| Title | : | The Brat and the Bossman (The Hedonist, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 270 |
| Publication | : | First published January 12, 2019 |
And Lake isn't boyfriend material.Ever since his older brother died, Blaze has run the Hedonist Motorcycle Club. He also owns a porn company, Hard Time Productions. When he decides to merge with another company, he's surprised to find his new business partner's PA is Lake Adams, the feisty, sharp-tongued young man Blaze had met at a party over a year ago. Blaze has come to terms with a lot of things since then and, after some initial uncertainty, wants to give dating Lake a try. But the guy's burning the candle at both ends and determined not to make things easy for Blaze. However, the more Blaze sees of Lake, the more he's convinced the man is worth the effort.
And Blaze is a determined man.
The Brat and the Bossman (The Hedonist, #3) Reviews
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Re-read September 2023
I still liked this, but I couldn't help but notice there were a lot of traumatic things that happened to Lake jammed into this story. I think some could have been left out.
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4.25 stars
My favorite of the series so far! Because yay, no push and pull! And lots of lovely hurt/comfort.
Lake grew up a rich boy, but his parents disowned him because he is gay. Now he’s trying to get by working 4 jobs and still he can’t seem to make rent. So he’s starving most days, since food is a luxury he can’t really afford.
Blaze, the president of the Hedonists, met Lake a year ago at Dante’s party and can’t get the pretty man out of his head. Lake might have a mouth on him, but he also seemed vulnerable at times.
Blaze isn’t sure it was attraction that made him notice the man, since he’s always considered himself straight. But when he sees Lake again, he knows it wasn’t a fluke.
With the two of them working together when Blaze’s company is merging with another company where Lake works as a part-time PA, the two can’t seem to avoid each other. Not that Blaze is trying to. He’s not sure why but he knows he wants to be around Lake more.
Lake is more careful. He’s been hurt in the past and with him barely scraping by, he’s not sure he’s in a place to start anything. And he isn’t even sure that Blaze is gay, or bi.
When Lake faints one evening in the club where he works, Blaze is there to catch him and make sure he’s alright. Now Blaze will just have to make sure Lake has someone to take care of him…
This was way better than I expected! I really expected Blaze to be different, or that he would push Lake away since he was supposed to be straight. But none of that here. Blaze was actually pretty sweet, and the relationship was remarkably drama free.
The only drama was because of how cautious Lake was and what a mess his life was. But that only resulted in them taking it slow, not the stupid push and pull like in the other two books.
We had some lovely hurt/comfort moments in this, and I think these guys are my favorite couple of this series so far. -
This series is getting better and better every time. This one was amazing.
Blaze is the leader of the mc the Hedonist, when he meets Lake for the second time Lake acts, like the brat he is, as if he doesn’t recognize Blaze.
Blaze is intrigued...
How Lake acts and how he really is is far apart. When Lake gets homeless he can live at the Hedonist clubhouse.
Lake has a hurtful past and is like a frightened little fragile rabbit.
It isn’t easy and Lake will be Blazes first man but Blaze feels committed to Lake and will do everything in his power to protect him and make him his.
Big scary looking men with beautiful souls. I love all members of the Hedonist they are the best.
The way of writing was strong, steady well worked out. I drank all the powerful lines, they were well written. Beside all the explosive power there are kind sides, sensual and arousing hot sexy, Blaze and Lake are perfect together.
When you love some filthy mouthed, heavy tattooed, enormous postured Harley Davidson riders... with the best souls... and a story with a good plot... this one is for you.
There are members who need their own story... I can’t wait to get the next in my hands...
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team -
***** Another exciting tale from the Hedonist Motercycle Club. We already like their
* President, Blaze, with jet black hair, blue eyes,
muscles and tattoos, who has helped so many. He's realized he wants Lake, and sets out to win him over.
* Lake is younger, 26, tall, blonde hair, green eyes,
who works 3 jobs, including waiter and pole dancer, to keep himself above water. He's confused about Blaze's turn around.
I love all of the Club members and the story is a dramatic mix of issues.
Down and out Lake, disowned by family works himself to the bone every day. Blaze rescues him when he passes out, and again a short while later from an abusive neighbor. Lake's been attacked and targeted enough in his life, and it's time for a change. When Lake is homeless, Blaze takes him to the Club to stay.
