Givers

Upper Echelons #1

by Casey Cox

I'm so bad at love, I've resorted to outsourcing it.

ALGRL is a next-level, algorithmic-based online dating service with a 97% guaranteed success rate! With odds like that, even I can't mess it up. Right?

One thing I'm sure of—Dunlop Palmer is not the Mr. Forever I'm looking for.

He's a billionaire alpha playboy. Filthy rich, criminally attractive, and 100% not settle-down material.

He irritates me from the moment we meet. He gets under my skin once we start working together. And he totally catches me off guard when I start catching glimpses of the real him.

Turns out, my first impressions of him were way off-base. There's a lot more to Dunlop than meets the eye. And see? This is why I can't be trusted when it comes to men.

I should be focused on the perfect guy I've been matched with online—hello, 97% success rate—and not the walking, talking, sex god of a disaster that is Dunlop.

Am I about to make another huge mistake?...

GIVERS is an opposites-attract billionaire MM romance with You've Got Mail rom-com vibes. It features an alpha billionaire who's guarding his heart, online dating, a ginormous size difference, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Enemies To Lovers, LGBT, M M Contemporary

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2023

About the author

Casey writes MM romance with plenty of 💕, 🔥, 🤣, and of course 🍆 + 🍑.

Click the "+ Follow" button so you never miss a new release!

Reviews

[ivy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ it was cute for the first half, then got super melty cheesy, and I skimmed after 80%.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolute fluff filled cheesefest but it was so enjoyable!

I loved the You've Got Mail aspect, that's one of my comfort films that I've watched at least a hundred times so a modern take on it was interesting, although you can't beat the dial up sound from the original 😂

The characters were interesting but could have had better growth, they didn't really change all that much from start to finish.

I'm intrigued to read Bremmer and Kelsey's book though.

[Readingjourney [semi-hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ommmmgggg new fave author 😍😍😍. All thanks to Daniiireads’ read shelf 🤣.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

What a sweet, low angst, fun book! There was so much humor and heart! I’m excited for this whole series!!

The dynamic between Robbie and Dunlop was wild! They may have started off on the wrong foot but they couldn’t deny their attraction for long!

I loved how Robbie didn’t care about Dunlop’s wealth and status. He also never let anyone intimidate him - even when the office bully would intentionally try to gaslight him. Robbie always held his own. He also found himself feeling safe with Dunlop, which he did try to resist!!

Dunlop was a bit of a conundrum. He was a playboy but also wanted to find someone special, However, that scared him. His status definitely created trust issues for him. He was so much deeper and emotional than he showed anyone. I also loved how immediately impacted he was by Robbie even tho he had this tough facade.

Both men had past relationships that had caused them pain but they couldn’t deny how much their hearts needed the other!

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
- billionaire playboy
- office romance
- size difference

After a series of bad relationships, Robbie is ready to find a good one, and decides to fork out a big chunk of money to join ALGRL, an online dating service that uses an algorithm to pair up couples and claims to have 97% success rate.

Too bad Dunlop Palmer, billionaire playboy and sort of employer, is all he can think about since the moment Robbie told him off during his interview. Dunlop is not the settling down kind, but the chemistry between the two of them is too intense to ignore, and the more Robbie gets to know Dunlop, the more his feelings grow.

Why couldn’t Dunlop be the ‘perfect’ man he’s been chatting up on ALGRL? Is he setting himself up for another heartbreak?

Oh my lord! Robbie and Dunlop are adorable. The banter between them is snarky and hilarious, the chemistry and tension is 🥵 & the spice is fantastic. I seriously loved their story & am kind of obsessed with this book, and need more of the series ASAP!

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect beach read: fun & flirty!

Dunlop and Robbie have sizzling chemistry, and the HEA is sweet as candy.

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 - a spicy MM version of You’ve Got Mail and I was here for it!

Robbie Small meets Dunlop Palmer when he interviews with Dunlop’s family’s company and subsequently calls Dunlop a prick in the middle of the interview. Regardless, these two start working together and trying (sometimes more successfully than others) to keep their attraction to each other under control and keep things professional. They’re also both using an anonymous online dating website called ALGRL to find their 97% match using AI instead of trying to find someone to make things work with in real life. But, they’d never guess that their match just so happened to be the person they were vibing with in real life too.

