FROM POPULAR ROMANCE AUTHORS K. EVAN COLES & BRIGHAM VAUGHNBook two in The Speakeasy seriesLove, served extra dirty.Jesse Murtagh loves his life as a wealthy bisexual businessman dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure. With a circle of friends he trusts implicitly, he enjoys a successful career in his family’s business and as co-owner of Under, an uptown speakeasy, with his friend with … uptown speakeasy, with his friend with benefits, Kyle McKee.
Music teacher and part-time DJ Cameron Lewis lives modestly in a DUMBO loft and isn’t interested in serious relationships. However, he’s always up for some casual fun.
Doing a favor for his friend Carter Hamilton, Jesse meets Cam and is immediately charmed. When Jesse discovers Cam’s other life as a DJ, he is further intrigued. Viewing Cam as a challenge, Jesse pulls out all the stops, but his usual methods to avoid serious relationships fail. Though Cam has no intention of becoming attached, he begins to fall for Jesse, unaware that Jesse’s feelings are changing.
Afraid of heartbreak, Cam pulls away, leaving Jesse bewildered and hurt. They remain friends until a series of misunderstandings widens the rift to breaking point. When Cam steps in to help Jesse through a family crisis, they realize they care for each other more than they’ve been willing to admit. Jesse and Cam don’t want a traditional relationship, but can they build a future that makes them both happy?
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I would rate this 4 stars.
I didn’t know this was book two in a series, so I had not read book one. While I might have enjoyed this more if I had already known the large cast, I slowly got into the main characters. There is a lot of telling instead of showing at the beginning. The recaps are sufficient so that I understood what happen in book one. Jesse Murtagh and his business partner, Kyle McKee own a speakeasy named Under in New York. They are also friends with benefits. There is also a former lover of theirs named Carter who is now with Riley. Another couple they are close with is David and Will. I am fairly sure almost all of them have had sex with each other at some point in book one. Jesse is bisexual and not a monogamist so if that is going to bother you, this is not the book for you.
Cameron Lewis is the music teacher for Carter’s two kids. He’s also a local DJ. He’s the working class guy in this scenario, commuting a long distance for his jobs and having three roommates. He seems as adverse to settling down as Jesse at first, but soon develops more feelings for Jesse than he expected. This leads to some bad choices and a stunning lack of mature communication.
This started out as a bunch of wealthy people enjoying themselves. Nothing wrong with that, but it seemed like Cam was expected to fit into their world or not. I was pleasantly surprised when Cam takes Jesse to Brooklyn and they explore his world too. Just when things started to get good, Cam starts running hot and cold. By the the time a disastrous misunderstanding happens, I am well annoyed with Cam. I had expected Jesse to be the annoying character with his rigid adherence to non conformity and his priveledge, but he was always honest about who is and what he wants–at least as far as he knows. It’s Cam who tries so hard to protect himself, he hurts them both. He doesn’t even effectively communicate why. The angst pulled me in, but it was Cam’s family and Jesse’s friends that hooked me in to the story emotionally. In the end, I like the open partnership they achieve, but I think there were some spots on the way that could have been more smoothly written. By the time they actually talk and work everything out, I was invested in what was happening, but it was also fairly anticlimactic. Yet, isn’t that life? Sometimes you have such a strong idea about something, it’s earth shattering once you realize you can compromise, or things don’t have to be that way, or things aren’t quite what you thought they were, even though not much has actually changed. This book is about the family they have chosen and the safe space they have created for them and their friends to be who they are.
The cover art is by Cherith Vaughan and shows scenes from the book: the club and the cityscape.
I really enjoyed this one. This wasn’t about your typical monogamous couple who decide to get married and have kids. Neither of those things work for either character and they know that from.the beginning which makes them perfect for each other. Jesse needed someone to accept him for he is and not try and change him from his ways and he didn’t think such thing existed until he meets cam. cam is a music teacher who djs on the side and isn’t the relationship type but he has never met anyone who made him interested in one, not until he meets a good looking, rich playboy named Jesse. Jesse doesn’t expect to fall so hard for cam and he knows he’s unable of doing the typical Monagamous relationship but wants to find a way where he can still give cam what he wants without losing who he is. This was a fun, sweet and steamy steamy read that I could not put down. I really enjoyed bother characters and following their unique relationship. what was meant to be a fun fling turned out to be so much more. Also there is a hott 3 way scene between them and their friend Kyle. I’m not usually a huge fan of these types of books that involve more than two people relationships but it seemed to really work with these two and the author did a pretty good with the story over all.
