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Almost Strangers
College was supposed to be about figuring out careers and goals, not what turned you on in the bedroom.
When a class project pushes a confused Adrian in an interesting new direction, he’s not sure what to do. His focus in college has always been on grades, but he doesn’t know if he’s ready to do what it takes to get an A in his Human Sexuality course.
Watching Adrian stumble into the world of puppy play and kink shouldn’t interest Owen as much as it does. The fact that they don’t really know each other doesn’t matter, not when they’re technically too close to even think about one another that way. But something won’t let Owen walk away from a floundering Adrian.
When an embarrassing situation meets a sarcastic remark, sparks fly in the most unusual way.
62k Words
Story Contains: Puppy play, and M/M sexual content of a taboo nature that some readers may find objectionable. Please read the sample or check out the authors’ websites for a larger excerpt.
When a class project pushes a confused Adrian in an interesting new direction, he’s not sure what to do. His focus in college has always been on grades, but he doesn’t know if he’s ready to do what it takes to get an A in his Human Sexuality course.
Watching Adrian stumble into the world of puppy play and kink shouldn’t interest Owen as much as it does. The fact that they don’t really know each other doesn’t matter, not when they’re technically too close to even think about one another that way. But something won’t let Owen walk away from a floundering Adrian.
When an embarrassing situation meets a sarcastic remark, sparks fly in the most unusual way.
62k Words
Story Contains: Puppy play, and M/M sexual content of a taboo nature that some readers may find objectionable. Please read the sample or check out the authors’ websites for a larger excerpt.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2018
188 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Innes
139 books1,189 followersM.A. Innes writes kinky and curious things like age play, puppy play, sweet guys in lingerie, cute boys in search of a Daddy and more.
When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery
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When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
February 27, 2019
I'm always interested to see how authors lay the groundwork for an incest story, especially when the characters are brothers by birth. In Almost Strangers M.A. Innes and R. Phoenix do an outstanding job breaking down the barriers between two estranged siblings, and then igniting the spark which starts their connection. What grows out of the intimacy they share, and how it changes everything for these men, is a beautiful and powerful journey.
Strapped financially after their parents’ death, Adrian and Owen are forced to live together in their childhood home. After years of animosity, these two really are almost strangers and are slow to open up to each other. Closed off emotionally and not trusting the other, their shared grief isn’t enough to bring them together.
Their dynamic starts to change when Owen helps Adrian research puppy play for a school project. As they get deeper into their roles as Master and pup, the intimacy they share forges a new bond between them and opens up a world of self-discovery. For Owen, whose humble job and promiscuous behavior contribute to his low sense of self-worth, he loves the confidence he feels when he’s Master. And Adrian can be himself and let the pressures of life go when he’s a pup.
Other than a few well-placed memories, which shed some light on the antagonism between the brothers, Almost Strangers doesn’t dwell on the past. Instead it focuses on the men’s relationship going forward and exploring what attracts them to each other and how that makes them feel. This story works! It’s not just a marvelous incest tale, but a beautifully done puppy play book as well.
Strapped financially after their parents’ death, Adrian and Owen are forced to live together in their childhood home. After years of animosity, these two really are almost strangers and are slow to open up to each other. Closed off emotionally and not trusting the other, their shared grief isn’t enough to bring them together.
Their dynamic starts to change when Owen helps Adrian research puppy play for a school project. As they get deeper into their roles as Master and pup, the intimacy they share forges a new bond between them and opens up a world of self-discovery. For Owen, whose humble job and promiscuous behavior contribute to his low sense of self-worth, he loves the confidence he feels when he’s Master. And Adrian can be himself and let the pressures of life go when he’s a pup.
Other than a few well-placed memories, which shed some light on the antagonism between the brothers, Almost Strangers doesn’t dwell on the past. Instead it focuses on the men’s relationship going forward and exploring what attracts them to each other and how that makes them feel. This story works! It’s not just a marvelous incest tale, but a beautifully done puppy play book as well.
Read
July 20, 2019Owen helps his brother, Adrien, with a school paper about alternative sexual lifestyles. The "research" brings them closer than ever and they fall in love with each other. One has the role of Master, the other is the Puppy. Kinky taboo things happen.
No rating because I don't feel in the position of truly appreciating it since I DNFed every incest book I've read so far. But hey, I finished this one. That must count for something, right?
If I'd rate it, it would probably be between a 3 and a 4.
Thanks to Jan for the rec! I had fun :*
No rating because I don't feel in the position of truly appreciating it since I DNFed every incest book I've read so far. But hey, I finished this one. That must count for something, right?
If I'd rate it, it would probably be between a 3 and a 4.
Thanks to Jan for the rec! I had fun :*
March 27, 2021
5 Puppy Play stars⭐
I DEVOURED this book in 5hrs, it was oddly sweet & Sexy & Relaxing.
I loved Adrian & Owen, plus though I'm not much for puppy play...I can see the beauty in it here.
Both Brothers are in College... Adrian is the Bi-Sexual Responsible Elder one WHILE Owen is the Gay Rebel Younger one. These two's Personalities are total opposites, if it wasn't for the death of their parents & Poor financial status, I don't think they'd come to stay together in their Family Home with so many memories.
We get a feel for Why they've become so Estranged, Almost Strangers, Throughout the years but the story focuses on the Present. I like how the author set the premise for this Bro-Cest!
Adrian gets himself in a predicament, Having to explore a "Kink" as Research for Grades in human sexuality class & ends up choosing Puppy Play. Even more embarrassing? Owen walks in on him Naked *Snicker*. & The subsequent perusal didn't seem weird. But reality comes in...Though, Things are Changing & that HOT SPARKY Sexual Tension is Flying HIGH.
Adrian always wanted to make it right with Owen & this, as Embarrassing as it is, gives him the chance. Owen to Control & Adrian Submit. So after quite the fun talk, Owen helps Adrian with his "Research", but it ends up becoming so much more...So Real! These two get the chance to really know eachother, clearing Misconceptions, Actually Caring...
The intimacy is addictive, The Wants a surprise, but the Attraction? Wholly Inappropriate. There's Cautiousness, Avoidance of the fact & Eachother, but they can't avoid it forever...& Soon everything comes out! *Yay!* Their date was so sweet❤. Both brothers have personality insecurity issues, but they work it out quite well. The world may never understand them..But That doesn't make this any less beautiful or real.
The Cute Puppy Play, Crossing the Line, Domesticity, New Normal, First Times, The Sexy hotness, Future Talks, I love yous & The ending were Fun Gorgeous, Swoony & I'm so happy for these two!
The epilogue's awesome, Adrian Submitting his "Research" & reflecting on how he'd gained love & insight on himself due to it!
This was my 3rd book by MA Innes but I haven't read any by R. Phoenix before, gonna check'em out!
"We’d gone from almost strangers, two people who were just sharing a house out of necessity, to lovers and a real family."This was one of those books which surprised me pleasantly. I think I'm finding my love for kinky books!
I DEVOURED this book in 5hrs, it was oddly sweet & Sexy & Relaxing.
I loved Adrian & Owen, plus though I'm not much for puppy play...I can see the beauty in it here.
Both Brothers are in College... Adrian is the Bi-Sexual Responsible Elder one WHILE Owen is the Gay Rebel Younger one. These two's Personalities are total opposites, if it wasn't for the death of their parents & Poor financial status, I don't think they'd come to stay together in their Family Home with so many memories.
We get a feel for Why they've become so Estranged, Almost Strangers, Throughout the years but the story focuses on the Present. I like how the author set the premise for this Bro-Cest!
Adrian gets himself in a predicament, Having to explore a "Kink" as Research for Grades in human sexuality class & ends up choosing Puppy Play. Even more embarrassing? Owen walks in on him Naked *Snicker*. & The subsequent perusal didn't seem weird. But reality comes in...Though, Things are Changing & that HOT SPARKY Sexual Tension is Flying HIGH.
Adrian always wanted to make it right with Owen & this, as Embarrassing as it is, gives him the chance. Owen to Control & Adrian Submit. So after quite the fun talk, Owen helps Adrian with his "Research", but it ends up becoming so much more...So Real! These two get the chance to really know eachother, clearing Misconceptions, Actually Caring...
The intimacy is addictive, The Wants a surprise, but the Attraction? Wholly Inappropriate. There's Cautiousness, Avoidance of the fact & Eachother, but they can't avoid it forever...& Soon everything comes out! *Yay!* Their date was so sweet❤. Both brothers have personality insecurity issues, but they work it out quite well. The world may never understand them..But That doesn't make this any less beautiful or real.
The Cute Puppy Play, Crossing the Line, Domesticity, New Normal, First Times, The Sexy hotness, Future Talks, I love yous & The ending were Fun Gorgeous, Swoony & I'm so happy for these two!
The epilogue's awesome, Adrian Submitting his "Research" & reflecting on how he'd gained love & insight on himself due to it!
This was my 3rd book by MA Innes but I haven't read any by R. Phoenix before, gonna check'em out!
April 23, 2018
So it seems I’m on a taboo theme for a bit. When Adrian found himself researching puppy play for a class he was taking he was all out of sorts, confused and lost. Owen, his brother walks in on him as he tries to work out what puppy play really meant. Adrian and Owen had a distant relationship and really knew nothing of each other. Of course as the research deepened it all began to fall into place. This was actually quite sweet.
March 27, 2018
I feel like I missed something with this book. Like the brothers, for having been so distanced for so long, to have come together so quickly was too rushed. Like all the delicious tension was suddenly gone and I was skimming all their conversations just to get to the kink.
January 13, 2025
I‘m being honest here when i say puppy play isn’t really my kink at all. I tried to read so many books that had a puppy play trope but dismissed almost every single one. But not this one here!!
I really enjoyed this book so much and I’m absolutely amazed that I felt soo comfortable with it. It really made me so happy haha.
And I think it’s because that the puppy play is really tame here, it wasn’t overwhelming to me and I really love it for that. I also liked how the puppy play was actually introduced into this book, because it all started with an assignment that Arian for his class had. And this was pretty nicely done.
I also liked both brothers, even tho that the whole brother „incest“ thing actually kinda got lost in that story. I mean it was brought up multiple times that they are brothers but it actually didn’t really felt that way since we didn’t really knew much about their background and their dynamic as such besides that they seemed like they are almost strangers towards each other. But either way, I love the Master/puppy dynamic between Adrain and Owen even more.
It didn’t felt weird or faced it really came natural between them too, and I loved how well it worked out.
All in all it was a really easy, fun and enjoyable read. And maybe because of this book right here, I might try some other puppy play books again.
⭐️4,5
I really enjoyed this book so much and I’m absolutely amazed that I felt soo comfortable with it. It really made me so happy haha.
And I think it’s because that the puppy play is really tame here, it wasn’t overwhelming to me and I really love it for that. I also liked how the puppy play was actually introduced into this book, because it all started with an assignment that Arian for his class had. And this was pretty nicely done.
I also liked both brothers, even tho that the whole brother „incest“ thing actually kinda got lost in that story. I mean it was brought up multiple times that they are brothers but it actually didn’t really felt that way since we didn’t really knew much about their background and their dynamic as such besides that they seemed like they are almost strangers towards each other. But either way, I love the Master/puppy dynamic between Adrain and Owen even more.
It didn’t felt weird or faced it really came natural between them too, and I loved how well it worked out.
All in all it was a really easy, fun and enjoyable read. And maybe because of this book right here, I might try some other puppy play books again.
⭐️4,5
March 21, 2018
WOW!
Where to start with my review for this.........
Firstly, five stars are nowhere NEAR enough!
Secondly, due to reading books by these authors before, I could tell who had written what. I'm not saying that as a criticism, I'm saying it because it's a good thing as they both evened each other out with the characters: One authors softer, pliable character to the others hard, more dominant character.
Finally my review........
Adrian and Owen were like chalk and cheese at the start, the only commonality being that they were brothers.
Adrian, the studious, sensible one......
Owen, the worker, rebellious (in a fashion) one.
Then Adrian is set a project at school which leads to the walls ( and boundaries) with his brother being knocked down, brick by brick....At first they're both a bit uneasy, not knowing how to go about things...........Then, when they get more settled with Owen "teaching" Adrian, the lines really begin to blur...........
This truly was an amazing, hot, fun read. These authors working together DEFINITELY has to happen again! They truly do compliment each others writing style!
I'm seriously hoping we get more Adrian & Owen, they are super cute!!
LOVED IT!!
Where to start with my review for this.........
Firstly, five stars are nowhere NEAR enough!
Secondly, due to reading books by these authors before, I could tell who had written what. I'm not saying that as a criticism, I'm saying it because it's a good thing as they both evened each other out with the characters: One authors softer, pliable character to the others hard, more dominant character.
Finally my review........
Adrian and Owen were like chalk and cheese at the start, the only commonality being that they were brothers.
Adrian, the studious, sensible one......
Owen, the worker, rebellious (in a fashion) one.
Then Adrian is set a project at school which leads to the walls ( and boundaries) with his brother being knocked down, brick by brick....At first they're both a bit uneasy, not knowing how to go about things...........Then, when they get more settled with Owen "teaching" Adrian, the lines really begin to blur...........
This truly was an amazing, hot, fun read. These authors working together DEFINITELY has to happen again! They truly do compliment each others writing style!
I'm seriously hoping we get more Adrian & Owen, they are super cute!!
LOVED IT!!
July 6, 2018
Omg.....Two of my favourite authors coming together to write a puppy play/brothers book...Adrian and Owen are amazing together.....Adrian the older brother takes to puppy play so easily with his younger brother as his master.....This was written really well and the brothers relationship just flowed....They really were perfect together and I really hope we get more of them x
June 10, 2021
4.6 stars
March 7, 2022
Steamy taboo novella ❤️🔥
November 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐ review to come (i think lmao)
May 23, 2021
Update: my goodness, how young I was when I first read this! So much has changed in three years... maybe it's time for me to re-read it and see if I still feel the same now that my horizons have been rather (*ahem*) opened.
original review: Boy HOWDY, this was frakking HOT! I'm really not attracted to brothers getting their freak on (and twincest is right out for me), but this story was awesome! Adrian is such an uptight bundle of anxiety, and Owen seems like such a sarcastic brat, but they work so well together when they finally figure it out what they really need. And, as I said before hot hot HOT!
original review: Boy HOWDY, this was frakking HOT! I'm really not attracted to brothers getting their freak on (and twincest is right out for me), but this story was awesome! Adrian is such an uptight bundle of anxiety, and Owen seems like such a sarcastic brat, but they work so well together when they finally figure it out what they really need. And, as I said before hot hot HOT!
April 5, 2018
Incest and puppy play, sign me up. Loved this story, but I hadn't expected anything else since I love all of M.A. Innes' books. This was another example of kink mixed with fluffy sweetness. Very well done.
March 29, 2018
meh...
March 24, 2018
Almost Strangers
I don’t even know what to say about this book. I feel like my Words just aren’t going to be enough. Lol. Like Always. M.A. Innes does a Fantastic job coming up with these great Taboo book subjects to write, And Add in R. Phoenix to the Mix and you get some of the Hottest Kinkiest writing in a book. (Brothers, Puppy Play) These Authors Writing just Meshes so damn well, I hope they keep writing together cause this book was great.
Brothers Adrian (uptight, sensible, stressed out) and Owen (carefree but works hard, slutty, uncaring) are Basically strangers who live together. Until one day Owen walks in on Adrian and it Changes Every Single Part of their lives. There is such a great dynamic between the two right from the start, even though they totally dislike each other, I feel like that makes their relationship more realistic. They are both totally unsure how to proceed and what to do next, and they are both so worried how the other one will feel about their wants and needs. They totally make it all work out, and learn to first like each other again as brothers and then love each other as Master and Pup. I hope to see these guys show up again in a future story.
I don’t even know what to say about this book. I feel like my Words just aren’t going to be enough. Lol. Like Always. M.A. Innes does a Fantastic job coming up with these great Taboo book subjects to write, And Add in R. Phoenix to the Mix and you get some of the Hottest Kinkiest writing in a book. (Brothers, Puppy Play) These Authors Writing just Meshes so damn well, I hope they keep writing together cause this book was great.
Brothers Adrian (uptight, sensible, stressed out) and Owen (carefree but works hard, slutty, uncaring) are Basically strangers who live together. Until one day Owen walks in on Adrian and it Changes Every Single Part of their lives. There is such a great dynamic between the two right from the start, even though they totally dislike each other, I feel like that makes their relationship more realistic. They are both totally unsure how to proceed and what to do next, and they are both so worried how the other one will feel about their wants and needs. They totally make it all work out, and learn to first like each other again as brothers and then love each other as Master and Pup. I hope to see these guys show up again in a future story.
October 9, 2022
M/M, puppy play, spanking, brocest, hea, bi/gay, ~200 pages
Cw: mentions of grief and death
I was hesitant about reading a book involving puppy play because it isn't typically something that floats my boat. However... Incest floats that boat just fine so here we are. This book had one of the best prepping scenes I have ever read which is saying something because I've been pretty much reading exclusively m/m content for like the last two years or so. I loved the tentative way this story built. The way the characters blossomed from each other. It was so real and genuine. The only reason this isn't getting 5 stars is because there was a bit of repetitive language in the first half about being related to the point where I had to skim over it. It felt very aimless and disconjointed compared to the rest of the story which flowed seamlessly.
Cw: mentions of grief and death
I was hesitant about reading a book involving puppy play because it isn't typically something that floats my boat. However... Incest floats that boat just fine so here we are. This book had one of the best prepping scenes I have ever read which is saying something because I've been pretty much reading exclusively m/m content for like the last two years or so. I loved the tentative way this story built. The way the characters blossomed from each other. It was so real and genuine. The only reason this isn't getting 5 stars is because there was a bit of repetitive language in the first half about being related to the point where I had to skim over it. It felt very aimless and disconjointed compared to the rest of the story which flowed seamlessly.
September 11, 2018
Not my cup of tea.
February 1, 2024
Schmoopy puppy play but make it brothers kissing on the mouth.
June 8, 2021
I enjoyed Owen and Adrian’s journey, disjointed though it was. The puppy play especially was lovely. I just never really had a sense of Adrian. He was almost too much of a caricature, yet the moments he explored his pup side drew me in.
I totally recommend if you’re in the mood for taboo and kink; there were several well done intimate and erotic scenes.
I totally recommend if you’re in the mood for taboo and kink; there were several well done intimate and erotic scenes.
December 19, 2020
Adrien (pup) & Owen (Master)
This is my 29th book by M.A. Innes, my 5th by R. Phoenix. So I may be a tad biased, but this felt more like M.A. Innes stylistically. It even has a loose coupling with the kinky college books. Adrien has a one time consultation with Dr. Sheppard. And I’m thinking the unnamed gay couple leaving Dr. Sheppard’s office was Kevin & Jeremy.
I’m beginning to think every M.A. Innes book — besides the sf ones — shares a common universe even if there aren't direct cross-over characters.
As to this story...
Adrien and Owen lost their parents in a car accident. They are sharing a home again, but are practically strangers, two ships passing in the night. That is until Owen enters his brother’s room without knocking to find him sitting on the floor wearing a dog collar, nude, contemplating a puppy play tail. And Owen, without missing a beat, offers to help Adrien with the tail.
Adrien is working on a project for his human sexuality class. He's supposed to learn what makes a kink of his choice appealing. And the kink that spoke to him was puppy play.
* Adrien is the older brother. Bi-sexual, but not particularly experienced. He’s an accounting major, a rule follower, a chronic worrier.
* Owen is the younger brother. Gay, promiscuous. He’s working part time at a fast food restaurant to pay for college. He’s spontaneous and quick witted.
After their little encounter, Owen can’t get his brother’s research project out of his head. The next time they have an unaccustomed dinner together, Owen orders Adrien to kneel as he strokes his head and feeds him a cookie.
