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A review by lionelle_swithens
Dirty Martini by Addison Beck
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5 U ARE MINE TO HATE Stars
ARC Read: 04/09/2024
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, Addison Beck for this gift. π₯°
What to expect from this book? π€
β€οΈβπ₯ Adult MM Romance π₯΅π¦
π€ Enemies To Lovers
πForced Proximity
πBest Friendβs Brother
π» Bartender x College Studen π
π³ Dirty Talk & Praise
π Hate Sex
π Possessiveness & Protectiveness
πBi-Awakening With Queer First Time
π€« Secret Relationship
πJuicy Drama Plus Angsty Goodness
π Night Club Hours
π Loving All The Characters In This World
Series: Miami Nights And Club Lights #1
Cover: 4/5
Ebook: 334 Pages
Story: 5/5
From the very start, this book had me H.O.O.K.E.D.! It was so good!
THAT prologue? It was everything π€π€π€!
And at the end of every chapter, it was always ended with pure poetry!
I knew from all the teasers Addison shared on socials that I was going to LOVE this book, and it did not disappoint!
Addison Beck truly knows how to write an Enemies To Lovers trope, and her writing skills? WOW!
This book kept me completely engrossed from start to finish. I'm seriously obsessed! I want more, more, and MOOOREEE!
This quickly became my fav book and my best read of the year. It was such a fun, hot read!
As we followed Rhys and Everest, who haven't seen each other for 4 years because of a disaster that happened in the past, they are forced to live under the same roof, with Rhys keeping an eye on Everest as a favor to his best friend, Elton.
The angst, the hate, the heat⦠it was all so well done.
But the story isnβt just about that, it's also about trust and rebuilding it, which was so refreshing.
πππͺπππͺππQπͺuπoπtπͺeπππͺπππͺππ
"Rhys: βHey, Ev,β I greet him, clapping him on his good shoulder, and bringing him in for a quick hug. When I pull back, I donβt let go of him, glancing behind him instead. βWhat are you doing here? Where are your friends?β He blushes in the most endearing manner. To everyone else, Everest is just as confident and cocky as his brother, but around me, heβs different. Heβs quiet, more reserved, and bashful as hell. And, fuck, I wonβt lie and say I donβt like it."
πππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺππ
Genre/Trope: Adult/MM Romance/Angsty Feeling/ Bite Isn't Enough/College/Cranky Nature/Dirty Talker/Enemies To Lovers/Fighters Fight/Forbidden Encounter/Forced Proximity/Lgtbqia Plus/Not Too Much Darkness/Oblivious Mess/Possessive Caveperson/Queer First Times/Shameless Flirt/Sweet Tooth/Very Possessive MC/Very Tempting Roommate/ARC
Caution/Trigger Warnings:underage drinking, drug use, slight bullyingy, mental healt rep: anxiety attacks
Plot: 5/5
POV: 2
Main Characters:
βΎοΈ/5 - Rhys, 23 yo, stubborn, loyal, patience, and super smart and kind
βΎοΈ/5 - Everest, 21 yo?, nickname: Ev, confidant and shy at the same time, super cute and bratty
Rhys should seriously get a T-shirt that says, "Babysitting my best friend's younger brother, who I hate and am trying not to killβ¦ but also wouldnβt mind (to fuck)β hehe he
The tension between Rhys and Everest was explosive. And their dynamic? Oh, it was perfect.
Hate, revenge in the form of retribution, and angerβ¦ itβs so addictive.
Both gave as good as they got, which kept things deliciously intense.
Rhys' feelings for Everest are complicated.
He's super stubborn and cannot move on. He hates Everest, absolutely hates him, but he's also torn bc he remembers the Everest from years ago, the boy who wanted to join him and Elton for sleepovers.
Those memories stir up protectiveness and fondness in Rhys, but the past event that shattered Rhys' future before his eyes drags him again to his anger and hatred for Everest all over again.
It's a π roller coaster of emotions for Rhys, constantly circling between loathing and being unable to ignore their intense chemistry. A Hate-Love Relationship.
I felt impossible to hate either of them for their actions. I understood both sides.
