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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
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
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
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.
gloriaworlikar's review against another edition
4.0
Riley Nash is a king of how well he writes stories and makes us fall in love with the characters.
This book depicts a heartbreakingly beautiful story about kink exploration, experiencing trauma and finding the family who will be with you through thick and thin.
Scout & Roman were such a beautiful couple. Scout was bratty, possessive and always thinking to protect the happiness of his people. I loved how Scout was protective of Roman from the time he had his eyes on Roman and also how Roman usually just spoke with Scout. I loved how Roman was scared but deep down he knew Scout will never hurt him or lie to him. Even the BDSM scenes were so well written; I could feel the hurt while reading the flogging scene; Scout's emotions and why Roman felt the need to do his part as a Sub so he could give more money to Scout for his dreams.
Beck & Dallas were my favourites and Tubbs; his relationship with Roman was amazing. I loved their found family.
Can't wait for Beck's & Dallas's books.
This book depicts a heartbreakingly beautiful story about kink exploration, experiencing trauma and finding the family who will be with you through thick and thin.
Scout & Roman were such a beautiful couple. Scout was bratty, possessive and always thinking to protect the happiness of his people. I loved how Scout was protective of Roman from the time he had his eyes on Roman and also how Roman usually just spoke with Scout. I loved how Roman was scared but deep down he knew Scout will never hurt him or lie to him. Even the BDSM scenes were so well written; I could feel the hurt while reading the flogging scene; Scout's emotions and why Roman felt the need to do his part as a Sub so he could give more money to Scout for his dreams.
Beck & Dallas were my favourites and Tubbs; his relationship with Roman was amazing. I loved their found family.
Can't wait for Beck's & Dallas's books.
kaydanielsromance's review against another edition
5.0
My heart is wrecked! I'm blown away by this overwhelming, touching story!!
This is the first book I've read by Riley Nash and I'm reeling in the feels right now. I honestly did not expect the overwhelming depth and heartache mixed in with the love and friendship that I experienced while reading this book. I am floored by the rollercoaster ride I just went on and I am loving it!
Roman, the young man that bruised and battered my heart in the best way, is such a dichotomy when it came to his character. Roman has been abused by his older brother, who is a dirty cop, for years. On top of the physical abuse his brother emotionally abuses him by manipulating and beating his psyche down because Roman is emotionally mute. Living the life he does doesn't help Roman's condition and it breaks my heart on how he truly thinks about himself. It's not until Roman meets Scout and really let's go with him that the beauty of who he is, who he's meant to be really shines through. I wanted to weep so often for Roman, but luckily he had Scout who, even though he's had a tough life, shines bright for everyone around him.
Scout is such a unique individual. Living in a dumpy trailer, camming to support himself, and yet his perspective on life is always upbeat and positive. He is exactly what Roman needs. Scout doesn't have family, except for his best friends and they are absolutely fantastic. I loved their openness and quick friendship especially when Roman couldn't grasp that concept. Roman had been beaten and abused for so long, told he was worthless and no one would want him or like him, trusting Scout and his friends didn't come easy. Break my heart.
The underlying plot of the book is that Scout is looking for a sub to cam with and Roman is the perfect guy. There is so much more to this book than two guys discovering the ins and outs of BDSM, but it was also a beautiful thing to read about both of them walking the path together because it was new.
I really can't get over how touching and emotional this book is. However, it is full of lots of darkness to get to that point, but that is what made it so good. I know already that this book will top one of the best books I'll read this year, it hit that hard. If you are looking to wreck your heart, don't miss it.
This is the first book I've read by Riley Nash and I'm reeling in the feels right now. I honestly did not expect the overwhelming depth and heartache mixed in with the love and friendship that I experienced while reading this book. I am floored by the rollercoaster ride I just went on and I am loving it!
Roman, the young man that bruised and battered my heart in the best way, is such a dichotomy when it came to his character. Roman has been abused by his older brother, who is a dirty cop, for years. On top of the physical abuse his brother emotionally abuses him by manipulating and beating his psyche down because Roman is emotionally mute. Living the life he does doesn't help Roman's condition and it breaks my heart on how he truly thinks about himself. It's not until Roman meets Scout and really let's go with him that the beauty of who he is, who he's meant to be really shines through. I wanted to weep so often for Roman, but luckily he had Scout who, even though he's had a tough life, shines bright for everyone around him.
Scout is such a unique individual. Living in a dumpy trailer, camming to support himself, and yet his perspective on life is always upbeat and positive. He is exactly what Roman needs. Scout doesn't have family, except for his best friends and they are absolutely fantastic. I loved their openness and quick friendship especially when Roman couldn't grasp that concept. Roman had been beaten and abused for so long, told he was worthless and no one would want him or like him, trusting Scout and his friends didn't come easy. Break my heart.
The underlying plot of the book is that Scout is looking for a sub to cam with and Roman is the perfect guy. There is so much more to this book than two guys discovering the ins and outs of BDSM, but it was also a beautiful thing to read about both of them walking the path together because it was new.
I really can't get over how touching and emotional this book is. However, it is full of lots of darkness to get to that point, but that is what made it so good. I know already that this book will top one of the best books I'll read this year, it hit that hard. If you are looking to wreck your heart, don't miss it.