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Quinn Ward
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Exploration: An M/M Age Gap Romance (Marino Brothers Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Quinn Ward (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 994 ratings

Calvin shouldn’t want his younger roommate, but how can he resist once he catches Frankie on his knees…

Running the family business is exhausting. Being the person everyone turns to when there’s a problem is draining. All Frankie wants to do is give up control, even if that means turning to less-than-legal activities.

He thought he could get away with it...

Calvin’s never denied how badly he wants a partner to care for and control, but until now he’s been too focused on being a good father to his teenage son. When a friend needs help figuring out who’s selling favors in the back room of Club 83, Calvin offers to help him out. Finding out it was his sexy, standoffish roommate was more than he bargained for.

Now that Calvin’s found his match, can he show Frankie there are safer ways to surrender?

Welcome to the kinky town of Annandale, where everyone seems to be seeking something other than vanilla. Exploration is a gay romance featuring a single dad who longs to be a Daddy, his younger roommate who wants someone else to be in control, and a mess of meddling siblings.

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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Marino Brothers
  2. Print length
    241 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 24, 2018
  5. File size
    801 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07C7SBNZX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (April 24, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 24, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 801 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 241 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 994 ratings

About the author

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Quinn Ward

Quinn Ward

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Quinn Ward is a non-binary author of LGBT romance. Throughout everything, the one constant in their life has been writing. It’s the piece of them they've never questioned. It’s their safe harbor, sometimes their escape when the real world gets to be too much.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
994 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance novel to be a beautiful story of two men coming together, with well-developed characters and a great start to a new series. The book is heartwarming, giving readers all the feels, and one customer mentions it's a page turner. They appreciate the love of family portrayed in the story, and one customer notes it's full of snark.

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26 customers mention "Story quality"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the beautiful love story in this book, describing it as sweet and featuring two men coming together.

"...And so begins a romance, a very sweet one I might add, filled with plenty of patience, humor, tears, cuddles, sMMexy times, a slice of D/s, and..." Read more

"...Also not to be missed are some really sexy times and a little kink, always a good thing...." Read more

"...This story is such an amazing story. I love Frankie and his sassy nature, keeping Calvin on his toes...." Read more

"Such an interesting story of exploring new desires and opening your mind to the unexpected...." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one describing it as a page-turner.

"...I am now a fan of Quinn Ward. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy reading Calvin and Frankie's story, but the supporting characters also drew me in...." Read more

"Interesting character development and very enjoyable. But, with all the care to set the background the ending seems a little rushed...." Read more

"Overall i think the book was great . I enjoyed every page of the book and definitely recommend ...." Read more

"I absolutely loved this book and how it introduced all the different characters without detracting from the story...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one mentioning how they make readers feel every emotion experienced by the characters.

"...enjoy reading Calvin and Frankie's story, but the supporting characters also drew me in...." Read more

"Interesting character development and very enjoyable. But, with all the care to set the background the ending seems a little rushed...." Read more

"...The story-line kept me reading and the characters made me happy as they found their way to their HEA. Frankie and Calvin are special together...." Read more

"...loved this book and how it introduced all the different characters without detracting from the story...." Read more

8 customers mention "Heartwarming"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, with several mentioning it gave them all the feels, and one customer noting it's inspiring for any relationship.

"...Also not to be missed are some really sexy times and a little kink, always a good thing...." Read more

"...All kinds of feels in this book. Kept me interested and eager to read more from word one." Read more

"...they are taking to overcome their personal insecurities is inspiring to any relationship. Trust and love conquers all. I definitely recommend!..." Read more

"This story is so well developed and thoughtful. I love all the emotions and more then anything to growth of the characters and acceptance at the end" Read more

6 customers mention "Start"6 positive0 negative

Customers like the start of the book, with one mentioning it's a hot beginning to a new series.

"Whoo hoo!! Love finding a new author and a new series. I am now a fan of Quinn Ward...." Read more

"I had really high hopes for this story. It started off good but quickly devolved. I feel like large chunks were missing from the story...." Read more

"...the start to a series I've been excited about reading, and it is a good beginning...." Read more

"...A Great start to what promises to be a great new series." Read more

5 customers mention "Love"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the love themes in the book, particularly the family bonds, with one customer noting how trust and love overcome challenges.

