The multi-author dark bully romance anthology Tell me Lies – Manlove Edition was released by Evernight Publishing in August 2024.
Cover art: Jay Aheer
These four dark romance novellas pack the heat. Our bestselling authors showcase a variety of contemporary gay romances featuring bully and enemies-to-lovers themes. There may be triggers, so be warned that these aren’t your average love stories.
“Red Light Rivals” by Faedra Rose
“Broken” by L.J. Longo
“Seducer” by Lea Bronsen
“Redeem My Heart” by Megan Slayer
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#Dark #Gay #Bully #Romance
See photos that inspired me to write Seducer:
Reviews:
…FOUR ENGAGING STORIES…
Tell Me Lies: A Dark Bully Romance Anthology – Manlove Edition is four stories with all types of degrees of bullying (past & present), §ïzzlïng §ëx, true-life experiences and relatable emotions…with just enough dark romance.🖤
Seducer by Lea Bronsen
A C H.A.N.C.E. E.N.C.O.U.N.T.E R. for two men. This is a slice-of-life story of Zane, a 38 year old bodyguard, chauffeur, ex-cop and Robin, a street harlequin, acrobatics performer & dancer that reconnect in Aranda de Duero, Northern Spain. Zane is chauffeuring his 20 year old employer Mira-Me to a party in a limo a few blocks away. They are stuck in traffic due to a street harlequin performing. With our intro to Zane, we find he is not the nicest guy, he is a complainer and a bit of a bully. Robin further upsets Zane with his antics. Zane pulls some cop force moves in restraining him to stop. Later on that evening, Mira-Me (showing more adulting than Zane) tells him that he is going to apologize to Robin. They go to his hotel and Zane does apologize. Zane is attracted to Robin, what he doesn’t know at the time – they went to art school together 20 years ago. We find out that Robin had an unrequited crush on Zane… AND Zane was a bully to him! Robin shows grace in accepting Zane’s 2nd apology for his behavior. They both take a second chance with each other… the seduction dance scenes & §ëx in the theater are wickedly tantalizing & SO very, very satisfying! 🥵🔥💋🖤
…Loved all the couples in this Anthology. I am hoping all the Authors will write more stories with all the couples! 🤞🏿🤞🏾🤞🏽🤞🏼🤞🏻
– Anya Z.
Review is for Seducer by Lea Bronsen
Well, that was an intriguing and super original short story! I loved it!
Zane is a bit of a grumpy thirty-eight guy, a former cop, due to certain unacceptable behavior his badge was taken, and now he works as a bodyguard and chauffeur. We meet him as the irritated chauffeur of a Social Media celebrity. Irritated because a clown is holding up the traffic with a performance and he’s already late. He’s quite the bully to the clown.
One thing leads to another his celebrity finds the guy, named Robin, online and they head over to him, so Zane can apologize for his behavior.
You could think that’s it, noooo, there’s so much more to this story, and the characters, I was baffled by it. Read yourself what this involves,
I’ll tell you a bit about the attraction between them.
It was instant, fun, attentive, and super sensual.
The story is told by Zane, I loved his character, his past, his hurt, and his feelings, and he made us love Robin.
I really enjoyed this narrative, it constantly surprised me while reading, I love that!
– True Love is Love Review
Seduce me by Lea Bronsen , 5 stars.
Seduce Me is part of the anthology Tell Me Lies: Manlove Edition.
It is perfectly set between Aranda de Duero and Segovia, in Spain. This short story tells us about the beginning of the romance between Zane and Robin. Zane is a former police officer who works as a bodyguard and driver for a TikTok celebrity. On their way to a premiere, he meets Robin.
Robin is a harlequin who earns his living performing street shows and theater performances with his best friend Lola.
But this isn’t their first encounter.
I really liked the writing. The characters are very well developed in this short story, which could be expanded into a longer one, because I want to think that this isn’t just a one-night stand but the beginning of something more lasting.
A plus for me is that it’s not a bi awakening, but rather that Zane is an established bisexual character.
I enjoyed reading it.
– Cara
FOUR GREAT STEAMY STORIES
This was such a great read! All 4 stories were the right combination of sweet and steamy with just the right bit of angst.
– Stealthy Dragon 623/Erika Stohlberg
This was an awesome anthology of different authors and storylines for M/M reads this one includes Dark Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Bully Romance & Gay and there maybe triggers so be aware to check before you start this one. Plenty of heat & Action i myself highly recommend it. If you love some hot Alpha men with a mission.
– Tina Locklear
This collection of stories was truly a little gem. All four stories have their own strength and can stand on their own. Beautifully written with real depth. I loved reading it and couldn’t put it down.I could choose, but then I wouldn’t do the other stories justice. So a really nice collection of stories.