Their feelings and sexy times escalate, but Lake can't figure out why Blaze likes him, because his self esteem is low. Lake's past stories are sad in several ways, which we will see. Blaze is by his side for everything that comes up. In addition, we have MC rivals bringing trouble, and the porn business merger.
The "off the charts" hot and passionate lovin' with these men is amazing. It's M/M firsts for Blaze and he relishes every moment and new act.
We get satisfaction from the resolved issues for sweet Lake, and for the rivals. I'm glad therapy is involved for those who get help with lake's anxiety, PTSD and repressed past abuse.
I loved each man, and Lake deserves good times as much as Blaze. They're a terrific couple.
A riveting story with guts and heart. Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
Previous abuse described, plus his attack attempted rape, Club violence, too.
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Thank you sweet Hadis for the rec !
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I would give this 3.25 stars. It wasn't bad but it was a little boring and I was never a big fan of Lake. Blaze was fine and very sweet but I I didn't feel as deep of a connection as we were told they had. I will still keep reading the series though. There's definitely something about it that I like but I can't put my finger on what.
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There is just something about this series that keep me coming back for more. I actually like this Book 3 much more that the previous 2. Blaze, the President seems like all around nice guy despite being painted as the manwhore who went through countless women. When he set his eyes on Lake though, Blaze seems committed to pursue the little brat who just get under his skin. Lake was going through some rough patch after being disowned by his family. I was a bit confused with the timeline on his predicament. Lake said he was disowned almost 8 years ago, but we saw him at Dante's party just a year or two ago. I wonder how did he end up at the party and he seems to turn into a totally different person when Blaze meet him again in present time.
The romance was enjoyable with some hurt/comfort theme when Lake's past resurface and he had to face his demon with Blaze by his side. I love seeing the protective side of Blaze and his genuine attempt to date Lake instead of seeing Lake as a sex object to explore his own bisexuality.
The whole Tony/Cane and Ax/Caleb's pairing are a great tease. All I want to know is when the next two books are coming out cause I just can't wait to see how the two pair of them played out.
Ironically, the only thing I don't care about in a MC romance is the MC. The club's dispute with the rivals gang and possible danger isn't engaging. Granted, it was not the major story arc and seems to serve as a subplot to remind us that yes, The Hedonist is a MC. -
This is third book in the series and hopefully not the last. I liked this better than the previous book. I’m not sure about the title or cover, though. The cover doesn’t scream Motorcycle Club, and I even think the title is misleading. “Bossman” has me thinking something business related, and that it is a employer/employee relationship.
Blaze is the president of the MC, and he does run his own porn production company, so that’s where that comes from. Lake is a waiter/dancer at a gay club one of Blaze’s friends works at and the MC sometimes hangs out at. He’s also working 3 other jobs, one of which has them working in somewhat close proximity.
There’s attraction, but due to Lake’s low self esteem, and certain events in his past, he’s reluctant to get close to anyone.
Will Lake let Blaze take care of him, and believe he wants more than casual sex, or will his pride get in the way?
I loved Blaze, he is a natural caretaker, whether it’s his club brothers, his aunt, or Lake, he does what he can to keep everyone safe. I love that he tries to keep the club and its members out of trouble. They make money through legal means, and stay away from drugs.
Lake drove me crazy, and he definitely was a brat, but I understand where he was coming from.
*ARC provided by LesCourt Services -
2019 & 2020 - 3 stars
2024 - read & skimmed to write review
👩🏼❤️💋👨🏻 👩🏼❤️👨🏻 MF Vibes
I liked the story and the sex scenes, more when I was new to MM romance. Now it's okay. The best thing is, the story flows well & is easy to read.
👎 Little realism or depth. Insta-lust 🔜 love. Both MCs get jealous & possessive early on. Everyone has a sob story.
✴️ S͎U͎M͎M͎A͎R͎Y͎ ͎&͎ ͎S͎P͎O͎I͎L͎E͎R͎S͎ ✴️
Blaze's Sob Story: His older brother, Tim, was murdered. His mother died when he was born. His dad died from a heart attack. Jake, his best friend, died in a motorcycle accident. As a result, he has abandonment issues.
