Thank you to the Author, publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Age gaps are not my thing, reading the synopsis and knowing that this book contained one I chose to request it anyway. I have read other of Hall’s books and genuinely loved them. This is a rerelease of the book with bonus materials and I hadn’t read it before so I thought I’d give it a shot. Overall I found both MMC to be genuinely hard to like. They both came with way too many hang ups and while some of them were resolved, I didn’t find the resolutions to be satisfying. As far as the kink in this, I am not an expert in the BDSM scene but the lack of negotiation, and sometimes what felt like coercion was uncomfortable for me. The lack of even using safe words and joking once about the use of a safe word after an attempted scene was uncouth.
I wish I could have enjoyed it more considering how much I enjoyed other books by this author but not every book is for everyone.

First, thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc of one of my faves!

This was the first actual Alexis Hall reread because, for a long time, this was the only one of his older books that the library had! I remember really enjoying this one and I enjoyed it once again, Hall is one of my favorite writers for a reason!

Laurie and Toby's romance could definitely be categorized as erotica because of the number of sex scenes, but each is very important to the plot as our characters grow and change as people. Their age gap dynamic is one of the greatest difficulties in their relationship, and I think Hall handles it well, showcasing the importance of healthy communication once the two finally start communicating.

I really enjoyed the way BDSM was approached in this book; although it was a book with a lot of sex scenes, as it was not treated as particularly taboo, but rather something that connected our MCs and brought together their community.

Another great romance by Hall that I can't wait to get my hands on physically when it comes out!

I've read a few books by Alexis Hall and was very much looking forward to this one. I should have started at the beginning, as I prefer to read a series in order. But I also realized this wasn't an ideal book for me. All for the characters and requisite drama, but I didn't connect much with it being over 50% about BDSM and non-stop sexual focus. Parts were good. Too often I wanted the story to come thru first. But I will still read more from the author in other series or different subjects.

For Real is the next partly new and improved Spires novel that YOU NEED TO READ!

For Real focuses on the lives of Laurie and Toby, two men who have a chance to meet at a BDSM club, but then find out that perhaps they could be exactly what they need in each other's lives. This book took me by surprise in a lot of ways. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect when I realized that this was going to be an age-gap romance. It isn't a spoiler to say that Toby is 19 and Laurie is 37, however in my opinion, because this gap is addressed as an ongoing part of the story, it felt realistic and added such a sweet dynamic overall.

Toby's self-doubt and imposter syndrome at times, felt all too real. Laurie's inability to let go of the past is also just hard to read at times. Both of these incredibly sweet humans deserved all of the happiness that they received in the book. I honestly found myself addicted to reading their story and kept smiling at my Kindle as I was reading through everything. I know that readers are going to love the romance part of this story because it just is so cute and adorable.

Another major portion of this story is the spice. And LET ME TELL YOU, this book is SPICY! This is honestly the spiciest book that I think I have read by Alexis Hall and I genuinely loved it. Some of these sequences involve a good amount of kink, specifically Domination and submission. This plays obviously into the character's initial interest in each other, but as it continues to layer into the story overall, it just was done so exceptionally well that I couldn't stop reading it! Honestly, I need 250 more pages of Toby and Laurie ASAP!

Check out this story because it truly is fantastic and you're going to love it!

I absolutely love how Alexis writes his characters, so flawed but so relatable at the same time, and these one were not the exception, they tried so hard, they made mistakes and somehow they found middle ground even with the huge age gap and different backgrounds.

When I first picked this up in 2018, I admit I was a little bit doubtful—there’s a big age difference between the two main characters and Toby is so young, the same age as one of my kids. There’s also a lot of explicit, kinky sex. But, y’know, I should’ve had faith, it’s an Alexis Hall book after all. Gorgeously written and beautifully put together.
Someone once said a romance should be an argument as to why the lovers should be together (it might have been Alexis Hall who said that, actually.)This is a master class in that premise. On the surface, Toby and Laurie are very different people, but they are both determinedly independent, both dealing with sadness, both doing their best at kindness. And they fit together like two sides of the same coin. It’s wonderful book, and I’m so glad it’s being re-released and will meet a new audience.

Laurie Dalziel, an emergency medicine consultant, is 37 and still grieving the end of his relationship six years ago. The BDSM scene is no longer satisfying. On a night out with friends, he meets 19-year-old Toby Finch, a young man equally lost. But Toby has a goal: Laurie, on his knees and equally as in love with him.

I've read For Real several times, and it is one of my favourite Alexis Hall books. Hall writes complex and flawed people beautifully, and Laurie and Toby are two of his best characters. Their characterisation is distinct and nuanced, and you know when it's Laurie or Toby talking.

Toby is particularly interesting, as he is no "dom" caricature. In the fascinating annotations, Hall recalls how many people struggled with this side of Toby. However, I felt that Hall both showed and explained the lesson well and challenged our assumptions. Similarly, I enjoyed Laurie's characterisation, especially his weariness and flashes of possessiveness and jealousy, such as in the Oxford Quadrangles.