– Lea Gesser
This is a fab collection of romances that really were quite varied. (…) The other stories were just as gripping but completely different and so engaging. Loved it!
– Lisa Bing/LBing
FOUR SIZZLING MM STORIES
Four erotic and sizzling hot, dark and spicy MM stories. Enemies to lovers, bully and bad boy romances, check your triggers as you need…
– Hotrelle
WONDERFUL COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM A WONDERFULLY TALENTED GROUP OF AUTHORS
The anthology is so great. The stories so so wonderful. I love each author individually and being able to read from all is just great.
– Andrea
A really good set of four short stories. I enjoyed them all. Two authors were new to me and I will be looking for more of their books.
– Rani
INTENSE AND STEAMY GAY ROMANCES
Tell Me Lies: Manlove Edition is a collection of four intense and steamy gay romance novellas. Each story explores dark romance themes, including enemies-to-lovers and bully romance, offering a raw and captivating reading experience. (…)
Seducer by Lea Bronsen: Bronsen’s story is a masterful blend of seduction and romance, capturing the struggle for true love amidst tumultuous circumstances. (…)
The authors have crafted stories that not only heat the pages but also touch the heart, making you believe in the possibility of finding true love after enduring struggles. This collection is a must-read for fans of dark, steamy romance. Five stars!
– Monika Kisova/Monickaslniecko
CAPTURED YOUR ATTENTION
This anthology has four stories that have dark themes. bullying, full of pain and dirty love with BDSM thrown in. Some have guys that are broken with overwhelming issues , some are quite kinky and /or steamy, and some the guys go all out. The first is an enemies to intense lovers scenario, the next is chock full of angst and the third and fourth have bullying themes. They all captured your attention and were well written. It was entertaining and quite spicy.
– CS
GREAT COLLECTION
Four steamy hot dark MM romances, with Bully, enemies to lovers, desires dark themes, violence, action and more!
– Jenni/PHOENIX96
VERY GOOD
Tell Me Lies by Faedra Rose is an absolute gem of a novel! Rose weaves a mesmerizing tale filled with suspense, emotion, and unforgettable characters. The gripping plot and beautifully crafted prose had me completely captivated. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. 5 out of 5 stars!
– Aleksandra
STEAMY TALES
Seducer by Lea Bronsen
Zane is a driver/bodyguard for an influencer, Mira-Me in northern Spain. He is an American who needs a scene after the lost of his child and subsequent divorce. Robin is a street performer that irritates Zane, when he is holding up traffic and they are trying to get to an event. Robin and Zane when to college together, back then Robin had a thing for Zane, at that time he did not realize he was bi.
– Lisa Parker/Maleficient
A GREAT COLLECTION OF DARK READS
All four books in this read all good I will have to say the first two were my favourites of the collection. It is a fun ride a bit dark a bit kinky and just fun. A great collection.
– Anne Harris/Anne H
Well I had a hard time at first it was because of the file but luckily I got a new one to read I throughly like these books by all these different authors ,,,first there is the first couple and how one of them initially thought they didn’t like each other but that wasn’t the case and the next couple in the next book, it really follows the along where each couple miscommunicate but in the end there’s a lot that goes on in each book I really enjoyed them so I gave them 5/5 from me
– Jeanine Beaulieu St. Pierre
– Ann Brown
Full RTC
– Phyllica W
I enjoyed reading this book.It was well written and i enjoyed the storyline.I can’t wait to read more from this author.
– Brenda Hurley
THIS AUTHOR IS NEW TO ME
This author is new to me. Style was different than I expected. Some of the language seemed unnecessarily rough. However, understand this is considered style. The characters are their own individuals. No confusion as to who is speaking or action. Will continue reading this author.
– Janelimay/jemay
Sexy romance anthology… with underlying themes of bullying and “enemies to friends” hot romance. This is a terrific read; I love the novella length story format! perfect for a beach book, or to take on a trip, as you have plenty of time to finish a story or two… but they are long enough to have interesting characters and sexy erotic scenes!
All very well written, but the third novella, “Seducer” is a stand-out for charm, delightful characters, nice modern tie-in to social media influencers… it feels like the first few chapters of a longer novel. Also some smokin’ hot erotic romance! I’d love to see the author develop this further.
The other three are quite good too, and should not be skipped!
Highly recommended.
– Charismatic
In “seducer” by Lea Bronsen, I loved how playful and fun robins character was and how dark and broody Zane was. You could tell he had a story, it was also hinted at. It had me hooked me from the start it was well written and intriguing
– Mitch Mallhi
4 MM ROMANCES
All four stories are smut. Storylines are in depth and intensively. All characters are well written and good backgrounds. I wish the first stories to have bit more story. Recommend this book like reading BDSM MM romances.
