Bend Him Break Him

De: MN Bennet

Narrado por: Eddie Blake

Colton has always walked the line of golden boy meets bad boy. It helped catapult his popularity as the starting pitcher in his first year of college and during the scandalous exposé when he came out as bi. But Colton struggles with the accolades he receives, balancing who he is versus who he was versus who he’s expected to be. Because before Colton was a queer icon for star athletes, he was a closeted bully who made one guy’s life completely miserable.

Isaac hates Colton. But to be fair, Isaac hates everyone—maintaining an icy distance from even his closest friends. Mostly, Isaac wants to shove Colton off the pedestal he’s been placed upon. Just because he came out publicly doesn’t mean he’s some sort of hero. It doesn’t help that Isaac once fawned over the closeted jock in high school. He cared deeply for Colton and did everything he could to please the star athlete, even keeping their private rendezvous a secret. Which meant Isaac paid the price of utter humiliation, taunting, and bullying as the weirdo loner gay guy with a creepy crush.

When Isaac catches Colton cheating on an exam, he plans to ruin his enemy by destroying his academic standing and costing Colton his baseball scholarship. Isaac wants nothing more than to see Colton kicked out of campus. But when the jock offers to do anything to keep this a secret, Isaac decides to test the lengths Colton is willing to go to make things right between them. Isaac’s over secrets, but this is an opportunity unlike any other. He presents an ultimatum that’ll push Colton to the edge of his limits. In this sordid hate-fueled lust, all Isaac wants is revenge and all Colton wants is redemption.

©2025 MN Bennet (P)2025 MN Bennet

Absolute perfection!

I had read this book and knew that the minute the audiobook came out that I would need to have these two in my ear and this did not disappoint! I can see myself listening to this again and again!

Feel The Grumpy Goth Love

I absolutely loved this story! Enemies-to-lovers and revenge/redemption arcs are some of my favorites, and Isaac and Colton’s journey delivered on both. Their relationship was packed with emotion, tension, and constant push-and-pull that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Once they finally went public, it truly felt like it was the two of them against the world—no matter who or what stood in their way. A powerful, passionate read!

Funny, Heavy, and Cute

This was such an unexpectedly good read. The writing is genuinely so good from the author's ability to describe scenes and emotions, to the overall pace of the story. Although, somethings that the characters say come across as "but this isn't how people really talk", thankfully it's not every dialogue.

I absolutely ADORED the use of comedy and banter, especially when it came to Isaac. It's so easy to make grumpy characters needlessly cruel and constantly angry, but the author uses comedy to "humanize" Isaac, cementing him as a character w/ a past and not a character that's JUST angry. The author also knows when to be comedic; comedy and heavy topics is also another thing that can easily be fumbled, coming off as insincere or mocking. You don't get that w/ this.

However, I do believe the XXX scenes went on for a little too long. I would have loved to know more about Colt's family, especially when it came to his boss queen mom. I would have also loved to see more of Colt's and Isaac's emotions and feelings during those first few chapters. I think the author sped past Isaac's initial hate and frustrations w/ Colt and their past to focus on the sexual/romantic side of things. Rather, it would have been better if this was more of a slow burn w/ their relationship progressing as they worked through their own and each others trauma.

The supporting cast were also really fun and cute.

The voice actor was also really great, loved his voice for Isaac, but the XXX scenes sounded a bit awkward, which is understandable.

overall, great grumpy x sunshine and great author.

So good! So hot!!!

Absolutely love this story and it was so hot! MN Bennett is such a great author. I love his books!

This was so fun! I had all the feels!

This was a good time! Eddie Blake brought Isaac and Colton to life perfectly. I had a fun going on the relationship journey with these two and seeing their dynamic slowly change was fun. Isaac’s besties were hilarious, I loved the found family. This was so good! I’ll definitely give it another listen!

I loved it!!

This was such a fun and easy read. The story was great and I just absolutely love Colton and Isaac!

Isaac

I generally struggle and give up on 3rd person pov books. my brain just struggles to stay engaged. blBut this book was sooooo good! Loved Colton and Isaac. Especially Isaac! He is totally amazing in his grumpy Ahole personality! Storyline kept me engaged and wanting more! Definitely a great book!!

Amazing Characters, as always

What an emotional journey we have the honor of going on with Isaac and Colton! When trouble comes their way, I felt offended for them as if I were their friend too. As is the case with every MN Bennet book I've read so far, the supporting cast is amazing.

As for the narration: good but far from my favorite. There's a difference between reading in an animated vs cartoonish way and Eddie Blake was a step on the wrong side of that line in my opinion. There's also an odd cadence to his voice that really wasn't doing anyone any favors. This tone is consistent throughout, so the preview audio will give you a clear sample.

Overall, would recommend.

Could've been great but just ok

Narrator was new to me and I like his "normal" voice but his voice for isaac was annoying and some of his inflection was off. I think a different narrator would've really elevated this book.

Spicy with a heartwarming plot!!

This was a dark bully romance that ended up being way cuter than it had any right to be! I giggled, gasped, blushed, and kicked my feet throughout this book. The good parts are great, the dark parts are done well, and the rest is just arousing as hell! It was impossible not to fall for Issac and Colton. The last hour and a half had me on a roller-coaster of feelings. This book does come with trigger warnings that should be respected. The ending was worth it all!
Eddie Blake did an awesome job with Issac and Colton, as well as a great job making the side characters stand out too!