These two seem like a super unlikely pair, but once you get past their obvious class differences (Dunlop being a billionaire and Robbie very much NOT being a billionaire) and size differences, they have so much chemistry. I really liked that they got to know each other on many different levels both in person and in real life. Dunlop is a different character than I expected him to be and I enjoyed watching Robbie figure that out for himself and the way Dunlop broke down Robbie’s walls was fun to see. I wanted a little more showing instead of telling with some of the time jumps and relationship development and I would have loved to see them actually do something about what happened with ALGRL - that was such a huge thing and I feel like it got brushed under the rug so quickly. But, overall I enjoyed seeing these two get together and figuring out how to create a life full of happiness as a couple, despite some hiccups along the way.

Really interested in Takers (Bremmer and Kelsey, yes please!) and seeing if Clayton is going to end up getting a story after all. Looking forward to more Upper Echelons stories coming soon!

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dunlop is one of the chief executives of Australis Properties and lives lavish life...usually balls deep in some guy he met. Tired of the party scene, and dared by his brother, he signs up for ALGRL, an online dating service with a 97% success rate. Robbie is a young go-getter applying for a job at Dunlop's firm. Desperate for his happy rom-com romance, he too signs up for ALGRL hoping the high success rate bodes well for him. And it does as he quickly is matched with the guy of his dreams. But the more he talks to "A" the more he thinks he knows who it is, but it doesn't add up in his head.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

A billionaire romance with You've Got Mail vibes? I wasn't sure how this one was going to work, but I really enjoyed it! Robbie and Dunlop were both great characters, and I felt like they were very mature (minus Dunlop's jokes) throughout the whole book. I also loved the whole online dating aspect in this one and the interesting things it added to the story. This is the first book that I've read with this in it, and it was a fun element.

Givers releases March 20th!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I make bad decisions when it comes to men. And Dunlop Palmer has disaster written all over him."

Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual, First Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 4/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

Overall Opinion
I just want to preface this was my first Casey Cox book and definitely wont be my last! This was the most delightful romcom I've read in a long time, and the characters were so well written I struggle to think they're fictional. It felt real and vivid and emotional. Dunlop and Robbie's story was so fun to read, embracing the You've Got Mail vibes to a tee, and there wasn't the stereotypical miscommunication or third act break up. The angst was low, yet you could feel every emotion the characters depicted but also incorporated good Aussie humour in as well. The chemistry was insane and fiery and I loved how Robbie wasn't afraid to put Dunlop in his place or take his rudeness at the beginning. It was equally plot and character driven and at no point was I even remotely not invested in the story! I cannot wait for the next book, I am so pumped for Bremmer's story!

Read if you like:
❣️ MM Romance
❣️ You've Got Mail Vibes
❣️ Workplace
❣️ Size Difference
❣️ Opposites Attract
❣️ HEA

Trigger and Content Warnings: N/A

[Shannon Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casey Cox is a fairly new to me author, and I have really been enjoying his books, so I was excited to receive an ARC for his new Upper Echelons series!

In Givers, we have Robbie, a sweet man who dispite having nothing but bad relationships, is still a hopeless romantic seeking his HEA. He decides to take a gamble with spending a lot of money to join ARGRL, a new online dating service with a 97% success rate.

Then we have Dunlop, a chief executive at Australis Properties and billionaire playboy extraordinaire. From the outside, he looks shallow and spoiled, but on the inside, he is a hard-working man with a big heart and is frankly getting kinda tired of the party scene. His brothers talk him into joining ARGRL, not that he expects, or even wants, anything from it.

They meet in an interview where Robbie is applying for a contract agreement for their companies to work together, and the chemistry jumps off the page from start! Quite the eventful first meeting 😂 They end up working together, and as much as Robbie tries to deny the attraction between them and keep it professional, the chemistry is too strong to hold back.

Meanwhile, of course, they have both been matched with who appears to be a perfect partner on ALGRL and hit it off right away.

I'm such a sucker for that trope where 2 people start fall for each other online while unknowingly also falling for each other in real life! This book gave a nod to one of my favorite movies, You've Got Mail, with a modern twist ❤️

This book was funny, sweet, full of great banter and super hot spice 🥰🔥 Such an enjoyable read, and I'm really looking forward to book 2!