This was a great story to read just couldn’t stop reading this book. Jesse and Cam where great characters that was nice to get to know. I just loved all the other characters that where in this book. This was my first time reading from the two authors and I can’t wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4+
Steam, fun and all the feelings!
Extra Dirty was a lot of fun, plenty of steam and some great characters both main and secondary. I loved Jesse and Cam and felt they worked so well together and I really enjoyed the banter and humor the authors injected into this story! The secondary characters are great and I look forward to reading the previous books that include these other characters and can’t wait for Kyle’s book. There’s just something wonderful about Kyle and I can’t wait to learn more!!
I really enjoyed this take on an open relationship. I guess I was nieve in my understanding of what an open relationship entails but K Evan and Brigham have done wonders here, by injecting so much emotion and caring into Jesse and Cam and what they want for each other as well as together. I loved that the characters didn’t try and change each other and found it refreshing in their approach to being together, their love for each other, even though they are happy to share and I enjoyed the HFN ending and that the authors didn’t go over the top and stayed true to these characters and the lives they lead.
Not like anything else I’ve read, refreshingly original! A great, extra dirty and flirty read!!
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I absolutely loved this book. Jesse is rich, by way of family and his own hard work. He own a speakeasy, Under Lock and Key. He’s a bisexual man very comfortable with his sexuality and enjoys many partners, never making anyone a permanent partner. He’s been burned in the past. Cameron is a music teacher and DJ. He lives very modestly. They meet through students of Cameron’s. There is an instant spark between them. Cameron has self-doubts and fears he’ll never be good enough for Jesse. Through a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications, they distance themselves from each other. Ultimately, they have to decide for themselves and together just what a relationship between them constitutes, no matter how unconventional it may seem to others.
There are books that grab you and there are books that GRAB you! Man, I loved Jesse from day one. I love his snark, his flirtyness, his way of just stating how it is and what he wants. I loved Cam too, he is just a nice guy. I always take it hard when a misunderstanding happens and pulls the MCs apart. I loved all the guys who visit Under and are the best of friends who come and try to help Jesse and Cam.
I love how this duo writes together and I cant wait for more!!
There is a lot to love about Extra Dirty, the second book in the Speakeasy series by writing duo K Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn. I loved both MCs, the setting is super fun and vibrant, and the supporting cast is FANTASTIC. I adored all of Jesse’s friends, including Kyle, his swoony business partner and sometime lover, and I loved, loved both Jesse’s and Cam’s families. Jesse’s brother and sister-in-law play significant roles in the story, and we see enough of Cam’s family to get a good glimpse at where he comes from as well. And, every scene that took place at Under – Jesse and Kyle’s bar – or included their close-knit group of friends, made me want to know more about all of them.
The Speakeasy series is a spinoff of the authors’ previous two-book collaboration, the Tidal series. Readers of Wake and Calm will have already been introduced to both Jesse Murtagh, and his business partner, Kyle McKee; however, there is no need to worry if, like me, you are new to their work. I didn’t read the Tidal series, and, in fact, also haven’t read With a Twist, the first book in this series, but I in no way felt lost jumping right in with Extra Dirty. Coles and Vaugh do a great job at making sure this book stands alone. There is plenty of background to ensure that you easily fall in love with both Jesse and Cameron.
Let’s talk about the guys a little bit… Jesse is so great, you guys. Handsome, smart, big-hearted, and, honestly one of the most genuine characters I’ve read in a while. What you see is what you get with Jesse. He’s a straight shooter, genuine about who he is, and people always know where they stand with him. He’s a player, yes, but he’s also loved, or at least well-liked, by everyone in his life. Even his exes adore him. Poor Cameron pretty much doesn’t stand a chance at resisting the Murtagh charm. Cam is also big-hearted and genuine, but is perhaps a little less sure of himself, or not quite on Jesse’s level when it comes to self-awareness. It takes him a bit longer to realize and admit what he wants out of their relationship, and to figure out how to get it. Neither man wants a stereotypical, monogamous relationship, but they do want each other. Wanting more is new territory for both of them…they just need to figure out how to make it all work.
