News Boy

An MM Age-Play Romance

By: Susan Hawke

Narrated by: Michael Dean

Length: 2 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's Summary

Neil needs a bodyguard and a keeper. Fortunately, Brody can be both. 

Morning news anchor Neil Klein has a mouth that often gets away from him. When one of the things he says on air puts his life in danger, the bratty “little” resists the bodyguard his producer hires. He doesn't need anyone to run his life and nobody is going to tell him what to do. At least, that's what he says when he fires the hot new bodyguard. 

Except that former Ranger Brody Johnson isn’t willing to leave. He was brought in to do a job and he’s going to do it. Neil needs a keeper, that much is obvious. Also clear? The only one uniquely qualified for the position is a protective former Dom with all the skills that a twenty-year military career can teach a man. 

This is a 25k stand-alone novella. Watch out for adorable cats, a little who’s really a middle, and enough Mario references to make you hear the game’s music beeping and booping through your mind. You’ll probably catch yourself giggling out loud, but what else can you expect from a Susan Hawke book?

©2020 Susan Hawke (P)2020 Susan Hawke

4.5-starred new listen from Hawke & Dean

News Boy was a surprise release from one of my favorite go-to M/M romance authors, Susan Hawke,, and while I was glad I was able to read it through Kindle Unlimited, I have a thing for Hawke's audiobooks, especially because her partnership with Michael Dean, narrator extraordinaire, has a consistent track record for being entertaining and addictive. This new audiobook is a quick listen--yes, two and a half hours is considered quick--and has a hint of suspense to it thanks to a stalker story line. The main characters are former PFC and Army Ranger Brody Johnson, who at thirty-eight and after two decades of being in the Army is transitioning from military life to civilian life, and thirty-two-year-old news anchor Neil Klein who has an amorous stalker making not-so-amorous threats against him. These two meet because Brody's friend has his own security firm that Brody becomes an employee of and Neil's uncle and boss hires Brody as Neil's 24/7 bodyguard. Now, there's a lot more to these two than the whole stalker angle, of course. Neil's got a bratty side to him and he happens to be a little. Brody has never been any guy's Daddy, but he has been a Dom, so maybe he could be Neil's Daddy...if he ever decides that he can be what Neil needs. And well, if they get to the stalker before the stalker gets to Neil.

I enjoyed the story as a whole. I wouldn't necessarily call what Brody and Neil had an insta-love sort of thing because it's not as if they were declaring their feelings for each other within hours of meeting. Things did happen quickly, though, in the short period of time that the actual story plays out, but there was a kinda-sorta-maybe slow-burn feel to it, what with both men actually finding some firmer ground for them to build their relationship, especially since they needed to learn to trust each other. As for the suspense part, well, the stalker wasn't all that difficult to figure out. I knew it was them the minute they were introduced in the story. Hawke, as always, has written a story that held my attention and has given listeners a cast of characters that are both intriguing and endearing. Dean is in his element, not that that's all that surprising (and that's a lot of "that"s in one sentence), giving a unique voice to each of the characters. I'm giving four stars for the story, and five stars for the narration, averaging to 4.5 stars for the overall rating of News Boy. ♥

A Fun Romp!!

Since the whole subject of the "littles" fantasy isn't my kink, I was slow to warm up to this story. A while back, following books narrated by Michael Dean -- my #1 sexy voice! -- I came across a series called "Davey's Rules." It was a serious, hardcore journey into this realm, which I, personally, just couldn't connect with.

(IF that is to your liking, you'll be in heaven!! Michael Dean skillfully applied his beautiful talents which you'll undoubtedly enjoy.
Vive la Différence!)

This stand alone book was lighter in its treatment of the subject matter. The deepening relationship between the two MCs was very sweet, interspersed with witty & humorous dialogue. I found the entire work thoroughly enjoyable, wishing for more of the same.

