because I needed them to be okay!
December 16, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Onley James has begun the new Time Served series, and Endangered Species is the first installment. This is a spinoff of the Elite Protection Services series and any reader would be well served if they read that series before delving into this new one, as it features some of the Elite team, beginning with their computer guy, Webster. However, I will assure you that this review of Endangered Species contains no spoilers from other novels. It is a well-written and cohesive story and, for those who love a good action adventure book, this one is sure to please.
It is no secret that this author is at the top of my auto-buy list and for good reason. Onley James writes stories in this genre so very well, seamlessly weaving fast-paced, gripping action adventure stories of crime with typically kinky romance. In this case, Jonah and Webster share a past that has nearly destroyed them both and forged the beginning of a life-long desire to protect each other that needs just a small spark to ignite an attraction that burns hot instantaneously.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Onley James has begun the new Time Served series, and Endangered Species is the first installment. This is a spinoff of the Elite Protection Services series and any reader would be well served if they read that series before delving into this new one, as it features some of the Elite team, beginning with their computer guy, Webster. However, I will assure you that this review of Endangered Species contains no spoilers from other novels. It is a well-written and cohesive story and, for those who love a good action adventure book, this one is sure to please.
It is no secret that this author is at the top of my auto-buy list and for good reason. Onley James writes stories in this genre so very well, seamlessly weaving fast-paced, gripping action adventure stories of crime with typically kinky romance. In this case, Jonah and Webster share a past that has nearly destroyed them both and forged the beginning of a life-long desire to protect each other that needs just a small spark to ignite an attraction that burns hot instantaneously.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
April 27, 2021
2.5 stars?
Hmm… this was too insta-love for my liking. While they might have had history, they hadn’t see each other in 20 years. I mean, sure circumstances were pretty dire. But it just wasn’t believable enough for me. Things moved too fast, even with the reason why Nicky was in the prison in the first place. Couldn’t really get out of my head with so much “really???” being muttered in my brain 😖
On the plus side, glad it was a spin off of the main series I read so a few familiar faces popping up here and there 😃
Hmm… this was too insta-love for my liking. While they might have had history, they hadn’t see each other in 20 years. I mean, sure circumstances were pretty dire. But it just wasn’t believable enough for me. Things moved too fast, even with the reason why Nicky was in the prison in the first place. Couldn’t really get out of my head with so much “really???” being muttered in my brain 😖
On the plus side, glad it was a spin off of the main series I read so a few familiar faces popping up here and there 😃
September 18, 2021
Sooooo it was pretty good. I admit the part where the step bros started banging each other after 20 years of separation and 3 hours of reacquaintance was... JARRING...
BUT, if you look past that...
It was pretty good. Kinda cheesy from 60% on, but the first half was more suspenseful.
Not a fan of the cover tho.
BUT, if you look past that...
It was pretty good. Kinda cheesy from 60% on, but the first half was more suspenseful.
Not a fan of the cover tho.
November 25, 2022
Let me preface this review by writing two things:
1. I did enjoy this book, for the most part.
2. After reading a couple, I’ve realized that prison setting romances aren’t my thing.
Tropes:
Insta love
Step brothers
Age gap
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
Nicky and Cy were step brothers for a hot minute when Nicky was 6 and Cy was 17. Cy ended up being framed for his father’s murder by Nicky’s mom, who was the actual murderer. We find all this out at the beginning so this isn’t spoiling anything.
Nicky ends up as the cell mate of his one time step brother, Cy. Nicky is being set up and doesn’t know why and this is the premise of the book. Finding out why Nicky is being framed.
If you’re looking for enemies to lovers because Nicky testified (unknowingly) against Cy when he was 6 yo, you won’t find it here. They see each other and immediately fall for the other. Their “romance” is immediate and has no preamble. There is also the typical prison issues, like racism, gangs/cliques, abuse of power, isolation.
