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A review by savage_book_review
For the Fans by Nyla K.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
One stoner artist nerd, Avi, and one straight A, straight laced, straight jock, Kyren, are forced into living under the same roof when their parents decide to get married. When money troubles mean that college expenses start to mount up, Avi's friend suggests a way for him to make some quick money. And if they can rope Kyren in as well, they might just make bank. The trouble is, the stepbrothers can't stand each other... right?
This is a book where you go in expecting fairly little, but get a whole host of feels and a decent story around and amongst the OnlyFans content. There is actually a cohesive narrative throughout, proper character development and genuine exploration of trauma, mental health issues, sexuality and self-acceptance. The building of the relationship between the two lead characters outside of the bedroom is beautifully done; their separate growth feeds into their their connection and is really heartwarming.
Writing wise, the first few chapters are a little clunky, trying to introduce the characters and get them to the 'right place, right time', but the writing starts to hit its stride when the boys are settled in at college and the real story can begin. From then on, it's an easy read, with the shifts in perspective between Avi and Kyren flowing seamlessly. It is a bit formulaic and predictable, it's certainly readable and it helps with the engagement; you definitely become one of 'the fans' as you read! Equally however, there are some moments which aren't written particularly well; the character of Ash, for example. Introduced from nowhere, acts as obstacle to HEA, disappears without trace.
OK, the elephant in the room. The smut. It's two guys, so if that's not for you, I really wouldn't pick this up. I'd say this is probably quantity over quality - it's not badly written, but given the writer is female I'd say the style reflects the obvious lack of first-hand experience! It's hot but not spicy, detailed but fairly generic (except for the video camera, of course!), but that works for the plot - it feels reflective of two inexperienced guys finding their way into their sexuality. And the fact that these scenes do play a role in the wider plot, not just in terms of their money-making potential for the characters but also in allowing and documenting their emotional relationship to evolve, means that you can't help but be drawn in.
Another big element to the book is college football. Not a sport I even remotely understand, but those scenes I treated the same way as I do the football talk in 'The Blind Side' - nod, smile, and don't let it get in the way of the story. As long as I know who wins the game, we're good.
I was surprised at how much I liked this one! And apparently there will be more...
This is a book where you go in expecting fairly little, but get a whole host of feels and a decent story around and amongst the OnlyFans content. There is actually a cohesive narrative throughout, proper character development and genuine exploration of trauma, mental health issues, sexuality and self-acceptance. The building of the relationship between the two lead characters outside of the bedroom is beautifully done; their separate growth feeds into their their connection and is really heartwarming.
Writing wise, the first few chapters are a little clunky, trying to introduce the characters and get them to the 'right place, right time', but the writing starts to hit its stride when the boys are settled in at college and the real story can begin. From then on, it's an easy read, with the shifts in perspective between Avi and Kyren flowing seamlessly. It is a bit formulaic and predictable, it's certainly readable and it helps with the engagement; you definitely become one of 'the fans' as you read! Equally however, there are some moments which aren't written particularly well; the character of Ash, for example. Introduced from nowhere, acts as obstacle to HEA, disappears without trace.
OK, the elephant in the room. The smut. It's two guys, so if that's not for you, I really wouldn't pick this up. I'd say this is probably quantity over quality - it's not badly written, but given the writer is female I'd say the style reflects the obvious lack of first-hand experience! It's hot but not spicy, detailed but fairly generic (except for the video camera, of course!), but that works for the plot - it feels reflective of two inexperienced guys finding their way into their sexuality. And the fact that these scenes do play a role in the wider plot, not just in terms of their money-making potential for the characters but also in allowing and documenting their emotional relationship to evolve, means that you can't help but be drawn in.
Another big element to the book is college football. Not a sport I even remotely understand, but those scenes I treated the same way as I do the football talk in 'The Blind Side' - nod, smile, and don't let it get in the way of the story. As long as I know who wins the game, we're good.
I was surprised at how much I liked this one! And apparently there will be more...
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Violence, Vomit, and Abandonment