And the possessiveness? That deep, hot, and sticky possessive jealousy?
Rhys being all like, βDoesnβt take away from the fact that youβre mine. Mine to torture. Mine to hate. Mine to fuck.β was intense and so HOT. π₯΅
And Ev wanting nothing more than someone to take care of him, or just care about him. Melted. Me. Rhys was (to his surprise) more than willing to be that person.
Aww Everestβ¦ my poor baby girl... u made a mistake and your self-loathingβ¦ π₯Ί
My heart broke for u every time you thought "Somewhere happiness exists and peace can be found. Somewhere I donβt hate myself as much as I do right now." His emotional turmoil made me cry a little (maybe it hit me more than I would have thought).
Especially seeing Elton try over and over again to form a brotherly bond with him, only to fail, was heart-wrenching.
The emotional depth in this book is truly remarkable. Their journey from hatred to something deeper was incredible to witness.
Oh, and did I mention how HOT hot hot hot this book was?
With so many sexy scenes and the perfect amount of smut!
yes yes yes
The dirty talk? π₯΅ Ahhhh, off the charts. The hatred and anger that turned into hate sex was intense!!!
ππΈπππΉπππΈQπuπoπΉtπeππΈπππΉπππΈ
"Everest: Knox appears beside me, a light sheen of sweat on his face, his piercings glittering under the club lights. He takes the drink I ordered and downs it in one go. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he presses his lips against my ear. βLetβs dance, babe!β
My attention is still on Britt as she raises one sculpted eyebrow and slowly nods to herself. βRight. Well, thisβll sure be fun.β
(...)
No, heβs staring directly at Knox.
Iβm trying to put the pieces together, trying to understand whatβs happening, but itβs hard when Rhysβs piercing stare follows every path Knoxβs hands are taking over me. Then his gaze finds mine, and everything else fades away.
(...)
Itβs almost as if I can hear the deep, uneven breaths Rhys is letting out on the other side of the club, almost as if I can feel the way rage thrums through him.
But then Knoxβs hands start to wander like theyβve done before, innocently enough to my ass, until his lips lightly brush against mine.
And then all hell breaks loose."
ππΈπππΉπ ππΈπππΉπ ππΈπππΉπ ππΈππ
Side Characters: 10000000/5
Now, letβs talk about the side characters because they were just AMAZING.
Skylar, in particular, was hilarious, adorable, perceptive, and at the same time, completely oblivious.
I cannot wait for his book with Cassius! Their dynamic is going to be a riot with the "oblivious to my best friend's love" trope, and Skylar always bringing so much fun and (asshole) ex-boyfriends with him. Lucky he has Cass to watch over him!
And then thereβs Elton.
Oh, Elton is an angel, such a good brother and friend. At first, I thought he might have had a crush on Rhys, but I was wrong.
Elton is my precious fool, and he deserves all the love. Iβm beyond excited for Book 2, especially knowing itβs going to be about Elton and Knox. Knox?! With Elton?! I was NOT expecting that, but now I cannot wait!
And I lived for the elusive XOβs Club Owner Davis and the big, scary, shy bodyguard Butch. I hope they get a book too, maybe even together.
πππͺπππͺππQπͺuπoπtπͺeπππͺπππͺππ
"Rhys: βSo, Skylar was rightβ ββ
βSkylar was right about what?β
Almost as if out of thin air, the green-haired tiny terror pops up literally between the two of us. βWhere the fuck did you come from?β
βNo, no, no,β he sings, waving a freshly manicured finger at me. βWeβre not changing the subject. Are you and Everest boning now?
(...)
βHeβs mine,β I grunt, crossing my arms over my chest, daring either of them to say something.
Brittβs eyes widen, but itβs Skylarβs reaction that almost has the entire bar turning in our direction.