Blaze has only ever wanted sex with women. He dumps them when they want more.
Hung says: "I guess chicks just want stability. That's why I'm leaning more towards guys these days. They don't care if I f*ck and duck."
But no surprise, after Blaze finds his special guy, he's ready to commit.
Blaze isn't sure if he's bisexual, but it's clear he is. He had a crush on Jake (his late BFF). He often gets hard for Lake (and vice-versa).
Lake's Sob Story: His rich parents are cold & cruel. They kicked him out for being gay. He feels unlovable, weak, and like a loser.
He was sexually assaulted in the past. Men try/want to S.A. him during the story. Even with 4 jobs, he's barely surviving.
Blaze met Lake at Dante's b-day party, a year ago. He meets him again, when Julianne (owns a porn company geared towards women), contacts Blaze about merging their companies. Plus adding gay porn and BDSM. Lake is Julianne's part-time PA. Blaze later agrees to the merger.
MC members go to The Yellow Banana (TYB), a gay bar where Axe is a bartender. Blaze sees Lake, who's a server and a pole dancer.
Several people encourage Blaze to ask Lake out.
Lake is overworked. He faints from dehydration at the TYB. Blaze takes him to the hospital, and then home. Blaze rescues Lake from Ron, his neighbor, who tries to rape him.
(Lake is also nearly raped at TYB.)
Ron gets Lake evicted. He has nowhere to go, so Axe takes him back to the MC house. Partly to keep Lake safe from his leering boss. Blaze & Lake start having sex.
Lake leaves to go stay with his gay friends, Khan and Stephen. They parent him (Khan is the mom). Khan helps Blaze & Lake get together, by talking to Blaze and inviting him over for dinner. In a day, Blaze and Lake are boyfriends.
Minor Threads:
▪️ Spoons, leader of the Pistons, reappears. In book 1, his girlfriend Vanessa was on a motorcycle with Jake. Both died in an accident. Spoons was stopped from killing Morgan in retribution. Now he has to be stopped for good. (He's no real threat to anyone.)
▪️ Barry. He was captain of the football team in high school. He tricked and S.A.'d Lake. Lake befriends his ex, Sara, who he meets at work. Along with her son, B (Barry, Jr.). When Lake & Blaze go ice skating, they see Sara and B, as well as Barry (there for a chaperoned visit). Blaze puts the fear of God into Barry and he leaves.
▪️ Lake freaked out while Cane and Tony were doing a BDSM porn scene. He's also very uncomfortable around Matteo (a MC member).
Why? The spanking scene and Matteo, unknowingly remind Lake of his Uncle Daniel.
Lake's mom shows up to tell him that his dad died. She wants him to work with his uncle, at the family business. Lake meets them at a restaurant. He remembers then, that Daniel Lake leaves. Later, he and Blaze go to confront the uncle at his mom's house. He tells her what Daniel did, but she refuses to believe it.
The Ending: Lake is now living in his own apartment. The MC is celebrating the 4th of July with a cookout. Stephen & Khan, Sara, B, & her new boyfriend, and Blaze's Aunt Shirley (who took Lake under her wing), are there as well. The Piston's new leader shows up to say that he's now in charge, and Spoons is gone for good.
Blaze takes Lake to the cemetery to "meet" his deceased family members & his BFF Jake. He talks to Jake's grave. He says that he thinks Jake was with Vanessa, b/c he knew that Blaze had a crush on him. It was to push Blaze away.
"I think you just couldn’t bring yourself to discuss it out loud, and that’s okay. I’m happy, J. I’m in love with Lake, and we have the MC. Everything’s good. I just wanted you to know that.”
Earlier, Matteo said that Vanessa could have been a plant, to find things out about their MC.
(I think both guesses are kind of dumb.)
DISLIKES:
🔻 The Underlying Message: Being with a man is SO much better than being with a woman.
A Few Examples:
🔹When had I started feeling like Lake was mine to protect? Why did lying beside him seem like more of a commitment than I’d ever made to any woman I’d taken to bed?
🔹Sleeping with him was nothing like sleeping with the girlfriends I’d had over the years.