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Givers has a great start, with some fire coming between the two characters when they meet.
Robbie just signs up for an online dating app on his 28th birthday, hoping for love in his disaster relationship ratings so far.
He has a new job he was to interview with Dunlop’s company with his fitness program.
Dunlop 29 years, was a wealthy celebrity playboy that parties hard on weekends catching the media’s attention.
A hot first meeting as the Palmer’s brothers don’t hold back comments with Dunlop about he’s being rude to Robbie, after he’d left them. But that’s after Robbie called as it was what he was displaying to Dunlop and he wasn’t in his assessment either.
Robbie’s professional boundaries get thrown out soon after with a hot scene. I loved the fire between these guys.
Trouble brews with the company and Robbie’s gramps nursing home. This has some gorgeous moments when they get serious about their personal lives. Hot sexy scenes build up in this as they get to know each other, which stuns Robbie given Dunlop’s naughty side.
A fantastic ending to the book as the story plays out, and Dunlop is holding back a secret from Robbie. Told with both povs for a HEA being set in Australia.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun cinderfella kind of story.
Playboy billionaire who changed to be monogamous overnight because, why not?😂

[Shellfish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheesy goodness!!

This was so good and I loved how so freaking sweet it was. Kelsey was a great side character that made me laugh out loud. I can't wait for him and Bremers story. Some of the story was predictable but a lot of it wasn't. I was just as surprised as the characters were in the story. In one scene the reader finds out just before the characters do and I was freaking out I just wanted to find out if maybe it was wrong or it was a typo I had to be wrong. It was brilliant writing. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone so I'm trying to be cryptic but also convey how surprising it was. I loved it! I'm a sucker for a really good romcom.

[Robert Fontenot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ridiculous and objectively terrible in a lot of ways. Yes, it’s fun, after a fashion, but I would not recommend it.

Also I’m getting a little tired of contemporary gay romcoms where everyone’s obsessed with Meg Ryan movies from the 90s. Has nothing happened in the world since?

Still, I will be reading the next one.

[book_reader_addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Well written and hot🔥 learned about some new positions, meaning I had to Google 😅

[Ishika · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

[Crystal Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Casey Cox fan then you know you're bound to get a sweet, low angst, sexy read. He infuses humor, heart, and happily ever after in Dunlop and Robbie's story! It's a good start to this series of brothers finding their forever.

Robbie and Dunlop are very different but when they are together the pieces just fall into place. Robbie Small wants to find love while also being career focused. He wants to build his success under the guidance of the infamous Palmer brothers, an opportunity he needs to support not only himself but his loveable and adorable Grandfather. He expects his interview with the three hotter than hot men to be professional but soon finds himself putting the biggest playboy to ever play in his place; and that's our Dunlop! Dunlop Palmer is far different from Robbie, potentially wanting to find his person but not believing in true love for a second, even a bit cynical. He is successful and wealthy and sexy AF, always in the tabloids for his playboy ways and seemingly has yet to grow up. But there is also a lot behind the mask and Dunlop and his brothers are still recovering from a devasting loss that rocked their family to its core. While Dunlop is being seemingly rude during Robbie's interview, he also has his family's company best interests at heart and regardless of impressions, he wants Robbie in more than one way. And he is also pleasantly surprised when the cute little fireball tells him like it is with no regard for his status or wealth. Its endearing and a really cute, fun scene right in the beginning of the book. This certainly sets the tone for the remainder of the book perfectly. They started off on the wrong foot, but they couldn’t deny their attraction for long and while Robbie is leery Dunlop is determined to win the sweet, pretty twink over with his usual charm. Well, Dunlop is in for a fight and Robbie is more than worth it.

I loved how Robbie didn’t care about Dunlop’s wealth or status and resisted the Palmer charm, at least for a bit. He also never let anyone intimidate him and Dunlop loved that. And Robbie is more and more intrigued by the man everyone has labeled as a player because he sees someone different at work. And Robbie is not one to back down no matter what. So, Dunlop has finally met his match. I really loved the early stage of their relationship with the back and forth and sweet denial. Dunlop is a smooth operator for sure but takes his time convincing his Robbie he is more than what most people see. And there is a little thing with a dating app that involves both our guys that adds humor and a little bit of drama during their relationship build but it wasn't overdone at all which i was a bit concerned about.

