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cipotalectora's review against another edition
1.0
Day 7 of 365, my ninth read of the year, and my fourth 1-star read of 2024.
The only good thing about this was the angst—the poverty, the abuse Roman endured from his brother, the found family aspect, Roman’s mutism, food insecurity, sex work for money—I really liked it. This is my second read from this author, and unfortunately, it’s another miss. Despite that, I do believe this book has potential, but the BDSM representation, lack of character development, lack of relationship development, and how I was not the biggest fan of Scout made the reading experience unenjoyable and not emotional.
I’ll give it to this author for his ability to write angst. It’s well written and heart felt, and I could feel myself rooting for the characters as the story started. We find out about their terrible living conditions, making it out one way or another. While they’re both living in different situations and places, Roman and Scout aren’t entirely different in how they only have each other for reliable. Scout has his two best friends, Dallas and Beck, which makes it more worthwhile; Roman, on the other hand, doesn’t have anyone. The author’s ability to tug at your heartstrings shines here, not just with the topic of poverty but in how both men are broken and shattered in their own ways. Roman, especially, was easier to connect to, although I did feel a little conflicted about him in the end. His inner angst comes from his abusive relationship with his toxic brother. He’s never been properly cared for, not after his grandma was taken away from him, so finding trust and care for and from others isn’t easy for him. I loved how the author wrote his character, admittedly. His struggles were heartfelt. The author never cures or forgets his mutism, which I would say is selective mutism because Roman isn’t able to speak during certain times of anxiety. He slowly works up the courage when he needs to, including for his brother and Scout.
On the other hand, my issues with the book have to do with everything else, from Scout, to the poor BDSM representation, to the lack of relationship development.
I won’t comment much on the puppy play because it’s not my thing, but I will say it didn’t affect my enjoyment. It helped to know beforehand that this has puppy play and that Roman is referred to as ‘pup’ and ‘puppy’ by Roman, which isn’t my thing at all but in this world we don’t kink shame. I could see how the puppy role was something Roman felt connected to, given his need to obey, follow commands, and even bite. I personally think the author did a good job with this, especially as I am someone who isn’t super familiar with role playing and the like. Yeah, I wouldn’t look for a book with puppy play specifically but I’ll admit that I didn’t hate it. It felt fitting for Roman’s character, it just didn’t help the relationship much.
In my opinion, Roman deserved better. It was difficult to root for the two, especially for their BDSM relationship, when it felt like Roman didn’t even know what he was agreeing to, and Scout felt like he didn’t know what he was doing. There’s nothing wrong with him being a baby Dom. He’s inexperienced, so course it’s gonna take practice and experience, but that’s exactly my issue. Roman needed more caretaking and aftercare, someone more confident and sure. This has nothing to do with Scout also living in poverty and doing sex-work as a means for finances, but his Dominant role felt shallow, with no sufficient depth. He claimed to be experienced and someone who would teach Roman, yet he’d forget some of the most important, basic parts, like aftercare. And why did he forget aftercare after their first scene? Because he was so focused on his porn and editing the footage. I also thought he came off as unreliable for the entire book. His personality came off as ignorant, a little standoffish, and not sure enough on what he was doing. This wouldn’t have been an issue, considering he’s learning and doesn’t have the best gear and equipment, but Roman’s position didn’t help. The way I saw it, Roman agreed to his submission not because he felt that way, but because he thought there wasn’t anything better. There are some instances where Roman holds himself back for Scout’s sake, like not using a safeword.
A wave of dizziness washes over me and my stomach flips as I squeeze my eyes shut tighter, telling myself that I could probably snap the belt if I really had to. Trav has never restrained me, so I didn’t think I’d feel scared. But all I can imagine is that this is how it would feel if he tried, if I was helpless to escape and he could hurt me and hurt me and hurt me. Flexing my fingers, I tell myself not to safeword. We just fucking started, and I can tell Scout’s happy with me. I don’t want it to stop.
1) He has to tell himself to not safe word.
2) He’s doing it for Scout’s sake despite not being the most comfortable in that moment.
3) He’s scared of taking away Scout’s happiness because he’s doing so good?
