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Bad Wrong Things
One promise.
One summer to see it through.
One explosive love fueled by mutual obsession.
The day Clint sees his son, Joey, off to basic training, the young man he’s devoted his life to extracts one promise from him: spend the summer doing something selfish for a change. The request seems harmless enough until Joey puts his best friend, Raven, in charge of seeing it through.
Raven would do anything for the people who took him in as a teen, and, when it comes to Clint, anything comes without limits. When encouraging Clint to explore his selfish side reveals Raven’s love for the older man, Raven is shocked to discover his feelings may not be unrequited. Not only are they returned, but all his darkest, most hidden desires have finally found their match.
Clint’s possession feeds every craving Raven’s ever known. Raven’s openness provides Clint the freedom he’s longed for to take whatever he wants, and soon boundaries are abandoned at the bedroom door. As summer’s promise bleeds into winter, and the threat of Joey’s impending return looms over their heads, Clint and Raven love faster and harder.
When Joey’s disapproval ends up being the least of their concerns, Raven and Clint go to desperate extremes to stay close because something is better than nothing. Facing an uncertain future, both men are left wondering if you can ever go too far or risk too much and still come out on the other side whole.
Bad Wrong Things is an age-gap, best friend’s dad romance with two possessive MCs and themes of hurt/comfort and second chances. Both MCs are consenting adults and eventually get their hard-earned HEA. Use the look inside feature for trigger warnings.
One summer to see it through.
One explosive love fueled by mutual obsession.
The day Clint sees his son, Joey, off to basic training, the young man he’s devoted his life to extracts one promise from him: spend the summer doing something selfish for a change. The request seems harmless enough until Joey puts his best friend, Raven, in charge of seeing it through.
Raven would do anything for the people who took him in as a teen, and, when it comes to Clint, anything comes without limits. When encouraging Clint to explore his selfish side reveals Raven’s love for the older man, Raven is shocked to discover his feelings may not be unrequited. Not only are they returned, but all his darkest, most hidden desires have finally found their match.
Clint’s possession feeds every craving Raven’s ever known. Raven’s openness provides Clint the freedom he’s longed for to take whatever he wants, and soon boundaries are abandoned at the bedroom door. As summer’s promise bleeds into winter, and the threat of Joey’s impending return looms over their heads, Clint and Raven love faster and harder.
When Joey’s disapproval ends up being the least of their concerns, Raven and Clint go to desperate extremes to stay close because something is better than nothing. Facing an uncertain future, both men are left wondering if you can ever go too far or risk too much and still come out on the other side whole.
Bad Wrong Things is an age-gap, best friend’s dad romance with two possessive MCs and themes of hurt/comfort and second chances. Both MCs are consenting adults and eventually get their hard-earned HEA. Use the look inside feature for trigger warnings.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2022
913 people are currently reading
5,274 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Harris
12books1,053followersWhen not writing, C.P. Harris can be found reading about the flawed, possessive characters often reflected in her own work. She prefers her love stories a little toxic, emotional, and with a happily ever after well worth the struggle it took to get there. If being wrecked by romance is your jam, then C.P. may be the author for you.
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follow her on Amazon:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 809 reviews
August 26, 2023
What a Wicked Game, indeed.
The beginning is a bit jarring, and I questioned whether it was arranged as such purely for shock value. Upon completion, it does make total narrative sense.
This is a romance that is taboo and forbidden—no one who knows them will understand or accept it.
The changes are fascinating as a father/stepson dynamic morphs into a lover/lover one.
There’s a healthy amount of sex, and it’s written (mostly) accurately and definitely vividly. They have each other everywhere, all the time, and their passion is raw and palpable. So many writers in this genre stick to a few basic, trite scenes—and that’s where they fail. This is a gay relationship with gay men having gay sex. Portraying it otherwise, even for potential readers who may be uncomfortable or prefer things to be nice and neat and clean, would be treason to the characters and their sexuality.
The relationship is so toxic that at times this does become difficult to read. Their obsession is well-written. The exploration of the dark side of love is incredibly consuming.
This book hurts so good. The resolution and ending are stellar. The characters and the love stick with the reader. This is a powerful and exceptional read.
The beginning is a bit jarring, and I questioned whether it was arranged as such purely for shock value. Upon completion, it does make total narrative sense.
This is a romance that is taboo and forbidden—no one who knows them will understand or accept it.
The changes are fascinating as a father/stepson dynamic morphs into a lover/lover one.
There’s a healthy amount of sex, and it’s written (mostly) accurately and definitely vividly. They have each other everywhere, all the time, and their passion is raw and palpable. So many writers in this genre stick to a few basic, trite scenes—and that’s where they fail. This is a gay relationship with gay men having gay sex. Portraying it otherwise, even for potential readers who may be uncomfortable or prefer things to be nice and neat and clean, would be treason to the characters and their sexuality.
The relationship is so toxic that at times this does become difficult to read. Their obsession is well-written. The exploration of the dark side of love is incredibly consuming.
This book hurts so good. The resolution and ending are stellar. The characters and the love stick with the reader. This is a powerful and exceptional read.
October 21, 2024
Welcome to my cooking channel. (Recipe 3!)
Where I roast the shit out of books that are lacking in flavour, spice and depth.
However, the spice was NOT an issue here, if you're spice of choice is cum..
Because you'll either be SO SICK OF CUM by the end of this book, or you'll be close to dying from cumming in your pants. There is no in-between here people. (Also, did you really like this book or are you just horny? #nojudgmenthere)
It's been awhile since a book was worthy of the recipe honour. SO I am happy to be here, without further ado.
READY, STEADY, COOK!
This is a super easy one, just chuck all of the following ingredients into a crockpot, set to high, leave your kindle inside and wait until your house burns down.🔥🔥🔥
Ingredients are as follows:
2 x references of "pissing on" on what's his...
2 x MC's eating their own cum, for no reason I could physically comprehend.
1 x "spurted the dregs into me"
1 x unecessary mention of scraping teeth under fingernails to eat the jizz that remained there.
1 x "dined on my semen"
1 (possibly 2 depending on your own personal head cinema) x describing an asshole to "gasp" or "hole suck inward" when aroused. Personally the head cinema for me was strong here, it was giving a fish's mouth that's gasping for air out of water, and buttholes maybe shouldn't be like that?
1 x set of dirty undies for the lonely mc to sniff when he feels sad
1 x "I want your meat raw"
1x use of the word cream-bubble. (I wanted to throw up and dnf at this point (47%))
1 x "I can’t get deep enough inside you, or close enough to you. I want nothing in our way. Not even skin"
35 x cum, 2 x Jizz, 7 x semen, 1 x spunk, 4 x PUCKER. ew.
Seems like not enough, but there was literally SO MUCH CUM IN THIS BOOK.... Like when you think, surely he's gotta be dry by now...�. He's got like 3 more spurts ready to go 🤣🤣🤣
The MC named Raven was loving it, that's all that matters.
1 x "sucking and using his hole like a straw"
4690467232390 x toxic behaviour that we should not be glorifying or sexualising, like laughing about red flags, stalking, isolating them from everyone around them, jealousy, CNC THAT IS VERY VEEEEEEEERY close to the line of r@pey...
Okay this list could go on forever.
SMASH ALL THESE INGREDIENTS TOGETHER AND ✨VOILA�
SPECIAL MENTION TO THE FACT THAT DURING THIS COUPLES "toxic episode" THEY PRETTY MUCH LOCK THEMSELVES IN A HOUSE FOR A WEEK LONG FUCK FEST WHERE THEY DON'T EAT OR LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES TO THE POINT WHERE ONE MC GETS A FUCKING CRUSTY SORES AROUND HIS MOUTH FROM "OVERUSE"
R U KIDDING ME? 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
There's toxic.... and then there is.... WHATEVER THE FUCK THAT IS.... It's also very questionable that you let your best friend into your ass and then his dad, but we can overlook that I guess??
I was going to give this 2 stars because admittedly, when they weren't being feral and just fucking, it was hot af SOMETIMES. but nah....
SWEETHEART IS THE WORST PET NAME AND YOU CAN'T CHANGE MY MIND
CP Harris waking up doing a daily mantra.
I lost braincells reading this so I'm sorry this is mess.
Where I roast the shit out of books that are lacking in flavour, spice and depth.
However, the spice was NOT an issue here, if you're spice of choice is cum..
Because you'll either be SO SICK OF CUM by the end of this book, or you'll be close to dying from cumming in your pants. There is no in-between here people. (Also, did you really like this book or are you just horny? #nojudgmenthere)
It's been awhile since a book was worthy of the recipe honour. SO I am happy to be here, without further ado.
READY, STEADY, COOK!
This is a super easy one, just chuck all of the following ingredients into a crockpot, set to high, leave your kindle inside and wait until your house burns down.🔥🔥🔥
Ingredients are as follows:
2 x references of "pissing on" on what's his...
2 x MC's eating their own cum, for no reason I could physically comprehend.
1 x "spurted the dregs into me"
1 x unecessary mention of scraping teeth under fingernails to eat the jizz that remained there.
