Blackmail

Belle Argo Escorts #1

by Beth Christopher

I ruined his marriage. Now he wants to ruin me.

My childhood was the stuff of nightmares. And adulthood? Hasn’t been a whole lot better. I’ve been working as a male escort to put myself through nursing school. I’m so close to getting out when a client’s husband catches us in the act. He tries to blackmail me, threatening to ruin me if I don't help him win his messy divorce case. When I refuse to do what he’s asking, he decides he’ll take my body instead. It’s what I’m used to. It’s what I’m good at. He gives me the pain I’ve been craving. But I don't know what to do when he decides he wants my heart.

Blackmail is a full-length dark M/M romance with a HEA, a super sweary male escort, an angry entrepreneur, and a cat named Penelope. It contains content that will not be everyone's cup of tea. Please review the content advisory on the book's "About" page for details.

Tropes Instalust, found family, opposites attract, Dom awakening / kink awakening, hurt / comfort, dude in distress, Grumpy / sunshine (more like a-hole / brat), power dynamic, rich hero, posessive / protective hero, un-aliving for the one you love, the stray cat you took in who likes everyone else better than you

Genres: M M Romance, Dark, Romance, Queer, Found Family, BDSM, Relationships

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[ancientreader]

I DNF'd when one of the MCs started torturing someone for information. Sometimes ISTG it's like nobody learned anything from the coverage of "enhanced interrogation" post-9/11, when experienced interrogators pointed out over and over and over that torture is useless because eventually people will say anything at all to get the pain to stop. And if torture isn't even good for eliciting information, then it's way past "morally gray" and into "morally indefensible under any circumstances."

Words cannot express how sick I am of the hero-tortures-for-information trope.

[Books and Gems · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟

Sebastian and Simon 🖤

Sooo many side characters and similar names. Which can be fine, but even the author got confused. They called one of Simon’s friends “Tony” in the escort group chat even though his name is Troy. Tony, is MMC1’s husband who Simon had been sleeping with while he was working as an escort.

If the author has trouble keeping characters’ names straight, how are we as readers supposed to handle it?? Anyway, I’m not somehow who gripes about typos or punctuation much but having names or timelines wrong will always pull me out of the story a bit.

I enjoyed Simon and Sebastian’s dynamic. Sebastian was never able to fully embrace his rougher desires before, and it comes naturally with Simon. It is very instalust, but honestly was on the milder side for spice considering all the things they get up to. The second half of the story definitely focuses on the overarching plot more than their spicy times.

The push and pull dragged on a little long for me. I felt like it would be understandable for either of them to pull away, but because it took so long I felt we missed out on the happy and together part at the end that I live for!

I did enjoy the crime / suspense aspect of this as well. It didn’t overtake the story too much, but it was an overall interesting story.

And even though there are a million side characters, I really enjoyed how Simon and his group of friends protect and are there for each other.

The ending felt a bit rushed though. I would have liked more resolution between them as a couple and seeing them together and happy. The epilogue wasn’t even in their POV. Overall though I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to PJ’s story next.

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‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️

Dynamic: MM — strict

Sharing? No

Cheating? Not between MMCs

Breakup? No

Sex scene with OM or OW Yes, MMC1 catches his husband cheating with MMC2 (escort). Later MMC1 gets an off page (presumed) bj at a sex club while picturing MMC2. At this point they haven’t seen or talked to each other since the initial night he caught him with his husband. Once together neither MC is with anyone else.


‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️

— overprotective and controlling MMC
— escort MMC
— blackmail
— instalust
— found family
— opposites attract
— hurt / comfort
— grumpy x sunshine
— dude in distress
— brat
— scarred MMC
— power imbalance
— financial differences
— push and pull
— “sir”
— bareback
— impact play
— bruising, biting, marking kink
— CNC
— pain play
— edging
— dirty talk


I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Moraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way I flew through the second half!!

Thank you to Beth Christopher and Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.