"...cuddles, sMMexy times, a slice of D/s, and enough love of friends, love of kids, love of family, and love of partners to make your heart smile for..." Read more

"...Happy me, I get to do just that. At the heart of this book is family...." Read more

"...This is a really good story, and the men are loving and sexy. I look forward to seeing more of these characters in the next installment." Read more

"This story is so sweet and I love the relationships Quinn creates...." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one mentioning it made them laugh out loud.

"...romance, a very sweet one I might add, filled with plenty of patience, humor, tears, cuddles, sMMexy times, a slice of D/s, and enough love of..." Read more

"...He is sassy and full of snark and I love that he keeps Calvin on his toes...." Read more

"That's what I did. Quinn's books having me laughing out loud. Using life to enjoy being alive. Thank you Quinn." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Sharonica
    5.0 out of 5 stars 🌟Practically Perfect🌟
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    🎶When the🌛MOON 🌜Hits Your Eye Like a Big Pizza 🍕 Pie, That's Amore`🎶

    Oh how I love a good love story. This one was PERFECTION! Both strong MCs in their own right. 💕

    MC1- Calvin, older, divorced, single dad, seeking to embrace his dominant side for the first time. He is moonlighting at a buddy's bar to help keep any illicit trade from going on, and his friend from losing his liquor license.

    MC2- Frankie, eldest in his big Italian family, and the head of the family run restaurant, which his father gifted to him when he graduated college.

    This was never Frankie's dream, but he could never say no to his father, and now with him gone, he feels trapped in his father's legacy. Frankie also is very much in the closet, to his family, so the only release he gets are the back room illicit rendezvous at the gay club he frequents. Making a little money on the side from those interactions is just icing on the cake... So to speak! 😉

    So what do you think might happen if Calvin were to interrupt one of Frankie's little rendezvous? Hmmm... Now, what do you think might happen when Calvin realizes the person on his knees (Frankie) is actually his roommate?!?! 😲 Exactly!!! **giggle...

    And so begins a romance, a very sweet one I might add, filled with plenty of patience, humor, tears, cuddles, sMMexy times, a slice of D/s, and enough love of friends, love of kids, love of family, and love of partners to make your heart smile for days! AND... THIS is just book 1! 💖💖💖!

    If you enjoy a good story about life, love, and family, this is a definite read for you! I loved it!

    4.5 cannoli-stuffed-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟•🌟

    I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.💋
    9 people found this helpful
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  • SusyQ918
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great story, but needs a tiny bit of editing.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Would have been a five star, but Freddie and Frankie are interchanged a lot in the second half of the book. It confused me for quite a while until I figured it out.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Cheryl Voiles
    5.0 out of 5 stars New to me Author
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Whoo hoo!! Love finding a new author and a new series. I am now a fan of Quinn Ward. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy reading Calvin and Frankie's story, but the supporting characters also drew me in. Without knowing there was a second book I wanted to get to know the rest of the Marino family. Happy me, I get to do just that. At the heart of this book is family. Also not to be missed are some really sexy times and a little kink, always a good thing. I cannot wait to read the next one.. Thank you for wonderful story.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Jennifer O'Malley
    3.0 out of 5 stars wish it was more (spoilers)
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I had really high hopes for this story. It started off good but quickly devolved.

    I feel like large chunks were missing from the story. Frankie and Calvin were talking after the bar about kink and suddenly Frankie is obeying Calvin’s orders before he even read up on BDSM like he said he would.

    I honestly turned the pages back, thinking I missed it.

    A lot of things seemed to just be convenient rather than having an actual purpose. Things were discussed that didn’t go anywhere and then suddenly they’re talking about things that we haven’t already seen.

    Some things felt more like a play-by-play rather than the author letting them visually unfold.

    And finally, the blurb indicates that Calvin realized he wanted to be a Daddy but that isn’t touched on at all except for Frankie seeing in his research that a caretaker can be a Daddy. Calvin had more Don vibes than Daddy vibes and we didn’t get to see any of the interactions of them really talking or Frankie coming out to anyone but his mother. It was all glossed over.

    There was a lot of potential. And I think the author mostly had a good writing style but the plot holes and showing versus telling really pulled me out of the story a lot.

    Though I will be moving on to the next book and hopefully the author got more into the swing of things and they improved.