I enjoyed this story so much. Overall, the flow was great, and I really liked where Coles and Vaughn took the guys and their relationship. I had a couple of little niggles with the conflict – I didn’t entirely love the execution, and how a certain character seemed to do a complete one-eighty – but, I did like the resolution and really loved the end of the story. Cam and Jesse were great together, and their chemistry was fabulous. They really brought out the best in each other.
I’m so glad I got to read an advanced copy of this. And, I can’t wait to read Kyle’s book!! I’ll for sure be keeping an eye on this series, and other future work by both Coles and Vaughn. Definitely check this one out, guys!
K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn hit a home run with this book. I loved every page.
Cameron is an elementary school music teacher by day and a DJ at a club by night. He’s got his life where he wants it… no strings sex, a happy family life and rewarding work. He’s never really wanted to settle down and he’s never thought about wanting more.
Jesse seems to have it all. He’s rich, powerful, has a self made family that respects and adores him, and he has slept with half of NYC. But when he crosses paths with Cam, things start to get tangled and he starts to get attached. But neither of them do strings…
Both MC’s were so very different than the expectation of most ‘romance’ reads. The writers turned kitschy romance on it’s head and forged a new, honest, raw relationship of trust, openness and mutual respect. It was an emotional experience for both Cam and Jesse to come to terms with what they wanted and to draw up the plans for their relationship, but it was so rewarding to see that with love, anything is possible.
The family that was formed around meeting at The Speakeasy was so crucial to the story and such a fun, exciting, loving space. It was here that most secrets came out, emotions ran high, and friendships were created and strengthened. It held such a homey vibe. I just really loved how supportive everyone there was of everyone else, and it was obvious that Jesse was the glue that held them all together. The Speakeasy acted almost like a character in itself, which made for a very interesting dynamic.
The writing was exceptional, the characters were flawlessly real and humble and the story just took me on an emotional trip to uncharted feelings. I loved the unique feel to this story and I’m so very excited to keep reading this series to see what these writers have up their sleeve.
A tale of love, different kinds of love/relationships!
Jesse, what a guy! Handsome, sexy, successful, rich, and living the life he wants, or so he thought…..he didn’t want the big, happily-ever after type of love story, he wants to have moments, not monogamy, not tied down to one partner. He wants men, women, does not want to limit himself to just men or just women. We also meet Cameron Lewis, music teacher by day and DJ by night.
For someone who is reputed to be a hedonist, Jesse is extra sensitive, he takes care of everyone, especially the people he loves and those who mean so much to him, and he may not be obvious about it, but he is thoughtful and very sweet, I guess he is also very frightened of commitment because of heartache, afraid to put his heart out there.
I love all the characters in this book, K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn have made them real, people we might have in our own lives. Their qualities, their flaws, their heartaches and fears are just like what you and me feel constantly. They are a colorful bunch(especially Jesse’s friends), each possessing qualities that somehow work within the group.
Jesse and Cam, different yet alike. I love ( and sometimes worry) how they are navigating this so-called partnership that they have, they are clueless most times, and I think that is where all the misunderstandings come from, the pain/aches are all because they are miscommunicating or not talking enough. The fact that they are trying to make things better can be construed that there are already a lot of feelings in it for them, they may not admit it, they might stick to being amenable to still going out with other people, but I guess if they continue as they are, they will get there eventually, hopefully, right K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn?
There are a lot of sweet and awkward moments in this story, and I love every one of them even though at times I am at the brink of losing it, I am a “Happily ever after” kind of gal, so I can’t help it. I love it when they started talking and be open with each other, I mean really talking and expressing how they feel, why they’re scared and what they should do about it.
It is one of the most open, most real story I have read so far. Although I am a little surprise with some of the situations in the story, I am pretty advance in age so our ways in the ancient times were so so different, but I consider myself open-minded so I am trying to digest and understand all these. I love the openness and the notion of how different relationships can work for different types of people. It is a story that reflects that the human heart will always look for love, no matter how modern or how ancient we may be, LOVE IS LOVE, no matter what, and we try to protect it as much as we can! This story has given me moments when I just want to sit in the corner, contemplate and cry after. It has also given me relief and ear-to-ear grinning moments.
CONGRATULATIONS K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn, for a heart-warming, as real as it gets, love story of two beautiful human beings who are as flawed and as capable of loving with all their heart as you and me! I am looking forward to the next chapter of these admirable characters! Thank you for sharing these wonderful characters.
You know there are stories and there are STORIES. This one is in capitals.
Goshh what a wonderful fulfilling read this was, as like the circle is round.
Extraordinary relationships and all breathtaking to watch.
Jesse and Kyle are business partners owning the speakeasy Under and best friends with benefits. They love the love and they love to hang out with others also, a third as addition they welcome, but no strings!! Free spirits with a lot of true friends, both the need to please those friends.
Jesse is intrigued with Cameron besides being a music teacher he is a DJ and playing gigs in the weekends. Cam thinks of Jesse as out of his league, far out. Jesse is determined to start something with Cam, to some degree it works. They have a more than great time together, sexy funny, with expensive trips, Jesse has the money and let it roll.
Cam isn’t open with Jesse and when Cam withdraws because he thinks he will get hurt by Jesse, it is Jesse who’s got hurt.
Every aspect in this story was thoroughly worked out. Written in a pleasant pace, no rush, also not too slow.
I loved Jesse, he’s a passionate free spirit, he’s charming, good mannered and humored, witty, generous and vulnerable. He is my absolute favorite in this story!
There is a lot a fun around, conversations, jokes, shopping, diner, traveling.
Even when things are getting bad, everyone is uplifting and jokes are still doing the job.
This story has an amazing content. With extraordinary characters and not only the main!
All their life beautifully entwined and equally split throughout this story.
Tremendously written, a charming, engaging and vividly illustrated, enthralling story.
Highly recommended.
This was a great read and a wonderful way with words. The storyline was great full of action adventure and romance. The characters are fun and exciting. If you love a great m/m romance adventure with great characters and a HEA then this story is for you.
The book is definitely something else. We have two very interesting MCs with quite a few bumps and scratches, never mind issues and hangups. If you are looking for perfect flawless people, the book is not for you. If you are looking for authentic, realistic characters, you are in for a real treat 🙂
The main and secondary characters are awesomely described, full of feels and personality. The setting in New York is awesome and descriptions are perfect for immersing yourself in the story.
The plot, while I must admit some themes were not my cup of tea (will not mention to avoid spoilers), threw me for a loop plenty of times. Just when I thought I had it figured out, what will happen next.. wham! I didn’t 🙂 The unpredictability really added a lot of charm to the book and made it difficult to put down. From the first pages you just need to know what happens next.
If you’re not afraid of difficult feelings and complicated emotional tangles the MCs get themselves into, you’ll love the book 🙂
I received the book as an ARC via Booksprout and voluntarily leave a review
Extra Dirty is the second book in The Speakeasy series by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn. It tells the tale of a music teacher/part-time DJ and a Rich playboy businessman. Cam and Jesse may be an unconventional romance but they make an interesting and wonderful lovestory. It’s fun, full of fantastic characters, and tells an entertaining and satisfying story. Everything about this book had me loving it and needing to read till the end… I cant wait for next book in series.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
All I can say about this book is: perfection! It is so damn good that It took me sometime to even write this. Because It really is that awesome! If you like well written characters, fun and sexy dialogues, some hot sex and why not? some Star Wars references, this is definitely a book for you to read!
Jesse, the uptown playboy with money and Cam, the Brooklyn school teacher and DJ on spare time may come from different worlds, but have one thing in common: they know exactly what they don’t want: commitment. Anything close to a relationship is enough to make they run to the hills… Not looking for anything other than the no-strings-casual-sex, they meet a few times as ‘friends’, mainly because Cam has his reasons to it, but soon the attraction is more than they can handle… From there, we see the boys gettin’ down and dirty, in some sexy sexy, steamy hot encounters. And by hot I mean… really HOT – be aware, we have a MMM scene that it’s just… WOW!!! The couple start to enjoy each other, and as we can imagine, things start to get a little blurry. They set the limit, but realize it’s not that simple when feelings get in the equation. Specially because they’re not quite ready to settle and see things from a new perspective.
