Shameless Affairs, Destined to Fail #2 by Hayden Hall

The Destined to Fail series tackles another taboo subject - cheating, in Shameless Affairs.

From the blurb:

I never wanted anyone this much. Especially not a guy.

Aaron stumbled into my arms and I wasn’t able to let go of him since. Wounded, he needs a place to crash and a friend to help him through. He’s so hurt and lost that he makes me want to be his protector against the world.

But strange, new feelings rise very quickly. Being around him makes me imagine things a straight guy has no business wanting. Least of all a taken, straight guy. But the longer he’s with us, the more I want him all for myself.

Until my girl sparks one fight too many, then goes away. And it’s just us boys. And I see the look of desire in his eyes.

How many bridges will burn? How many hearts break? How far are we willing to go in the name of love?

Shameless Affairs is the second novel in the Destined to Fail series. This book explores the themes of infidelity and love that requires sacrifices. It includes close proximity, bisexual awakening, and a gray take on the ‘cheating with each other’ trope. While this is the second novel in the series, it can be read as a complete standalone (but it’s more fun to read in the order of release).

Jacquie's Review:

Cheating is a hard one, isn't it? Shameless Affairs starts with Aaron being cheated on, so you'd think it would be difficult to empathise with him and condone his relationship with Garrett.

Except, that's not what happens. I won't go into it all, but the author balanced the slow, excruciating death of one relationship alongside the beautiful birth of a new one.

Aaron and Garrett truly do complement each other, and I was rooting for them the whole time. Garrett takes the time to be everything that Aaron needs while struggling under his own relationship and emerging feelings. Aaron suffers with the guilt, desperate not to be who his ex became. It ends up being quite emotional.

A slower burn with just the right amount of spice (seriously, that dining room table scene lives rent free in my head). You don't need to have read book 1, but Parrish and Levi do feature here. There's also a fun cameo from another Hayden Hall couple.

Rating: 5 Stars

Heather's Review:

If you're someone who says cheating is never okay, then you're probably going to want to skip this book... but if you can see how a relationship can develop while you're still caught up in the ashes of an old one, you will want to take a chance on Shameless Affairs.  

This book examines the way we look at relationships and their health, but also what building someone up rather than tearing them down looks like. It's a slow burn, simmering below the surface until it ignites and and burns things around them... and I tell you, you want to be there for all of it!

Rating: 5 Stars

Shameless Affairs is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.