WHAT I LIKED
✅ Flawed and likeable characters that are easy to root for
✅ The friendship dynamic between Sebastian and Lehman (so funny)
✅ I didn't expect the mystery plot and quite enjoyed it even though the whole thing was very obvious

WHAT I WAS SO-SO ABOUT
✅ Sebastian's daddy side - he acted older than twenty five👀 But the spice was good.

Expect
- Age gap
- Instalust
- Class differences
- Opposites attract
- Size difference
- Dom-sub
- Protective MC
- Hurt / comfort

[Kit (kit.reads.romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant read! The chemistry between Sebastian and Simon?! Woof. Amazing. Sebastian is incredibly dominant and Simon absolutely laps it up. They're both into pain play and intense scenes in the bedroom, with some CNC and edging.

They both have a whole feral for you vibe going on. Sebastian knows what he wants and he wants Simon. Simon hates how much he wants Sebastian but he absolutely melts under his touch. These two spend their time sassing each other, getting each other hot and bothered, and learning to open up and be vulnerable together. Such a great black cat X black cat pairing.

The only reason this isn't 5 stars for me is the amount of push and pull between the two MCs, with Simon believing they can't possibly make a relationship work and Sebastian doing his best to persuade Simon that they're perfect together. I would just like to have seen them get together properly earlier in the book, but the way it worked out was still great!

Definitely recommend to anyone who likes two MCs desperate for each other, great spice, and a mystery subplot.

Edit: the book has far less to do with blackmail than you'd think, and it isn't a big obstacle for the MCs. The book is also nowhere near as dark as you might think. On a darkness scale I would personally say this is slightly lighter than Nordika Night's Little Demon in the Details, so it's a great and slightly morally grey read but not filled with triggering subjects or non-con etc.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. Good premise and some interesting backstories. I like the feisty nature of Simon and his confidence despite his past. Also, despite the way they come together, Sebastian and Simon are a good fit.

The investigation side gets an ending, but I could have done with more information on the outcome, to be honest; too many questions left.

Overall, though, a good read. Lots of information, some good side characters, a good set-up for book 2, and a HEA for the characters.

………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.

[Fen'Harel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had one word to sum this book up, it would be 'fun'. And it shouldn't be, but it is! We have a mystery surrounding missing people, a man who hates his life as a sex worker, and another just split from his cheating husband... but I was having fun the whole time kicking my feet and laughing at what was going on between them.
I'm not usually one for instalust, but it worked so perfectly for this book! The way neither of them are happy with their lives, but the second they meet that all changes? Sign me up for that! It's cute and it works when it's done right - and the author has done it right here!
I would have loved to have seen more of Sebastian's work - we see it when it's going wrong or something urgent has appeared, but there's nothing wrong with a bit of a filler chapter where we get to know their co-workers a little better and see what's going on with them.
My major criticism of this book is all the names. Simon/Sebastian. They're just too close! I think there's a Toby and Tony? I would get so confused as to who was being spoken about! And then Simon had sooooo many friends and I just kind of lost consciousness trying to remember them all. At the end of the book, we see an excerpt for the next story and I ended up wondering if we'd even been introduced to that character because I was completely lost! I only think I bothered to learn one of their names because they danced together - all the other names were just white noise!
My other little things: the villain was a bit obvious, and the name of the book Blackmail ends up out the window because the blackmail only occurs for about 5% of the book before they simply realise they just want to bone each other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna Svoboda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh, yes please! I read book 2 first and then went back to this one, and I honestly can't tell which one was better because they were both awesome.

Simon and Sebastian's relationship has just the right touch of toxic while still being sweet and wholesome because they're perfect for each other. I loved the push and pull between them and the underlying plot kept everything interesting. The spicy scenes were top notch and the tension was out of this world. There's also a great cast of side characters that feel realistic. Definitely a 5* read and I can't wait for book 3! I also hope Brennan gets a book eventually, because he's such and interesting character.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never read a book like this but man am I glad that Simon found Sebastian. Everything Simon and his brother went through was horrible but I’m glad they got out of there and the people are gone. Now I can’t wait to read PJs book.

[NitaBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rtc

[Adeselna]

Thank you so much to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC and the author.