The single intimate encounter could have been creepy-as-hell, if not handled with the same sweetness, and even humor, during their sexual exchange. A true first for me; I appreciated the skillful maneuvering by the author to get across exactly what was needed.

Highly recommend to anyone who's looking for an equal dose of humor & romance. You will NOT be disappointed❤!

Sweet Middle Story

This was a short very compact audio. It was done very well and MD did an excellent job of capturing the brattiness of Neil.
Brody was wonderfully patient
It was Dual POV
Brody is hired to guard Neil. Both are lonely and need each other.
This is a sweet middle story of love and trust.
Minimal angst and very sweet.

Not for me

Daddy role play just isn’t for me. I didn’t think it would be this bad and thought I could overlook some of it, but i just didn’t realize how childish it was. Just isn’t my style.

You'll like this short, sweet romance.

If you're like me, and not sure about diving into a romance featuring Daddy/boy age-play, I recommend starting with this short gem from Susan Hawke.

The story revolves around TV news anchor Neil, who uses age-play to allay his anxiety. He has been threatened by a revengeful ex-con and requires a bodyguard. Ex-Army Ranger (and former Dom) Brody uses his unique skills to both protect Neil and provide the Daddy that Neil has long been wanting.

There are lots of funny bratty 'middle'-Neil scenes, but I also like that the story isn't completely focused on 'middle'-Neil. The reader experiences 'adult'-Neil at work and interacting with the public. The subplot involves a little bit of intrigue and danger. There's a deliciously steamy scene between adult-Neil and Brody that's hot and somewhat surprising.

Ive listened to several books narrated by Michael Dean. At this point, I believe he can do no wrong. He perfectly suits his voice performance to the source material. This book is a superb example of his talent.

Recommended.

Great audiobook

This story is short but very enjoyable. The mystery part last throughout the whole story and in my opinion is pretty obvious but still enjoyed it. Narration by Michael Dean was fantastic as always!!!

News Break

Circumstances bring them together but Brody and Neil are a good fit. I like how both of them seemed sort of surprised by it. This was a fun story with a side of drama.

News Boy

News Boy is a sweet short story about Brody, a former Ranger and current bodyguard to Neil, a newsman and little. Though it turns out Neil needs a Daddy more than a bodyguard. They really are perfect for each other.
Narrator Michael Dean does another marvelous job.

Real Good

I'm just starting to get a little bit into age play books and Ms. Hawke always draws my attention, so I had to listen, and of course it was good.
And as always Michael Dean did an excellent job with the voices, he is always great to listen to.

Sweet Daddy/Boy

This is a super sweet and quick listen. Brody is hired to guard Neil whose life is being threatened. Neil is a total bratty boy and Brody smoothly and perfectly glides into the Daddy role. They are perfect for one another and I love watching their relationship develop. The narrator is spectacular in bringing the characters and the story to life. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audio book.

wonderful!

This is a great story and beautifully narrated! Susi Hawke and Michael Dean team up to give us a plot and characters that draw you in and don't let go! All the feels and occasional giggles that we expect from Ms Hawke!

Adored

I adored listening to this book as Neil is delightfully bratty who gets a bodyguard turn daddy in Broady.

I enjoyed this.

I haven’t read or listened to many Daddy/Boy books but I’ve really liked the ones I’ve read by Susan Hawke. Listening to Michael Dean perform her books adds additional enjoyment to her words. When I picked this audiobook up during a sale in December, I didn’t realize it was part of a trilogy. When I found that out I expected this one to have a cliffhanger ending but I’m pleased to say that it ends with a very satisfying HFN.

The blurb describes the story perfectly so I’m not going to rehash it here. This is a short and sweet story that’s just perfect for listening to in one evening. I’m looking forward to listening to the next one in this series.