The book is somewhat kinky, but I did not feel it was gratuitous.

This is my favourite of the Spires series, and I recommend it highly. I loved reading Hall's annotations and thoughts, so I would recommend fans of Hall's work grab a copy. I'm grateful to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the eARC.

The Spires series are some of my favorite books of all time so it's great to see them refreshed and re-released into the world. I'm not a big fan of the illustrated new covers, they make the books blend in with the millions of other rom-com novels out there and don't quite fit the tone, in my humble opinion. Otherwise I loved revisiting these characters and their sexy, emotional story. It's fascinating reading Hall's annotations and how his influences made their way into the story, and how he looks back on it now. I was also expecting some bonus content in the form of an extra chapter or epilogue so that was a bit disappointing not to find them here but otherwise this was a lovely read and I'm hopeful this series will receive as much mainstream attention as Hall's newer novels.

This is a netgalley arc for the re-release and you know what
I am obsessed with alexis hall, i always was and always will this was as good this time as ut was the first time. Toby and Laurie... My goodness. 4.5 stars!!!!

Toby and Laurie get a refresh in this rerelease of For Real. The Spires universe is notable for its great characterisation and introspective takes on romance. This is quite a kinky book, but the expectations that come with being a kinky book are thrown on their head by the mere fact that the dominant in the relationship is so young and inexperienced and ends up needing a lot of emotional support from the older, more experienced sub. Outside of the scenes Laurie very much feels like the dominant personality in the relationship, holding the power that comes with age and life experience, while Toby struggles to come to terms with loss and understanding himself. It's a beautiful love story.. but you'll never see lemon meringue pie the same way again.

Well... I do think it would be a good idea for the blurb to mention that this is erotica. Not the sort of thing I'd generally read, but I requested it because I loved Boyfriend Material so much. It's... different to that! The romance is lovely, intensely emotional without ever becoming cringy. What I think Alexis Hall does best is realistic mental health rep, and this feels a bit flat without that added dimension, but the characters are well-rounded and engaging.

Oh my gosh I don't have the words to capture how much I love this book!! I've read For Real six times in the last two years because this book has surprising depths to unpack. This was the book that cemented me as an Alexis Hall stan. I am NOT an age gap lover but he managed to make me fall in love with a book that has one of my least favorite tropes. The power dynamic could so easily have felt unbalanced because of the age gap but instead Alexis Hall makes it clear that they both have the power to affect the other. The delicate way he subverts expectations of what a sub/dom have to look like or what masculinity and power mean is so clever and keeps me coming back to this story. Fictional doms are often written as flimsy cardboard cutouts that readers can project their fantasies on but Alexis Hall gives Toby the space to be a complex character with doubts and fears and desires of his own. I adored how both Toby and Laurie were given the room to engage in kink in the way that made sense for who they were (rather than falling into stereotypes or doing things just because that's a common way others do it). For Real is a fantastically steamy, kinky book but at its core there is so much heart and humor grounding the book in who the characters are so that every time there's a sex scene it's driving the story forward (while also being fabulously hot!) Alexis Hall leans into the rawness and vulnerability of being real with someone else and that makes the book incredibly emotional. This is a niche book for sure, but it's specificity is what made it my perfect book. If you love steamy romances that are grounded in emotion then this could be your perfect book as well!

4.5 stars

Alexis Hall writes flawed characters do well. These characters are complicated and sometimes unlikeable. They’re not perfect; sometimes they’re mean and irrational but they are always so human and so relatable. Hall handles these characters and their situations with so much care and you can’t help but root for them and want the best for them.
Toby and Laurie are both dealing with a lot in their lives. Laurie is struggling to get over an ex and learning to trust and let people into his life. Toby is young and still trying to figure out who he is. When they first meet they have an instant connection and can’t seem to stay away from each other despite their many obstacles.

I loved watching the journey these characters went on both with each other and individually. They both grew so much and worked hard for the ending they deserved.
The author also handled a lot of sensitive topics with care and sensitivity which was really enjoyable to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the ARC!!

This is fantastic! The characters feel very real and I love the growth they brought about in each other. How much I ended up loving them together really surprised me. This is one of my favorites by Alexis Hall and one of the best in the "Spires" series. It's super spicy and made me cry a little too!

I read this originally in 2017 after hearing it repeatedly recommended. And it's still a great book on the re-read.

This is a story about two men who know who they are individually, learning how to be who they are together. Laurence is 37, an emergency doctor, and a submissive. Toby is 19, a cook at a cafe, and a dominant. Like magnets, they pull together. Laurence tries to push them apart, but the force is too strong. There's not a lot of external plot. If you've read other books in The Spires series, you'll recognize characters here and there, but this truly stands alone.