Let me just say that although this is my rating, I will be reading more books from the author! <3 I believe that the more an author writes, the better they become! So, I don’t see this rating as something bad. Just it didn’t work for me on some levels, and compared to other books, I had some issues.

Let’s start with what I loved!

The beginning of the novel is amazing! It’s a really strong start. Sebastian finds his husband in bed with an escort. While their marriage was not out of love but of friendship, Sebastian is hurt that his husband would spend money on escorts. Sebastian is not an easy person to love, he’s very physical with Simon, and he’s clearly very morally gray coded. He’s aware that he enjoys marking his men and sometimes he tries to push back, but other times he just gives in his urges.

I loved Simon! I definitely enjoyed Simon a lot more than Sebastian, he was unapologetic and sweet! While Sebastian had an aura of darkness and he was clearly very possessive of Simon, Simon was very bright, very bubbly. He had every reason not, due to his past and how he had to work a lot to be where he is. Still, Simon is just a ray of sunshine, and I loved his POV. Their dynamic and the way they interacted was really good, Simon is not an innocent guy, and he clearly matches Sebastian's energy.

I felt like I lacked the same connection I had with Simon with Sebastian, I never really understood what Sebastian worked as, so that didn’t help. Especially since he was working on a case of disappearing people, but the amount of dedication to the case was very little. Also, some plot points just happened way too fast. Simon feels bad out of nowhere, then he is in the hospital, Sebastian, by chance, is in the same hospital, then there’s a storm, and they’re together, then Simon is back at home. It’s a little too much going in such a short amount of time.

Again, these two things are not horrible, they just had an effect on me while I was reading, and again, none of these made me give up on this author! I still want to read the next books, I just won’t ARC them because I don’t know if I will enjoy them, but I will still give my money to the author!

I believe “Blackmail” can be the start of a very interesting series, I’m going to read the next books because I am a sucker for escorts, especially in MM books! I love how unashamed they are of their own sexuality, and I adore that aura of sexiness. Maybe this is why I enjoyed Simon so much. He’s my weak spot for characters.

[Any Length · Rating 3 out of 5]

spoiler alert :
Sebastian catches his husband inflagrante with a sex worker (Simon) and kicks the husband out. But not before feeling insta-lust with the sex worker. He tracks him down and tries to blackmail him into being a witness to Sebastian's husbund's infidelity so he can evoke the pre-nup and not pay the ex (Tony) half his money. Simon refuses but then end up in bed together. Sebastian spends the rest of the book convincing Simon that he wants him.
Meanwhile clients of Sebastian's business are disappearing without a ransome demand and Sebastian fearing for his business invests in some shady opperation to get to the bottom of it as the local police doesn't seem interested.
Simon meanwhile, although he has the hots for Sebastian doesn't want to let himself believe that they have a future and keeps sending Sebastian away.
Both Simon and Sebastian have trauma in their past. Simon was brought up in a religious cult and was beaten half to death for being gay before he could run away.
Sebastian had a background "sperm donor" who kidnapped him and his mother resulting in her death. Hence him being so keen to find his clients (or their relatives) that have disappeared.
The mystery of the disappearing people including some morally grey behaviour is a big part of the second half of the book.
Not quite solved is the reason why the police isn't taking the disappearances seriously and where the rest of the disappeared are. Also who the police officer (or guy with what looked like uniform) was who helped Tony take away one of the victims.
Also unclear is why people would want to have a famous person or their adult child kidnapped but are not asking for a ransome or do much with them. It seemed to serve no purpose. However, this might be an ongoing saga that gets carried into the next book of people disappearing.
I loved the snarky attitude of Simon, and their bedroom compatibility was great.
The end of the book leading the reader to want to read the next one, was a bit confusing. I felt there wasn't enough prior intgroduction given to relate to what the next guy was on about. The setting up of him being different and having joined for a reason other than earning money as a sex worker was a bit unclear.
Nevertheless a good read. And I will probably read more books by this author.