    (I will say, another review indicated Frankie and Freddie—Frankie’s brother—got interchanged but I don’t remember that happening so I’m assuming the author has gone back and corrected the issue.)
    Helpful
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  • phil
    4.0 out of 5 stars From man to boy
    Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting character development and very enjoyable. But, with all the care to set the background the ending seems a little rushed. Well worth reading
    Helpful
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  • Irish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hot Start to a New Series
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Calvin is an older, divorced, single dad, who is helping out at his friend's bar to help him keep his liquor license. Frankie, Calvin's younger roommate, the oldest in his family and is weighed down with expectations. Trying to live up to the legacy of his father and grandfather as the head of the family restaurant, he finds that the only way that he can find a release is on his knees in the back room at the gay bar that he frequents. When Calvin finds Frankie in the back of the bar on his knees, he realizes that he wants to explore his more dominant side of himself, and wants to do so with Frankie.
    This story is such an amazing story. I love Frankie and his sassy nature, keeping Calvin on his toes. Calvin is such a strong individual as well, taking care of Frankie and helping Frankie open himself up to new experiences. This is a must read for anyone that is interested in the BDSM kink.

    I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
    One person found this helpful
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  • T. Walters
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excitement of trying new things
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Such an interesting story of exploring new desires and opening your mind to the unexpected. I really liked learning about Calvin and Frankie and how their relationship grows and changes. They have a great connection and I love the chemistry that just kind of explodes between them. Calvin is the strong silent type but its obvious that he loves to take care of his new roommate, and when their relationship suddenly jumps into a new direction that care takes on a whole new meaning. Frankie is new to all of this and it was gratifying to see him able to open himself up to the new experiences and allow them both to see the new side of their relationship. He is sassy and full of snark and I love that he keeps Calvin on his toes. I really like the support that they have from those round them and how it helps them both to be more comfortable in this.

    I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kara Coens
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yes!!!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Calvin and Frankie were the sweetest thing! I loved going on this journey of finding who they really are! Great story.
    Report
  • Jellibabee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love the Marino family. Love Calvin too. 💕
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is a book exploring the nature of domination and submission as two housemates become lovers.

    I love that although Calvin and Frankie live a Dom/Sub (D/s) relationship and there is some butt slapping for punishment going on, this isn't about humiliation. In fact if anything although Calvin is the Dom, he works tirelessly to ensure that Frankie is cared for, loved and has his self-esteem raised by Calvin who is constantly praising him and being there emotionally for him. Something Frankie doesn't even realise he needs to begin with.

    The whole Marino family are funny. I adore Mama and they say she refuses to let customers have dessert if they misbehave in the restaurant.

    Calvin's relationship with his ex-wife, son and her fiance is something that more divorced couples could do with having. The fact that they all, especially Ryan, except both Calvin's sexuality and partner is heartwarming.

    If I had to criticise one thing, it would be that I would like to have seen a proper outcome to the confrontation Frankie finds himself in. Some resolution would have been good!

    Aside from that one tiny thing, I really enjoyed the book, it's a beautifully sweet love story, with just enough action to make it x-rated 😘

    I highly recommend this book to any adult that wants a good love story, some sex and a happy ever.after.

    I am now off to read "Challenge" -book two of the series 😊
    Report
  • paddlefoot1397
    5.0 out of 5 stars Steam in the city
    Reviewed in Australia on April 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Yes! Frankie and Cal are here!

    I adore the dynamic between Frankie and Calvin, and like Cal, I fell head over heels for Frankie.

    I don't want to give anything away about this story, as I feel the reader needs to dive into this book a bit blind and just let yourself go - along with these lovely men.

    This is a bit steamier than Quinn Ward's alter egos books - and me likey!

    I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on Exploration.
    Report
  • Eden
    4.0 out of 5 stars enjoyable start to a kinky series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I won't say that kink is the focus, so much as support and care during times of stress for a new couple. Quinn has built a family with their own flaws and hang ups, and then focuses on each brother. I devoured the whole series in a matter of days--they're well paced, quick, rich, and hot!

    (I give four instead of five, because the books have weird little flaws, like not mentioning until about 90% of the way through the book that two of the characters are identical twins.)
    Report
  • Gayle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exploration is fabulous
    Reviewed in Australia on February 18, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    These two amazing men explore so much more than just kink. They learn what is means to love & trust and be taken care of. Beautiful story
    Report

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