– DariaB
This anthology offers amazing stories by talented authors. The males all hot, the bulls all grumpy and the brats all that’s sassy. You’ll love the stories! Enjoy
– Daria/DariaB
Zane is a driver and bodyguard of Mira-Me, an influencer. Robin is a street art harlequin, similar to a clown but more sophisticated. Zane and Robin knew each other in college but haven’t seen each other since. But things have changed since then. Zane realized he was bi and now he has a chance to tell Robin.
This was a short read but cute. I like how the characters found each other again and when they did boy it was hot 🥵.
– Dalene/slytherindalene
SPICY MM SHORTS
Seducer – Zane is body guard and chauffeur to an influencer and when th4ey are running late to an even they are slowed further by a harlequin street performer who he is rude to in a rush to get get the influencer to the event on time. Mira-Me decided that Zane needs to apologize and tracks him down so it can happen. Well turns out he has actually met this particular harlequin in what feels like a past life. Come along for the performance as they become reacquainted. This story is more light hearted and sweet than the others but no less powerful and spicy. .
– Stefanie/Sycokittycat
Tell Me Lies: A Dark Bully Romance Anthology: Manlove Edition, is four short stories with varying of degrees of bullying. They are all solid 4 star reads with great characters, steamy sex, and romance – the first two are quite dark. I enjoyed all four stories.
– Shannon Janssen
LOVED IT
Loved this anthology. There’s not a single story in this that I didn’t eagerly turn the page to so I could see what happened next!! If I had to pick I’d say the second story is my fav (easiest the darkest in it) but don’t make me choose!!!
Absolutely loved it, all are a perfect length to fit in here and some are super quick reads you can easily get your daily fix from.
– Sazzy/Sazzymogs
HOT AND KINKY
This anthology contains 4 MM erotic romance novellas by various authors. I was already familiar with some of their work, while others were completely new to me. (…) Although all the stories are quite short, they are well-written and we can easily get into their atmosphere.
– Kati/Katia/Kati81
DARK
If you love dark/bully mm trope then this is a great anthology. I enjoyed all the stories but my favourite was the first which though not as dark as some of the others I really loved the main characters (…)
– Deborah Kelly/dubdub
GOOD ANTHOLOGY
I enjoyed this anthology, there are four short stories each story is well written and has angst and darkness to varying degrees, I enjoyed all four stories and have now found new authors to check out. Good read.
– Denise/Dee176
FOUR STEAMY MM STORIES
This anthology includes four great short stories. (…) Lea Bronson tells the story of Zane and Joe/Robin. They knew each other years ago (acquaintances) and by chance, run into each other in Spain in an odd situation. They end up meeting up later on and come to an understanding about their pasts. Have they grown enough to have a future together? (…) I really enjoyed these short stories. They all showed character growth and I’m glad I read this. Highly recommend.
– Luv2Read17
STORY COMPILATION
This book is a combination of stories by several authors. Each of these four stories is about a love connection of a couple. They are steamy, full of drama and various unique situations or conditions.
– stardragon
This anthology has four stories that have dark themes. bullying, full of pain and dirty love with BDSM thrown in. Some have guys that are broken with overwhelming issues , some are quite kinky and /or steamy, and some the guys go all out. The first is an enemies to intense lovers scenario, the next is chock full of angst and the third and fourth have bullying themes. They all captured your attention and were well written. It was entertaining and quite spicy.
– Cindy
This was a great collection of stories with characters that offered something for each individual reader the simmering chemistry and attraction was perfectly matched for a enjoyable reading experience
– Sundayrays74
TELL ME LIES!
This is the man love edition of the “Tell Me Lies” anthology that in includes four short and quick reads. (…) They are spicy and steamy dark MM romances that are intriguing and interesting. I usually don’t read MM romances but I enjoyed the other anthology of “Tell Me Lies” so much that I decided to pick this one up. They are good reads that develop nicely with strong characters.
– Mary
A GOOD EDITION
Every now and then it is fun to read a book with some dark romance themes. I like a good bully romance and these four stories all had varying elements in them that made them naughty and delicious.
– Luvreading
LOVED IT!
Tell Me Lies is a wonderful Manlove Anthology from Evernight. The stories are as diverse as the authors. This is an entertaining read
– Jocelyn W
GOOD BUT ROUGH STORIES
Overall, I’d give this anthology an enthusiastic 4 stars. It’s a fun read if you have no issues with bully romances. I would say the second story is the darkest of the set.
Seducer by Lea Bronsen
Zane & Robin (Joe?) – 4.5 stars
Surprisingly short story about two people who reconnect after 20 years over coincidental circumstances. Robin is a street performer, and Zane is a bodyguard/driver for an influencer. They seemingly have little in common besides a period of time they attended the same art school when they were 18. When Zane acts irrationally rude to Robin, his influencer charge tells him he must apologize. When he does, the duo find their old connection, and build upon correcting past mistakes and exploring their burgeoning feelings.