1 x "dined on my semen"
1 (possibly 2 depending on your own personal head cinema) x describing an asshole to "gasp" or "hole suck inward" when aroused. Personally the head cinema for me was strong here, it was giving a fish's mouth that's gasping for air out of water, and buttholes maybe shouldn't be like that?
1 x set of dirty undies for the lonely mc to sniff when he feels sad
1 x "I want your meat raw"
1x use of the word cream-bubble. (I wanted to throw up and dnf at this point (47%))
1 x "I can’t get deep enough inside you, or close enough to you. I want nothing in our way. Not even skin"
35 x cum, 2 x Jizz, 7 x semen, 1 x spunk, 4 x PUCKER. ew.
Seems like not enough, but there was literally SO MUCH CUM IN THIS BOOK.... Like when you think, surely he's gotta be dry by now...�. He's got like 3 more spurts ready to go 🤣🤣🤣
The MC named Raven was loving it, that's all that matters.
1 x "sucking and using his hole like a straw"
4690467232390 x toxic behaviour that we should not be glorifying or sexualising, like laughing about red flags, stalking, isolating them from everyone around them, jealousy, CNC THAT IS VERY VEEEEEEEERY close to the line of r@pey...
Okay this list could go on forever.
SMASH ALL THESE INGREDIENTS TOGETHER AND ✨VOILA�
SPECIAL MENTION TO THE FACT THAT DURING THIS COUPLES "toxic episode" THEY PRETTY MUCH LOCK THEMSELVES IN A HOUSE FOR A WEEK LONG FUCK FEST WHERE THEY DON'T EAT OR LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES TO THE POINT WHERE ONE MC GETS A FUCKING CRUSTY SORES AROUND HIS MOUTH FROM "OVERUSE"
R U KIDDING ME? 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
There's toxic.... and then there is.... WHATEVER THE FUCK THAT IS.... It's also very questionable that you let your best friend into your ass and then his dad, but we can overlook that I guess??
I was going to give this 2 stars because admittedly, when they weren't being feral and just fucking, it was hot af SOMETIMES. but nah....
SWEETHEART IS THE WORST PET NAME AND YOU CAN'T CHANGE MY MIND
CP Harris waking up doing a daily mantra.
I lost braincells reading this so I'm sorry this is mess.
April 23, 2022
� here i am, hating on yet another new, popular, and very loved MM release.
� this was so dramatic, in all the worst ways.
� way too much sex, instead of some actual substance and depth. i love some good smut in my romances, but if it overpowers everything else, what's the fucking point.
� the pacing was really weird in this book. we either didn't get shown enough and got a time jump, or it got draggy instead.
� a lot of important character and relationship development parts got skipped over imo.
� the mcs were both incredibly unlikeable. literally couldn't stand either of them.
� i almost always hate second chance romances so...
� anyways this made me yawn multiple times. good bye
� this was so dramatic, in all the worst ways.
� way too much sex, instead of some actual substance and depth. i love some good smut in my romances, but if it overpowers everything else, what's the fucking point.
� the pacing was really weird in this book. we either didn't get shown enough and got a time jump, or it got draggy instead.
� a lot of important character and relationship development parts got skipped over imo.
� the mcs were both incredibly unlikeable. literally couldn't stand either of them.
� i almost always hate second chance romances so...
� anyways this made me yawn multiple times. good bye
April 14, 2022
5 “You’re my dream, and my fantasies, and my heart� stars
If I had to give something up to have him, I’d surrender my spine and my spleen and my shins, rendering me crumbled and unable to move. Without him, how good was a good life, anyway?
Jesus. Fucking. Christ.
I have read 131 books so far this year, this is only the 5th book I have rated 5 stars this year, so yeah, you can see how special this book is to me.
I will update this review for an actual review soon, but I just finished reading this book and I just need to talk about it because I feel like my love for this book is going to burst out of my chest if I don’t talk about it. So for now, this review will just be being really emotional over this book.
I’m pretty sure that this book totally ruined me. I’m not sure i’m ever going to recover from this book and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m currently typing this review as I have really puffy eyes and i’m still crying from reading this book. I’m pretty sure that it would have hurt less if someone took a knife to my heart, but god did I enjoy reading this book regardless of how much it hurt me.
Brief summary
Raven is into his best friend’s dad, Clint. They get together but their love for each other is very possessive and it turns into something thats toxic and that is slowly destroying them. So this book focuses on how they rebuilt that love into something that is good for both of them.
I wasn’t sure what I was going into when I read the blurb of this book but let me tell you, I got way more than I ever expected. I started this book and I was already crying my eyes out while reading the prologue and from there, it just evolved into me crying all the time while I was reading this book.
I don’t think I can even begin to describe the way that this book impacted me. This book just totally ruined me, not only are my emotions a mess but how am I meant to ever enjoy another book after I read this book? This feels like an impossible thing for me at the moment.
This book is the kind of book that you read and that you really wonder how the hell you’re ever going to get back the feelings it gave you, because it feels like a one of a kind experience. This book was just one hell of a trip and I absolutely enjoyed every minutes of it.
We’d suffered and endured the pain of loving something broken, proving that our love was unconditional.
The plot of this book is one that I would call very creative. I don’t think I have ever read a book quite like this before and let me tell you, I absolutely loved that. A lot of this book is all about being in a relationship thats toxic and possessive and possibly very destructive for you, but also how you can turn that relationship around and make it into your happy ever after and a relationship that works for both partners and their needs. And the way this was done in this book was just so beautiful to me. It was just absolutely lovely and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for me, I will be over here crying every tear in my body because of this book.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.**
If I had to give something up to have him, I’d surrender my spine and my spleen and my shins, rendering me crumbled and unable to move. Without him, how good was a good life, anyway?
Jesus. Fucking. Christ.
I have read 131 books so far this year, this is only the 5th book I have rated 5 stars this year, so yeah, you can see how special this book is to me.
I will update this review for an actual review soon, but I just finished reading this book and I just need to talk about it because I feel like my love for this book is going to burst out of my chest if I don’t talk about it. So for now, this review will just be being really emotional over this book.
I’m pretty sure that this book totally ruined me. I’m not sure i’m ever going to recover from this book and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m currently typing this review as I have really puffy eyes and i’m still crying from reading this book. I’m pretty sure that it would have hurt less if someone took a knife to my heart, but god did I enjoy reading this book regardless of how much it hurt me.
Brief summary
Raven is into his best friend’s dad, Clint. They get together but their love for each other is very possessive and it turns into something thats toxic and that is slowly destroying them. So this book focuses on how they rebuilt that love into something that is good for both of them.
I wasn’t sure what I was going into when I read the blurb of this book but let me tell you, I got way more than I ever expected. I started this book and I was already crying my eyes out while reading the prologue and from there, it just evolved into me crying all the time while I was reading this book.
I don’t think I can even begin to describe the way that this book impacted me. This book just totally ruined me, not only are my emotions a mess but how am I meant to ever enjoy another book after I read this book? This feels like an impossible thing for me at the moment.
This book is the kind of book that you read and that you really wonder how the hell you’re ever going to get back the feelings it gave you, because it feels like a one of a kind experience. This book was just one hell of a trip and I absolutely enjoyed every minutes of it.
We’d suffered and endured the pain of loving something broken, proving that our love was unconditional.
The plot of this book is one that I would call very creative. I don’t think I have ever read a book quite like this before and let me tell you, I absolutely loved that. A lot of this book is all about being in a relationship thats toxic and possessive and possibly very destructive for you, but also how you can turn that relationship around and make it into your happy ever after and a relationship that works for both partners and their needs. And the way this was done in this book was just so beautiful to me. It was just absolutely lovely and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for me, I will be over here crying every tear in my body because of this book.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.**
July 11, 2023
Jesus.
This BOOK.
My life stopped, to burn through this book.
And when I say WOW, this is the WOW that overtakes most other “wow”s I’ve said for other books.
This book is INTENSE, from the first chapter. Like WTF INTENSE. I know, if you’re reading on Kindle Unlimited, it often skips past the trigger warnings, but you need to know there’s pretty full-on dubcon in this book. If you can get through the first chapter unscathed, you’ll be ok.
This book is DIRTY.
Dirty, dirty, dirty, with a CAPITAL D. The relationship between Clint and Raven is obsessive and intense and highly sexual and DIRTY. Sexually, they try everything. And it’s all on-page in technicolor detail. They lose themselves in each other, a symptom of the intensity of their love. There is a point at around 70% where you can’t see any possibility of a happy ending. You feel like you’ve been dragged backwards through a thorn bush, and it’s all painful love. My heart ACHED for Clint & Raven & Joey.
But incredibly, and believably, there is a happy ending. The author took the time with the plot & character development to make a happy ending that made sense. And it’s so bloody glorious.
“When the curve of your neck stopped being just the curve of your neck. When it became a place I wanted to bury my troubles away in. A place I hungered to breathe from. When the sun in my eyes stopped being a simple annoyance, but a plot of the universe to keep me from gazing at you. When seeing you do what you love stopped only being an inspiration of pride, but also an inspiration for my attraction.�
This is going into my very short “re-reads� list. I love a hard-won happy ending. And these guys fight hard through a lot of hell to get there.