🔹Lake was ready in a flash—another positive difference from the women I’d dated
🔻 Unrealistic pole dancing. Lake is great at it, even when he's exhausted, dehydrated and malnourished. No practice or exercise is needed.
Future books are being set up. I never want to read about Hung. Eww. 🤢 His blurb (book #6) says he's had sex with dozens of people. It's more like over a hundred. No thanks!
151 F's -
Hot biker coming to terms with his attraction to the same sex? Hot!
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This book was great and I really feel like this series just keeps getting better with each book. I’ve loved all three so far.
Lake was a cute character. I really felt for him with everything he had to go through. All the people who try to take advantage and do horrible things knowing he’s smaller than them. But he is definitely out as much of a victim as he sees himself being. He’s a fighter and all of his stubbornness really shines bright, showing us how determined he is to make it on his own without the help he really and truly needs.
Blaze, has a serious fear of being abandoned and really who wouldn’t after everything he has gone through. Lake and him are both peas in a pod when it comes to family baggage and dealing with past hurt and issues. I really enjoyed reading about the two of these men. They were perfect for each other and I loved that once Blaze figured out he really did like Blake he was all in and wanted to make sure Lake was taken care of. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. -
Another "MM" romance that starts with one of the main characters in a relationship with a woman. Sorry, "breaking up" with a woman, a woman who then laments that her girl friends warned her that he's done this "bang her and leave her" nonsense before. Sigh.
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3.5 stars ♋ 🚬I enjoyed this one more than the second book, but I still love Zeke & Morgan's story (#1) more...I liked Blaze and Lake equally but there were some inconsistencies in their characters. I couldn't reconcilie Blaze, the womanizer, accepting so easily he liked men too. Especially how his interest in Lake changed that fast after the first chapter. I just couldn't believe it. I'd have preferred if it took a little more time. 
Don't drive him away like you did the others. When you win the trust of someone like Lake, you gotta keep it."Blaze is supposed to be the one with doubts as he never have been with a man but Lake ended up being the one with more problems although they're more about his traumas and self-worth. We understand with time where these traumas came from. I thought when he talked about the highschool incident, it was all. But nope, just in the final chapters we find his uncle molested him too. I don't know if that one was necessary when the story was about to end. Still, his self-loathing wasn't totally explained, at least for me. Really, It was like Lake had a neon sign that caught perverts attention...tsk tskNevertheless, I enjoyed their story. Blaze was a softie at heart when it came to Lake and very patient with him. Lake wasn't really a brat, he just wanted to protect himself.I'm looking forward to Ax & Caleb couple and maybe Cane & Tony? We will see. Oh, and I would like to read about Khan and Stephen too.
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I liked the book but I have to put 3.5 stars. I loved Blaze, he was in a situation that he never thought he could be in and did everything right, he didn't shy away from it, he embraced it. He liked Lake so he went and did everything he could to make him his. He was patient and loving, I loved that. I liked Lake but sometimes he frustated me. He went through a lot, and I felt so bad for him, he deserved a man like Blaze in his life. But he didn't make any efforts to be with him either, just at the ending and it wasn't much. I just wanted some effort from Lake'a part, Blaze deserved it
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Blaze is the President of the Hedonist Motorcycle Club. Lake is doing it tough, working 4 jobs after being kicked out by his parents.
When Blaze helps out Lake it forces them in closer proximity.
As they grow closer, Blaze continues to be there for Lake.
It was great to catch up with all the other guys. I really look forward to Axel and Caleb's story!!
A great story of made family and friends sticking together and helping each other. -
As I've come to expect from Rebecca James' Hedonist Series, The Brat and the Bossman is a riveting and complex romance.
It's always fun when a man discovers he's not as straight as he thought, which is exactly what happens to Blaze. He's the tough owner of a porn studio and is the leader of the Hedonists MC.
When he meets Lake, Lake is close to hitting rock bottom. Lake certainly can't survive much longer at the pace he's working, and with all the people he's in contact with daily.
Lake and Blaze are fantastic together. They're a compelling pair, who have a tough road to travel to be together. They're two men who are not only sweet together, but also hot.
