Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - For the Fans

One stoner artist nerd, Avi, and one straight A, straight laced, straight jock, Kyren, are forced into living under the same roof when their parents decide to get married. When money troubles mean that college expenses start to mount up, Avi's friend suggests a way for him to make some quick money. And if they can rope Kyren in as well, they might just make bank. The trouble is, the stepbrothers can't stand each other... right?

This is a book where you go in expecting fairly little, but get a whole host of feels and a decent story around and amongst the OnlyFans content. There is actually a cohesive narrative throughout, proper character development and genuine exploration of trauma, mental health issues, sexuality and self-acceptance. The building of the relationship between the two lead characters outside of the bedroom is beautifully done; their separate growth feeds into their their connection and is really heartwarming.

Writing wise, the first few chapters are a little clunky, trying to introduce the characters and get them to the 'right place, right time', but the writing starts to hit its stride when the boys are settled in at college and the real story can begin. From then on, it's an easy read, with the shifts in perspective between Avi and Kyren flowing seamlessly. It is a bit formulaic and predictable, it's certainly readable and it helps with the engagement; you definitely become one of 'the fans' as you read! Equally however, there are some moments which aren't written particularly well; the character of Ash, for example. Introduced from nowhere, acts as obstacle to HEA, disappears without trace.

OK, the elephant in the room. The smut. It's two guys, so if that's not for you, I really wouldn't pick this up. I'd say this is probably quantity over quality - it's not badly written, but given the writer is female I'd say the style reflects the obvious lack of first-hand experience! It's hot but not spicy, detailed but fairly generic (except for the video camera, of course!), but that works for the plot - it feels reflective of two inexperienced guys finding their way into their sexuality. And the fact that these scenes do play a role in the wider plot, not just in terms of their money-making potential for the characters but also in allowing and documenting their emotional relationship to evolve, means that you can't help but be drawn in.

Another big element to the book is college football. Not a sport I even remotely understand, but those scenes I treated the same way as I do the football talk in 'The Blind Side' - nod, smile, and don't let it get in the way of the story. As long as I know who wins the game, we're good.

I was surprised at how much I liked this one! And apparently there will be more...

Content Warnings

mlb16's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Content Warnings

honeyclouds16's review against another edition

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4.75

Slight spoilers // love to hate relationship + stepbrothers

This book wasn’t what I expected for it to be. I knew there would be a lot of sex, a lot of sexual tension and just tension in general. What I was not expecting was for me to relate to certain aspects of the book, due to it being labeled as a spoiler, I won’t outright say it but I related a lot to it. The spoiler is the reason why it was bumped up a star lol.

I didn’t go through physical/sexual abuse, but I have some religious trauma lol. I really enjoyed the way the author portrayed religion, saying that it’s up to our interpretation and how we don’t have to believe in a person who is constantly judging us, but in someone who loves and is with us.

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kermione15's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The Gay awakening trope is one of my guilty pleasures (pun intended). I love stories where the characters find themselves because they find a person who makes them want to be who they are and not who they think they should be. Makes my heart happy.

This is a forbidden romance (stepbrothers), but it's not super cringe. Grumpy Kyran has to work through a lot of trauma; partly sunny Avi is there for him and just wants to help heal his heart. It was great. And the spice - whooo baby.

Content Warnings

meganashlee27's review against another edition

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hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

rachelp4ba59's review against another edition

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emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

mrsmonty503's review against another edition

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challenging sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

There was quite a few things that I liked about this story but overall it tanked.

I almost DNF 3 times. At times, I wasn’t really enjoying the narration of narrator for Avi. The sex scenes were VERY talkative and they really didn’t need to be.

While there was mention of religion throughout the book; I ultimately took half a star off because in chapter 30 it feels like the author started preaching through one of three characters. 🤮🤮

In another chapter later on.. same thing but with another character.

Meh…

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