What a cracker of a story.
This BOOK.
My life stopped, to burn through this book.
And when I say WOW, this is the WOW that overtakes most other “wow”s I’ve said for other books.
This book is INTENSE, from the first chapter. Like WTF INTENSE. I know, if you’re reading on Kindle Unlimited, it often skips past the trigger warnings, but you need to know there’s pretty full-on dubcon in this book. If you can get through the first chapter unscathed, you’ll be ok.
This book is DIRTY.
Dirty, dirty, dirty, with a CAPITAL D. The relationship between Clint and Raven is obsessive and intense and highly sexual and DIRTY. Sexually, they try everything. And it’s all on-page in technicolor detail. They lose themselves in each other, a symptom of the intensity of their love. There is a point at around 70% where you can’t see any possibility of a happy ending. You feel like you’ve been dragged backwards through a thorn bush, and it’s all painful love. My heart ACHED for Clint & Raven & Joey.
But incredibly, and believably, there is a happy ending. The author took the time with the plot & character development to make a happy ending that made sense. And it’s so bloody glorious.
“When the curve of your neck stopped being just the curve of your neck. When it became a place I wanted to bury my troubles away in. A place I hungered to breathe from. When the sun in my eyes stopped being a simple annoyance, but a plot of the universe to keep me from gazing at you. When seeing you do what you love stopped only being an inspiration of pride, but also an inspiration for my attraction.�
This is going into my very short “re-reads� list. I love a hard-won happy ending. And these guys fight hard through a lot of hell to get there.
What a cracker of a story.
April 21, 2022
*** 3.5 Stars ***
This is how you write a forbidden love story with such a significant age gap and a dad figure involved. CP Harris took the time to evolve the story and added layers of depth to make this tale stand out from our usual dad stories, usually driven by smut only.😍
That being said, there were other aspects that didn’t work for me. There was too much to take in for instance.The story had enough conflict, considering that Raven was raised by Clint, as a son. Besides being Joey's best friend.
Yet, more conflict was added to it dispersing the solidity of the plot, such as:
I could have given these a free pass.☝☝
In the end, there was a significant gap of separation between the MCs. I couldn't help but want the MCs reconciliation to have been resolved at a slower pace. There was a lot of heartache on both sides and their HEA felt rushed after so many years apart.
This is how you write a forbidden love story with such a significant age gap and a dad figure involved. CP Harris took the time to evolve the story and added layers of depth to make this tale stand out from our usual dad stories, usually driven by smut only.😍
That being said, there were other aspects that didn’t work for me. There was too much to take in for instance.The story had enough conflict, considering that Raven was raised by Clint, as a son. Besides being Joey's best friend.
Yet, more conflict was added to it dispersing the solidity of the plot, such as:
I could have given these a free pass.☝☝
In the end, there was a significant gap of separation between the MCs. I couldn't help but want the MCs reconciliation to have been resolved at a slower pace. There was a lot of heartache on both sides and their HEA felt rushed after so many years apart.
January 16, 2023
This story grabbed me by the throat and threw me into a giant vat of emotions. The first half of this book was phenomenal. I was blown away by incredibly hot sex scenes, the level of communication, emotional maturity, and the deep dives of raw vulnerability.
At 62% the story is broken wide-open, inviting in the most destructive, painful, demoralizing, all-consuming, toxic sexual relationship I've ever read. I understood the emotional pain, but it also felt gratuitous.
Raven (23 yrs -85% of story) has struggled his entire life to feel like he is worth something, to anyone. His mother was a junkie often falling asleep with a needle still stuck in her arm. He is also an incredible artist. As a kid, he kept a notebook on hand where he would draw daily.
Clint (40 yrs - 85% of story) is a police officer. He has seen a lot in his life, and the moment he spots Raven he wants to help him get away from his mother's toxic lifestyle.
Raven was 9 the first time Clint helped him. For a year, Clint and his young son Joey (8) were able to have Clint every weekend, while he spent the weeks with his mother. By the time a year rolls around, Clint has been given temporary guardianship of Raven. When Raven is in high school, Clint petitions the court and is given legal guardianship of Raven.
Spoilers in the review below:
*
*
*
Raven is 17 when he knows he has fallen in love with Clint. He becomes possessive and extraordinarily jealous of any one-night stands who spend the night with Clint. His antics towards those few women are hilarious.
I was so entranced with the first 60% of this story. It didn't read taboo to me, it read like a young man deeply in love with an older man. And their relationship wasn't instantaneous. It was a surprisingly a slow burn. There were so much open communication about feelings and emotions surrounding what they could possibly have together.
Dispite being sexually active, Raven has never kissed anyone. Clint spends one night simply cuddling and kissing Raven. Once they begin, hold on, it's like experiencing a firework show from the front row. Saying their lovemaking was explosive is putting it mildly.
At around 60% the story falters. An element of secrets, and unintentional emotional pain creates a perfect storm of destruction for these two. I was shocked at how healthy their relationship was for months, and how quickly it became poisonous. For two weeks it was the equivalent of almost fucking someone to death. They were both so lost in their pain, they often forgot to eat, clean themselves or the house.
Here's where the author really lost me. At 80% Joey comes home after a mission for the New Year holiday and shoots someone. While he didn't kill that person, he is active military and there is absolutely no discussion on the repercussions of that. Nothing.
The inevitable break up happens, and Raven leaves. He doesn't come back for EIGHT YEARS. Not one word, zero communication. The story picks up again, right after the flashback (chapter 1), where he has spent the night with Clint after his mother's funeral.
It was extremely frustrating that the author didn't include the growth of these two men over that eight year time span. We know that Clint was desperately looking for Raven. We know he opens an auto body shop, and reads a ton of self help books. We know that Raven opened tattoo shop in Canada, and took up yoga and meditation. But we don't get to see their personal growth on page! This feels like such a huge missed opportunity by the author to make the story come full circle.
The ending is wrapped up quite quickly. It is lovely and sweet, and everything I would've wanted for the two of them. But ultimately I felt cheated out of a full and rich story. This story had some of the hottest gay sex scenes I've ever read, but the missing sections of their personal growth cheapened the story. I was so disappointed because I LOVED the first 60%.
A shout out to Dan who didn't BR this one with me, but was kind enough to let me vent all my emotions to him while reading.
At 62% the story is broken wide-open, inviting in the most destructive, painful, demoralizing, all-consuming, toxic sexual relationship I've ever read. I understood the emotional pain, but it also felt gratuitous.
Raven (23 yrs -85% of story) has struggled his entire life to feel like he is worth something, to anyone. His mother was a junkie often falling asleep with a needle still stuck in her arm. He is also an incredible artist. As a kid, he kept a notebook on hand where he would draw daily.
Clint (40 yrs - 85% of story) is a police officer. He has seen a lot in his life, and the moment he spots Raven he wants to help him get away from his mother's toxic lifestyle.
Raven was 9 the first time Clint helped him. For a year, Clint and his young son Joey (8) were able to have Clint every weekend, while he spent the weeks with his mother. By the time a year rolls around, Clint has been given temporary guardianship of Raven. When Raven is in high school, Clint petitions the court and is given legal guardianship of Raven.
Spoilers in the review below:
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Raven is 17 when he knows he has fallen in love with Clint. He becomes possessive and extraordinarily jealous of any one-night stands who spend the night with Clint. His antics towards those few women are hilarious.
I was so entranced with the first 60% of this story. It didn't read taboo to me, it read like a young man deeply in love with an older man. And their relationship wasn't instantaneous. It was a surprisingly a slow burn. There were so much open communication about feelings and emotions surrounding what they could possibly have together.
Dispite being sexually active, Raven has never kissed anyone. Clint spends one night simply cuddling and kissing Raven. Once they begin, hold on, it's like experiencing a firework show from the front row. Saying their lovemaking was explosive is putting it mildly.
At around 60% the story falters. An element of secrets, and unintentional emotional pain creates a perfect storm of destruction for these two. I was shocked at how healthy their relationship was for months, and how quickly it became poisonous. For two weeks it was the equivalent of almost fucking someone to death. They were both so lost in their pain, they often forgot to eat, clean themselves or the house.
Here's where the author really lost me. At 80% Joey comes home after a mission for the New Year holiday and shoots someone. While he didn't kill that person, he is active military and there is absolutely no discussion on the repercussions of that. Nothing.
The inevitable break up happens, and Raven leaves. He doesn't come back for EIGHT YEARS. Not one word, zero communication. The story picks up again, right after the flashback (chapter 1), where he has spent the night with Clint after his mother's funeral.
It was extremely frustrating that the author didn't include the growth of these two men over that eight year time span. We know that Clint was desperately looking for Raven. We know he opens an auto body shop, and reads a ton of self help books. We know that Raven opened tattoo shop in Canada, and took up yoga and meditation. But we don't get to see their personal growth on page! This feels like such a huge missed opportunity by the author to make the story come full circle.