Perfect

I’ve never found myself enjoying age play so much in my life. Susan Hawke creates a story that was fun, spicy and adorably sweet. This story was short but perfect. I love the way Hawke wrote each character so perfectly unique and interesting. They were very different from each other and it created an ideal dynamic for the theme of the story. Michael Dean is amazing as usual. Everything Michael narrates is excellent. He brings passion, fun, life to everything he does. I felt the atmosphere and all the emotions through Michaels voice. Over all excellent!

Great Performance

I love having a book with a Middle/Daddy relationship combined with a bodyguard/client relationships. Brody is exactly what Neil needed both in and out of the bedroom! While it’s a short read/listen, it’s the perfect length for their story.
Michael Dean did an outstanding job bring Neil & Brody to life. Its definitely a book you can listen to over and over again.

So incredible

Nell is seen every day on the news but he keeps some things slightly hidden from the public. With threats coming at him, his boss and friend hires a bodyguard that understands his private choices. Brody is unsure of where his life is heading but finds himself wanting Nell. These two have an intense connection that will leave you breathless and fanning yourself.

so fun

this was amazing and wonderful.. sexy and interesting.. good story and different. this narrator did a good job with the emotions and personalities.. i enjoyed it a lot

Read all about it!!

This is only a short story fom Susan Hawke, but a lovely one regardless.

Neil is a middle. He has a great job as a news reader on the morning show. Neil tends to say it how it is and says a litle too much about a MCVP who l;ost his family in a gang war. Said VP has been sednding Neil dodgy letters. So the TV station and Neil's boss decide he needs a bodyguard.

Enter former Army Ranger Brody Johnson. Brody has been a mem,ber of a BDSM club years before but since he was caotured on a Tour of Duty he's given all that up.

I wasn't sure about Neil at first, bratty is not my favourite but he grew on me. And Brody just melted my heart

A nice gentle story expertly narrated as always by Michael Dean.

Snarky boy in need of a Daddy

Neil is known for his snark. He’s an anchor on a morning show and his comments make him an audience favorite. For the most part they’re harmless fun, but occasionally they cross the line. When he angers (justifiably) a convicted felon, he learns the hard way that he can’t always say whatever crosses his mind.

Brody Johnson endured some horrible overseas during a deployment with the Rangers. He returns questioning a lot about himself. When his friend offers him a job babysitting – sorry bodyguarding – a brat, Brody’s in. How hard can it be? Well, when Neil is out in public it’s not too hard. But when they’re alone in Neil’s house? When Neil’s true nature comes out? Well, that’s a whole different playtime.

Neil is a middle which is a few years older than a little but far below a teen. He doesn’t need a sippy cup, to be sure, but he obviously needs a daddy. Given his high-profile job, it’s not like he can head down to the nearest BDSM club and pick someone up. Brody tried being a daddy and it didn’t work out. After all he’s been though, he’s leery to try again. Except Neil is going to land himself in even more trouble if someone doesn’t take a firm hand. Vegetables, bedtimes, timeouts – so many rules! But they calm Neil down and he’s actually better at his job – and his life.

But there is that pesky person who keeps threatening Neil and when he’s in true danger, it’s Brody to the rescue.

Now, I have to mention the adorable kittens because, you know, adorable kittens! This is another lovely Susan Hawke book and I’m so glad I listened. Short and sweet. I would say my only gripe – and it’s a small one – is that Brody was badly injured overseas yet he has no lingering issues. That didn’t quite strike me the right way, although that level of heaviness wouldn’t have suited the story.

Finally, of course, I have to mention Michael Dean. He’s always a delight to listen to and he did a great job with this audio.

Short and Sweet!

I had read some ABDL books before, some of them by Ms. Hawke, but I hadn't come across one with a Middle boy and I really enjoyed it!

Neil was adorable in his "Middle" persona and Brody took to being his Daddy very easily. They had great chemistry and I just loved the progression of their relationship.

The audiobook is short, but it has a bit of everything, action, angst, suspense, romance, and the sweet hotness that is Brody and Neil's relationship. Add to that the amazing narration by Michael Dean and you are definitely in for a treat!