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Top Secret

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're a fan of college romances with a twist, "Top Secret" delivers all the good stuff: enemies-to-lovers energy, secret identities, and sparkling chemistry between two frat boys texting anonymously on a hookup app. The book stands out for its clever banter, slow-burn self-discovery, and a fun grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Readers who enjoy stories about bi awakenings, sexual exploration, and the complications of crossing emotional boundaries will especially appreciate this story. The dual POV and hilarious yet heartfelt moments make it a hit for anyone who loves MM new adult romance - bonus points if you like your books a little steamy!

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers don't vibe with the emotional cheating and sexting aspect of the plot - if that's a deal-breaker for you, fair warning! The college frat setting and hidden identity trope isn't everyone's favorite, either, and a few found the pacing slow at the start. If you prefer romances with zero cheating shades or want more angst and depth in character backstories, you might not totally fall in love with this one.

A steamy, fun, and heartfelt MM college romance with secret identities and spot-on banter - great for fans of enemies-to-lovers stories, but might not click for readers sensitive to themes of emotional infidelity.

About:

'Top Secret' by Sarina Bowen is a male-male romance co-written with Elle Kennedy, focusing on two frat brothers who initially dislike each other but end up falling in love after connecting anonymously on a hookup app. The book features enemies-to-lovers trope with a 'You've Got Mail' premise, where the characters develop their relationship through texting before realizing each other's true identities. The writing style is described as well-structured, angsty, and engaging, with a college setting that portrays characters as mature and responsible young adults.

Characters:

The characters are complex individuals involved in a journey of self-discovery and romance, initially marked by animosity but evolving into love.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by emotional depth, engaging dialogue, and insightful dual perspectives, which enhance the storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative primarily revolves around two characters who connect via a hookup app while navigating complex emotional situations, including cheating, jealousy, and romantic awakening.

Setting:

The setting is a contemporary college arena, particularly focused on fraternity culture and the dynamics of young adult relationships.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, with some sections being slower and others rapidly advancing the story as the romance develops.
“Subtle,” I tease before giving the object of her attention a cursory glance. He’s just a tall guy with brown hair, nothing special as far as I can tell. “How about we save this conversation for later...

Notes:

Top Secret is a MM romance co-authored by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy.
The story features two college students who meet on a hookup app.
One character is bi, while the other believes he is straight.
The plot begins with one character trying to arrange a threesome for his girlfriend's birthday.
Emotional cheating is a key theme in the story, as they engage in sexting before they meet.
The characters are enemies initially, which adds tension to their eventual romance.
Both main characters are frat brothers but do not get along in real life.
The narrative unfolds with dual POVs, enhancing character development.
It's set in a college environment, filled with humor and drama.
The audiobook is narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Christian Fox, praised for their performance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of emotional cheating and potentially non-consensual scenarios due to the nature of the story's setup.

Has Romance?

Yes, romance is a significant aspect of the novel.

From The Publisher:

Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy return with their first Male / Male romance in 3 years.

LobsterShorts, 21. Jock. Secretly a science geek. Hot AF.

LobsterShorts: So. Here goes. For her birthday, my girlfriend wants...a threesome.

SinnerThree: Then you've come to the right hookup app.

LobsterShorts: Have you done this sort of thing before? With another guy?

SinnerThree: All the time. I'm an equal opportunity player. You?

LobsterShorts: crickets ]

SinnerThree, 21. Finance major. Secretly a male dancer. Hot AF.

SinnerThree: Well, I'm down if you are. My life is kind of a mess right now. School, work, family stress. Oh, and I live next door to the most annoying dude in the world. I need the distraction. Are you sure you want this?

LobsterShorts: I might want it a little more than I'm willing to admit.

SinnerThree: Hey, nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries...

LobsterShorts: Tell that to my control-freak father. Anyway. What if this threesome is awkward?

SinnerThree: Then it's awkward. It's not like we'll ever have to see each other again. Right? Just promise you won't fall in love with me.

LobsterShorts: Now wouldn't that be life-changing...

May 2019
281 pages

Ratings (65)

Incredible (13)
Loved It (25)
Liked It (15)
It Was OK (11)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (138):

Read It (75)
Want To Read (39)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (22)

3 comment(s)

Loved It
3 months

As a queer male in a fraternity reading this made me uncomfortable at times. While I love my brothers there is no way I see this happening (they are not my cup of tea). But we will pretend to save each other a bars when another patron makes us uncomfy

 
Incredible
5 months

Lo ame, el desarrollo y la historia fueron tan fáciles de leer que no lo pude soltar.

 
Loved It
1 year

Well fuck

6/7/2024

What if you wanted to read something new but God said "faggot! you will return to february 2023!"

 
 
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