βYes!β he screams. Grabbing onto my shoulders, he tries to force me to jump with him. βBless possessive hotties and their bisexual curiosity!β
βJesus,β I snort, gently tugging myself away. βYouβre kind of creeping me out.β
He shakes his head with a damn near manic laugh. βDonβt care. My wish upon the star came true and now Cass owes me a foot rub.β
Britt scoffs with a roll of her eyes. βAs if he wouldnβt if you just asked.β
βItβs more fun this way,β he says with a cheeky smile. βVictory foot rubs just hit differently.β
πππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺππ
Humor: Medium Low Focus
Angst: High Focus
Steam Level: 10/5
Romance: Medium High Focus
Cheating?Nope
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN?Both
Favorite character?Rheverest
Would I read more of this author/authors/series? ABSOLUTELY
Would I recommend this book/series? YES
Will I read this again in the future? YES YES YES
This is my 3rd book by Addison Beck.
Enjoyment: βΎοΈ/5
ππΈπππΉπππΈQπuπoπΉtπeππΈπππΉπππΈ
"Everest: βFuck you, Everest,β he whispers, and it sounds almost broken, like a man on the verge.
I decide to press just a bit more. Just for fun. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and tug him down even farther, hitching one leg around his hip. βDonβt you want to?β
Because admitting that he wants me like that would be the ultimate downfall. To want someone he hates. To be unable to resist. It would crush his pride and his ego, wouldnβt it? Thatβs all this is meant for. Payback.
(...)
And I canβt wait for how sweet revenge will taste.
βTurn around,β he demands, already moving his hands to my hip to spin me.
He forces my face against the brick wall, and I wince at the dig against my skin. My breaths come out short and choppy, choking back a moan as he drapes the entire length of his body behind mine. I want to be taller and bigger than him, but he consumes all the space. Itβs like heβs towering over me, making me feel so deliciously vulnerable, yet so powerful."
ππΈπππΉπ ππΈπππΉπ ππΈπππΉπ ππΈππ
Miami Nights And Club Lights Series:
1.Dirty Martini - 5,0 stars
Next Elton & Knox's Story
Expected on 09/12/2024:
2. Whiskey Sour
πππͺBπoπnπͺuπsππͺQπuπoπͺtπeππͺππ
"Rhys: Everest coming might be the hottest thing Iβve ever seen."
πππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺππ
!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!
Hope this review was helpful.
Click Here:
To See My Goodreads Review
To See My BookBub Review
To See All My Reviews On StoryGraph
To See All My Socials
ARC Read: 04/09/2024
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, Addison Beck for this gift. π₯°
What to expect from this book? π€
β€οΈβπ₯ Adult MM Romance π₯΅π¦
π€ Enemies To Lovers
πForced Proximity
πBest Friendβs Brother
π» Bartender x College Studen π
π³ Dirty Talk & Praise
π Hate Sex
π Possessiveness & Protectiveness
πBi-Awakening With Queer First Time
π€« Secret Relationship
πJuicy Drama Plus Angsty Goodness
π Night Club Hours
π Loving All The Characters In This World
Series: Miami Nights And Club Lights #1
Cover: 4/5
Ebook: 334 Pages
Story: 5/5
From the very start, this book had me H.O.O.K.E.D.! It was so good!
THAT prologue? It was everything π€π€π€!
And at the end of every chapter, it was always ended with pure poetry!
I knew from all the teasers Addison shared on socials that I was going to LOVE this book, and it did not disappoint!
Addison Beck truly knows how to write an Enemies To Lovers trope, and her writing skills? WOW!
This book kept me completely engrossed from start to finish. I'm seriously obsessed! I want more, more, and MOOOREEE!
This quickly became my fav book and my best read of the year. It was such a fun, hot read!
As we followed Rhys and Everest, who haven't seen each other for 4 years because of a disaster that happened in the past, they are forced to live under the same roof, with Rhys keeping an eye on Everest as a favor to his best friend, Elton.
The angst, the hate, the heat⦠it was all so well done.
But the story isnβt just about that, it's also about trust and rebuilding it, which was so refreshing.
πππͺπππͺππQπͺuπoπtπͺeπππͺπππͺππ
"Rhys: βHey, Ev,β I greet him, clapping him on his good shoulder, and bringing him in for a quick hug. When I pull back, I donβt let go of him, glancing behind him instead. βWhat are you doing here? Where are your friends?β He blushes in the most endearing manner. To everyone else, Everest is just as confident and cocky as his brother, but around me, heβs different. Heβs quiet, more reserved, and bashful as hell. And, fuck, I wonβt lie and say I donβt like it."
πππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺππ
Genre/Trope: Adult/MM Romance/Angsty Feeling/ Bite Isn't Enough/College/Cranky Nature/Dirty Talker/Enemies To Lovers/Fighters Fight/Forbidden Encounter/Forced Proximity/Lgtbqia Plus/Not Too Much Darkness/Oblivious Mess/Possessive Caveperson/Queer First Times/Shameless Flirt/Sweet Tooth/Very Possessive MC/Very Tempting Roommate/ARC
Caution/Trigger Warnings:
Plot: 5/5
POV: 2
Main Characters:
βΎοΈ/5 - Rhys, 23 yo, stubborn, loyal, patience, and super smart and kind
βΎοΈ/5 - Everest, 21 yo?, nickname: Ev, confidant and shy at the same time, super cute and bratty
Rhys should seriously get a T-shirt that says, "Babysitting my best friend's younger brother, who I hate and am trying not to killβ¦ but also wouldnβt mind (to fuck)β hehe he
The tension between Rhys and Everest was explosive. And their dynamic? Oh, it was perfect.
Hate, revenge in the form of retribution, and angerβ¦ itβs so addictive.
Both gave as good as they got, which kept things deliciously intense.
Rhys' feelings for Everest are complicated.
He's super stubborn and cannot move on. He hates Everest, absolutely hates him, but he's also torn bc he remembers the Everest from years ago, the boy who wanted to join him and Elton for sleepovers.
Those memories stir up protectiveness and fondness in Rhys, but the past event that shattered Rhys' future before his eyes drags him again to his anger and hatred for Everest all over again.
It's a π roller coaster of emotions for Rhys, constantly circling between loathing and being unable to ignore their intense chemistry. A Hate-Love Relationship.
I felt impossible to hate either of them for their actions. I understood both sides.
And the possessiveness? That deep, hot, and sticky possessive jealousy?
Rhys being all like, βDoesnβt take away from the fact that youβre mine. Mine to torture. Mine to hate. Mine to fuck.β was intense and so HOT. π₯΅
And Ev wanting nothing more than someone to take care of him, or just care about him. Melted. Me. Rhys was (to his surprise) more than willing to be that person.
Aww Everestβ¦ my poor baby girl... u made a mistake and your self-loathingβ¦ π₯Ί
My heart broke for u every time you thought "Somewhere happiness exists and peace can be found. Somewhere I donβt hate myself as much as I do right now." His emotional turmoil made me cry a little (maybe it hit me more than I would have thought).
Especially seeing Elton try over and over again to form a brotherly bond with him, only to fail, was heart-wrenching.
The emotional depth in this book is truly remarkable. Their journey from hatred to something deeper was incredible to witness.
Oh, and did I mention how HOT hot hot hot this book was?
With so many sexy scenes and the perfect amount of smut!
yes yes yes
The dirty talk? π₯΅ Ahhhh, off the charts. The hatred and anger that turned into hate sex was intense!!!
ππΈπππΉπππΈQπuπoπΉtπeππΈπππΉπππΈ
"Everest: Knox appears beside me, a light sheen of sweat on his face, his piercings glittering under the club lights. He takes the drink I ordered and downs it in one go. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he presses his lips against my ear. βLetβs dance, babe!β
My attention is still on Britt as she raises one sculpted eyebrow and slowly nods to herself. βRight. Well, thisβll sure be fun.β
(...)
No, heβs staring directly at Knox.
Iβm trying to put the pieces together, trying to understand whatβs happening, but itβs hard when Rhysβs piercing stare follows every path Knoxβs hands are taking over me. Then his gaze finds mine, and everything else fades away.
(...)
Itβs almost as if I can hear the deep, uneven breaths Rhys is letting out on the other side of the club, almost as if I can feel the way rage thrums through him.
But then Knoxβs hands start to wander like theyβve done before, innocently enough to my ass, until his lips lightly brush against mine.
And then all hell breaks loose."