[Stacey T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MM dark romance with a touch of mystery unfolds as Simon navigates his life working in an assisted living facility while attending nursing school. To make ends meet and repay the debt to his savior and employer, he also works as an escort. Unexpectedly, Simon finds himself caught in a compromising situation by his client’s husband, leading to blackmail, threats to his life, and an unexpected spark with someone who makes him feel truly alive. Sebastian, reeling from recently catching his husband cheating and initiating divorce proceedings, is shocked to discover his attraction to Simon, his husband’s paid escort. After their first encounter, Sebastian finds himself wanting to see Simon repeatedly. Meanwhile, his business faces turmoil as connected clients and/or their children go missing, thrusting him into a frantic race to uncover the truth and identify the person trying to destroy him. As both men grapple with their pasts, a new threat emerges that could tear them apart forever unless they can confront it. Will their choices lead to their downfall, or will past traumas impede their chances for a future together?
I don’t believe I’ve read this author before (I read a lot of books—lol), but I enjoyed the story. It wasn’t a typical romance, instead featuring a sex worker/millionaire trope; however, I liked the characters and their grumpy/snarky dynamic, which led to some great chemistry and plenty of spicy scenes. The supporting characters added some humor to the story, and I appreciated their protective and caring roles. I do wish there had been a more definitive resolution regarding the disappearances and the identity of the mastermind behind them, but perhaps those plot points will be explored in future installments of the series. Overall, it is a solid start to a new series, and I'm looking forward to what the next book has in store. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story steeped in tension, secrets, and quiet dread—one where every choice carries consequences and safety is always an illusion. Each chapter tightens the noose, layering suspense with raw, emotionally charged moments that refuse to let go.

Simon survives by compartmentalizing. By day, he works in an assisted living facility while pushing himself through nursing school. By night, he becomes someone else—an escort bound by debt to the man who once saved his life and now owns far too much of it. When a client’s husband catches Simon in a compromising situation, survival turns into a nightmare of blackmail, escalating threats, and the constant fear that one wrong move will cost him everything. The worst part? The man who makes him feel seen—alive—is the one he should want least.

Sebastian’s life is already unraveling. Fresh from discovering his husband’s betrayal and filing for divorce, he’s raw, angry, and untethered. His attraction to Simon—his husband’s paid escort—feels like another fracture in a life already coming apart. Yet after their first encounter, Sebastian can’t stay away, even as desire curdles into obsession and guilt gives way to something far more dangerous.

As Sebastian’s business begins to crumble, clients and their children start vanishing without explanation. What looks like coincidence quickly becomes a pattern, pulling him into a desperate hunt for the person intent on destroying him. The deeper he digs, the clearer it becomes that Simon is tangled in the same web of violence and secrets.

With past trauma resurfacing and a growing threat closing in, Simon and Sebastian are forced to confront the truth: some damage doesn’t fade, and love doesn’t always save you. As the danger escalates, the line between victim and accomplice blurs.

Will their choices damn them both—or will the ghosts of their pasts make survival impossible, no matter how badly they want a future together?

[Gabrielle Torrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!

I’m newer to MM romance, but I love good dark romance, morally gray characters, billionaire romance, and especially a good romance that isn’t cheesy...and honestly, if it’s good writing with a good storyline, I’m going to read it. Blackmail absolutely delivered on that.

(I did receive a free copy of this book from the author, but all opinions are my own.)

First of all: the characters. I adored Simon. He’s just a genuinely sweet, honest kid trying to work, pay off his debts, and break free from the shackles of a traumatic upbringing and past. He felt so real and so easy to root for. And Sebastian? I loved seeing his softer side, especially how he isn’t “too cool” or emotionally distant when it comes to protecting the people he loves (Simon) and who Simon loves (Gabe and Penelope, and his job). That contrast between his power and his heart worked so well.

And the banter. Oh my god. The banter. If Abby Jimenez wrote MM romance, it would sound like this book. The dialogue was sharp, funny, and full of personality. These didn’t feel like one-dimensional romance characters, they felt like real people with real humor and lot's of chemistry. I found myself genuinely smiling and laughing at their interactions.