Nicky was apparently a highly trained operative and we never get to see any instance of that at all. He talked some shit but we never got to see him in action. Seemed strange to tell us how equipped he was to fight but never gave us that scene. Cy was a giant teddy bear but throws down pretty severely. He was also a bit of a loner but because he was huge, he never ran into issues.
At one point Nicky meets with the warden in a wildly anticlimactic scene and that kind of determines how mild the overall mystery around Nicky’s set up and even Cy’s imprisonment felt.
The sex between Nicky and Cy was hot and emotional even when it was rougher. I actually loved that the constants were their love, affection and determination for the other’s future and safety. I wish they had more of a come to Jesus with each other at the beginning because they hadn’t seen each other for 20 years!!! I needed a bit more depth.
1. I did enjoy this book, for the most part.
2. After reading a couple, I’ve realized that prison setting romances aren’t my thing.
Tropes:
Insta love
Step brothers
Age gap
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
Nicky and Cy were step brothers for a hot minute when Nicky was 6 and Cy was 17. Cy ended up being framed for his father’s murder by Nicky’s mom, who was the actual murderer. We find all this out at the beginning so this isn’t spoiling anything.
Nicky ends up as the cell mate of his one time step brother, Cy. Nicky is being set up and doesn’t know why and this is the premise of the book. Finding out why Nicky is being framed.
If you’re looking for enemies to lovers because Nicky testified (unknowingly) against Cy when he was 6 yo, you won’t find it here. They see each other and immediately fall for the other. Their “romance” is immediate and has no preamble. There is also the typical prison issues, like racism, gangs/cliques, abuse of power, isolation.
Nicky was apparently a highly trained operative and we never get to see any instance of that at all. He talked some shit but we never got to see him in action. Seemed strange to tell us how equipped he was to fight but never gave us that scene. Cy was a giant teddy bear but throws down pretty severely. He was also a bit of a loner but because he was huge, he never ran into issues.
At one point Nicky meets with the warden in a wildly anticlimactic scene and that kind of determines how mild the overall mystery around Nicky’s set up and even Cy’s imprisonment felt.
The sex between Nicky and Cy was hot and emotional even when it was rougher. I actually loved that the constants were their love, affection and determination for the other’s future and safety. I wish they had more of a come to Jesus with each other at the beginning because they hadn’t seen each other for 20 years!!! I needed a bit more depth.
December 1, 2020
If you look at my reading challenge you’ll know I spend 90% of my free time reading, but I spend the other 10% listening to podcasts about wrongful convictions and how the system has failed so many people. This book married my two passions and worked so well, I was completely hooked from the beginning. It was gritty, real, and at times a little hard to read (Im not a violence kind of girl), but it’s absolutely gripping and an important read for anyone that truly believes this doesn’t happen (BECAUSE IT DOES). Outside of the fictional look into a very real broken system, we also got so much steam (like maybe read this one with a fan nearby), and a second chance love story that was more sweet than you would expect given the nature of the story. I do wish it had been a tad more romantic, and not just sexual, but that’s definitely a me thing, not a book thing.
May 15, 2022
3.75 stars
I enjoyed this, but I didn’t love it like Onley’s other books. I missed the humour that we have in the Necessary Evils series. And I just didn’t connect with the MCs that well. I felt like Onley was ensuring we didn’t see the relationship as taboo because we were told that “they were stepbrothers that had only been stepbrothers for a year so they weren’t really brothers at all” and it was repeated FREQUENTLY. Anyway, maybe it’s the prison thing, maybe it was that there was lots of bad stuff & not a lot of happiness, maybe it was just me! Let’s see what the next one is like!
I enjoyed this, but I didn’t love it like Onley’s other books. I missed the humour that we have in the Necessary Evils series. And I just didn’t connect with the MCs that well. I felt like Onley was ensuring we didn’t see the relationship as taboo because we were told that “they were stepbrothers that had only been stepbrothers for a year so they weren’t really brothers at all” and it was repeated FREQUENTLY. Anyway, maybe it’s the prison thing, maybe it was that there was lots of bad stuff & not a lot of happiness, maybe it was just me! Let’s see what the next one is like!
