The Allure of Ruins

By: Mary Calmes

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Paxton Walsh has a comfortable life, which wasn’t always the case. But ever since he left his tumultuous life on the West Coast, trading it for a new beginning on the East Coast, things have settled. He can thank himself for the change, but also his boss and friend, Colton Gates. Their relationship is…a bit too codependent and close for most people to understand, but it works perfectly for them. So what if thoughts can be conveyed with a glance? That doesn’t really mean anything. Or at least not what other people think.

But now a threat from Pax’s past is back, shattering that hard-won peace. With Pax in danger and needing protection, Colton immediately steps up and takes him in. Without distance, though, without retreating to separate homes, both men have to be honest about their feelings. The truth is, Pax was hurt, body and soul, and if he reaches for Colton and finds they can’t be more, he’ll lose everything. If Colton does the same and it doesn’t work, he’ll lose Pax, his best friend and the person who knows him better than anyone. With both of them terrified of the what-ifs, it might be too hard to have faith and jump. If only they could both be brave.

©2025 Mary Calmes (P)2025 Mary Calmes

Typical (in a good way) Calmes

If you are familiar with Mary Calmes work you know what to expect. This story is like a cozy blanket.

The chemistry, the intimacy - I loved it!

MM Romance - Friends to Lovers - Boss/Employee - Mafia - Neurodivergent coded MC - Past Trauma - Short Book

Well, this was different. In a good way, I liked it a lot! 🤩 The mafia plotline was not really the focus so if you want a dark, mob centered story this might not be for you. Paxton's backstory is really dark though so check CWs before reading if that might bother you.

I thought it was fascinating how Colton (35) and Paxton (28) were each other's focal points, each other's everything, without ever acknowledging with words that they were in a relationship. They were in this bubble, consisting only of them, no matter where they were, not caring what other people might think because to them it was just as natural as breathing. Yes, there was co-dependency but it was mutual and I didn't think their relationship was imbalanced at all.

Paxton had suffered severe trauma in his childhood and teenage years and Colton just had his back, without saying a word, just giving him what he needed when he needed it. And Colton having issues with understanding social cues – he didn't need to because Paxton was always there and supported him and 'translated' when needed. Their familiar ways, the constant banter and bickering was both heartwarming and hilarious. I still giggle when remembering the duvet comment. 😁

While they hadn't said 'I love you' they expressed just that with their actions. What they were to each other was obvious. I was completely mesmerized by the atmosphere of the book and Colton's and Paxton's chemistry, the tenderness, the intimacy, the need to protect the other one and the devotion.

It's a short book and while I loved it there were parts I could have done without. Like all the gossip at the buffet in the beginning. That was just really boring and didn't contribute to the story. Also, Paxton's inner monologues felt a bit too long here and there and there was some info dumping.

That said, the fantastic chemistry between our MCs, their dynamics and the beautifully written intimacy was worth powering through the slower bits. I am actually not sure what made me buy this audiobook, it's not what I usually listen to, but I am so glad I did! Nick J. Russo's narration was a perfect fit and Colton and Paxton are now on my favorite book couples list! 😍

CAWPILE-inspired rating system (original CAWPILE system by Book Roast on YouTube).

Characters 10/10
Relationships 10/10
Plot & Structure 7/10
Atmosphere & Setting (Worldbuilding) 8/10
Writing Style & Language 7/10
Intrigue & Interest 7/10
Logic & Conclusion 9/10
Enjoyment & Experience 10/10
Average Score 8.5/10
The StoryGraph Rating ☆ 4.5/5
Narration 4/5
Cover 4/5
Amount of Steam 3/5

Love this, but wished it was more fleshed out.

I was like Mary’s cast of characters, but it reads more like a short story than even a novella. I wished she more fully fleshed out the story, more actual interactions between the two MCs instead of exposition explaining the interactions.

Meee

The story was ok.. there was just way to much background info on none important characters and the ending was meee

3.5 stars

Despite the novella length, I quickly fell for the characters. I wish we had a full length novel instead but I still enjoyed it.