What kept this from being a full 5 stars for me: the beginning was just a little confusing. It felt like a lot of characters were introduced rather quickly, and I had a brief “wait, who is who?” moment. And overall, there are a lot of characters in this world, but honestly, I think that might just be a me problem more than a real flaw.

All that said, I had such a good time with this book. The romance, the humor, the emotional beats, it all really worked for me.

I am so excited for the next book in this series. I will absolutely be continuing.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, let me say I’ve got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
Simon had a difficult childhood and he ended up near a field waiting to die, but someone had saved him. Brennan had saved him many times since. Some people would call him his pimp as Simon is a male escort. But he also offers them protection.
Simon is with a client a client he really didn’t like if honest but that night was very different because the clients Husband came home early catching them both in bed. Simon is sassy and makes a quick exit but that is not before the Husband Sebastian gets a good eye full of him.
Sebastian makes a date through Brennan to meet Simon for a meal. But as soon as Simon sees him. He just wants to leave you see Simon wants no more drama but when Sebastian asks him if he would give evidence in court of his Husband infidelity he has to say no. For many reasons one he is studying to become a nurse and he doesn’t want anything on record about how he’s paying to do his course. Two Brennan would go absolutely ape finding out that one of these guys were going to court. But Sebastian thought he played an ace when he tried to blackmail Simon. It didn’t work.
I would say there was a deep connection between these two. I really like Simon. He is sassy. He’s quick with the banter but what I didn’t like was when he kept putting himself down because he is so much more than an escort. The passion between these two is off the chance I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I did struggle with the kink of marking your partner but that’s just personal preference. I would hate to leave bruises enough to make someone think that they had been attacked somewhere. Looking to the next Book.

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explosive Chemistry, Messy Dynamics, and a Pair Who Shouldn’t Work but Absolutely Do

Rating: ★★★★☆
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Instalust, opposites attract, Dom/kink awakening, hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine (a-hole/brat), rich hero, found family, power dynamic

Review:
Simon is a male escort just trying to claw his way through nursing school when everything detonates — and it detonates in the form of Sebastian, the furious husband who catches Simon with his soon-to-be-ex. What should have turned into ugly blackmail pivots fast into something far darker, hotter, and unexpectedly tender. Their instalust is instant and, honestly, weirdly fun considering the subject matter. The second these two lock eyes, all bets are off.
The dynamic works because both Simon and Sebastian are deeply unhappy when the story begins, and meeting each other shifts everything. Sebastian’s control, Simon’s bratty fire, the kink awakening woven through — it all hits the right notes.
What works: Their chemistry is pure chaos in the best way. The hurt/comfort beats land, Sebastian’s possessiveness has teeth, and Simon’s snark hides some deep emotional cracks that make him easy to root for.
What might not:The villain is pretty transparent, and despite the title, the actual blackmail takes up maybe 5% of the story before everything slides straight into “we kind of just want to bone each other.”
But if you want dark heat, emotional wreckage, and two broken men colliding in spectacular fashion? Simon and Sebastian deliver exactly that.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard ass CEO and a sassy escort find themselves in a sticky situation when Sebastian, the hot CEO, finds his husband cheating on him with the gorgeous Simon aka the "wh0re" as Simon likes to call himself. Sebastian is done and wants a divorce but his soon to be husband isn't going to let him dump him so easily and isn't afraid to fight him in court and Sebastian is too busy dealing with young promising men close to his company going missing and his company possibly suffering, so what does he do? Blackmail the gorgeous man he hasn't stopped thinking about and have him go against his husband in court. What can possibly go wrong right? Well neither expected to be involved in each other with the lust and attraction flowing and exploring new sides of the other and having the best sex they've ever had. Not only that but feelings start to get involved and that's the last thing they need. Simon plans to get his nursing certificate and move to a better city and find a job making more money and quitting the escort buisness. And Sebastian has a buiness to run and a mystery to solve. They should stop seeing each other but even when they both agree and walk away something always pulls them back in. So maybe just maybe they're meant to be but man does it take patience to get there. The spice is spicing and the feelings are there and real. They just have to reach out and grab what's already there's and damn the obstacles in their way. I loved reading their love story and even got a bit of action and mystery thrown in as well. I'm definitely looking foward to book 2!