The ending is wrapped up quite quickly. It is lovely and sweet, and everything I would've wanted for the two of them. But ultimately I felt cheated out of a full and rich story. This story had some of the hottest gay sex scenes I've ever read, but the missing sections of their personal growth cheapened the story. I was so disappointed because I LOVED the first 60%.
A shout out to Dan who didn't BR this one with me, but was kind enough to let me vent all my emotions to him while reading.
July 3, 2022
I really liked this. I’ve been craving something different lately and this certainly delivered on that.😳 Was it a bit eye rolly at times? Yes. Was there too much sex? Absolutely! Did I ever want to put it down? Nope! Sure it was dramatic and a bit much but…I liked that about it. Everything was so over the top and I just embraced it. I was in the mood for boatloads of drama and angst soooo this was just what I wanted!! Had this been cut down a bit and a little less repetitive / less sex - I think it would have been a complete winner for me but overall I thought this was great and just super unique. This was my first book by the author and I’m eager to try more now.
April 5, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book***
Bad Wrong Things is an angsty forbidden romance that emotionally wrecked me. I was pulled into this addictive story by the end of the first chapter, wondering how it would be possible for Clint and Raven to get their HEA.
The road to their HEA was difficult, heartbreaking, but so bittersweet. Their love story is complicated due to Raven being Clint's pseudo stepson and son's best friend, thus when feelings develop the risks are astronomical if and when things go awry.
Bad Wrong Things is a beautifully complicated love story that forces the reader to be patient and understand that the more difficult aspects to this story are necessary because when everything is finally in the right place it's so effortlessly perfect. Their HEA is hard won and masterfully told.
Overall I loved this epic love story that had many elements that were fun to read through. I loved how the dubious consent was handled, even when it lead to some extra complications. Bad Wrong Things is a wonderful story and I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented author.
Bad Wrong Things is an angsty forbidden romance that emotionally wrecked me. I was pulled into this addictive story by the end of the first chapter, wondering how it would be possible for Clint and Raven to get their HEA.
The road to their HEA was difficult, heartbreaking, but so bittersweet. Their love story is complicated due to Raven being Clint's pseudo stepson and son's best friend, thus when feelings develop the risks are astronomical if and when things go awry.
Bad Wrong Things is a beautifully complicated love story that forces the reader to be patient and understand that the more difficult aspects to this story are necessary because when everything is finally in the right place it's so effortlessly perfect. Their HEA is hard won and masterfully told.
Overall I loved this epic love story that had many elements that were fun to read through. I loved how the dubious consent was handled, even when it lead to some extra complications. Bad Wrong Things is a wonderful story and I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented author.
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March 20, 2023
“I promise to never waste another minute of our lives on what-ifs. I’m going to love you for however long I’m privileged to do so, and you’ll let me because I don’t plan on giving you a choice in the matter.�
Bad Wrong Things is one of those books that remind me why I love this genre so much and why it has had a grip on me like no other. It kept me up until sunrise as I could not make myself put it down, not even for sleep. That first chapter grabbed me. What a way to start.
We have the story of Raven, who is taken in by a police officer, Clint, as a young boy. He moves in with him and his son, but as he grows older, his love for Clint transforms into something forbidden. One summer in which it's just them alone, their relationship changes forever.
Their love for one another was not only forbidden, but it caused so much hurt. It was toxic, possessive and all-consuming. It is like wildfire leaving its destructions and scars behind, at times literally. It's one that many will not accept and people will judge them for. However, their love was oh so real.
The amount of pain, blood, and violence that erupts between Clint and Raven was insane. This is an intense read, and I was tempted to pause and take a moment at times. Some scenes are hard to read, but you are compelled to keep going.
What I think makes Bad Wrong Things unique is the way their toxic love becomes beautiful. Clint and Raven do not have an easy path to their happy ever after. There is growth and change, and while their love evolves, that foundation is still there. It evolved for the better but it is still, very much, them. So when you finally get to see their hard-earned HEA, you feel it right in your heart. I was so so moved.
The sex.
The sexual chemistry between Clint and Raven was off the chart. Sex between them is all-consuming, dirty, violent, painful, loving, and bloody. It felt so raw and so animalistic at times. God, how I enjoyed reading it. C.P. Harris has a gift.
Finally, the writing. C.P. Harris has such amazing writing. Their narrative choices and prose are just...no words. They have a gift. I will be praising them a lot in future books regarding that aspect.
Overall, there are a few books that I think about once in a while. Those that become literally part of your soul, and you'll be sitting in a random cafe, and a scene or moment comes into your mind, Bad Wrong Things has joined that exclusive list for me. I will be thinking about these two and their story for a long time to come. If you love forbidden, all-consuming, possessive, toxic love that is so beautiful, emotional and well done, I can't recommend this book enough. However, it is an intense read and not for everyone. Please check TWs.
Bad Wrong Things is one of those books that remind me why I love this genre so much and why it has had a grip on me like no other. It kept me up until sunrise as I could not make myself put it down, not even for sleep. That first chapter grabbed me. What a way to start.
We have the story of Raven, who is taken in by a police officer, Clint, as a young boy. He moves in with him and his son, but as he grows older, his love for Clint transforms into something forbidden. One summer in which it's just them alone, their relationship changes forever.
“I need to touch your bones,� he said, palming my sternum, getting comfy. “I can’t get deep enough inside you, or close enough to you. I want nothing in our way. Not even skin.� He yawned, his voice sleep heavy. “I sound crazy.�
“You sound like a man in love.� You sound like me.
Their love for one another was not only forbidden, but it caused so much hurt. It was toxic, possessive and all-consuming. It is like wildfire leaving its destructions and scars behind, at times literally. It's one that many will not accept and people will judge them for. However, their love was oh so real.
“Because love doesn’t waver with moods, Clint. It doesn’t question or doubt its existence. It isn’t based on whether or not the world around it will be accepting. And it doesn’t only want its presence felt when it needs something to fuck! Believe me, I know.�
"My hand shifted its possessive hold over his throat, to his ribcage and beyond, taking ownership over all parts of him, especially the parts inked with a roadmap of his love for me".
"If he wanted me all for himself, he’d have it, because I was in the business of granting his wishes. I needed him to want me that much. I needed him to want me even more. And Clint had always been good about taking care of my needs."
The amount of pain, blood, and violence that erupts between Clint and Raven was insane. This is an intense read, and I was tempted to pause and take a moment at times. Some scenes are hard to read, but you are compelled to keep going.
What I think makes Bad Wrong Things unique is the way their toxic love becomes beautiful. Clint and Raven do not have an easy path to their happy ever after. There is growth and change, and while their love evolves, that foundation is still there. It evolved for the better but it is still, very much, them. So when you finally get to see their hard-earned HEA, you feel it right in your heart. I was so so moved.
The sex.
The sexual chemistry between Clint and Raven was off the chart. Sex between them is all-consuming, dirty, violent, painful, loving, and bloody. It felt so raw and so animalistic at times. God, how I enjoyed reading it. C.P. Harris has a gift.
"Clint’s version of gentle was rough, his rough downright punishing, and his concept of punishing crossed too many lines and broke too many pieces of furniture to keep track of. The upturned nightstand now clinging to one leg was proof of that."
"We spent three nights there, bathing in the stream, eating what we’d caught, loving like wild men, and screaming our pleasure into the universe. Each night, we fell asleep sweaty, fucking ourselves unconscious, hands locked together, repeating strings of our vows."
Finally, the writing. C.P. Harris has such amazing writing. Their narrative choices and prose are just...no words. They have a gift. I will be praising them a lot in future books regarding that aspect.
Overall, there are a few books that I think about once in a while. Those that become literally part of your soul, and you'll be sitting in a random cafe, and a scene or moment comes into your mind, Bad Wrong Things has joined that exclusive list for me. I will be thinking about these two and their story for a long time to come. If you love forbidden, all-consuming, possessive, toxic love that is so beautiful, emotional and well done, I can't recommend this book enough. However, it is an intense read and not for everyone. Please check TWs.
August 14, 2022
4.25 stars ⭐️
Holy Hell!! I loved this book! How can't I? This is the first time I've read every sex scene in a book without skimming much of a line. That says so many things. I know! It was a book that combined possession, jealousy, intensity, deepest love, messy love, an age gap, and a hint of taboo into one story.I just devoted myself tothis book without a back glance.
This is toxic AF. I loved how intense and possessive our MCs were toward each other. They were meant for each other. I wasn't mad at the endless sex marathons they were having. Actually, I would be encouraging them to have more if I could.
The author has done exceptional work by writing this!
Don't read this if you can’t stand with so much toxicity in books.
Holy Hell!! I loved this book! How can't I? This is the first time I've read every sex scene in a book without skimming much of a line. That says so many things. I know! It was a book that combined possession, jealousy, intensity, deepest love, messy love, an age gap, and a hint of taboo into one story.I just devoted myself tothis book without a back glance.
This is toxic AF. I loved how intense and possessive our MCs were toward each other. They were meant for each other. I wasn't mad at the endless sex marathons they were having. Actually, I would be encouraging them to have more if I could.
The author has done exceptional work by writing this!
Don't read this if you can’t stand with so much toxicity in books.
May 6, 2023
Re-read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sometimes an audiobook can make or break a book. I’m not gonna say this audio broke this particular book but it didn’t help. I love Teddy but I can’t seem to find my appreciation for Liam. And he narrates like 3/4’s of the book!!
Listening took away a little of the shine, it wasn’t as overwhelming as when I read it. Honestly some parts came off as so over the top.
Yet it doesn’t take away the chemistry between these men or how they can suck you into the highest form of toxicity. I was still living for their kind of crazy!
Original Review April 22-23 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BR with my girl Cass. Thank you for bringing this gem to my attention.
I was enthralled from the very first word.
The fact that he compared this man’s brutal fucking to a natural disaster and I believed it � impressive and hot af!
Good God, what a fucking ride. And that was only the first chapter. 😳
Omg and if the smut wasn’t enough, we’re inundated with all the feels. The boys are so cute and sweet together. Poor Raven, I’m so glad Officer Clint came to the rescue.
Seriously, after that first chapter I wasn’t expecting such a sluggish burn. But man, the chemistry as they evolve is poetry in motion.
Clint and his beautifully poetic heart � swoon.
“Hey, Bobby.� He hit her with his megawatt smile. Oh my god, he said my name, she mouthed up at me like a groupie, eyes crossed.�- Ha! I love Bobby.
Omg the driveway, these men have no shame and I’m living for it.
No matter how rocky the road became, even when it turned impassable it never lost its beauty. This story is the epitome of raw, savage and gritty. I loved it when it was easy, I loved it when it was impossible. Clint and Raven’s love story is one I will never forget.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sometimes an audiobook can make or break a book. I’m not gonna say this audio broke this particular book but it didn’t help. I love Teddy but I can’t seem to find my appreciation for Liam. And he narrates like 3/4’s of the book!!
Listening took away a little of the shine, it wasn’t as overwhelming as when I read it. Honestly some parts came off as so over the top.
Yet it doesn’t take away the chemistry between these men or how they can suck you into the highest form of toxicity. I was still living for their kind of crazy!
Original Review April 22-23 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BR with my girl Cass. Thank you for bringing this gem to my attention.
I was enthralled from the very first word.
The fact that he compared this man’s brutal fucking to a natural disaster and I believed it � impressive and hot af!
Good God, what a fucking ride. And that was only the first chapter. 😳
Omg and if the smut wasn’t enough, we’re inundated with all the feels. The boys are so cute and sweet together. Poor Raven, I’m so glad Officer Clint came to the rescue.
Seriously, after that first chapter I wasn’t expecting such a sluggish burn. But man, the chemistry as they evolve is poetry in motion.
Clint and his beautifully poetic heart � swoon.
“Hey, Bobby.� He hit her with his megawatt smile. Oh my god, he said my name, she mouthed up at me like a groupie, eyes crossed.�- Ha! I love Bobby.
Omg the driveway, these men have no shame and I’m living for it.
No matter how rocky the road became, even when it turned impassable it never lost its beauty. This story is the epitome of raw, savage and gritty. I loved it when it was easy, I loved it when it was impossible. Clint and Raven’s love story is one I will never forget.
April 16, 2022
"When did your feelings change?"
"When the curve of your neck stopped being just the curve of your neck. When it became a place I wanted to bury my troubles away. A place I hungered to breathe from. When the sun in my eyes stopped being a simple annoyance, but a plot of the universe to keep me from gazing at you. When seeing you do what you love stopped only being an inspiration of pride, but also an inspiration for my attraction."
� gagged! gaggery! gagatondra!
� this book was deep, heavy, and more importantly, for me.
� i am ready to defend it, to fight for it. this is one of those books that the moment i see some not-good reviews i will internally scold myself that it is okay and people have different say on things. i will calm myself down lmao . i experienced this with tal bauer's the jock.
� i love last year's the boy who loved wicked which is also an age-gap romance from this author and yeah he definitely nailed another age-gap romance for me. it is magic. roe horvat owned the erotic stoylines, laura lascarso for the bdsm, nicky james for the taboo, and now cp harris for the age-gaps romances.
� we follow raven, joey, and clint's story. i wasn't the biggest fan of joey. i feel like he wasn't there that much for me to get accustomed to him. but again a key character which i have this love-hate relationship with.
He took over every cell, making it so they wouldn't function the same without him. He fed my heart, my ambitions, my body, and my twisted fantasies. He knew when to give, when to take and when to take more. he held court in my corner. He was the light in my darkness, and the forever in my forever-and-ever. Nothing good had happened to me before meeting Clint. Not even being born.
� cp harris is a powerful writer. loved his witting style so much. it was draggy, yes, but very beautiful. i'm quite ashamed to say that my comprehension for the english language was fucking tested. i had to read the first chapter thrice because i just don't know what the hell is going on.
� sex was hot, brutal, and animalistic. i definitely lived for it.
� lastly, that cover is gorgeous tho.
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March 31, 2023
MM Romance
Hurt/Comfort Second Chance
5+++ Stars ⭐️
This was an absolute masterpiece. How the fuck is this the same author who wrote The Good Liar? TGL was absolute garbage with no backstory and boring characters whereas this was passionate, obsessive, toxic at times, heartbreaking even but by the end I was smiling like a lunatic. This hit every single thing that makes a book a standout for me and I had been nervous to read this because best friend’s dad & dad’s best friend are just not tropes that appeal to me but I can admit I was wrong and that this book was flawless. Here’s what I loved.
� Obsessive/Possessive/Jealous characters that set the world on fire with their love.
✅The Backstory-seeing how they fell in love
✅Hot AF sex scenes
✅Hܰ/dzڴǰ
✅High Angst-made me sob
✅Taboo/Forbidden in some way
✅Character Growth & Healing
✅How passionate this was
✅A HEA that made me swoon
”My senses were open to him, my mind allowed him into a place not even I had access to. He took over every cell, making it so they wouldn’t function the same without him. He fed my heart, my ambitions, my body, and my twisted fantasies. He knew when to give, when to take, and when to take more. He held court in my corner. He was the light in my darkness, and the forever in my forever-and-ever. Nothing good had happened to me before meeting Clint. Not even being born. I would fucking love him indefinitely.�
I do have two issues though. This cover guy needs tattoos because he’s obviously supposed to be Raven but is missing the very thing that makes Raven, Raven AND I would prefer to NEVER read the words gasping pucker/asshole again thanks. 😂
Can we get a book for Joey please?
Hurt/Comfort Second Chance
5+++ Stars ⭐️
This was an absolute masterpiece. How the fuck is this the same author who wrote The Good Liar? TGL was absolute garbage with no backstory and boring characters whereas this was passionate, obsessive, toxic at times, heartbreaking even but by the end I was smiling like a lunatic. This hit every single thing that makes a book a standout for me and I had been nervous to read this because best friend’s dad & dad’s best friend are just not tropes that appeal to me but I can admit I was wrong and that this book was flawless. Here’s what I loved.
� Obsessive/Possessive/Jealous characters that set the world on fire with their love.
✅The Backstory-seeing how they fell in love
✅Hot AF sex scenes
✅Hܰ/dzڴǰ
✅High Angst-made me sob
✅Taboo/Forbidden in some way
✅Character Growth & Healing
✅How passionate this was
✅A HEA that made me swoon
”My senses were open to him, my mind allowed him into a place not even I had access to. He took over every cell, making it so they wouldn’t function the same without him. He fed my heart, my ambitions, my body, and my twisted fantasies. He knew when to give, when to take, and when to take more. He held court in my corner. He was the light in my darkness, and the forever in my forever-and-ever. Nothing good had happened to me before meeting Clint. Not even being born. I would fucking love him indefinitely.�
I do have two issues though. This cover guy needs tattoos because he’s obviously supposed to be Raven but is missing the very thing that makes Raven, Raven AND I would prefer to NEVER read the words gasping pucker/asshole again thanks. 😂
Can we get a book for Joey please?
April 15, 2023
This was a hard hitting emotional roller coaster. Their love was so toxic & intense it almost destroyed everything in its path. Felt so anxious about how things would turn out! Hard to put down
High angst 😩
High spice 🌶�
High character development🔥
High angst 😩
High spice 🌶�
High character development🔥
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 15, 2022Ohmanohmanohman everything in me wanted to dnf this book so bad from the very start. Because yes, I am a coward and was afraid of the feelings I knew this would unlock in me. Because yes, I was intimidated by heaviness that permeated the air I was breathing right from the first chapter.
I'm not writing a detailed review because I honestly can't, I'm just overwhelmed and exhausted. Clint and Raven exhausted me. And the thing is, it's not even a plot that is unique (at least the parts I read). Adding on to that, to me it didn't even feel forbidden because almost everyone in Raven's (And Clint's!!) life knew, except Joey. And I didn't even get to part where they ultimately tell him... So the 'sneaking around' didn't have the same appeal as it would have if they were actually keeping it a secret from everyone.
And my goodness, I said it before and I'm saying it again, there was just so much heaviness laced into every line. It didn't let up for me. Even the good parts didn't feel wholly good. That's why I couldn't finish this book. Yes, it consumed me. It swallowed me whole. This is the kind of book that you know you should take breaks but you can't even put it down to do so. Almost like watching a beautiful train wreck. You can't look away. I appreciated that. I respect so much that the author went there with their storyline. Made them the most toxic, obsessive couple I've read in a while. And ffs, I absolutely love the way this author writes. But I honestly didn't enjoy the ride. I don't even think I was fully seated for most of the ride, and that's not safe (seatbelts on at all times you know?) And as much as I love the way she writes, something about this book didn't allow me to open myself up to those emotions, even though I knew it'd be an HEA... 🙃
When I got to 50% I was so drained that I started skimming some parts, and that led to my dnf. Ugh why did this drain me?! I don't even know. Usually I'm all for the angst but it's like this one was trying too hard and made me feel sad without reason. I'm devastated it didn't work for me because I expected so much, and I know with 100% certainty that it was me, not the book 💔 Maybe someday I'll pick this up and again and appreciate it so much more. I'm definitely looking forward to that day😭
I'm not writing a detailed review because I honestly can't, I'm just overwhelmed and exhausted. Clint and Raven exhausted me. And the thing is, it's not even a plot that is unique (at least the parts I read). Adding on to that, to me it didn't even feel forbidden because almost everyone in Raven's (And Clint's!!) life knew, except Joey. And I didn't even get to part where they ultimately tell him... So the 'sneaking around' didn't have the same appeal as it would have if they were actually keeping it a secret from everyone.
And my goodness, I said it before and I'm saying it again, there was just so much heaviness laced into every line. It didn't let up for me. Even the good parts didn't feel wholly good. That's why I couldn't finish this book. Yes, it consumed me. It swallowed me whole. This is the kind of book that you know you should take breaks but you can't even put it down to do so. Almost like watching a beautiful train wreck. You can't look away. I appreciated that. I respect so much that the author went there with their storyline. Made them the most toxic, obsessive couple I've read in a while. And ffs, I absolutely love the way this author writes. But I honestly didn't enjoy the ride. I don't even think I was fully seated for most of the ride, and that's not safe (seatbelts on at all times you know?) And as much as I love the way she writes, something about this book didn't allow me to open myself up to those emotions, even though I knew it'd be an HEA... 🙃
When I got to 50% I was so drained that I started skimming some parts, and that led to my dnf. Ugh why did this drain me?! I don't even know. Usually I'm all for the angst but it's like this one was trying too hard and made me feel sad without reason. I'm devastated it didn't work for me because I expected so much, and I know with 100% certainty that it was me, not the book 💔 Maybe someday I'll pick this up and again and appreciate it so much more. I'm definitely looking forward to that day😭
January 20, 2023
This story has so much drama and was beautiful. The characters didn’t shy away from the desire and love.
Just WOW.
It’s worth the reading.
Just WOW.
It’s worth the reading.
Read
April 20, 2022DNF at 46%. I am throwing in the towel. I love this author. I love age-gap romances. I love taboo romances. I usually enjoy dark romances.
But right now I am just constantly dreading what comes next. I don’t want to read the next page, because it’s going to make me feel down. Again. And again. I feel like it’s just dark for the sake of being dark. I haven’t smiled a single time. And I get that it’s not a smiling book. But I’m over it.
I’m sick and exhausted and that may be colouring my reading. I’ll try it again (maybe) when I am not so down.
But right now I am just constantly dreading what comes next. I don’t want to read the next page, because it’s going to make me feel down. Again. And again. I feel like it’s just dark for the sake of being dark. I haven’t smiled a single time. And I get that it’s not a smiling book. But I’m over it.
I’m sick and exhausted and that may be colouring my reading. I’ll try it again (maybe) when I am not so down.
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 11, 2022Sadly this book wasn't for me.
In the beginning, I liked the writing style, but the book is so heavy that there is this dark undertone even through the happy times (for me, at least). The problem for me wasn't that this book was heavy but the writing style and the feelings it caused while I was reading.
I was constantly anxious, leaving me feeling not so good while reading. Even during the happy times, I was nervous and couldn't enjoy them. I wouldn't say I liked the time jumps. They were chaotic—one moment they were doing one thing, the next a week had passed, which happens a lot. Often (in the first part of this book), we get told what happens, and we don't see it happening. (like some of their time spent together)
I got bored and so anxious around 40%, and from there on, I just skimmed through the book, which is why I'll not rate it. Reading what happens later in the book and at the end, let's say I'm happy I skimmed. This book was a big NO for me because of what I said so far but also because of some things that happened in the book that I didn't like.
However, I think some of my friends will enjoy this book; it was just not for me. It had some remarkable, heartbreaking, and unforgettable moments and I highlighted things the MCs said to each other. That was why I kept reading. Sadly, these parts weren't enough for me to enjoy the book as a whole.
In the beginning, I liked the writing style, but the book is so heavy that there is this dark undertone even through the happy times (for me, at least). The problem for me wasn't that this book was heavy but the writing style and the feelings it caused while I was reading.
I was constantly anxious, leaving me feeling not so good while reading. Even during the happy times, I was nervous and couldn't enjoy them. I wouldn't say I liked the time jumps. They were chaotic—one moment they were doing one thing, the next a week had passed, which happens a lot. Often (in the first part of this book), we get told what happens, and we don't see it happening. (like some of their time spent together)
I got bored and so anxious around 40%, and from there on, I just skimmed through the book, which is why I'll not rate it. Reading what happens later in the book and at the end, let's say I'm happy I skimmed. This book was a big NO for me because of what I said so far but also because of some things that happened in the book that I didn't like.
However, I think some of my friends will enjoy this book; it was just not for me. It had some remarkable, heartbreaking, and unforgettable moments and I highlighted things the MCs said to each other. That was why I kept reading. Sadly, these parts weren't enough for me to enjoy the book as a whole.
Shelved as 'nope'
April 14, 2022I think it’s high time to embrace the fact that C.P. Harris is not for me. 🤷♀� Couldn’t even make it through the sample, with the ott-as-fuck writing and dancing cocks. Pass.
April 20, 2023
If you’ve ever felt in need to immerse yourself in a toxic, destructive relationship - this is the book for you!
I know this book has really mixed reviews - there are people who loved it, and others who hated or dnf-ed it.
It’s actually my second attempt to read it, because the first time, I quit right after chapter 1. Why, you ask? And why give it another go?
The book starts with a bang, a shock to your system: Raven returns to his home city after 8 years for his mother’s funeral. And there’s this guy, Clint, older than him (in his 50s), who begs him to stay with him for the one night he’s there. It’s clear they have some kind of history together, and that Clint might be the reason Raven left without a trace all this time ago.
During the night, Clint forces himself upon Raven. And that felt so much like rape the first time I read it, that I put it to the side. It was so� brutal, and shocking. Way too dark for me.
Then I asked myself - why do so many of my trusted goodread friends love it anyway? And when I saw the audiobook is out, too, I gave it another go, seeing that one of the narrators is Teddy Hamilton, whom I love.
So - in for a penny, out for a pound. I started again, this time not stopping after chapter 1. And chapter 2 takes us back in time, telling the story of Raven and Clint, starting when Raven was 9 years old and Clint the cop who offered him a home with him and his son Joey when it became clear that Raven’s mother is too far gone on her part of self destruction to look after a child.
Long story short: Raven falls in love with Clint, but they only come together when he’s in his early 20s.
And when they do, it feels� almost terrifying, because to an outsider it’s clear that they’re too much, even if they crave each other. It’s mostly about sex, and they’re almost like junkies when it comes to that, brutal and messy and possessive and toxic. And you understand that the scene at the beginning wasn’t rape, because this weird non-con/dub-con sex without safewords is what they both love. On top of that, having started off with that chapter-1-bang, you KNOW something bad is going to happen at some point that tears them apart, and you KNOW it must have been something terrible for Raven to leave Clint.
With that in mind, there wasn’t much going on in the book around the middle, only sex. And more sex. And even more, brutal sex. That’s how I lost interest in listening and was close to quit again, but then decided to switch back to reading so I could skim when it became too much.
Why not quit, you ask? Because it’s well written, the poetic, almost flowery language at odds with it’s content. And because I needed them to have their HEA.
So how to rate a book that’s well written, but messes with your head and makes you hurt - and not in a good way? I decided on 3 stars, because I can’t rate a book less that gets such an intense emotional response. But not more, either, because the ending wasn’t positive enough to balance out all the toxicity that happened before, and because - even though they had their HEA - it’s one of the couples where you aren’t sure they’ll really make it, despite the epilogue.
One thing is for sure: after this one, I need a few fluffy books to balance it out�
I know this book has really mixed reviews - there are people who loved it, and others who hated or dnf-ed it.
It’s actually my second attempt to read it, because the first time, I quit right after chapter 1. Why, you ask? And why give it another go?
The book starts with a bang, a shock to your system: Raven returns to his home city after 8 years for his mother’s funeral. And there’s this guy, Clint, older than him (in his 50s), who begs him to stay with him for the one night he’s there. It’s clear they have some kind of history together, and that Clint might be the reason Raven left without a trace all this time ago.
