Can we talk about the cover for Dean by Cora Rose? 🌶️
QUICK NOTE: Although I’m not published at the time of this posting, I will be shortly. There seems to be a wide range of opinions on authors reviewing other authors’ work. I am on this journey due to the inspiration of great books and authors. Just because I decided to finally get off my ass and chase this dream doesn’t mean I still can’t read and enjoy these beautiful stories. Personally, I do not think authors should post negative reviews about their peers. However, I want to continue to celebrate amazing authors, so I will be posting “Spotlights” of books I think people should read. No ratings. Just hyping up fellow authors who pour their souls onto pages. Now, back to reading!
Tropes for Dean by Cora Rose:
- Age Gap
- Forced Proximity
- Boss/Employee
- Best Friend’s dad
- Bi-Awakening
Cora Rose has done it again! Her latest addition to the Unexpected series, “Dean,” proves once more why she’s a standout voice in the MM romance genre. As the ninth installment in her popular series, “Dean” delivers the perfect blend of heart, humor, and heat that Rose’s readers have come to adore.
The novel centers on Avery, who finds himself bruised and homeless after being thrown out by toxic roommates who couldn’t accept his preference for wearing skirts and heels. Enter Dean—Avery’s boss, twenty years his senior, and father to one of Avery’s friends—who offers him a place to stay. What follows is a beautifully crafted journey of self-acceptance, unexpected attraction, and the courage to embrace love in all its forms.
I’m older, and a complete fiend apparently. I don’t want to scare him away. I don’t want him to leave because of me.
Cora’s Signature Banter and Character Development
Rose’s signature witty dialogue and laugh-out-loud banter shine throughout this story. I frequently found myself cackling like (in the words of one reviewer) “a swamp witch” at the exchanges between characters. Her talent for crafting authentic, engaging dialogue makes even the most mundane interactions sparkle with life and humor.
The character development in “Dean” is simply masterful. Dean’s journey from identifying as straight to acknowledging and accepting his attraction to Avery unfolds with remarkable sensitivity and realism. What I particularly appreciated was how Rose avoided the tired “straight guy freak-out” trope—instead, she portrays Dean’s evolution with nuance and grace. His slow awakening to his feelings feels organic rather than contrived, allowing readers to experience his journey of self-discovery alongside him.
Supporting Cast and THOSE CAMEOS!
The supporting cast deserves special mention as well. Each secondary character feels fully formed and contributes meaningfully to the narrative. They’re not just props to move the plot forward but individuals with their own personalities, quirks, and stories.
And those cameos! Some of the best I’ve ever seen in a romance series. For readers familiar with the Unexpected universe, the appearances from beloved characters like Lex, Bane, and Whit are truly delightful. Rose weaves these characters into the story seamlessly, making their appearances feel natural rather than forced.
In Summary: Chemistry Takes the Cake (and Dean has quite the cake!)
The chemistry between Dean and Avery sizzles off the page. Their slow-burn romance builds tension expertly, and when they finally come together, it’s absolutely worth the wait. The intimate scenes are a perfect blend of emotional vulnerability and physical passion—truly chef’s kiss material.
What elevates “Dean” beyond just an entertaining romance is Rose’s thoughtful exploration of acceptance. Whether it’s Avery’s journey toward self-love despite family rejection or Dean’s willingness to question long-held assumptions about his sexuality, the novel provides a compassionate look at how we come to terms with who we truly are. Rose handles these themes with sensitivity and authenticity, avoiding heavy-handedness while still delivering meaningful messages about acceptance and love.
While “Dean” can technically be read as a standalone, I’d recommend starting from the beginning of the Unexpected series to fully appreciate the rich world Rose has created and to understand the significance of those fantastic cameo appearances. But whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Rose’s work, “Dean” offers a heartwarming, steamy, and ultimately uplifting reading experience that will leave you eagerly awaiting her next release.