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had an absolute blast tagging along with Simon as he maneuvered his way through the turmoilous waters that were his life
His snark
His quick wit
His intelligence
His oh so soft heart
Could not help but want to protect him when the world got too aggressive
However, that turned out to be his kink - well, with a certain someone anyway
Who knew?
Still adore him

Sebastien was an all kinds of grumpy, don't need anyone huff and puff while stomping about type of guy.
Though when I get a glimpse of his past interactions and what he has built, I get it
As I watched his heart thaw for Simon, I couldn't help but display the goofiest grin.
These two fit together so perfectly
And their one-on-one moments?
When they both discover that their kinks go together...
HADES level hot

The ex? Saw that coming.
I would have liked a bit more detail when it came to certain events.
But honestly, that is me just wanting to spend more time with the guys and getting to know them better.
The author did a bang-up job of integrating all the important stuff into the storyline, as this is the first in the series, and the stage needed to be set

This does have some darker elements in the story, as well as in the series storyline
There is kidnapping. Trafficking.
A bit of domestic (though mostly off-page). Cult life. Homophobia.
Some graphic violence (torture, abuse) both off and on page.
I am looking forward to the next in the series

[Dhatri Pandya · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Overall Book Rating: 4.5 / 5

*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Millionaire x Escort
-Strangers to Lover
-Lust at First Sight
-Opposite Attracts
-Hurt / Comfort
-Found Family
-Suspense
-Protective and Possessive MC

*Spiciness: 3.5 / 5

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Beth has done fan-fucking-tastic job at weaving this amazing story and creating all the characters. I liked both the main characters - Simon and Sebastian. Simon is an absolute ray of sunshine who speaks his mind, is sassy and has amazing sense of humor. Sebastian on the other hand is grumpy but very caring, sweet and successful. Sebastian and Simon both have dark past and it was heartbreaking to read those details. Sebastian and Simon’s relationship starts as Lust at First Sight at a very unexpected moment. Chemistry between them is explosive and combustible (they both enjoy same kinks and explore those kinks more together). Their relationship goes through a lot of pull and push due to many reasons before they are forced apart by unfortunate event. But at the end things settle down for them and they create a beautiful life together. The suspense, plot twist, and revelation of truth left me surprised and shocked (I absolutely didn’t see and expect a few of the plot twists). With that said I will 100% recommend this book. It’s entertaining, sweet, funny, a bit sad, and full of suspense.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love fast chemistry and a bit of chaos wrapped in a romantic suspense bow, this one delivers.

What to expect:
• Age gap
• Instalust that actually works
• Opposites attract
• Size difference
• Dom/sub dynamic
• Class differences
• Protective MMC
• Hurt/comfort
• A sprinkle of danger + missing persons intrigue

Sebastian and Simon are such a fun pairing. Despite their wildly different circumstances — a fed-up sex worker and a recently betrayed, high-class guy — they click instantly. Their banter, the heat, and the way they slowly become each other’s safe place? Loved it.

Simon’s fiery attitude and confidence are a highlight, and even though the premise sounds heavy, the author keeps the vibe surprisingly entertaining.

A few notes:
• The blackmail part… doesn’t last long.
• The list of side characters is long (and the names a bit too similar).
• The villain is a tad obvious, and I wanted more payoff with the investigation.

But honestly? It’s fun, steamy, and gives you a satisfying HEA with setup for book two. A great pick when you want suspense that doesn’t drag you too deep into the darkness.

[Misty Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackmail is a dark, addictive read that pulls you in fast and refuses to let go. Beth Christopher delivers a perfectly paced story packed with tension, secrets, and emotionally charged moments that keep the stakes high from beginning to end. Every chapter feels purposeful, steadily building suspense while deepening the emotional connection to the characters.

The characters themselves are a standout—complex, flawed, and compelling. Their interactions crackle with intensity, and the power dynamics woven throughout the story add an irresistible edge. The chemistry between Sebastian and Simon is undeniable, and the emotional push-and-pull makes the relationship feel raw and real rather than rushed or superficial.

