This book had a first for me. It introduced a character I started out loving, but by the end, I was—and still am—so, SO angry at them. (More on that later—it’s a side character.)

This is Book One in the 80ish-book Sadenverse series. Originally, I planned to only read Saxon James’ books and the Puckboy series. But I was quickly (and loudly) informed of my error—complete with looks that suggested I’d committed puppy mistreatment. Thank you to everyone at Love N Vegas who corrected me before I started this journey! Otherwise, I would’ve missed out on Maddox and Damon, and honestly, my life wouldn’t be the same without them.

Let’s talk Maddox. The guy tells his girlfriend he’s gay just to get out of marrying her. Now, years later, everyone still thinks he’s gay. So, of course, when the situation demands it, he has to pretend to be gay. Thankfully, his best friend has a gay brother (Damon) who agrees to play the role of fake boyfriend. But, BUT… (picture me gesturing wildly, trying not to spoil anything)…since this is an M/M romance, you already know Maddox isn’t not gay—but he’s not entirely sure what he is, either. We get to follow along as Maddox navigates his feelings and figures it all out.

Damon, however, doesn’t want to be the guy Maddox “figures it out” with. He’s been there before, and it didn’t go well. Damon’s inner struggle is so raw and realistic; nothing feels thrown in for drama. And just when I thought I had a handle on the story—BAM! Something happens that absolutely SHOOK ME. I mean, socks-off-my-feet, straight-into-the-washer kind of shook. But here’s the thing: it’s handled so well, and it lets Maddox really show that his words and feelings align.

Now, let’s get to Stacy—Maddox’s best friend and sister. She’s the prankster with a sweet face, the kind of person who’d defend you with her last breath…but also the kind who drives you up the wall. Sure, we love her for orchestrating the fake dating and the comic relief she brings in the first 30 pages. BUT, Stacy—girl—if you ever pull what you did at that dinner or that event again, I will personally find a way to write myself into this series to deal with you. You’re NOT cute, you’re NOT funny, and I am STILL so mad at you that I’m thankful you’re just ink on a page!