ππΈπππΉπ ππΈπππΉπ ππΈπππΉπ ππΈππ
Side Characters: 10000000/5
Now, letβs talk about the side characters because they were just AMAZING.
Skylar, in particular, was hilarious, adorable, perceptive, and at the same time, completely oblivious.
I cannot wait for his book with Cassius! Their dynamic is going to be a riot with the "oblivious to my best friend's love" trope, and Skylar always bringing so much fun and (asshole) ex-boyfriends with him. Lucky he has Cass to watch over him!
And then thereβs Elton.
Oh, Elton is an angel, such a good brother and friend. At first, I thought he might have had a crush on Rhys, but I was wrong.
Elton is my precious fool, and he deserves all the love. Iβm beyond excited for Book 2, especially knowing itβs going to be about Elton and Knox. Knox?! With Elton?! I was NOT expecting that, but now I cannot wait!
And I lived for the elusive XOβs Club Owner Davis and the big, scary, shy bodyguard Butch. I hope they get a book too, maybe even together.
πππͺπππͺππQπͺuπoπtπͺeπππͺπππͺππ
"Rhys: βSo, Skylar was rightβ ββ
βSkylar was right about what?β
Almost as if out of thin air, the green-haired tiny terror pops up literally between the two of us. βWhere the fuck did you come from?β
βNo, no, no,β he sings, waving a freshly manicured finger at me. βWeβre not changing the subject. Are you and Everest boning now?
(...)
βHeβs mine,β I grunt, crossing my arms over my chest, daring either of them to say something.
Brittβs eyes widen, but itβs Skylarβs reaction that almost has the entire bar turning in our direction.
βYes!β he screams. Grabbing onto my shoulders, he tries to force me to jump with him. βBless possessive hotties and their bisexual curiosity!β
βJesus,β I snort, gently tugging myself away. βYouβre kind of creeping me out.β
He shakes his head with a damn near manic laugh. βDonβt care. My wish upon the star came true and now Cass owes me a foot rub.β
Britt scoffs with a roll of her eyes. βAs if he wouldnβt if you just asked.β
βItβs more fun this way,β he says with a cheeky smile. βVictory foot rubs just hit differently.β
πππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺππ
Humor: Medium Low Focus
Angst: High Focus
Steam Level: 10/5
Romance: Medium High Focus
Cheating?
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN?
Favorite character?
Would I read more of this author/authors/series? ABSOLUTELY
Would I recommend this book/series? YES
Will I read this again in the future? YES YES YES
This is my 3rd book by Addison Beck.
Enjoyment: βΎοΈ/5
ππΈπππΉπππΈQπuπoπΉtπeππΈπππΉπππΈ
"Everest: βFuck you, Everest,β he whispers, and it sounds almost broken, like a man on the verge.
I decide to press just a bit more. Just for fun. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and tug him down even farther, hitching one leg around his hip. βDonβt you want to?β
Because admitting that he wants me like that would be the ultimate downfall. To want someone he hates. To be unable to resist. It would crush his pride and his ego, wouldnβt it? Thatβs all this is meant for. Payback.
(...)
And I canβt wait for how sweet revenge will taste.
βTurn around,β he demands, already moving his hands to my hip to spin me.
He forces my face against the brick wall, and I wince at the dig against my skin. My breaths come out short and choppy, choking back a moan as he drapes the entire length of his body behind mine. I want to be taller and bigger than him, but he consumes all the space. Itβs like heβs towering over me, making me feel so deliciously vulnerable, yet so powerful."
ππΈπππΉπ ππΈπππΉπ ππΈπππΉπ ππΈππ
Miami Nights And Club Lights Series:
1.
Next Elton & Knox's Story
Expected on 09/12/2024:
2. Whiskey Sour
πππͺBπoπnπͺuπsππͺQπuπoπͺtπeππͺππ
"Rhys: Everest coming might be the hottest thing Iβve ever seen."
πππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺπππͺππ
!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!
Hope this review was helpful.
Click Here:
To See My Goodreads Review
To See My BookBub Review
To See All My Reviews On StoryGraph
To See All My Socials
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying