ALEX:He likes to design it, and I like to wear it.Braden’s not the straight guy I thought he was. He’s cut from a different cloth, and he fits me like a glove. We have one important thing in common: lingerie. He’s my designer, and I’m his model. Braden knows exactly how to handle the contours of my body—especially the tight spots.But his brand needs a publicity boost, and he’s asking for my … boost, and he’s asking for my marketing expertise. When sales start to rise, it means my time with Braden might be coming to an end. I can’t be a consultant for Braden’s love life, especially not if I want to be woven into it.
His designs are revealing, but I want to see every last inch.
BRADEN:
In my line of work, business can be pleasure.
Sales are down, but Alex’s gorgeous assets are keeping me up. He not only knows how to market lingerie—he knows how to wear it. And he’s proposing a deal: he’ll help bring my shop back to life in exchange for a custom set of lingerie.
The best part? He wants to model it for me. Alex is the first man I’ve met who likes to slip into my designs, and they fit him perfectly. I’ll make sure they’re a snug fit, but if they’re too tight for Alex, I can always make some hands-on adjustments.
The only thing standing between us is silk.
Note to readers: This is an extra spicy standalone MM romance, heat level 10. Readers can expect several steamy scenes that will leave you breathless.
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Nice story. I like the idea of men modeling lingerie. Braden owns a lingerie shop, Boudoir. His friend Allison, works in the shop also and is his greatest fan. After a few years, his business, Boudoir slowed down. He decides to take a night to destress and meets Alex, marketing specialist extraordinairre! Alex offers to help his marketing process to increase visibility. Alex is physically attracted and wants a relationship. Braden wants to remain professional so the relationship does not put the business at risk. Benny, Alex’s brother shows up trying to escape the dysfunctional family life of a narcissistic mother and an emotionally bankrupt dad. Alex feels a little insecure because Braden is not all over him. Braden is trying to be professional and manage the risk to his business if something goes wrong. The story was nice, but the personalities of the men do not meet their professions.They seem opposite of their descriptions. Maybe Alex’s baggage from his upbringing weighs him down more than he knows. Benny seems to cope better. Alex’s suggestions and contacts shift Boudoir to another level. Can Braden handle the transition? Will Boudoir soar? Will Braden get comfortable with success? Will Alex understands what he wants? Good story, nice flow. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Braden’s chance meeting with Alex gives him hope for his business and a lot of anxiety about his attraction. He’s got some major walls up about letting in a new guy. Alex is attracted to Braden but wants no part of anything real. He is so broken that he believes the B.S. he spouts about relationships. There is a lot of push and pull between these two and I wanted to smack both of them at times. Braden impressed me with his bravery when he lays it out for Alex, especially since he’s completely sure that nothing will come of it. Alex’s ‘grand gestures’ to prove his change of heart made me smile and laugh. I loved the side characters and felt like they really enhanced the storyline.
I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this story. It is so original having a lingerie shop owner/designer as a character. I really liked how fragile both characters actually are. Braden is totally closed off to relationships. He won’t admit he afraid of being hurt. His parents have not been a good example so he has plenty of experiences with them to make him reserved. Alex on the other hand has been in a relationship that left him gun shy. Braden offering to help Alex make his business a success causes them to spend plenty of time together and they end up with a friends with benefits connection and they are completely compatable. The problem is Alex wants more but Braden is afraid. The secondary characters of Allison and Benny bring a lot to the story as do the others. I am really enjoying this series.
Creative banter with complex characters and a wonderful story-line will keep you loving each page. The writing was awesome and the plot flowed well. Some terrific supporting characters like Benny, Alex’s brother and i loved Natalie and her bag obsession!
Braden and Alex are truly flawed and somewhat broken characters and their journey to being together was bumpy and had a few twists. They really do have a lot of baggage to deal with. Their imperfections made them feel touchable and real to me. This is a steamy story however their is so much more to these guys and their connection will have you falling in love with them.
I loved the banter and interactions of the wonderful characters that live in and created this story. I laughed and i was sad for some and their journey touched my heart.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
I enjoyed this story. I liked the story line and the characters. The story itself was well written. I loved the narrative and the dialogue. I liked Alex and Braden. Their relationship was fun. Their chemistry was obvious and it felt real to me. It was burning hot.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.
Braden & Alex
From the meet-cute, discussing whether or not The Wizard of Oz could be considered a black and white, til the very end where they discussed service tops and power bottoms, Braden and Alex have chipped away a tiny piece of my heart to keep with them always.
This is my second book by Collins and I am seeing a trend in his work that I like very much. He writes adult romance, with adult situations I can believe in that are low in the angst department. Usually when a review of blurb mentions angst I run, because I am just too old for too much of that. But it’s like salt…a little goes a long way. So low angst, we need that or life would be boring.
In Lingerie, I could see Braden and Alex meeting in life. I could imagine the force of Alex’s personality pulling and tugging on the personality of Braden, that had lain dormant for so long.
Everything these two men went through together and as individuals – the demons and enemies knocking at their door. Even when it seemed too much, they had strength and wisdom from close friends and family to draw from.
This was also great in the humor, banter, and one-liner category too. I simply adored Natalie, and totally have her bag obsession, though mine come from thrift stores, NOT Chanel! As if!
If you want something that is sMMexy good, and hits the spot, slip on some silky lingerie and indulge. Orrrr, you could do like me, grab your most comfy pjs and fluffy socks and kick back. Either way, Alex and Braden won’t mind, they only have eyes for each other anyway!
4.5 hand-holding-magical-stars •
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.