They go from collar, to leash, to ball, before the puppy tail becomes inevitable, as does the the slide into something more sexually explicit. But more than the physical chemistry, it’s the emotional connection they both cherish. The closeness it brings. And the permission for Owen to lead and Adrien to let go and be.
The book ends with Adrien submitting his paper, admitting the research helped him find himself, his inner strength, and the man he loves.
This is my 29th book by M.A. Innes, my 5th by R. Phoenix. So I may be a tad biased, but this felt more like M.A. Innes stylistically. It even has a loose coupling with the kinky college books. Adrien has a one time consultation with Dr. Sheppard. And I’m thinking the unnamed gay couple leaving Dr. Sheppard’s office was Kevin & Jeremy.
I’m beginning to think every M.A. Innes book — besides the sf ones — shares a common universe even if there aren't direct cross-over characters.
As to this story...
Adrien and Owen lost their parents in a car accident. They are sharing a home again, but are practically strangers, two ships passing in the night. That is until Owen enters his brother’s room without knocking to find him sitting on the floor wearing a dog collar, nude, contemplating a puppy play tail. And Owen, without missing a beat, offers to help Adrien with the tail.
Adrien is working on a project for his human sexuality class. He's supposed to learn what makes a kink of his choice appealing. And the kink that spoke to him was puppy play.
* Adrien is the older brother. Bi-sexual, but not particularly experienced. He’s an accounting major, a rule follower, a chronic worrier.
* Owen is the younger brother. Gay, promiscuous. He’s working part time at a fast food restaurant to pay for college. He’s spontaneous and quick witted.
After their little encounter, Owen can’t get his brother’s research project out of his head. The next time they have an unaccustomed dinner together, Owen orders Adrien to kneel as he strokes his head and feeds him a cookie.
They go from collar, to leash, to ball, before the puppy tail becomes inevitable, as does the the slide into something more sexually explicit. But more than the physical chemistry, it’s the emotional connection they both cherish. The closeness it brings. And the permission for Owen to lead and Adrien to let go and be.
The book ends with Adrien submitting his paper, admitting the research helped him find himself, his inner strength, and the man he loves.
March 28, 2018
This was so good. I was very skeptical about reading this book because if there’s something that is out of my comfort zone, that’s puppy play and this book have plenty of it. I still decide to give it a try and it end up being a good decision since I really liked it.
I still don’t like puppy play, that hasn’t change one bit, but there were the other things about the book that made me enjoy it so much. I loved the Adrian’s study subject because his trying to understand things, made me want to try and do the same, try to understand the reasons. It might not have end up the same way for me as it did for him, but I still had a good time.
What I liked the most about it were the characters, both of them were so nice. Adrian was so sweet and shy, he was easy to like. I did have few issues with him, I found him a little bit annoying at times, maybe he was a bit too shy for my taste, but in general he was really nice. I also liked Owen a lot, he seem to be more self-confident, but it was great to see what was under that rough exterior. The way they start their relationship, as a couple, it was very interesting. I loved the way they started to connect, to know each other a little better. The sweet moments between them were the ones I enjoy the most, sure it had some really hot scenes, but it was the more subtle things like smiles, caresses and kisses that I loved the most.
Overall it was a really nice and sweet book. I was expecting something more in the darker side, considering the subjects addressed, but I was pleasantly surprise by its sweetness.
I still don’t like puppy play, that hasn’t change one bit, but there were the other things about the book that made me enjoy it so much. I loved the Adrian’s study subject because his trying to understand things, made me want to try and do the same, try to understand the reasons. It might not have end up the same way for me as it did for him, but I still had a good time.
What I liked the most about it were the characters, both of them were so nice. Adrian was so sweet and shy, he was easy to like. I did have few issues with him, I found him a little bit annoying at times, maybe he was a bit too shy for my taste, but in general he was really nice. I also liked Owen a lot, he seem to be more self-confident, but it was great to see what was under that rough exterior. The way they start their relationship, as a couple, it was very interesting. I loved the way they started to connect, to know each other a little better. The sweet moments between them were the ones I enjoy the most, sure it had some really hot scenes, but it was the more subtle things like smiles, caresses and kisses that I loved the most.