Lake's background is fascinating. He's such a brave and courageous young man. He's been abused, assaulted and is still standing tall. He certainly isn't ready to accept Blaze's love, but he certainly can't resist the hot biker. After all, it's Blaze who keeps saving him. It's Blaze who's protecting him. It's Blaze who's making him feel. And it's Blaze who will make him realize he's strong and a survivor.
Overall, it's a tender tale of self-discovery, overcoming past trauma and issues, and taking chances on love. Blaze's discovery of being attracted to Lake, and his subsequent reactions are a whole lot of fun. I love the way he reacts and his ability to accept his sexuality. Lake's a wonderful character who I fell in love with immediately. Both the changes that take place in him and the growth he experiences are just delightful and impressive.
Did I mention that Lake is a dancer, as in a pole dancer? Yeah, this leads to some sensual moments.
The porn scenes are well written, and super intriguing. I can't wait to read more about Tony.
I love the Hedonist Series and look forward to seeing what happens next. Each book has drawn me in and hooked me until the end. They can be read as standalones, but are definitely more fun if read in order. -
So enjoying this series! Bringing some amazing men to life and giving them the chance of love and their own HEA.
Blaze is the bossman of the Hedonists and has recently been questioning if he's as straight as he thinks, especially after meeting Lake last year.
Lake is barely scraping by working four jobs and missing meals just to make rent. When Blaze steps in to help on several occasions, he can't understand why anyone would want to help him.
The two men come together under tough circumstances and fight themselves and each other to get their happy ending.
I loved this story of such stubborn men, Blaze learning to accept himself and Lake learning to allow help from others. It's a lot to change mentally, especially for Lake after being alone for a few years once kicked out by his parents. His situation is something that Blaze wants to take care of, as well as the man himself, being the caring man that he is. It's really fun to read the banter back and forth between them whilst a clear attraction is there. Rebecca has done well allowing the relationship to build over time giving the feeling of it all going along at a natural pace, nothing is rushed.
We also have many cameos from our Hedonist favourites, giving support through the rougher times but more than happy to joke around at the expense of others. Morgan and Swish make for good friends for Lake, being the latest/newest people to join the group of friends. The friends/club have a real family feel to them and you know that they always take care of there own, especially in the rough times that pop up in this story. Reading Blaze's anger come to life in defence of Lake is damn hot and swoon worthy!
Definitely recommend this book and the series! Personally, I'm hoping for Axel and Caleb's story next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review. -
This third book in the Hedonists MC was very enjoyable and well-written. I like when I can get into a story and not be jarred out of the flow by grammatical or spelling errors. I recommend that you read to the previous two books in the series to understand some of the larger story arc to do with MC business, but to enjoy the relationship between the two main characters it's not essential.
This tale focusses on the president of the Hedonists, Blaze, who is also the head honcho of Hard Time Productions, a porn production company, and Lake Adams, formerly a snobby brat son of wealthy parents, now PA to Julianne, who is head of Velvet and Steel Productions, a porn company looking to merge with Hard Time.
I find Lake to be an interesting character that I can relate to as he tries to do everything himself, not wanting to lean on others for help if he can help it. He resists Blaze initially when he flirts with Lake during the merger meeting. Watching Lake learn to accept help when he truly needs it, and seeing Blaze open himself up to the possibility of a relationship with this cutie, after years of being a notorious serial dater women, only to run from them all at the first sign of them wanting a commitment. Will Blaze finally find his heart in the one guy who keeps trying to run away from him? I recommend you read and find out for yourself how Blaze and Lake find their HEA. -
I think I enjoyed this the most out of the three books so far. I’m enjoying the bisexual theme and Blaze is the second in the series to so easily accept his recently discovered sexuality. There’s a bit of sameness there and I was feeling a touch of misogyny in the comparisons of dating and sex with women to men. It is certainly far from the stereotypical biker club I’m used to seeing, since there were openly bisexual and gay characters from the start. Also the porn production business is unique. Makes me wonder how it will figure in future stories.