Read
January 9, 2022TW for review - I talk about rape and prison corruption
I was putting off reading this series because frankly, I don’t like prison stories. I talked to someone who read this series who said only this first one actually takes place within prison, so then I was only nervous about this one.
While a lot of Onley James’ books cover dark topics related to abuse and molestation, to me this felt like one of the darker books - just because of the subject matter and risk. While Unhinged probably had the darkest backstory for a MC (Noah was abused by a group of men as a child, including his father), this book had more *present day risk* to the MCs.
Nicholas Webster is the tech expert for Elite Protection, and he’s been framed and sent to prison as the new cellmate for Cyrus Whitaker - his former foster brother. Cyrus is basically told the guy who helped send him to prison is now his new plaything - and if he isn’t rough with him, Webster will be given to other inmates to rape/torture.
My fear/aversion to stories set in prison is from a few things - including me trying to read Monster by Walter Dean Myers too young and reading the Mother Jones article My Four Months as a Private Prison Guard back in 2016. I was aware of the abuse that happened in prisons, and through more research became aware of the corruption of the prison system, school-to-prison pipelines for Black men, and the companies that utilize cheap labor from prisoners.
Basically, a big trigger for me in books is rape, especially male rape influenced by power imbalance.
Webster is threatened by guards and prisoners, and to keep him safe Cyrus has to pretend to rape and abuse him (although it’s consensual). The underlying danger was very real and that’s just not something I enjoy reading about, because it’s “too close to reality” - if that makes sense. In one scene Cyrus is warned that a group of prisoners have paid off the guards to gang rape Webster in the showers. The guards then prevent Cyrus from being able to warn him. That fear and helplessness was really difficult to read. (Webster was able to evade the threat on accident.)
So really, I’m not sure I feel comfortable putting a star rating on this book, because I went into it knowing it would be difficult to read and wouldn’t be a story I’d be able to love - because of the setting.
The romance and story and mystery was compelling. I wanted to keep reading, if only to make sure Webster would be okay. It wrapped up neatly but left me depressed overall for how many people this kind of thing happens to in real life.
I was putting off reading this series because frankly, I don’t like prison stories. I talked to someone who read this series who said only this first one actually takes place within prison, so then I was only nervous about this one.
While a lot of Onley James’ books cover dark topics related to abuse and molestation, to me this felt like one of the darker books - just because of the subject matter and risk. While Unhinged probably had the darkest backstory for a MC (Noah was abused by a group of men as a child, including his father), this book had more *present day risk* to the MCs.
Nicholas Webster is the tech expert for Elite Protection, and he’s been framed and sent to prison as the new cellmate for Cyrus Whitaker - his former foster brother. Cyrus is basically told the guy who helped send him to prison is now his new plaything - and if he isn’t rough with him, Webster will be given to other inmates to rape/torture.
My fear/aversion to stories set in prison is from a few things - including me trying to read Monster by Walter Dean Myers too young and reading the Mother Jones article My Four Months as a Private Prison Guard back in 2016. I was aware of the abuse that happened in prisons, and through more research became aware of the corruption of the prison system, school-to-prison pipelines for Black men, and the companies that utilize cheap labor from prisoners.
Basically, a big trigger for me in books is rape, especially male rape influenced by power imbalance.
Webster is threatened by guards and prisoners, and to keep him safe Cyrus has to pretend to rape and abuse him (although it’s consensual). The underlying danger was very real and that’s just not something I enjoy reading about, because it’s “too close to reality” - if that makes sense. In one scene Cyrus is warned that a group of prisoners have paid off the guards to gang rape Webster in the showers. The guards then prevent Cyrus from being able to warn him. That fear and helplessness was really difficult to read. (Webster was able to evade the threat on accident.)
So really, I’m not sure I feel comfortable putting a star rating on this book, because I went into it knowing it would be difficult to read and wouldn’t be a story I’d be able to love - because of the setting.
The romance and story and mystery was compelling. I wanted to keep reading, if only to make sure Webster would be okay. It wrapped up neatly but left me depressed overall for how many people this kind of thing happens to in real life.
December 4, 2020
First off, I liked this so much that I put it on my favorites shelf. This book is so good that someone like me, who doesn't like anything prison, tore through it like a starving animal.
If you've read the Elite Protection Services series this novel is about Webster, who I've been eyeballing forever and I was sooooo excited to see that he was the MC in this. And this did NOT let me down. He's fleshed out so nicely in this book, and I love him even more now.
This story just jumps right into the action then ramps up while being ridiculously hot, and it never stops all the way through. There's a lot of good side characters and some good dogs, and wow some of the things Webster says asjaghjsalhs I laughed like a lunatic in my kitchen.
Read this book.
If you've read the Elite Protection Services series this novel is about Webster, who I've been eyeballing forever and I was sooooo excited to see that he was the MC in this. And this did NOT let me down. He's fleshed out so nicely in this book, and I love him even more now.
This story just jumps right into the action then ramps up while being ridiculously hot, and it never stops all the way through. There's a lot of good side characters and some good dogs, and wow some of the things Webster says asjaghjsalhs I laughed like a lunatic in my kitchen.
Read this book.
Read
May 1, 2021I’m not sure how to rate this. I didn’t like it but I didn’t hate it. Read it as I liked the sound of book 2
July 27, 2022
3.5⭐️ This was fun! Nothing earth shattering, but I had a good time.
July 23, 2021
I tend to avoid prison-based books. It triggers a feeling of hopelessness and despair that takes me a while to recover from. But something about this book compelled me to try it, and I’m so glad I did. I devoured it. I loved Cy, Nicky, and Rosie. Can’t wait to start Preacher’s book next.
October 12, 2022
4.5⭐
After all the sappy shit I've been reading lately, I was ready for some Prison Break smut.
I had to cleanse my palate, it was getting ridiculous already.
This book came recommended and it's been sitting on my shelf for a loooong time, so I gave it a shot.
Yeah. Khm. So!
This book is emotional. It's doesn't have that much angst. It's doable for us that don't like angsty books.
💙Step-brother trope
❗TW - rape, abuse, foster care, murder
🌶️Spicy
Nicky and Cyrus have lived together for over a year when Nicky was 6 and Cyrus was 18.
The family was completely disfunctional, Nicky's mother was a psychopath, she was violent and she abused Nicky terribly. That all changed when she married Cyrus' dad, but changed only a little bit, because now it was Cyrus that was protecting Nicky and taking care of him.
Cyrus played football and was supposed to go to college, when Nicky's mother killed his dad. Nicky was a witness, but Cyrus got blamed for the murder.
He was put in prison for 25 years and him and Nicky lost all contact.
Little did Cyrus know that Nicky had a terrible life after that and when he was picking up the pieces, Linc found him (from the Elite series of this author); Nicky got very good at IT and he at present time in the book had a very good job, his own appartment and was in the process of developing a programme that would hack into sensitive details, which would reveal why was Cyrus framed and sent to prison.
Nicky doesn't know he stepped on a minefield and things come crushing down. He gets thrown in the same prison where Cyrus is staying, in the hopes of Cyrus being angry at him and killing him.
But Cyrus is anything but an agressive, killing savage.
He's 38 years old, a gentle giant, who still loves Nicky as family and still wants to protect him.
When they finally meet, they have to survive the prison together, so they start a relationship to keep Nicky safe, but their familial feelings develop into romantic ones and they fall in love.
Now, in any other books I've read, I have to say that it's so hard to describe that transition in order to make it believable, especially when the characters say their i love you's, which mostly comes too soon in the story, but here it was completely believable.