Overall it was a really nice and sweet book. I was expecting something more in the darker side, considering the subjects addressed, but I was pleasantly surprise by its sweetness.
July 6, 2018
I immediately liked Adrian from reading the first chapter. He was funny in his descriptions of the puppy play. I loved how much he focused on the "research" aspect of it.. how open but cautious he was. When he was talking about going from a collar to a plug.. "Working my way up the kink latter" I laughed out loud at that. Adrian was so sweet and vulnerable and you cannot help but like him. When you first meet Owen, he is definitely more wolfish I would say. He seems slicker and more confident. However, we quickly see a sweeter side to him as well.
The puppy play scenes were somehow both super sweet and hot once they really got into them. I liked the backstory of why Adrian was first looking into it and the epilogue was perfect. It was different from what you usually see in an epilogue but it really focused on the development of Adrian's character and Owen's character by default.
The book centers mostly around the two MCs with very little interaction with outside characters but it really works for this story. It was important to see the relationship development of Owen and Adrian. I really enjoyed this book!!
Lastly, I was super excited that we saw Dr. Sheppard in this book.. I want his story!!! He is a nice anchor in Ma Innes books. Maybe we will see some crossover between more of MA Innes characters and Owen and Adrian. Her and R. Phoenix wrote beautifully together and I hope they do more collaborations!
The puppy play scenes were somehow both super sweet and hot once they really got into them. I liked the backstory of why Adrian was first looking into it and the epilogue was perfect. It was different from what you usually see in an epilogue but it really focused on the development of Adrian's character and Owen's character by default.
The book centers mostly around the two MCs with very little interaction with outside characters but it really works for this story. It was important to see the relationship development of Owen and Adrian. I really enjoyed this book!!
Lastly, I was super excited that we saw Dr. Sheppard in this book.. I want his story!!! He is a nice anchor in Ma Innes books. Maybe we will see some crossover between more of MA Innes characters and Owen and Adrian. Her and R. Phoenix wrote beautifully together and I hope they do more collaborations!
May 18, 2019
Honestly could have been 5 Stars had the guys felt like brothers rather than having the authors tell us, repeatedly, that they were brothers. Something was missing...they felt more like roommates or distant relatives who didn't particularly like each other. And I know that lack of engagement helped fuel the later connection (as they addressed misconceptions) and fed the title of the book, but I've read 'cesty books by both of these writers and that was never a problem with their stories. So, yeah, they could have just been friends that fell out, or roommates, and it wouldn't have changed the story much. That's not what I'm looking for in a 'cesty story.
That said, the relationship building itself (from adversarial, almost, to deep feelings) was extremely well done. As was the "research" and experimentation aspects of puppy-play. Loved how the authors really delved into the thought processes of both characters.
I do have say that last section read a little like the letter at the end of The Breakfast Club. Which is funny because the movie is mentioned elsewhere in the text. I liked it, but for some reason it also felt a bit hokey.
That said, the relationship building itself (from adversarial, almost, to deep feelings) was extremely well done. As was the "research" and experimentation aspects of puppy-play. Loved how the authors really delved into the thought processes of both characters.
I do have say that last section read a little like the letter at the end of The Breakfast Club. Which is funny because the movie is mentioned elsewhere in the text. I liked it, but for some reason it also felt a bit hokey.
March 29, 2018
Adrian is a college student researching for a school project. He shares a house with his brother, Owen, but they are not close. Owen walks in on Adrian researching his Human Sexuality project & things take a turn...
"I was going to be going to that special hell reserved for lawyers & televangelists."
They both want to build a better relationship with each other but are unsure how to go about it. Through the project research, they slowly they begin to trust each other.
There was a great dynamic between them. Each of them having their own insecurities about themselves but seeing the other as the strong one... It was great to see their relationship strengthening.
I enjoyed watching them build their connection. Both slowly trusting & opening up to what they want. It was beautiful & felt special to observe.
"This was my pup. I was his master. He wanted to be touched, and I wanted to touch him. For right now, it was that simple."