This is my first book from the authors, and definitely won’t be the last. They made a great work on writing a not so conventional love story, with some twists and turns, real characters and exciting encounters. A nice change, for sure! I enjoyed the way the story developed, how Cam and Jesse stayed true to themselves until the end – about their limits, boundaries, feelings and everything -, and worked to find find a way to stay together, without losing their identity …sometimes their lack of communication was annoying, unjustifiable at some point, but nothing overdone. They didn’t tried to change each other, simply to fulfill expectations or regret later; we follow they learning to deal with new and scary emotions, without knowing what to do – hence the eventual screw up…
I also really liked that Brigham and K Evan were careful to explain – lightly , without compromising the book – the story of the Speakeasy Crew, how they get to know each other and how their paths crossed on Under. Family and friends area huge part of their lives, of who they are… A huge bonus for it, specially since I myself haven’t read – yet – the previous books. So if you just met the gang… no worries, you won’t feel like something is missing. And Kyle… How not to love him? At first I really thought he would be hurt or end up leaving for some reason. But the man is so sure of himself – even more than Jesse and Cam, if you ask me, has his feet so steady, It’s impossible not want more for him, and his HEA. I can’t wait for his book , and Malcom’s too #fingerscrossed.
A 5+++ for sure! On my way to read the other books 🙂
This book is just GAH!! So much so, I was supposed to be buddy reading it and well I couldn’t put it down! I finished before she even got to 20%. Meep! The story is soo good. As soon as I was done I went back, started it again and had the same feels all over.
From the first time I “met” Jesse on page, a couple of books ago, I fell hard for him. I’ve been waiting for his book and I was not disappointed! He is fun, exciting, sexy as hell, and such a wonderful friend to so many. Being in Jesse’s head, feeling his feels and reactions made me love him even more. The love and care he has for those close to him is insurmountable.
Cam is fantastic. Even though I wanted to shake him at times, he still made me adore him. With a 10 year age gap and the difference in where he and Jesse are in their own lives brought different things to the forefront. Their feelings threw them for a loop and lack of communication takes them for a ride but the ending is perfect.
I cannot NOT mention the rest of The Speakeasy Crew. Gotta love Senator Sexy and the Professor. Carter, I seriously adore him as much as I do Jesse. Their friendship is beautiful and filled with love and care. Riley is honest and true, I so adore seeing he and Carter again. I’m intrigued by Malcom and what he is all about.
BUT, the one I started falling for even more was Kyle. He is freaking fantastic. He is such an amazing guy. He has an open heart, body, and mind, add in how loyal he is to his friends, that’s it he has me. The guidance and advice he gave to Cam and the support and honesty he has with Jesse shows his beautiful and loving character. I cannot wait for his book!
Last but definitely not least is Jesse’s brother, Eric, and sister-in-law, Sara. They are so funny and the closeness they share is beautiful. Jesse can’t hide anything from them. 😉 This group of people just adds so much fun and love to each and every book K and Brigham give us in this series. I’m so happy they are giving us more!
Ps. Did I mention you may need to fan yourself a few times. No?! Well you will, so get a fan and get to reading!
Brilliant just brilliant .
Enter into the world of Jesse Murtagh who then enters the world of Cameron Lewis .
The duo of K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn are like gold to me I have read their Tidal series and With a Twist the first book in this speakeasy series.
This book is exquisite absolutely exquisite much more than five stars .
Their attraction to each other is obvious no commitment they say! but feelings enter between them .
To see how they deal with that and how their lives are changing is written beautifully.
These men both have suburb qualities , they come from different worlds but they want the end result even when they think they don’t !
Both their families are super cool and all have a story to tell.
Such a beautiful story with so much realness I couldn’t stop reading ..
Congratulations for writing a suburb book 100% perfection.
This was a different turn from the first book in the series, definitely worth ready. I really liked Jesse and Cam. Jesse is a playboy while Cam is definitely not. Cam, I felt was a little insecure in himself. Both characters are fun. All the side characters are a great lot for the plot. It had a quick moving story line.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
Scratch the surface
I would bet anything that Jesse does have an extremely hot voice in addition to everything else that’s smoking hot about him. Cam is the perfect partner for Jesse. He’s open-minded, honest and very low-key. I love their relationship and everything about them. “They’re nuts, but I like them…” That is how I feel about everyone in this series. I love them all but especially Cam and Jesse. They made me smile even when I wanted to smack them. But like I knew they would they made their own way and it’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for this group as I know it will never be boring and will have me falling in love again.