Just. No.
Scout’s experience on BDSM and being a Dom mostly came from his sex work. We don’t learn any backstory on why he is a Dom and/or wants a sub. We don’t know anything about previous experiences. We just know that once he locks eyes with Roman, he wants him, and he always gets what he wants. Excuse me as I roll my eyes.
Once again, his lack of experience isn’t the issue; it’s how Roman’s position didn’t help him, so to me, it felt like Roman was being used. Scout wasn’t patient, understanding, and kind all the time. Instead of coming off as authoritative, he came off as unreliable. Where was the kindness? The care? The patience? The trust? Roman needed someone else and more proper knowledge on what he was doing. Scout didn’t really give him that. Roman wasn’t taught right, he was simply doing as he was told. His character was broken too much that a submissive role didn’t feel appropriate enough for everything he needed.
I’m no expert on BDSM. I haven’t read that many kinky romances in general, let alone books with strict roles. While the D/s and Sir/boy dynamics are clear here, with what I have read and learned, this wasn’t the best. It also felt like Scout was using him for his porn, and if it weren’t for that, there wouldn’t be any other way these two would be together. They didn’t give me ‘happy ever after’ vibes. It’s as if Scout was more interested in his porn and footage than actually coming to properly care about Roman.
Also, Scout’s character was hardly explored. We learn more about Roman than Scout. All we know is that he stuffed himself with Oreo cookies and noodles when he could, he jerked off to horny men for payment, and came out with his own ways to make equipment for his porn. We also know his siblings ran off, his mom OD’d, and his dad was killed. Truly angst stuff, yet they offered nothing to his character. He was just someone who did sex work and was a baby Dom in the making. His relationship with Roman is mostly through the BDSM roles, especially for the first 50% of the book. We don’t really see them going out and getting to know each other unless it’s with Beck and Dallas, which is fine but I would’ve preferred to see more of them together and alone. This also prevented me from enjoying the book and rooting for the romance because there wasn’t enough connection.
This story had potential, but I started losing interest 40% in when Scout’s dominant role felt too underdeveloped. I really can’t use the excuse of them learning and them being inexperienced as a way to validate what they did. This wouldn’t be an issue if Roman came off as someone with more security and confidence. Instead, I saw him as someone unsure, scared, and willing to do things asked for him because he thought that was what he was good for. He was too broken, damaged, and traumatized. He couldn’t stand up to himself for himself. The only times he did were with Scout, and it was probably because he knew Scout wouldn’t hurt him. It makes sense, yet that’s where the character developing was lacking.
Then the ending comes along and everything is easy. It felt as if the author wrote this with that intention to excuse Roman’s lack of character development. No structure and build up is made throughout the book because the ending wouldn’t have required it. It’s very lazy writing to me.
Overall, not a fan in the slightest.
The only good thing about this was the angst—the poverty, the abuse Roman endured from his brother, the found family aspect, Roman’s mutism, food insecurity, sex work for money—I really liked it. This is my second read from this author, and unfortunately, it’s another miss. Despite that, I do believe this book has potential, but the BDSM representation, lack of character development, lack of relationship development, and how I was not the biggest fan of Scout made the reading experience unenjoyable and not emotional.
I’ll give it to this author for his ability to write angst. It’s well written and heart felt, and I could feel myself rooting for the characters as the story started. We find out about their terrible living conditions, making it out one way or another. While they’re both living in different situations and places, Roman and Scout aren’t entirely different in how they only have each other for reliable. Scout has his two best friends, Dallas and Beck, which makes it more worthwhile; Roman, on the other hand, doesn’t have anyone. The author’s ability to tug at your heartstrings shines here, not just with the topic of poverty but in how both men are broken and shattered in their own ways. Roman, especially, was easier to connect to, although I did feel a little conflicted about him in the end. His inner angst comes from his abusive relationship with his toxic brother. He’s never been properly cared for, not after his grandma was taken away from him, so finding trust and care for and from others isn’t easy for him. I loved how the author wrote his character, admittedly. His struggles were heartfelt. The author never cures or forgets his mutism, which I would say is selective mutism because Roman isn’t able to speak during certain times of anxiety. He slowly works up the courage when he needs to, including for his brother and Scout.
On the other hand, my issues with the book have to do with everything else, from Scout, to the poor BDSM representation, to the lack of relationship development.
I won’t comment much on the puppy play because it’s not my thing, but I will say it didn’t affect my enjoyment. It helped to know beforehand that this has puppy play and that Roman is referred to as ‘pup’ and ‘puppy’ by Roman, which isn’t my thing at all but in this world we don’t kink shame. I could see how the puppy role was something Roman felt connected to, given his need to obey, follow commands, and even bite. I personally think the author did a good job with this, especially as I am someone who isn’t super familiar with role playing and the like. Yeah, I wouldn’t look for a book with puppy play specifically but I’ll admit that I didn’t hate it. It felt fitting for Roman’s character, it just didn’t help the relationship much.
In my opinion, Roman deserved better. It was difficult to root for the two, especially for their BDSM relationship, when it felt like Roman didn’t even know what he was agreeing to, and Scout felt like he didn’t know what he was doing. There’s nothing wrong with him being a baby Dom. He’s inexperienced, so course it’s gonna take practice and experience, but that’s exactly my issue. Roman needed more caretaking and aftercare, someone more confident and sure. This has nothing to do with Scout also living in poverty and doing sex-work as a means for finances, but his Dominant role felt shallow, with no sufficient depth. He claimed to be experienced and someone who would teach Roman, yet he’d forget some of the most important, basic parts, like aftercare. And why did he forget aftercare after their first scene? Because he was so focused on his porn and editing the footage. I also thought he came off as unreliable for the entire book. His personality came off as ignorant, a little standoffish, and not sure enough on what he was doing. This wouldn’t have been an issue, considering he’s learning and doesn’t have the best gear and equipment, but Roman’s position didn’t help. The way I saw it, Roman agreed to his submission not because he felt that way, but because he thought there wasn’t anything better. There are some instances where Roman holds himself back for Scout’s sake, like not using a safeword.
A wave of dizziness washes over me and my stomach flips as I squeeze my eyes shut tighter, telling myself that I could probably snap the belt if I really had to. Trav has never restrained me, so I didn’t think I’d feel scared. But all I can imagine is that this is how it would feel if he tried, if I was helpless to escape and he could hurt me and hurt me and hurt me. Flexing my fingers, I tell myself not to safeword. We just fucking started, and I can tell Scout’s happy with me. I don’t want it to stop.
1) He has to tell himself to not safe word.
2) He’s doing it for Scout’s sake despite not being the most comfortable in that moment.
3) He’s scared of taking away Scout’s happiness because he’s doing so good?
Just. No.
Scout’s experience on BDSM and being a Dom mostly came from his sex work. We don’t learn any backstory on why he is a Dom and/or wants a sub. We don’t know anything about previous experiences. We just know that once he locks eyes with Roman, he wants him, and he always gets what he wants. Excuse me as I roll my eyes.
Once again, his lack of experience isn’t the issue; it’s how Roman’s position didn’t help him, so to me, it felt like Roman was being used. Scout wasn’t patient, understanding, and kind all the time. Instead of coming off as authoritative, he came off as unreliable. Where was the kindness? The care? The patience? The trust? Roman needed someone else and more proper knowledge on what he was doing. Scout didn’t really give him that. Roman wasn’t taught right, he was simply doing as he was told. His character was broken too much that a submissive role didn’t feel appropriate enough for everything he needed.
I’m no expert on BDSM. I haven’t read that many kinky romances in general, let alone books with strict roles. While the D/s and Sir/boy dynamics are clear here, with what I have read and learned, this wasn’t the best. It also felt like Scout was using him for his porn, and if it weren’t for that, there wouldn’t be any other way these two would be together. They didn’t give me ‘happy ever after’ vibes. It’s as if Scout was more interested in his porn and footage than actually coming to properly care about Roman.
Also, Scout’s character was hardly explored. We learn more about Roman than Scout. All we know is that he stuffed himself with Oreo cookies and noodles when he could, he jerked off to horny men for payment, and came out with his own ways to make equipment for his porn. We also know his siblings ran off, his mom OD’d, and his dad was killed. Truly angst stuff, yet they offered nothing to his character. He was just someone who did sex work and was a baby Dom in the making. His relationship with Roman is mostly through the BDSM roles, especially for the first 50% of the book. We don’t really see them going out and getting to know each other unless it’s with Beck and Dallas, which is fine but I would’ve preferred to see more of them together and alone. This also prevented me from enjoying the book and rooting for the romance because there wasn’t enough connection.
This story had potential, but I started losing interest 40% in when Scout’s dominant role felt too underdeveloped. I really can’t use the excuse of them learning and them being inexperienced as a way to validate what they did. This wouldn’t be an issue if Roman came off as someone with more security and confidence. Instead, I saw him as someone unsure, scared, and willing to do things asked for him because he thought that was what he was good for. He was too broken, damaged, and traumatized. He couldn’t stand up to himself for himself. The only times he did were with Scout, and it was probably because he knew Scout wouldn’t hurt him. It makes sense, yet that’s where the character developing was lacking.
Then the ending comes along and everything is easy. It felt as if the author wrote this with that intention to excuse Roman’s lack of character development. No structure and build up is made throughout the book because the ending wouldn’t have required it. It’s very lazy writing to me.
Overall, not a fan in the slightest.
asabovesobelow's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lizeth26's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the story. The only complaint I have is that I kinda wished that Scout knew what he was doing
kindlemmromancereader's review against another edition
4.0
***ARC Review***
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
“Bad Dogs” is the first book is Riley Nash’s new Dirty Strays series. (Jackson’s brother Scout from “Show Me Wonders” got his own book)! Roman starts the story off. This 20 year old is a captivating person. His current home situation is terrible, but the first twelve years he had with his grandparents gave him values and skills that make up his beautiful core.
This book is hard to read at times. Roman is such a sweet soul, it’s hard to hear about some of the things that he has to go through at the hands of his brother, Travis. Roman is mute. He can use his voice sometimes, but it takes effort. Roman is dealing with the loss of his grandparents’ love and protection and the security he felt in their home. He’s spent the last eight years with his abusive brother. Roman is full of rage and has little hope that his situation will get better. It’s hard not to want to hug the guy. Travis is a piece of work that deserves all the bad things.
Scout is a scrappy 21 year old that is starting out as a Dom. He has had such a raw deal in life, it’s a wonder that he’s doing ok (for the most part). Scout comes across Roman and sees something in him that he doesn’t think others do - Roman’s need to submit. Scout’s big goal is to get his D/s channel up and running and to get his friends Beck and Dallas out of the trailer park they all live in.
Scout falls for Roman harder than he intends. It’s interesting seeing him try to deal with Roman in times when he’s not sure how to handle things. I think that Scout brings comfort and care to Roman. I also think he’s not totally equipped to help him handle everything he is experiencing. The protection only goes so far. Things with Travis wrap up suddenly. That said, Roman and Scout are a very compelling couple. They see one another and accept each other as they are. I was happy to see them reach an HEA. This book, as in all of Nash’s other works, is beautifully written and so very moving. There’s a big nod to found family in this story. Nash is such a fantastic writer, it’s hard not to love everything he publishes. I’m looking forward to Beck’s and Dallas’ books in future.
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
“Bad Dogs” is the first book is Riley Nash’s new Dirty Strays series. (Jackson’s brother Scout from “Show Me Wonders” got his own book)! Roman starts the story off. This 20 year old is a captivating person. His current home situation is terrible, but the first twelve years he had with his grandparents gave him values and skills that make up his beautiful core.
This book is hard to read at times. Roman is such a sweet soul, it’s hard to hear about some of the things that he has to go through at the hands of his brother, Travis. Roman is mute. He can use his voice sometimes, but it takes effort. Roman is dealing with the loss of his grandparents’ love and protection and the security he felt in their home. He’s spent the last eight years with his abusive brother. Roman is full of rage and has little hope that his situation will get better. It’s hard not to want to hug the guy. Travis is a piece of work that deserves all the bad things.