During the night, Clint forces himself upon Raven. And that felt so much like rape the first time I read it, that I put it to the side. It was so� brutal, and shocking. Way too dark for me.
Then I asked myself - why do so many of my trusted goodread friends love it anyway? And when I saw the audiobook is out, too, I gave it another go, seeing that one of the narrators is Teddy Hamilton, whom I love.
So - in for a penny, out for a pound. I started again, this time not stopping after chapter 1. And chapter 2 takes us back in time, telling the story of Raven and Clint, starting when Raven was 9 years old and Clint the cop who offered him a home with him and his son Joey when it became clear that Raven’s mother is too far gone on her part of self destruction to look after a child.
Long story short: Raven falls in love with Clint, but they only come together when he’s in his early 20s.
And when they do, it feels� almost terrifying, because to an outsider it’s clear that they’re too much, even if they crave each other. It’s mostly about sex, and they’re almost like junkies when it comes to that, brutal and messy and possessive and toxic. And you understand that the scene at the beginning wasn’t rape, because this weird non-con/dub-con sex without safewords is what they both love. On top of that, having started off with that chapter-1-bang, you KNOW something bad is going to happen at some point that tears them apart, and you KNOW it must have been something terrible for Raven to leave Clint.
With that in mind, there wasn’t much going on in the book around the middle, only sex. And more sex. And even more, brutal sex. That’s how I lost interest in listening and was close to quit again, but then decided to switch back to reading so I could skim when it became too much.
Why not quit, you ask? Because it’s well written, the poetic, almost flowery language at odds with it’s content. And because I needed them to have their HEA.
So how to rate a book that’s well written, but messes with your head and makes you hurt - and not in a good way? I decided on 3 stars, because I can’t rate a book less that gets such an intense emotional response. But not more, either, because the ending wasn’t positive enough to balance out all the toxicity that happened before, and because - even though they had their HEA - it’s one of the couples where you aren’t sure they’ll really make it, despite the epilogue.
One thing is for sure: after this one, I need a few fluffy books to balance it out�
June 22, 2024
I had never come to the end of a romance and said, 'shit, the real hea would be the two MCs split up for good.' and yet, here I am.
C.P Harris is officially crossed out from my list. Ffs, her writing is equally cringe and cheesy.
Two men do nothing but fuck their way through this book, eat their own cum using each other as 'cum depository' -- THEIR WORDS, NOT MINE -- all wrapped in cheesy words like 'My pores cried until the bedding was nothing more than sheets of rain'. And then, they end up married, doing yoga and meditation sessions because THEY CHANGED OFC, yay.
Where is the depth, where is the exploration of these 8 years of being apart?? I didn't feel connected to Raven and Clint at all, to their pain going through the change in their lives. I didn't joy their happy ending because the way things turned out, there shouldn't have been one imo.
These 2 stars are for you Joey -- you're the best dude.
C.P Harris is officially crossed out from my list. Ffs, her writing is equally cringe and cheesy.
Two men do nothing but fuck their way through this book, eat their own cum using each other as 'cum depository' -- THEIR WORDS, NOT MINE -- all wrapped in cheesy words like 'My pores cried until the bedding was nothing more than sheets of rain'. And then, they end up married, doing yoga and meditation sessions because THEY CHANGED OFC, yay.
Where is the depth, where is the exploration of these 8 years of being apart?? I didn't feel connected to Raven and Clint at all, to their pain going through the change in their lives. I didn't joy their happy ending because the way things turned out, there shouldn't have been one imo.
These 2 stars are for you Joey -- you're the best dude.
April 15, 2022
Wow. That was unexpected. There were definitely some cringey times, but this author made this book special.
It was raw and gritty and it made me FEEL. Well done.
By the end, neither of us could stomach our own reflection, and after all these years, I stood there confident in knowing that the worst mistake I'd ever taken part in was the best decision of my life.
It was raw and gritty and it made me FEEL. Well done.
By the end, neither of us could stomach our own reflection, and after all these years, I stood there confident in knowing that the worst mistake I'd ever taken part in was the best decision of my life.
April 19, 2022
I have mixed feelings on this one. Raven and Clint have an intense, toxic, obsessive relationship that thrived on rough sex (including consensual non-con play) and sometimes things just felt over the top. There were quiet moments as well and a lot of past baggage each had to work through individually and together considering Raven grew up with Clint as his guardian and only real parental role model and Clint's son was Raven's best friend.
This book took me days to get through. There were pacing issues through the first half and after a while, I did start skimming the many sex scenes. A lot of the story takes place in a bubble as Clint and Raven's relationship develops over a summer. There were also a few time jumps, including the first few weeks of them together. The last quarter of the book picked up, but there was a lot crammed in there and I wanted to see more of the character development that leads them back to their HEA. There is an eight-year time jump and we are only told how the men changed.
I wasn't as sucked into the relationship as I wanted to be, maybe because of its nature. I did feel the emotions towards the end but everything was wrapped up so quickly I felt a little cheated out of Clint, Raven and Joey's journey back to each other.
This book took me days to get through. There were pacing issues through the first half and after a while, I did start skimming the many sex scenes. A lot of the story takes place in a bubble as Clint and Raven's relationship develops over a summer. There were also a few time jumps, including the first few weeks of them together. The last quarter of the book picked up, but there was a lot crammed in there and I wanted to see more of the character development that leads them back to their HEA. There is an eight-year time jump and we are only told how the men changed.
I wasn't as sucked into the relationship as I wanted to be, maybe because of its nature. I did feel the emotions towards the end but everything was wrapped up so quickly I felt a little cheated out of Clint, Raven and Joey's journey back to each other.
June 23, 2024
What a ride!
Such a toxic fucking ride but since I couldn’t look away, take your 4 stars, C.P. Harris.
WHAT I LIKED
- No stone left unturned. C.P. Harris pushed boundaries like she was on her last fucking breath and the result was� well, I’m still thinking about this book so clearly she did something right.
- The heat� when it wasn’t toxic. While this might not be a romance, the first half of the book is certainly “ordinary� and the sex scenes are hot � very hot actually. It’s the toxic shit you need to watch out for. But if you decide to read this book then you’ll probably already be prepared for it to some degree (read the CWs!)
- I couldn’t look away. Both Raven and Clint had jobs/hobbies etc outside of their relationship but the narrative stayed on track without excessive deviation into the unnecessary. I was hooked from the beginning and then again from the 60% mark when shit hit the fan.
- The audiobook. Between Teddy Hamilton and Liam DiCosimo I’m not sure who voiced Clint but when I tell you that man's voice was SCORCHING HOT🥵 I need you to know I'm not exaggerating!😭
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
- The purple prose. My mental filter eventually took over but damn, those were a lot of words.
Overall, I liked this book for how far the author was willing to go and how well written it was.
And of course, my experience was all the better thanks to the BR with the lovely folks in our server, including @gina and @Jonathan�
Such a toxic fucking ride but since I couldn’t look away, take your 4 stars, C.P. Harris.
WHAT I LIKED
- No stone left unturned. C.P. Harris pushed boundaries like she was on her last fucking breath and the result was� well, I’m still thinking about this book so clearly she did something right.
- The heat� when it wasn’t toxic. While this might not be a romance, the first half of the book is certainly “ordinary� and the sex scenes are hot � very hot actually. It’s the toxic shit you need to watch out for. But if you decide to read this book then you’ll probably already be prepared for it to some degree (read the CWs!)
- I couldn’t look away. Both Raven and Clint had jobs/hobbies etc outside of their relationship but the narrative stayed on track without excessive deviation into the unnecessary. I was hooked from the beginning and then again from the 60% mark when shit hit the fan.
- The audiobook. Between Teddy Hamilton and Liam DiCosimo I’m not sure who voiced Clint but when I tell you that man's voice was SCORCHING HOT🥵 I need you to know I'm not exaggerating!😭
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
- The purple prose. My mental filter eventually took over but damn, those were a lot of words.
Overall, I liked this book for how far the author was willing to go and how well written it was.
And of course, my experience was all the better thanks to the BR with the lovely folks in our server, including @gina and @Jonathan�
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June 22, 2024DNF I... just can't connect with then... 56% and no click with either Clint or Raven... They are very unlikable and just wrong... Not from the taboo side... it's them!
And also the trope says "best friend’s dad romance" but this is COMPLETELY misleading... Because in reality Raven was his adopted son... Not just a friend of his son ( who let’s face it it’s his brother)... he was raised with Clint since he was a child...and also� he was also fucking his adoptive brother for reasons� what a mindfuck�
And also the trope says "best friend’s dad romance" but this is COMPLETELY misleading... Because in reality Raven was his adopted son... Not just a friend of his son ( who let’s face it it’s his brother)... he was raised with Clint since he was a child...and also� he was also fucking his adoptive brother for reasons� what a mindfuck�
June 19, 2024
OH WHAT A WICKED GAME INDEED!