– Megan McGrath
I really enjoyed this anthology.
I liked the dynamic between each of the couples in these stories.
Overall a great anthology. 4 stars.
– Nina Diab
DARK LOVE
This collection of MM stories was uniquely different yet interesting in their own way. There are some tough moments and issues that are brought up which can trigger strong emotions, but they wove throughout the plot in way that brought them to light. Four stories and four couples all of whom were complex and written with passion by each of their authors.
– L KQ
THE PAST IS NOT ALWAYS LEFT BEHIND
This was a set of 4 short mm stories around the themes of enemies to lovers and bullies to lovers.
Seducer by Lea Bronson takes place in Spain and finds chauffeur and bodyguard to a twenty-something influencer Zane, attracted to harlequin performer Robin, who he meets on the streets during one of the performances. Rude to Robin, Zane’s employer requires him to apologize, and turns out the two had met years ago in art school when Zane had bullied Robin for being gay. Zane has grown since then, and an old attraction has a chance of blooming again. Much softer and sweeter than first two stories.
All four stories were interesting and held my attention, and the characters were complex and realistic. If you like short stories, this was a good collection for those two tropes.
– deedee
This is a MM anthology. It features 4 short MM stories. Of course, LOL. They are good short reads , when you’re short on time. Not all stories seemed to be dark to me. But Hella High on the spice.
– Bellabomb3000/bookish bella
I’m not going to do a review per book, I just want people to know I really enjoyed it. There was a ton of steam, some action and their HEA’s. Really worth the read.
– Amanda Reeves/Kjnrose
I’m a big fan of anthologies, particulary the Man Love editions. It gives readers like me an opportunity to read authors unknown to me. I thought this anthology was another omnibus but it contained just four stories.
Believe the authors when they tell you that these are dark bully stories, so much so that I appreciated having insight into the feelings of the hero which ultimately made a difference for me in my final evaluation of the bully love interest.
My two favorite stores were the last two which featured softer back in the day bullies. 1) Seducer by Lea Bronson (Bodyguard/Entertainer/Past History): RATING: 4.5 OF 5 Stars AND Redeem My Heart by Megan Slayer (Professor/Musician/Past History) RATING: 4 of 5 stars. Read. This. Book!
Now Evernight Publishing, please give readers a new Man Love omnibus! 😁.
– rjreads
GOOD READ
Tell Me Lies is a wonderful Manlove Anthology from Evernight. The stories are as diverse as the authors. This is an entertaining read.
– Jocelyn Whaley
VERY INTERESTING BOOK
Four great short stories. Not your typical romances. I like the dark theme and how we get right to it. Not a lot of fluff before we get some action. Each story was different but still engaging.
– Cristy Elizondo/Texas Native
A GOOD EDITION
Every now and then it is fun to read a book with some dark romance themes. I like a good bully romance and these four stories all had varying elements in them that made them naughty and delicious.
– avidreader4ever
(…) The third story is a college acquainted story. I like the way it was written and that the characters connected again later in life in such an unexpected way. I also enjoyed the was they interact with each other and the explanations of their pasts that brought them to where they r today.
(…) Overall I thought this book is worth the read. There is a bully aspect to each story i think but they r wrll written and some r more spicy than the others but I enjoyed them all alot.
– Cassandra Imbus
GOOD ANTHOLOGY
This collection includes 4 different genre reads in gay romance. Each are great and can be read as stand alone. There is a little bit for everyone and all short reads. Enjoyed reading each one.
– EsmeG
LOVE THE ANTHOLOGY
I love all of the short stories, the plot, and the spice .
– Tangy Smith
This four novella anthology is so intense. These bully romances are dark and spicy. Some of these men are downright mean. They are really good though. I loved every story.
– Amanda
REALLY GOOD
These four books were a great read! I really enjoyed the tension, steam, drama, banter, and HEA that each book offered. All four of these authors were new to me and I will be back for more.
– Syd Springer
MM ANTHOLOGY
This is a great collection of MM stories from talented authors. There’s no way someone won’t find at least one story they enjoy from these relationships that have a dark start. Love a good enemies-to-lovers vibe and MM has a rougher quality that I like. My one complaint is that there is not a description of each story, so the reader goes in almost completely blind and I always hate having to do that.
– keaty_w
4 MM ROMANCES
All four stories are smut. Storylines are in depth and intensively. All characters are well written and good backgrounds. I wish the first story to have bit more long. Recommend this book who likes reading BDSM MM romances.
– Patsy Ballesteros Ontiveros
Lea Bronsen 