Christopher’s writing is immersive and confident, balancing darker themes with passion and vulnerability in a way that feels intentional and well-crafted. If you enjoy romance with a suspenseful bite, morally gray moments, and a storyline that keeps you turning pages late into the night, Blackmail absolutely delivers. A gripping, unforgettable read and a solid five stars.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Blackmail by Beth Christopher

MM Romance
Instalust
Found family
Dom awakening
Kink
Hurt/comfort
Grumpy/Sunshine
Power control
Touch him and see how fast you will leave this world.
Pain-giving
Blackmail

This book covers Simon & Sebastian's story. The ups and downs. I love me some D/s stories, especially when the Dom is just learning they are a Dom.  When I requested this story, I was hoping for a good story since this author is new to me. It kept me engaged for sure. These tropes in stories suck me in if they are written well. I have become addicted in the last several years, addicted to not only Dom/sub but also sadism done with love, of course. Reading what he went through from childhood up to adulthood was hard to read. Reading so many books with this pain has shown me how lucky I was growing up to have the family I did. As we read this story, we see how good these men are for each other, so we have to cheer that they get their HEA. I will be checking this author out for sure.

Nicole Harvey

[Siobhan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blackmail is the first book in Beth Christopher’s Belle Argo Escorts series, and it is a story that instantly grabbed my attention. I went in with the hopes of a new series that would have me hooked, ensuring I would come back for more, yet I found myself struggling from the start.

I think my big problem with this story was the way information was given. It often felt like too much, while also seeming to assume knowledge. It made me feel like I was missing things while also ensuring I was able to predict things too easily. It was a strange mix, which meant I was never entirely sure how I felt about the story. Thus, I found the book did not hold my attention in the way I had hoped. Add in the fact that I did not buy into the relationship between the characters – in fact, I found it to be far too much like instalove the way one character was with the other – and this story did not work for me in the way I had hoped.

Unfortunately, in the end, I am labelling this a case of me not being the right reader for the story.

[Joy Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely blackmail, but who is blackmailing whom and for what? This is a well-written adventure of a very successful investment banker who, in a most embarrassing way, discovers that his party-planning husband is cheating on him with a paid escort. The escort is perfectly happy to go back to the assisted living facility where he works as a health care technician while he studies for his nursing exams. The banker is not heartbroken but disappointed that his spouse broke their agreement about faithfulness. But if the marriage is over, he is interested in the escort. The party planner wants to forget the pre-nup and take half the banker's assets. And why do the banker's young, beautiful clients keep disappearing? With a tropical storm about to make landfall, this could all get very messy. This is funny, sexy, entertaining, moving, and surprising by turns.

It is listed as Book 1 of a series. I certainly hope the others are as good as this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anouk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
I really liked this book! It had a lot of mystery with the love story. After Sebastian catches his husband cheating on him with Simon, Sebastian kinda gets obsessed with Simon. Simon is your typical brat and to me it kinda seemed liked he used his brattiness as a defense meganism, because of his childhood. He didn't have a good childhood and I respect the way I tried to make something for himself. I also really loved the kid next door and I hope we get to see more of him or even better that he gets his own HEA.
I loved the mystery and the questions the book raised, but I would have loved a bit more information about the kidnappings and what happend. It was a bit surface level if you ask me.
Overall I really liked the book and I can't wait for book two!

Tropes:
🐈Insta lust
🧑‍⚕️Dom awakening
🐈Hurt/comfort
🧑‍⚕️A-hole/brat
🐈Found family

Favorite quote:
Nobody's allowed to hurt Simon except me.


PS. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR for the ARC!

