Collaring Chaz (Dante's Infernal #2) by Joel Abernathy

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Chaz

Rafael is the best friend-with-benefits a guy could ask for, but I had to go and screw it all up by falling in love.

Everyone gets sick of me eventually. My birth parents, the endless conveyor belt of foster homes, even the band that became my family.

Why should Raf be any different?

When he wants to take our friendship to the next level by welcoming me into his world of collars and pet names that make me feel wanted and cherished, I know it can’t be permanent.

No matter what he says, there’s no way someone like him could actually want me forever. But I’m going to enjoy pretending for as long as it lasts.

Rafael

I spent so long pining after my best friend, I didn’t even realize the perfect guy was right under my nose.

Chaz is an adorkable goofball who’s kept a band full of hotheads from melting down on numerous occasions, and he and I are perfectly in sync in and out of the bedroom.

Turns out, he’s also a natural submissive who just might be the pup I’ve always wanted, if I can convince him this thing between us is meant to last forever, and not just be a one-hit wonder.

Collaring Chaz is a surprisingly sweet M/M rock star romance loaded with angst, band drama, contractual pup play, a cinnamon roll MC struggling with mental health and addiction, and a dominant rock god who saves him.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

I was elated to get a chance to review Joel Abernathy's Collaring Chaz. I am thrilled to once again get to spend time with the messed up men of Dante's Infernal. The second book in the series, I would highly suggest reading Taming Dante first.

Chaz and Rafe have one hell of a complicated and messy relationship. Best friends since they were young, Chaz is hopelessly in love with Raf, and they've been friends with benefits for a while. So complicated indeed. And in all the band drama, Chaz's meltdowns, managerial hell, and things just get messier.

This book will have your emotions running all over the place, smiling one moment, and wanting to scream the next. Chaz is way too easygoing, always trying to please everyone. It's frustrating and hard to read. Chaz is so damn easy to love but he's also a god damn mess. Hell, I wanted to protect him and love him myself. Luckily he had Raf to fufill that role in the end. But good god, it's much harder to love Raf. He's just aggressive and forceful, with needs that Chaz can't meet, yet in the end he's protective and loving. 

If you enjoy Puppy play, this is a must read. The author not only adds in puppy play, but takes Chaz through the exploration and education of what puppy play is and how it can help him. It's wonderfully written and emotional as can be. 

Of course, there's also some great banter and humor. There's one particular sex scene that left me chuckling. Omg, I am still laughing thinking about the phone call. 

There is one thing I didn't like though. I was surprised at the end with Chaz's discovery. It was suddenly thrown out there, making me question if I had missed something. I would have definitely preferred more discussion on his condition. 

Collaring Chaz is a fantastic addition to the Dante's Infernal series. Joel Abernathy has created a fabulously messy world and these extremely chaotic characters who continue to keep me intrigued and riveted. These men are absolutely addicting and I can't wait to get more of this band. If you're in the mood for messy and angsty, this is your read.

Take Care of You (Taking Care #1) by Gianni Holmes

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Declan’s quest seems simple enough. Find an older man who defers to him and remain in control of every aspect of his life.

Twenty-five-year-old wealthy businessman, Declan Moore, thrives on taking charge of situations and people. It’s what he’s good at. Too bad he can’t find an older man who’s willing to relinquish total control and let him take charge.

Then he meets Owen, the older submissive.

For the past fifteen years, Owen Long brought up his three children on his own, dedicating his life to raising them right and minimizing the impact of their mother abandoning them. Now his youngest has left the nest, the forty-six-year-old is stuck, not sure of his position in the world. His life’s practically over or so he thinks until a younger man with an unusual kink enters his life and proves otherwise.

Owen has no problem giving up control to Declan. In fact, after the long years of putting his now adult children first, he craves the attention Declan gives, but dare he go further and accept the role Declan wants him to play? Can he completely let go of his hang-ups about Declan’s age and let the younger man take care of him? Both men must learn it's okay to trust and when it’s time to give in.

Take Care of You is an 85k word romance novel. It is the first part of the Taking Care trilogy.

Books Intended for This Series
Take Care of You (Book 1)
Take Care of You (Book 2)

Take Care of Us (Book 3)

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow. Gianni Holmes had me immediately falling in love with Take Care of You. The tone, the men, everything captured my attention. It's the perfect combination of some of my favorite tropes, May to December, Daddy kink, comfort/hurt, and slow burn.

And, omg, the Daddy is half the age of his partner. Hell, yes!!! You have to appreciate this fun twist. Love that Declan needs to be a Daddy to an older man. It's definitely different than a typical Daddy kink book.

And, damn! So freakin hot and steamy!

One of the things I appreciate a lot is that Owen accepted the Daddy kink fairly easily. Of course he wasn't interested, as this wasn't ever something he wanted, but he accepts it early on without many problems.

There are amazing and complex family dynamics involved in Owen's life. His kids are off on their own, but still have their issues.

I absolutely love Declan's desire and need to help Owen. His extreme sympathy for all Owen's been through is inspiring. No one's ever thought about Owen's feelings before, but Declan thinks of little else. Declan may be young, but he's a very mature man who's been responsible most of his life, making this believable and realistic.  

This book is wonderful. Absolutely amazing. I seriously can't praise this one enough. There are many emotional moments, some that left me ugly crying. I did a whole lot of worrying too. I don't want to spoil anything, but there's one issue that looms throughout, leaving me with a heavy heart. 

Their relationship progresses naturally, but they have some issues to deal with along the way. They have to deal with resentment, confusion, anger, fear, secrets, and more. They're a strong couple, deeply connected, and offering the other a lot. 

The influence Declan has on Owen is spectacular. He immediately sees Owen as someone he wants to care for and spoil. Declan's rich, powerful, and wants to show Owen the world.

Seriously, Take Care Of You is easily one of my favorites ever. I love every damn second and can't think of anything that could have made it better. Gianni Holmes' writing is stellar, the characters dynamic, and the plot is superb. It's a story of grabbing onto a chance for happiness. It's about sacrifice and care. It's beautiful and I found my heart breaking throughout. OMG! I need more and I need it soon!!!!