This is a BDSM erotic romance. The sex, the intimacy, moves the relationship and the characters forward. And there is a lot of it. If you're familiar with Alexis Hall for his nearly chaste Boyfriend Material, this might be a shock to the system. But it's great. It's hot, it's emotional, and it makes you wonder how it's all going to work out. But it does, and that's the magic of romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This one is by far AJH’s most kinky book and is pretty graphic, which some folks may not like, depending on what you’re comfortable with. There is a lot of graphic BDSM sex, which is not something I’m into personally, but definitely liked reading about and getting a better understanding of the dynamics of a dom/sub relationship. I also really liked that it wasn’t the typical sort of dom/sub relationship (at least based on other books I’ve read, as well as stuff I’ve read specifically about this book), in that Toby, the dom, is a short, scrawny 19yo who is still figuring himself out, and Laurie, the sub, is a bigger, 37yo with a serious professional job who seems to have himself figured out.
I usually don’t like the idea of age different relationships, but the way this one is written, it seems like it’s barely a thing. Not that it’s not mentioned and discussed a bunch throughout the book, and not that it doesn’t play any kind of role in the book, it’s just that Toby and Laurie are so compatible that for me, as the reader, it’s not really noticeable?

And lastly, I don’t know why, but the lemon meringue pie scene has become completely stuck in my head. No matter what else I read, that regularly comes to mind. I’m certainly not complaining, but I’m not sure that I’ll ever be able to even look at, let alone eat, a lemon meringue pie the same way again. 🥵 #teamLMP

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC. This is my honest review.

I originally read For Real a few years ago, when I was reading the Spires series, after I had found Boyfriend Material and was hooked on Hall's writing. For Real was the first erotic romance I had read and the first that included the BDSM scene. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was immediacy pulled into the story and the characters. Laurie is a somewhat jaded physician who has been part of the BDSM scene but who is still reeling from a relationship break up years in the past. Toby is a 19 year old who is entering the scene for the first time. They meet at a club and have an immediate, electric connection. The dual POV was wonderful for getting into the character's heads and also seeing the same situations from both sides.

This book is beautifully written, with tender and evocative turns of phrase and has such a delicate and empathetic portrayal of grief and loss, as well as the aftermath of a relationship that has shattered. I loved the literary references and how the narrative slowly teased out who Laurie and Toby were in and of themselves and who they were becoming as they grew closer together.

The character arcs are intense and show such depth of feeling. The way both characters progress towards their HEA, the stumbles along the way, the progressive emotional intimacy that follows the physical intimacy, and the vulnerability both experience and the respect for that vulnerability and trust they both give each other.

It is beautifully written and paced. It turns stereotypes on their heads and subverts expectations for the scene and the genre. It's funny and poignant, and emotionally intense. The sex scenes are plenty and so important in the arc of both characters. Such a satisfying progression of a relationship and path towards a HEA.

Overview: Laurie is a 37-year old emergency trauma doctor who is struggling to get over a 12 year relationship that ended 6 years ago. When he meets 19-year old Toby one night at a sex club, Laurie immediately (and unexpectedly) feels a strong connection, but doesn’t want to take advantage of someone so young. Despite his youth, Toby knows exactly what his preferences are - and he does not shy away from pursuing his connection with Laurie.

Thoughts: This is my first Alexis Hall book! I initially struggled with reading this book, because I prefer more plot-driven stories and this felt like more of a mood/aesthetic-driven book. I also had trouble relating to the characters and all the kink. But I am SO glad that I decided to continue with the book, because of how tender and lovely the relationship between Toby and Laurie ended up being. It’s rare to read a book where the couple actually recognizes and addresses their communication issues. I especially loved how open Toby was about his feelings throughout, in spite of his own inexperience with relationships. On a side note, I actually prefer the older cover of this book over the new cover (which is so generic), but the ARC re-release version I received did have a cool section at the end with author annotations that readers will appreciate.

Take home message: “For Real” is an extremely spicy, dual POV, age gap, MM romance that features the BDSM kink, where the dom is much younger and less experienced than the sub (think spoiled prince vibes). However, it would be a huge mistake to boil this book down to these tropes. At its core, this is a thoughtful and beautifully written story about two lost souls who find unconditional love.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 5th time I've read For Real and God this book is just so good. I don’t really have the words to describe how much I love it, but I cry at the ending every time I read it. Such gorgeous writing about love and grief, youth and aging, and the sexual and emotional intimacy in a D/s relationship. The new content added for the rerelease version includes author annotations and I read each one when I came across a star and it elevated the story so much. I loved learning about all the literary references and what Hall intended with the age gap, kink and power dynamics between Toby & Laurie. It is a special love story for the ages. A true masterpiece. 🖤

Thanks to NetGalley & Sourcebooks for the ARC.

My second time reading this third entry in the Spires series due to the new Sourcebooks edition with author annotations, and it only gets better. The characterization of Laurie and Toby is superb, and I eagerly await getting the new print edition upon publication for the bonus story, Aftermath. Alexis Hall never disappoints.