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon and Sebastian ❤️

4 Stars ⭐️

For as mysterious as this theme was I still found myself giggling in parts. There are so many things that I loved about this story, but something that bothered the sh*t out of me was Simon's repetitive use of the word whore. I'm no prude here but for all that is good and holy use something different...trick, escort,prostitute...you get the idea. Anyway, the start of this story took ahold of my attention and didn't let go even until the very end. It was hotter than sin and sweet as candy!! I figured out the big bad early in the story and was invested in his takedown, the twist of who else was involved was surprising but needed closure for Simon. The main characters were great and side characters absolutely grabbed my attention, can't wait to see where this series goes next. This is my first read from this author and I will gladly continue reading these books! I've already started my wish list of characters that need to find love and Brennan is on top 😜.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Karen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything by Beth Christopher, and this book has just earned a spot in my top ten favorites. It was a fantastic read. I was drawn in immediately and didn’t want it to end. Beth captured my attention from chapter one and kept me on edge the entire time.

The story is well-written and fast-paced, with Sebastian and Simon’s dynamic being a clear highlight. Their tension and banter made every moment worth it. Between the messy beginning, chaos, romance, steamy scenes, and the mystery surrounding Sebastian’s disappearing clients, the book had everything I love. I adored Simon’s snark and Sebastian’s grumpy bad-boy energy, and the side characters were compelling enough that I’m really hoping they get their own books.

Plus, how can you not completely melt for these characters when they say things like:
“I love you. I just want to be with you.”
And later,
“Here’s a secret,” I tell him. “You own me, Simon. Whatever will make you happy, I’ll do it, find it, catch it, and bring it home. Whatever you need, I’ll give it to you.”

[Sarah Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo this is really a 3.75 stars rather than a true blue 4 star.
I received this ARC from GRR for my honest review.

Long of the short, Simon got on my last nerve, but I made sure to keep reminding myself that he wasn't just a brat that was bratting, but rather, a twink who had suffered severely at the hands of all sorts of folks who should have protected him. So in truth, Simon was simply doing what people with deep-seeded trauma like him do...pitch a fit at the unfamiliar, pout or unwisely reject the offering when anyone of value attempts to take care of them, demand this and demand due to unaddressed fear of , yada yada yada...and then proceed to absolutely melt to pieces when his loverboy Dom decides enough is enough. lol

My favoritest part of it all was Sebastian's consistency, and the fact that although he presented as a much older character, he was actually not much older than Simon.

This was my first book by Beth Christopher. Soooo if she ever decides to write a book on how Simon became the badass he was in this volume, count me as a given. I need that story in my life because WE ALL deserve to know the ins and outs of that morally grey man's origin story. Men like that don't just happen...and most certainly not that young. I need the tea Ms Christopher...all the tea please AND thank you!!!

Btw if BDSM and/or extreme kink is not your thing, I recommend you bypass this magnificent selection BEcause it's far too good a read to receive a bad review from someone who simply isn't a fan of the magnificent kink arts. We in the kink community suffer enough from the vanillas as it is. lol

[Emilyrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
This book was full of surprises with elements I just didn't expect having read the blurb. The plot went in a completely different direction to what I expected, namely all the investigation into those going missing when I assumed it would predominantly be about Simon and Sebastian's relationship. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of chemistry between them throughout. It's instalust but I enjoyed their HEA by the end. I could probably have done with more around the details of Sebastian's life and job to give him a bit more backstory and it was difficult keeping track of all of Simon's friends and acquaintances mentioned. There was also much less 'blackmail' than what the title suggests and I did have questions after the wider plot issue was solved that were left unanswered. Overall though, it's a good read with some kink/darker elements but a whole lot of chemistry and a HEA.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this a debut? Because it’s really good. Simon and Sebastian are a couple magnetically attracted to one another. Early on they discover a mutual appreciation for rough sex. While Sebastian would like to take care of Simon, Simon has experienced enough abandonment to have a whole lot of mistrust. He wants Sebastian, but he’s also wary.

An intriguing series of missing persons is at the center of the novel and adds suspense and danger to the story of Simon and Sebastian. The moral greyness surrounding Simon and Sebastian‘s choices, as well as many of the side characters remains consistent throughout the novel. Just because they’re in love doesn’t make them angels.

I had two qualms: one, I wish that Sebastian was developed more. He was a good character but I feel like we could have learned more about him. My second criticism is that Sebastian and Lehman’s work and the serial kidnap scheme were all kind of vague. I don’t think it would’ve hurt the story to get more specific.