“This isn’t love, Clint.� I cried for all three of us, weeping all over him. “Not anymore.� “Then what is it?� he mouthed more than spoke. “Poison.� The low dose, slow-killing kind, and we’d reached the death end of it.
This book was pain pain pain. I went through every emotion reading it. Mostly anger and anxiety but a couple swoon moments as well. But mostly this unnerving feeling of dread hung around throughout most of the book for me. I also felt like I needed a biohazard suit while reading this 😂
Clint and Raven were so toxic and their exploration into the dark side of was all consuming to them and to us as readers. It was a car crash I couldn’t look away from.
‘That became our sick, wicked game that week. I’d let him slip up and love me, and then get high off him punishing us both for it. And then I couldn’t wait to let him love me again. It’d gotten to the point where minutes of still waters felt like the churning sickness of withdrawal, and fighting and fucking our pain away the ultimate high until it was time for another hit�
The dungeon scenes where Clint is telling Raven about his past hook ups and comparing Raven to Adam made me physically sick. That was so fucking twisted and sick and beyond anything. What a mental fuckery. It didn’t shy away from going there and I appreciated it. There were times I hated both Clint and Raven but the ending made up for it.
The parallels of ‘Wicked Game by Chris Issak and the theme of the song and the book were unmatched. I don’t think I’ll ever listen to that song and not think of this book now.
This was a discord buddy read, glad I wasn’t in it alone. And shoutout to them for letting me cry and gay scream over this damn book. I need back rubs and foreheads kisses ASAP.
CP Harris I will be returning to your work at a later date! 🫡
“This isn’t love, Clint.� I cried for all three of us, weeping all over him. “Not anymore.� “Then what is it?� he mouthed more than spoke. “Poison.� The low dose, slow-killing kind, and we’d reached the death end of it.
This book was pain pain pain. I went through every emotion reading it. Mostly anger and anxiety but a couple swoon moments as well. But mostly this unnerving feeling of dread hung around throughout most of the book for me. I also felt like I needed a biohazard suit while reading this 😂
Clint and Raven were so toxic and their exploration into the dark side of was all consuming to them and to us as readers. It was a car crash I couldn’t look away from.
‘That became our sick, wicked game that week. I’d let him slip up and love me, and then get high off him punishing us both for it. And then I couldn’t wait to let him love me again. It’d gotten to the point where minutes of still waters felt like the churning sickness of withdrawal, and fighting and fucking our pain away the ultimate high until it was time for another hit�
The dungeon scenes where Clint is telling Raven about his past hook ups and comparing Raven to Adam made me physically sick. That was so fucking twisted and sick and beyond anything. What a mental fuckery. It didn’t shy away from going there and I appreciated it. There were times I hated both Clint and Raven but the ending made up for it.
The parallels of ‘Wicked Game by Chris Issak and the theme of the song and the book were unmatched. I don’t think I’ll ever listen to that song and not think of this book now.
This was a discord buddy read, glad I wasn’t in it alone. And shoutout to them for letting me cry and gay scream over this damn book. I need back rubs and foreheads kisses ASAP.
CP Harris I will be returning to your work at a later date! 🫡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 24, 2022***NEW BONUS SCENE ADDED 5/23***
Bonus Scene #1: Raven in a jealous rage (alternate chapter 14 ending).
Bonus Scene #2: Raven & Clint further discuss their time spent apart.
Bonus Scene #1: Raven in a jealous rage (alternate chapter 14 ending).
Bonus Scene #2: Raven & Clint further discuss their time spent apart.
Shelved as 'i-m-a-quitter'
April 20, 2022DNF @ 34%
Just not feeling this one.
It's not holding my attention.
It's kind of exhausting me just waiting for the inevitable.
Just not feeling this one.
It's not holding my attention.
It's kind of exhausting me just waiting for the inevitable.
April 19, 2022
Wow, where do I even start? When I began reading this book, I had planned to take a break to write reviews for other books I'd finished over the weekend. But that first chapter...it got its claws in me and my mind could no longer function in a way that would allow me to gush over anything sweet or pure or even remotely fluffy. I was fully immersed in all things Clint and Raven. This book didn't just get under my skin, it soaked into it and diluted my blood stream. It made me think in sentences like the one I just wrote because that's the visceral way the author described every emotion, every action. I'm kinda shook because I feel like I shouldn't love a story like this, but I really, really do.
This book made me ask some interesting questions that I'd never considered before. What does it look like when the protective nature of parental love becomes something different, something more? In many ways, kids belong to their parents. There's a sense of ownership there because for years parents have a level of control over their child's life. There were rules to follow, chores to do, expectations to be met. In exchange, parents provide, nurture, love and protect. So what happens when those protective, possessive instincts become intertwined with romantic feelings and sex? And how does the child, now an adult, find equal footing in something so unbalanced? How does that translate? For Clint and Raven there was more than one translation, but the best way to describe it was complete and utter obsession with some jealousy, possessiveness and control issues mixed in to make things fun.
Present Day Clint in the first chapter was so different from Past Clint and I had the hardest time reconciling the two at first. I couldn't fathom what could possibly have happened to turn who he was into who he became. Raven wanted Clint's deepest and darkest. He didn't just want to dance with the devil, he wanted to set him free and then give him everything he'd ever wanted so he'd never want to leave. At the perfect pace, the author walked me through their lives as everything changed, as the highest highs became the lowest lows. I knew the exact moment when other readers threw in the towel because I'd had enough at that point too. I wanted to tell Clint and Raven to stop hurting each other. I wanted them to take a breath and look around at the damage they'd done. I wanted no to finally mean no. I couldn't see their rock bottom. Instead it felt like an endless chasm of pain and self loathing that would eventually scar them beyond recognition. Beyond forgiveness.
And the house...it gave me chills. So much of the story took place within those walls and I could picture the structure and all of its contents so vividly. The feel of the house changed with the emotional state of the people living inside - sometimes in good ways that made it feel like a safe haven and a home, and other times in such bad ways that I wanted to drive there and stick a For Sale sign in front of it myself. Or burn the whole place down and start from scratch. Leave it as a metaphor and move on.
This book will definitely not be for everyone. It isn't dark, per se, but it isn't light by any means. It fit several tropes, yet subverted them all. It had a profound effect on me and my emotions are still running high and all over the place right now. And the writing...I don't understand how a book so gritty, so dirty (I mean filthy, y'all), managed to be poetic and beautiful too. I want to read everything this author has ever written now. I want the notes on her phone. I want her text messages, to-do lists, reminders to call her best friend. Everything. And it wasn't just her writing that amazed me, it was her willingness to do the damn thing. All. The. Things. I'm in awe.
For those of you on the fence, I promise there was a happy ending. And maybe the potential for some future books? I hope so, because there were definitely some characters I needed to know more about.
This book made me ask some interesting questions that I'd never considered before. What does it look like when the protective nature of parental love becomes something different, something more? In many ways, kids belong to their parents. There's a sense of ownership there because for years parents have a level of control over their child's life. There were rules to follow, chores to do, expectations to be met. In exchange, parents provide, nurture, love and protect. So what happens when those protective, possessive instincts become intertwined with romantic feelings and sex? And how does the child, now an adult, find equal footing in something so unbalanced? How does that translate? For Clint and Raven there was more than one translation, but the best way to describe it was complete and utter obsession with some jealousy, possessiveness and control issues mixed in to make things fun.
Present Day Clint in the first chapter was so different from Past Clint and I had the hardest time reconciling the two at first. I couldn't fathom what could possibly have happened to turn who he was into who he became. Raven wanted Clint's deepest and darkest. He didn't just want to dance with the devil, he wanted to set him free and then give him everything he'd ever wanted so he'd never want to leave. At the perfect pace, the author walked me through their lives as everything changed, as the highest highs became the lowest lows. I knew the exact moment when other readers threw in the towel because I'd had enough at that point too. I wanted to tell Clint and Raven to stop hurting each other. I wanted them to take a breath and look around at the damage they'd done. I wanted no to finally mean no. I couldn't see their rock bottom. Instead it felt like an endless chasm of pain and self loathing that would eventually scar them beyond recognition. Beyond forgiveness.
And the house...it gave me chills. So much of the story took place within those walls and I could picture the structure and all of its contents so vividly. The feel of the house changed with the emotional state of the people living inside - sometimes in good ways that made it feel like a safe haven and a home, and other times in such bad ways that I wanted to drive there and stick a For Sale sign in front of it myself. Or burn the whole place down and start from scratch. Leave it as a metaphor and move on.
This book will definitely not be for everyone. It isn't dark, per se, but it isn't light by any means. It fit several tropes, yet subverted them all. It had a profound effect on me and my emotions are still running high and all over the place right now. And the writing...I don't understand how a book so gritty, so dirty (I mean filthy, y'all), managed to be poetic and beautiful too. I want to read everything this author has ever written now. I want the notes on her phone. I want her text messages, to-do lists, reminders to call her best friend. Everything. And it wasn't just her writing that amazed me, it was her willingness to do the damn thing. All. The. Things. I'm in awe.
For those of you on the fence, I promise there was a happy ending. And maybe the potential for some future books? I hope so, because there were definitely some characters I needed to know more about.
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