The attraction was great, and the intimacy was on par for Casey, good but not over the top (expect for a fun little fantasy of Dunlop's in the sex position department). The supporting characters, Bremmer and Clayton, the brothers, were so good and I am excited to see their stories! I also loved Gramps, he was so sweet and then Robbie's bestie Kelsey!! The one thing I will so that I was disappointed in was the Palmers father's absence. He was only mentioned in name and circumstance, and I was hoping and expecting that we would meet him at some point. The back story as to why their father is absent and how they lost their older brother, was very sad and I think we needed a tad bit more on that no matter how much it would have brought the light lovely feels down. I kept thinking we would meet the man who raised the Palmer men and there would be a bit of a silver lining to Dunlop finding love for his father. And both men being open to love but also guarded in their own ways made sense since they were both burned in the past. So mostly everything added up and made for a smooth and sweet story.

If you love Casey, you'll love this book!

Cibing this one a 3.5 rounded to 4!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by the author.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a likable couple but not a fav book

Rating: 3.5🌈

Casey Cox is diving further into the billionaire romance trope with the first in Cox’s new Upper Eschelons series, Givers.

I’m a fan of this author from the Vet Shop Boys and thought I’d see what sort of perspective they’d bring to this popular contemporary romance trope.

There’s some good elements here with respect to the characters and their personalities that made for some interesting moments. I also enjoyed the You've Got Mail approach the author took with the dating app, something Cox admits to. It’s a charming ploy , and works here as well as it does on screen.

However, my thoughts after finishing the story is that every element, each neat aspect of the narrative I thought special or outside the usual plot line never got the attention of detail or was carried to its fullest potential that the author was capable of achieving.

Robbie Small (he’s also short in stature) is involved in the Wellness business (his company) , working out, and extremely conscious about diet. It relates back to a painful family history and his mother. This is an important part of his life and personality. It’s made him what he is today. Yet once it’s out in the story, it’s over. And this topic disappears completely.

This is a trend within the narrative. A storyline or aspect of one that may strike a reader as a compelling element is only partially put into use, and then discarded.

When both Dunlop and Robbie Small are matched up by the dating service we get an enjoyable, engaging conversation that adds to the anticipation for these men to share more of themselves and gain a deeper understanding. But that doesn’t happen. Spoiler alert. This element is stopped short.

The book actually contains a scene where Dunlop and Robbie go to meet a couple from another book (Heart Unbroken). It makes no sense if you haven’t read that story. And really, except for the author’s own need to include it so a brother can be yelled at twice, it’s hard to understand why it’s included here. The argument that the company and brother are “cold hearted” has been made satisfactorily.

It’s choices like that, extra page time that makes the book dense, less interesting, less focused on the characters and central themes of this story.

Dunlop wasn’t a character I was immediately drawn to. It took time to find any type of connection with him, unlike Robbie Smalls who was engaging and likable from the start.

The billionaire trope is , imo, a type of contemporary romance that’s harder to find a realistic connection with , so the author has to look deeper into the characters themselves for elements for readers to understand and be drawn to. I’m not sure Cox was able to find those elements and make us or at least me, care about the billionaires here. That’s a hard sell any day, but more so now.

So it’s a good romance. If you’re a fan of Cox or this trope, give it a try. Otherwise, check out the Vet Shop Boys! There’s a series I can recommend.

Upper Eschelons:
- [x] Givers #1
- [ ] Takers #2 - Aug 7, 2023

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! I giggled and laughed many times.

Robbie is twenty-eight and wants to find his perfect match, where life is only hand over some jerks, he wants to try the new online dating service ALGRL Algorithmic Love, with a 97% guaranteed matching success. Spoiler, he’s not the only one!

“Yes, I believe in love. The problem is, love doesn’t believe in me.“

Dunlop Palmer is an alpha playboy billionaire with a thing for twinks. Robbie’s friends think they are perfect for each other. Nope, first Robbie wants to try his luck with ALGRL, second, he is looking for something permanent and Dunlop is a playboy, and third, Robbie has an interview with Dunlop’s company. So, there’s that.

Robbie has a small company, Holistic Wellness, his main focus is making good business so he can take care of his grandfather. He needs cooperation with Dunlops company.