I really loved this book. I definitely hope we see more of these guys in the future.
"I was going to be going to that special hell reserved for lawyers & televangelists."
They both want to build a better relationship with each other but are unsure how to go about it. Through the project research, they slowly they begin to trust each other.
There was a great dynamic between them. Each of them having their own insecurities about themselves but seeing the other as the strong one... It was great to see their relationship strengthening.
I enjoyed watching them build their connection. Both slowly trusting & opening up to what they want. It was beautiful & felt special to observe.
"This was my pup. I was his master. He wanted to be touched, and I wanted to touch him. For right now, it was that simple."
I really loved this book. I definitely hope we see more of these guys in the future.
September 16, 2025
This book wasn’t nearly long enough. I finished it so fast I had to double-check the page count—190 pages? Really? The writing just flowed. The character’s thoughts and monologues were clear but still a little tangled in that way that made sense emotionally. I knew exactly how they were feeling without it being overly spelled out, which I appreciated.
What really stood out to me was the pacing of the relationship. A lot of books in this genre (both puppy-play and taboo) like to jump in headfirst, but this one actually took its time. And thank god for that. It didn’t feel rushed or forced—it felt earned. The connection wasn’t just about attraction; it was about trust, closeness, and that very real fear of losing someone important. It added depth that I honestly wasn’t expecting.
For taboo/incest books, I always look at how the foundation is laid, how the relationship grows, and how it all wraps up. This one handled that really well. Step by step, with care. They were cute, and I liked them together. It just worked.
What really stood out to me was the pacing of the relationship. A lot of books in this genre (both puppy-play and taboo) like to jump in headfirst, but this one actually took its time. And thank god for that. It didn’t feel rushed or forced—it felt earned. The connection wasn’t just about attraction; it was about trust, closeness, and that very real fear of losing someone important. It added depth that I honestly wasn’t expecting.
For taboo/incest books, I always look at how the foundation is laid, how the relationship grows, and how it all wraps up. This one handled that really well. Step by step, with care. They were cute, and I liked them together. It just worked.
August 19, 2022
Wooo! That was scorching! I've read two other puppy play books and hated them. As kink-friendly as I am, I just couldn't see the appeal. But this one? This one hit the mark. While the added taboo element to this story doesn't hurt, I think this book was successful for me because it was character-driven. The authors took the time to reveal who each man was and why they might find this particular kink appealing. I also appreciated how--as the characters grew to care for each other--the authors began to help us change how we viewed both characters. As an added bonus, the sex scenes were scorching and left me wanting more. This was my first book by this pair but it certainly won't be the last.
May 27, 2019
I didn’t finish it
The relationship between the two brothers, as a sexual relationship, seem to forced for me. Well I’ve read other books pertaining to the subject matter and rooted for the main characters to get together despite the taboo nature, I never wanted these two characters to get together. I couldn’t make the connection, and honestly felt like their relationship was unhealthy Force due to the recent death of their parents. Still love the authors so I’ll try again next book.
The relationship between the two brothers, as a sexual relationship, seem to forced for me. Well I’ve read other books pertaining to the subject matter and rooted for the main characters to get together despite the taboo nature, I never wanted these two characters to get together. I couldn’t make the connection, and honestly felt like their relationship was unhealthy Force due to the recent death of their parents. Still love the authors so I’ll try again next book.
January 3, 2019
MC's rating: Adrian 3.5* / Owen 4*
Story rating: 3.5*
Heat level rating: 4*
Romance rating: 3.5*
Story wrap up rating: 3.5*
Overall rating: 4*
March 10, 2019
Usually, I totally dig a kinky taboo story, but this one felt kind of perfunctory or something. It just didn't feel particularly kinky or especially taboo. Maybe I'm just getting jaded in my old age? Lol. I liked it just fine, but wasn't blown away.
August 8, 2023
The brother’s poverty level life was touchingly written. The entire book had a lot of gentle feels with the growing relationship and support between the MCs. This was my first puppy play book back when, and maybe first brocest. It was wrapped in a loving story.
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