Lake is stubbornly independent to the detriment of his own health and I did enjoy Blaze gently steamrolling all of his objections to give Lake help. The storyline actually felt pretty realistic over all. I’m always pleased when therapy becomes a part of the story for traumatized characters. The mom and uncle were kind of cartoon villainous and I’d like to have seen charges pressed or some sort of retribution. I also question if the father’s death gave Lake any kind of inheritance. I really enjoyed reading this overall, with less heavy angst and a character driven plot. The threads from the first two books are seemingly tied up neatly but perhaps the other bike club will offer some plot fodder in the future. -
This is the third book in the series, and I was excited for MC president Blaze to finally find love. Blaze spent the previous books dumping each girlfriend who tried to get too close. It was not a stretch for me to believe that what he needed was something completely different from what he was used to for him to be happy. That something different turned out to be Lake, former classmate of Dante, a poor little rich boy who'd been kicked out by his parents for being gay. Now he was working four jobs and still had trouble making ends meet.
These two men had so much baggage! I just wanted to hug them both most of the time, though there were times I wanted to shake at least one of them. But they were also so sweet - and crazy-level sexy - together. I won't go over the plot, which should be read to be truly appreciated. I'll just say that I loved both of these characters, and I loved the time spent with their friends. It made me happy to see Blaze and Lake getting closer, as Blaze just wanted to take care of and protect the man who was fighting their connection so hard. Despite the setting of a motorcycle club with glimpses of the porn company they owned, this was really a sweet story. I'm really enjoying this series, and I look forward to book four. -
3 stars!
"Hurt/Comfort Style MM Romance"
This is the 3rd book in the Hedonist series that follows members of the Hedonist motorcycle club. I nabbed an ARC for this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
This book is about Blaze, leader of the MC, and Lake, a hot mess who is floundering out in the real world, as they navigate life dealing with heaping piles of baggage (make sure you read the trigger warning at the beginning). Can they sift through enough to make a lasting love connection?
What I liked was that the MC drama was ramped up. I felt like we learned a bit more of the hierarchy and how the porn studio fits into the MC. I also liked that the drama exists almost completely outside of the relationship which is refreshing. What I felt was confusing was the timeline. We met Lake about 1 year ago at Dante's party. If he was kicked out and hadn't spoken to his mom is years why would he be at a society party. I was just confused by this. I also didn't like the title. I don't see Lake as a brat and I don't really think he ever acted like one in this book.
Overall, it was a decent story but felt different than the other books. This book introduced a bunch of new MC members so I'm hoping for more motorcycle hotness! -
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class -
I wanted to like this one, I really did. Lake and Blaze were pretty sweet together. I hope that Axel and Caleb are next.
However, I did not enjoy the porn scenes. I found that reading about porn sometimes makes me uncomfortable, because I always worry about whether or not the actors are really doing this because they want to do it (which I hope so! And am pretty sure most are because they are free as fuck in their sexuality and sex positive and that’s great) or doing it because they have no choice or feel pressured to do it. I get that Jeovanni is all for it. Go him.
(But we don’t need to keep being reminded that he has a huge dick. We got it. It got repetitive and annoying after awhile)
Yet, Tony’s hesitancy set off so many warning bells for me and Lake’s history made me feel so much. So those two things together made me anxious. I didn’t like that. I could be reading into this wrong, but Tony’s part in porn scenes felt so forced. Too forced. Not sure what was going on , but hope that gets cleared up.
The club drama felt a bit repetitive again and unnecessary. -
The Brat and the Bossman by Rebecca James is the third book in The Hedonist series. And let me start of by saying that this series is getting even better with each book released.
Lake and Blaze are amazing characters. And their story is a good one. I love how Blaze goes through his self discovery and realizes that he may not be as straight as he always thought, but its sweet that hes finding himself wanting more from Lake than he ever wanted from his previous girlfriends. Lake was kicked out from his family, he is haunted by events from his past... and he is exhausted from working four jobs just to survive. Together they are sweet but also extremely hot. Plus, the more I see of the supporting cast of characters, the more books I want. I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation. -
I should complain that these books are bad for my health. I stay up all night reading and not wanting to put them down. Like the last one I read this story in one sitting. In the first book we met Blaze, the president of the Hedonists. We knew he was struggling with something but what it was we did not know. His caring personality has held true through all the books and shows itself here again. Although he is not a violent man, he will take the role when needed. Blaze met Lake in the last book. Things did not go well and as they meet again in this story, they definitely don't start off on the right foot. But opposites do attract and when the Lake's situation means he has to ask for help... Blaze is there. The two have to find out what it will take for them to get there HEA. I also love that the author continues to develop the secondary characters. Leaving you wanting for more... more sleepless night ahead for me!