Dunlop doesn’t believe in love at first sight, more in instant lust, and that’s what he must feel when petite Robbie entered the room for the interview.
Soon enough he understands it’s something different, he’s completely enchanted with Robbie, who isn’t impressed by Dunlop’s money or status and doesn’t mince words to tell. Dunlop’s guarded heart is completely lost, the feelings are getting stronger the more he’s around him, and Robbie? really tried to keep the tantalizingly Dunlop at arm’s length. He didn’t stand a chance with this disarming, irresistible man.

What a great read it was, with such a positive vibe, and so much fun, but also with insightful and moving moments to find. It’s super romantic, in a heart-melting way. You want to cheer for these two sweet and adorable men.
Leave it to this author to create a full, smoothly written, warm story with all the feels.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[caffeinated.crystal]

If you're looking for an Australian gay version of You've Got Mail - Givers is for you!

Robbie owns a small business and needs to make a big deal to help secure his Grandfather's placement in a better care facility. He has a big interview that will land THE job he needs.

Dunlop is filthy rich and a playboy. He goes hard, railing his way through the tw!nk population of the Gold Coast. He's at his job doing interviews and in walks Robbie. It's lust at first sight.

Throw in a skynet style online dating algorithm that has a 97% effectiveness rate. A best friend with zero boundaries (the statue still has me cackling, truly). Sweet family moments on both sides. And two people who are made for each other but need to get out of their own way.
There were lots of things I liked about this book. Moments that had me smiling and laughing out loud. There were also a couple BIG MOVIE MOMENTS that were just perfection, and I'm totally a sucker for those.

I did have an issue though, I'm hesitant to even bring it up. Minor plot point spoiler: skip this paragraph if you dont want to know. ⚠️ I didn't love the way Robbie's mom's history came into story. The way her weight/life/health and death played into Robbie basically having an eating disorder. And it was played out to be a plot point. Robbie admitted he doesn't deal with it in a good way, that he takes his own diet and excessive too far. But after that conversation it isn't really mentioned again. I feel like, and I'll admit this is just my opinion, it villainizes fat people. We didn't get enough of the story to know for sure, just that her [life] & death caused him to be focused in the fitness industry.

Overall, I liked the story. But maybe skip it if you have triggers around eating/disordered eating. I enjoyed their romance and the 90s romcom vibe, but the mom storyline left me feeling a bit shit.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I’ve got to say this book kept me on my toes.

I’m going to admit I didn’t really like Dunlop to begin with he came across as a user even though I think he was very honest with the men he slept with it was like when he was finished they were done need to leave didn’t like it. Right from the beginning I liked Robbie. And also the friendship that he has with his best friend it was a laugh a minute with these two. But I was so glad that when Robbie went for his interview he put Dunlop in his place. But you could feel the sexual chemistry coming off these two, it was electric. I’ve got to say that Dunlop doesn’t give up easily. And there were times that I found myself laughing and getting strange looks from my husband, but there was something extremely addictive about Robbie and Dunlops relationship. I am so glad that Dunlop really felt that he knew Robbie and held himself back. But what I haven’t mentioned is the fact that both these men have filled in a questionnaire for a dating site called ALGRL’s Which offers you a success rate of 97% that within your two matches, you will find your perfect Partner. And yes you guessed it they were talking to each other without knowing it. I honestly could not put this book down, the sexual chemistry these two have is off the charts, the connection they feel for one another is unbreakable. The Honestly they have for one another it’s a secret to their successful relationship . And I really really enjoyed Robbie strength he’s a little pocket rocket.
A brilliant read and I cannot wait for the second book in the series I think it’s going to be a real humdinger.
I received an ARC and this is me leaving my honest review.

