The dark MM romance Slick was originally featured in the anthology Dark & Dirty in 2016. An expanded edition was released as a standalone title with a new cover by Thorned Rose Publishing in April 2026.
It currently ranks on these Goodreads lists:
- No. 1: Best M/M Romance Published in 2026
- No. 3: 2026 Most Anticipated Dark Romance Releases
- No. 9: 2026 MM Romance Releases
Cover art: Premade Ebook Cover Shop
Ex-convict Luke is fortunate to have landed a small job in a kitchen, but he’s lonely and crippled by baggage from the past.
CEO Roman Spencer also has his share of problems, and it doesn’t help that a hard-boiled, hot-headed kitchen worker keeps popping up and sparking an explosive attraction.
#Dark #MM #Romance
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Reviews:
I couldn’t be happier that Luke & Roman finally got their own book and a longer story! ❤
Their story is a beautiful lovestory of two worlds colliding, overcoming prejudices, second chances,
strong tension turning into love, learning to understand each other and to open up/to trust.
This story is intense, hot and full of emotions.
Luke and Roman are fantastic characters, i love them.
They are one of my favortie couples and Luke is one of my absolute favorite characters. ( In general, not just in this book.)
To expand their story was perfect, these characters are so good (!) they deserve it and i always wanted to read more about them.
The new part also leads us into sitiuations that were hinted at in the short version, like the grave scene for example. It was beautiful, i loved that Luke finally got some of the closure he needed and a good outcome of what ruined big part of his life.
I don’t want to spoiler more.
I loved this story before, but the new part brought the emotions and their bond, that already were high, to a higher level. And the reader get’s even better insight to the characters emotions. Which was beautiful!
Lea’s writing always immediately captivates me.
– Christin Nagel
More reviews for Slick in the original anthology:
Your writing is very sexy.
– a friend
FOUR AMAZING STORIES!
So the problem with novellas is I always want more.
I loved all four of these stories. The characters were amazing, the stories amazing and the writing is what I would totally expect from these wonderful authors.
Thank you ladies! Keep writing!!
– Janis F.
SLICK BY LEA BRONSEN MUST READ
It’s all about pushing buttons, power exchange and showing your bare soul…
Intense to the bone, full of emotions, sensual, intriguing, dark, raw and highly highly …. everything.
Read the blurb and you know the subject..
I’m in love with Lea Bronsen…..- correction..my emotions are speaking- in love with Lea’s writing!!
– Truus from Love is Love Reviews
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
I read Slick by Lea Bronsen and I really enjoyed it. It’s a short story but is very well written and developed. Luke, an ex-con, and Roman, a CEO, are wonderful characters with a strong connection. Total opposites but their attraction is undeniable. I really like that their relationship is a slow build and how understanding and compassionate Roman is with Luke.
– Esther Acosta Alayeto
A great group of hot, naughty stories, long enough to satisfy, but short enough to gobble up in one sitting. IF the kids aren’t too demanding.
– Terri Rochenski
All were exciting and different !
– Book Devourer
OMG IT’S SO GOOD
I confess I only read two of the books because they are in the genre I read, but if the other two books are as good as the two I read then this will be an awesome read. I couldn’t put the book down, I didn’t even want to cook dinner that’s how good they were.
– Bran Zesti Logan
Dark & Dirty
This book was very good a I like to give new authors a try. Much to my surprise I had enjoyed reading this book. This book was a page Turner that I’ve read without stopping until the end. The writing was very good. I would highly recommend this book. I had voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book.
– Kimberly Kniaz
5 stars for Lea Bronsens story Slick.
The story of Luke and Roman stood out most to me.
Their story is a beautiful story of two worlds colliding, overcoming prejudices, second chances and a strong tension turning into love.
It’s intense, hot, great & strong charakters, has a great story.. it has all that is needed.
This story could easy expand and be a whole book.
The way Lea writes her books always immediately captivates me!
– Christin Nagel
✯☆‿➹⁀☆☆ 4 REDEEMER AND SLICK STARS ✯☆‿➹⁀☆☆
I am reviewing 2 of the stories of this anthology Redeemer and Slick. Both stories were well written with interesting plots and characters.
Slick:
I have read a couple of stories by Lea Bronsen and am never disappointed. Slick was the complete opposite of Redeemer so lightened up the mood for me. Luke and Roman’s (nicknamed Slick by Luke) story was unusual. This is a straight to gay trope which can be difficult to master believably, but this author succeeds nicely. This is a low angst, slow build story of the cafeteria worker showing the executive that love can be found in unusual places and ends with a sweet HFN. Overall I give this story a 4/5 stars!
I enjoyed reading both stories and these authors brought the steam with them, so bring a fan!
– Barb Ingram
For now, I’m reviewing Slick by Lea Bronsen. I’ll update my review once I’ve read the other stories.
I really enjoyed the interactions between Luke and Roman. I did feel Luke was often too cold toward Roman, but I understood that came from a place of needing to protect himself after the difficult life he’d lived so far. Roman wanted to protect himself, too, having been blindsided by what he believed was a strong and happy marriage, turning into a nightmare. He’d also never been attracted to another man, so he spent some time trying to deny his feelings for Luke.
When the men weren’t trying to freeze each other out of their lives, they were so good for each other. And when they finally let their walls crumble, they were beautiful. I’d love to see a continuation of their story, but if all I can have is this novella, I can still say I’m satisfied.
– Terri Hawkins
Slick- Guy with huge chip on his shoulder bout the 1% check✔️…
Random point the book switches between “I” and “Roman” which isn’t good or bad but worth pointing out. So I guess first and 3rd person.
Now this one I wanted to punch Luke who’s one of the MC’s, you’re supposed to feel bad for him, young guy who gets railroaded when he’s 15, has served time, he’s perfect to feel sorry for, but he’s a dickhead. He’s a reverse snob n I felt like he was playing with the other MC Roman! Which I found super annoying.
Especially when they were about to get together that whole show of domination is cool if you’re into that that but Luke implying Roman was stupid for letting him get with really really made me dislike Luke but then he went all mushy so I forgave him! Lol!
I like that they are well suited but I woulda like to have more background on them. You know cos they were actually interesting characters and it being a short book did them a disservice.
There were some cringe worthy moments but you’ll live!! I legit woulda read a full length book bout them though. Especially Luke OMG when he said, it’s possible but I was passed out, I cried!! Legit cried for him.
What 15 year old gets charged as an adult for an accident. I found that super annoying won’t say implausible since the American judicial system is flawed sooo.. ya!!!
– Diidi
Lea Bronsen 