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Good book
Blaze and Lake's story is well written. Lake has had a hard time and seems to get into some rather horrid situations with people manipulating/ bullying him ' truly the guy needs someone to care for him and have his back, ta-dah Blaze!. Blaze is a typical alpha male that just realised he likes men. The story is interesting and it's good how they navigate all the challenges to become a couple. The inclusion of their jobs works with the plot; Blaze runs a porn production company and Lake has four different jobs. I find the guys peacocking rather funny. The conflict with the other biker gangs was a bit suspenseful and makes the story rounded. Towards the end of book, Lake's mother gets in touch and there's some additional context regarding Lake's childhood and his uncle - this part felt rushed and perhaps would have enhanced the story to be earlier in the book.
I'd give the book 4stars, it's worth preserving to the end. -
I have to say, Lake was nothing like I thought he would be. Not the upper echelon, snooty, hoity toity, better than you man I pictured. Instead, he’s just a young man, who is struggling and hurting terribly. Hurt/comfort is my favorite trope, and this author does it well. I loved Blaze’s patience and understanding, considering how skittish Lake was. The book has some angst, having to do with the club and it’s past with Jake and Vanessa. It isn’t over the top MC business which I appreciate, because it is not my favorite trope - but this author is always an auto buy for me. I truly enjoy her writing style and even more so, the characters. They are always full of life and I become invested in them. Speaking of characters, I truly hope Axel and Caleb are next! I think Caleb’s story will break me, but this dear author will put me together again. Great book with wonderful characters, and a HFN ending. 4.5 stars
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I liked this one so much more than the first two. Lake and Blaze just worked for me, and I love a tension filled enemies to lovers (even if the enemies part doesn’t last very long). There is a lot going on with their individual arcs, their relationship, the club business, and an external threat that keeps rearing up, and it does get a bit convoluted at times. A lot is wrapped up in this one, and it’s done fairly satisfactory. Lots of intense chemistry that was extremely hot, and I love how patient Blaze was with Lake. This would have been a solid four star for me, but there was just one part that really bothered me. I’m not gonna spoiler cause it’s not a trigger, it just didn’t work for me the way the author intended, and threw me way out of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy -
This is the third and most recent of the Hedonist series which follows the Hedonists motorcycle club. Straight-ish club president Blaze is attracted to and becomes protective of Lake, whose rich parents kicked him out for being gay. Lake's barely getting by and Blaze takes him in to the club. Lake's prickly and bratty, but it's mostly defense mechanisms. Mostly. Blaze realizes he's not as straight as he once thought, and wants a serious relationship with Lake, who doesn't really trust anyone. I'm not usually a fan of MC books, but I enjoyed this series and The Brat and the Bossman is the best of the lot so far. I became invested in both Blaze and Lake and I like the other club members so I would be interested in their stories, too.
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I find myself devouring this series and don’t ever want it to end. I need and can’t wait for more.
Blaze is the leader of the MC. He goes through girlfriends as fast as they can say commitment. Things change when he meets Lake. However their first meeting didn’t go so well. Lake is struggling. He working many jobs and barely surviving.
Blaze is going to take care of lake and protect him no matter what. Lake needs to let others in to break his hard exterior and when this happens with Blaze it’s great.
Of course as always the whole MC and Lakes friends are the best people. These guys were super sizzling together and through in these friends. You couldn’t ask for more.
Bring on the next book. I can’t wait. -
Blaze and Lake are my favorite of the series! i have really liked Blaze in the previous books and i was delighted to watch him find love. This story-line was interesting and with low angst. The writing flowed and i found i didn't want to stop reading it.
This club is so not the stereo-typical bad boy biker club and i love finding out more about the members and seeing some previous friends. Lake and Blaze will steam up your kindle! I did enjoy watch Blaze find a way to help Lake. These MC's will make your day.
This is the third book in the Hedonist series and i sure hope there are more to come. We certainly have some breadcrumbs that make the reader hope for more.