[Tajie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me, did someone say huge cock in a boardroom? What? You didn’t hear that? OoO!!!! I just KNOW that’s what I heard about it. And it ain’t the only place you’ll find it either 😈. The cover? I literally licked it. Too much, probably, but that chest is lickable as f**k! 👅 Find me tongue out begging and I DO NOT CARE.
I love a good bajillionaire character. But the balls to give me one that is hung? Flat lined. Dead. I will need said bajillionaire to give me mouth to mouth… preferably on my taint 😜. The second he f**king sheds everything but the jock. The old school kind. With the mesh. Christ on a cracker. The sex was spiiiiiiiiiiiiiiicy. It was wipe my brow/tuck my hair while reading level hot. And what did I do? I read the damn thing while clapping my cheeks, calling all my fellow smut readers to assemble.
Robbie has worked hard for where he is. He knows how to have nothing but dream big. He also knows what it’s like to lose the closest person to something completely preventable. Dunlop makes hearts beat. He is a gorgeous piece of man meat. And everyone knows it, at least they think they do. He is seen as the rich player who only wants the best twink sex. He also knows DEEP pain and loss. He knows hard work. He knows how to romance someone and make they know they are cherished.
This book is an amazing ode to “You’ve got mail” with a modern spin to it. Placed in fates hands, this unlikely couple has no idea what they signed up for. They want long lasting love and will pay and do anything to be part of the 97% success rate.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5*
I found this a lot of fun to read. Between the snark, barbs and banter lies two men who have a not so great start to their working relationship but the potential for so much.
Robbie is a sweet guy, looking for his HEA online whilst conquering the business world with his Holistic Wellness company. It's in his interview with Australis that he meets the three Palmer brothers but it's Dunlop that has the most impact, for mostly the wrong reasons. Dunlop is known in the press for his flirty and playboy ways but it's only those really close to his who see his hidden, softer side. His brother put him up to using the online site to find his perfect match but, secretly, he wouldn't mind that. Meeting Robbie just cements that idea and he's determined to make the young man his, though he is also aware that Robbie is different from other guys he's normally with and should be treated as such.
I love reading their relationship progression. It's a really good balance of heat, witty banter, and softer, revealing moments shared between just the two of them. Meeting Gramps is great and you can feel how much he means to Robbie. Dunlop's brothers are interesting and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. Especially after the final scene of the book! This is a fairly low angst romance though Dunlop shared about the loss of his brother and feeling the need for more from life, making his brother proud.
A highly recommended rom com, just like those the MC's love. I found it easily enjoyable and can't wait for book two.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙒𝙚'𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙙𝙤 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪."

𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 by Casey Cox | Upper Echelon Book 1
4.5 Maple Leafs | 4 Flames

Right from the beginning, Robbie and Dunlop clash when Dunlop ignores Robbie during his interview but as they start spending more and more time together, Robbie gets to see the true Dunlop and hopes that maybe he could be his forever.

Robbie and Dunlop are complete opposites but at the same time, are perfect for each other with their banter, love of rom-coms, and need for each other. I am intrigued by Dunlop's brothers and Robbie's best friend Kelsey.

I enjoyed the start of this new series and how it tied into another of Casey's books. I can not wait for more books from this series and Casey Cox, as they are always enjoyable.

Get ready for... mm, billionaire, opposites attract, workplace, size difference, romantic comedy
POV... dual first-person
Content... voyeurism, death of a family member (off-page)

*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*



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[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤💛Givers ARC Review 💛🖤

Happy Release Day Casey Cox!! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book!!

Givers is a contemporary, MM romance. Fed up with his dating life, Robbie signs up for an algorithm based dating service on his 28th birthday. This algorithm has a 97% success rate and Robbie is optimistic that he will finally meet the person he’s meant to be with. His career is taking off and he feels like he’s finally on the right track…until he meets Dunlop, the billionaire playboy who also happens to be his boss.

This book had so many of my favorite tropes - I absolutely loved every minute of it!!! From the “You’ve Got Mail” vibes of the online dating conversations, to the boss/employee dynamics - I couldn’t put this book down!! Robbie and Dunlop were the perfect combination of sass and witty banter, while both being dynamic, well developed characters on their own

Overall, this was a four star read for me and I can’t wait to read more of this series! This book had some fantastic spice scenes that hit early on and continued throughout the story…and when you get two beautiful, athletic people together and bend them like pretzels…google NSFW Full Nelson…you’re welcome…*chef’s kiss*❤️‍🔥🔥❤️‍🔥 four flames for smut! Casey Cox is a new-to-me author, but now I want to go read their entire backlist!!

If you’re a fan of billionaires, boss/employee, & size difference with some online dating, then absolutely pick this book up!!