I enjoyed reading this beautiful story.
It's shorter, but worth your time.
They're a wonderful couple, think of the contrast, Nicky is this blonde, blue eyed, modern pretty boy hacker and Cy is a tall, muscled mixed race (black/white) older guy.
But they fit each other perfectly.
After all the sappy shit I've been reading lately, I was ready for some Prison Break smut.
I had to cleanse my palate, it was getting ridiculous already.
This book came recommended and it's been sitting on my shelf for a loooong time, so I gave it a shot.
Yeah. Khm. So!
This book is emotional. It's doesn't have that much angst. It's doable for us that don't like angsty books.
💙Step-brother trope
❗TW - rape, abuse, foster care, murder
🌶️Spicy
Nicky and Cyrus have lived together for over a year when Nicky was 6 and Cyrus was 18.
The family was completely disfunctional, Nicky's mother was a psychopath, she was violent and she abused Nicky terribly. That all changed when she married Cyrus' dad, but changed only a little bit, because now it was Cyrus that was protecting Nicky and taking care of him.
Cyrus played football and was supposed to go to college, when Nicky's mother killed his dad. Nicky was a witness, but Cyrus got blamed for the murder.
He was put in prison for 25 years and him and Nicky lost all contact.
Little did Cyrus know that Nicky had a terrible life after that and when he was picking up the pieces, Linc found him (from the Elite series of this author); Nicky got very good at IT and he at present time in the book had a very good job, his own appartment and was in the process of developing a programme that would hack into sensitive details, which would reveal why was Cyrus framed and sent to prison.
Nicky doesn't know he stepped on a minefield and things come crushing down. He gets thrown in the same prison where Cyrus is staying, in the hopes of Cyrus being angry at him and killing him.
But Cyrus is anything but an agressive, killing savage.
He's 38 years old, a gentle giant, who still loves Nicky as family and still wants to protect him.
When they finally meet, they have to survive the prison together, so they start a relationship to keep Nicky safe, but their familial feelings develop into romantic ones and they fall in love.
Now, in any other books I've read, I have to say that it's so hard to describe that transition in order to make it believable, especially when the characters say their i love you's, which mostly comes too soon in the story, but here it was completely believable.
I enjoyed reading this beautiful story.
It's shorter, but worth your time.
They're a wonderful couple, think of the contrast, Nicky is this blonde, blue eyed, modern pretty boy hacker and Cy is a tall, muscled mixed race (black/white) older guy.
But they fit each other perfectly.
January 14, 2022
4.5⭐️ I really enjoyed this story. The plot was exciting and intriguing—long lost step-brothers separated by tragedy meet back up again while serving time for crimes they didn’t commit. I was sucked in from page one.
I usually judge a book by how much I care about the characters and I truly loved both Cy and Nicky. I was completely fascinated watching their sweet romance unfold within the gritty and brutal backdrop of the prison system. Plus, I’m a sucker for a soul-mate story and this was no exception.
Onley James is a great writer and she adds so many layers to her stories. They’re interesting, smart, intricate, funny, and holy hell hot. Can’t wait to read more from her!
“I really wish people would stop calling him my brother now that we’re dating. It just leads to awkward questions.”
“Like, ‘why are you dating your brother?’” she asked, then cackled like the witch she was.”
I usually judge a book by how much I care about the characters and I truly loved both Cy and Nicky. I was completely fascinated watching their sweet romance unfold within the gritty and brutal backdrop of the prison system. Plus, I’m a sucker for a soul-mate story and this was no exception.
Onley James is a great writer and she adds so many layers to her stories. They’re interesting, smart, intricate, funny, and holy hell hot. Can’t wait to read more from her!
“I really wish people would stop calling him my brother now that we’re dating. It just leads to awkward questions.”
“Like, ‘why are you dating your brother?’” she asked, then cackled like the witch she was.”
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