Scout is a scrappy 21 year old that is starting out as a Dom. He has had such a raw deal in life, it’s a wonder that he’s doing ok (for the most part). Scout comes across Roman and sees something in him that he doesn’t think others do - Roman’s need to submit. Scout’s big goal is to get his D/s channel up and running and to get his friends Beck and Dallas out of the trailer park they all live in.
Scout falls for Roman harder than he intends. It’s interesting seeing him try to deal with Roman in times when he’s not sure how to handle things. I think that Scout brings comfort and care to Roman. I also think he’s not totally equipped to help him handle everything he is experiencing. The protection only goes so far. Things with Travis wrap up suddenly. That said, Roman and Scout are a very compelling couple. They see one another and accept each other as they are. I was happy to see them reach an HEA. This book, as in all of Nash’s other works, is beautifully written and so very moving. There’s a big nod to found family in this story. Nash is such a fantastic writer, it’s hard not to love everything he publishes. I’m looking forward to Beck’s and Dallas’ books in future.
andrhyshend's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
outlawreader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
becksgoesbookish's review against another edition
5.0
Update June 2023: okay the audio is now out and it is stellar! Once again Riley is 4 for 4 on choosing the best narrators for each of their characters!
teenykins's review against another edition
3.0
'...we’re all ghosts here, except those who manage to escape.'
Soooo... undoubtedly Riley Nash is a master of angst, the emotional scars from the Water, Air, Earth, Fire series I still carry with me. But here... here we skirted along the angst, we skirted along the romance and we skirted along the BDSM aspects of the story, that really didn't feel like it worked with Roman's trauma.
Riley's portrayal of Roman's selective mutism, was done really well. I loved how Scout's group adopted Roman, they never stumbled in accepting him talking through sign language and learning themselves so they can communicate.
“I see you, Roman. No one else does, but I do. You want to fight until you’re worn out, and then you want to be so good.”
Scout was certainly sweet and at the start was really putting effort in building trust but then steps were jumped over. I found that Scout assuming Roman was a sub and projecting that idea onto Roman, someone mentally and emotionally scarred, in a constant abuse and having to walk on eggshells through another's emotions, wasn't in the right frame of mind to look into himself and find that part of himself. Not only that, but Scout also decided on having it on camera, without even having a trial off of it.
'Is it a Dom thing to feel your sub’s fingers deep in your chest, prying it apart until—even though he’s the one kneeling and collared—you’re the one who’s humbled and broken open?'
Along those lines plus the seemingly little time that they actually spend together on practically the first half of the book, if not easily the 3/4ths we also had a romance that was at its beginning and not the ILUs that were said.
Anyways... the writing was incredible and it really showed in the best secondary characters ever, Beck and Dallas. They really were the highlight of the story!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Soooo... undoubtedly Riley Nash is a master of angst, the emotional scars from the Water, Air, Earth, Fire series I still carry with me. But here... here we skirted along the angst, we skirted along the romance and we skirted along the BDSM aspects of the story, that really didn't feel like it worked with Roman's trauma.
Riley's portrayal of Roman's selective mutism, was done really well. I loved how Scout's group adopted Roman, they never stumbled in accepting him talking through sign language and learning themselves so they can communicate.
“I see you, Roman. No one else does, but I do. You want to fight until you’re worn out, and then you want to be so good.”
Scout was certainly sweet and at the start was really putting effort in building trust but then steps were jumped over. I found that Scout assuming Roman was a sub and projecting that idea onto Roman, someone mentally and emotionally scarred, in a constant abuse and having to walk on eggshells through another's emotions, wasn't in the right frame of mind to look into himself and find that part of himself. Not only that, but Scout also decided on having it on camera, without even having a trial off of it.
'Is it a Dom thing to feel your sub’s fingers deep in your chest, prying it apart until—even though he’s the one kneeling and collared—you’re the one who’s humbled and broken open?'
Along those lines plus the seemingly little time that they actually spend together on practically the first half of the book, if not easily the 3/4ths we also had a romance that was at its beginning and not the ILUs that were said.
Anyways... the writing was incredible and it really showed in the best secondary characters ever, Beck and Dallas. They really were the highlight of the story!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.