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smitten billionaire player and the feisty business owner that tries to have boundaries.
First in series (Upper Echelons). Coworkers. Dual POV. Billionaire businessman Dunlop plays hard and works hard, after all he has a family business to help run and a playboy reputation to maintain. Robbie is focused on building his business and making enough money to help his grandfather, and when he is interviewed for a contract with Dunlop’s company sparks fly between them. But Robbie is looking for a forever kind of love, and even as he gets to know Dunlop he can’t see how they would work long term, plus he has already been paired with his perfect match, or so the successful computer dating service tells him that. Robbie is a feisty confident man that is no pushover for the aggressive Dunlop, and they definitely have chemistry plus fun bantering. There is enough time for them to build a relationship, learn about each other, and discuss honest communication which is super appealing. Both Dunlop and Robbie are likable (yes Dunlop is likable as the redeemed player because he fully commits to Robbie), all their interactions were entertaining and this was a fun read with a swoony HEA. 4.5 rounded up

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌇So many reasons to love it!💕

This may be one of my favorite Casey Cox novels ever. I couldn't stop reading! It suited my tastes to a T in so many aspects, including:

- office romance;
- online matchmaking element;
- Australian setting;
- plenty of talking and getting to know each other;
- steam, but judiciously used, not non-stop;
- heartwarming relationships with secondary characters, dead and alive;
- low angst with a touch of drama to make for a great climax; and
- good writing, focusing on the people, not overly down-in-the-weeds about the details of their surroundings.

As to the main couple, Robbie and Dunlop, I loved them both. A reforming and/or misunderstood playboy is always a positive for me in a romance. And a poor boy who makes a success of himself despite the odds? Yep, that's golden, too.

Can't wait for a follow-up book about Dunlop's brother, but this one is easily read as a standalone. A couple from Cox's recent Broken Hearts novel makes a brief cameo appearance, but no worries if you missed that one; it won't confuse or distract.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Dunlop and Robbie!! Casey did a really amazing job of putting a romcom movie feel into a story. There's still really great depth to both characters and the slight little curve was pretty cute. This is a truly feel good story with a just a hint of angst to tug at my heart and keep this from being too sweet. The communication between these two guys was very well done and I loved how they gently built this relationship with trust and open discussion. This also has some heat and I enjoyed the focus on Dunlop's fantasy. There's a lot of intention behind it and for all the dirty thoughts he might have, Dunlop has quite the romantic streak in him as well!

I've really come to enjoy Casey's work and am always amazed that he's able to create such fun and memorable characters. It was great getting a Leo and Rove cameo. This is similar to his Kings of Airlie series (which is one of my absolute favorites) in the fact that we get three brothers. But that series is much darker with a way more messed up family. So if you're looking for a lighter, more supportive series with brothers, then this one is it for sure. I can't wait to get Bremmer's story!

[Tammy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this author! This new series introduces Robbie, a little spit-fire fitness fanatic, and Dunlop, a billionaire who is used to being coddled and getting what he wants. It's a classic tale of insta-lust vs insta-aggravation. Robbie can't believe how incredibly rude Dunlop is during an interview and makes sure to call him out on it, even though it will probably kill his employment chances. Dunlop is enamored by Robbie's passion and willingness to speak his mind no matter the cost. Once Dunlop and Robbie become business associates, it's comical to see the way Robbie shoots Dunlop down time and time again. For a man who is used to always hearing yes, the word no just makes him more determined to see Robbie break. The attraction between these two is so apparent and their push and pull was pure foreplay! There was a lot more to these characters than they let others see and I loved how they slowly revealed their inner thoughts and feelings to each other. There is a fun online dating aspect to this story and a surprise cameo that will have you thinking of another series written by this fabulous author.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, sexy, romantic and beautiful!

This was a fun, sexy read of two lost souls looking for their HEA. Dunlop is the youngest brother from a very rich brother and they are looking to hire a fitness person to set up an wellness program for their nationwide facilities. This takes place in beautiful Australia. Robbie is a 5’4” twink who is as fit as can be and goes to interview at Dunlop’s company for the position. They both feel something the moment they meet but Dunlop has a reputation of being a player and Robbie just wants to be loved.

They both apply to this new algorithm find a perfect match dating website which is 97% accurate in finding one’s perfect partner through a serious of questions, then online chats and finally meeting in person. As the book progresses, they realise that they might be each others perfect match, what are the chances of that?!

It’s not always easy sailing and both have baggage from previous relationships but trust, communication and lots of sex will prove how perfect they are for each other.

Lots of fun side characters and different things going on in the story but I read it in two sittings and really enjoyed it.