Curious

IOU #4

by Leslie McAdam

I’m desperately attracted to my husband.
Which wouldn’t be a problem, except he’s straight.

What happened is, my longtime crush/hero got badly injured saving me from my evil ex-boyfriend. When I found out he (my hero, not my ex) didn’t have health insurance, I did the logical thing: I proposed. To my surprise, he said yes.

I knew that Camden wasn’t interested in me like that. This deal was always meant to be temporary—just until he healed and could get his own insurance and I found a place to stay, since I’m not moving back in with my ex. No feelings involved.

Except Cam kissed me at our wedding ceremony, and ever since, we can’t seem to stop kissing. He says he’s curious what sex with a man would be like, but I don’t want to be another straight guy’s experiment.

Still, Cam is so kind and beautiful, with his dark eyes and tousled curls shoved into a backward baseball cap. His patience makes me want to throw out all my carefully crafted rules. And don’t get me started on how his first instinct is to protect me …

But I’m scared if I open my heart, I’m going to get hurt. Again.

Can I risk telling Cam how I feel before our deal ends? Or should I let him go and lose the best (fake) relationship I’ve ever had?

Curious is a stand-alone contemporary M/M romance novel with a marriage of convenience and bisexual awakening. It features Shelby, a receptionist who’s never met a vision board he didn’t like; Camden, an internet-famous contractor; and a hasty wedding for medical insurance reasons. Happy ever after guaranteed.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Marriage Of Convenience, LGBT, Queer

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2023

About the author

Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie's first published book, The Sun and the Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world's largest online writing competition. She's gone on to receive additional literary awards and has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies.

USA Today interview: http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20...

Cosmopolitan: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love...

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING 4.5 STARS

Curious is book four in the IOU series by Leslie McAdam. I loved the first three books in this series but then got distracted by other books and forgot to come back to this when it came out. This is Shelby and Cam’s book. It was so sweet and wonderful. Both of these men are so tactile. So if you love constant touching and kissing, then read on!

Shelby Borchard is twenty four years old and is the receptionist at the law office, Weston & Ramirez. We’ve gotten to know him as the endearing, bubbly man who makes everyone smile. What we don’t know is that Shelby had a cold, loveless childhood. And I think as a result, always chose boyfriends that he also knew would eventually leave him. Which led him to the day where this story began. His current boyfriend, who he really thought was the real thing, turned out to be anything but. As he ran from the house, the worker from the home next door ran to his defense. To his surprise, it was the brother of his co-workers. Someone he has crushed on for years but knew that’s all it would ever be, a crush, since he was straight. But in his effort to help Shelby, Cam got hurt.



Camden Cooper is thirty one years old. He works construction for himself. He’s just finishing up on a job when he hears the commotion next door and to his surprise, he recognizes the man who comes running out of the house. It’s the adorable receptionist that works at the law office his siblings work for. When he realizes that Shelby needs help, he runs to his aid. But things take a turn for the worse when Cam ends up injuring his leg. He has no health insurance and he works for himself. He suspects the injury is serious but he both can’t afford the medical bills and can’t afford to miss work.



Now, Shelby needs somewhere to live and Cam needs health insurance. Shelby offers a solution. He proposes marriage, for convenience only, so that Cam can get his ankle taken care of. And Cam offers his guest house for Shelby. It’s a win, win! But when Cam kisses Shelby at the ceremony, all sorts of feelings emerge. What happens when you start to suspect you weren’t as straight as you thought? And what happens when you start to fall in love with your husband?

Shelby, though, has serious trust issues from his past experiences. And Cam has been hurt too! Can these two accept the love that is growing between them? Or will their deal expire as soon as Cam’s injury is healed?



This really was so cute. And the ending was adorable. I did start to grow a little tired of Shelby’s constant doubts, even though I understood them. What I loved the most about this was Cam’s constant touching. The affection they showed each other. It seriously made me so swoony! The next book in this series is called Notorious as I am so excited to read it!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️

What a cute, insanely cheesy, low-angst read.

The plot is absolutely ridiculous and probably mostly unrealistic, but that’s half the fun.
Shelby and Camden are adorable, and seeing them fall in love just made me happy.
It is steamy in all the important parts, but most scenes do end up being fade to black.

This might not be for everyone, since it does require you to suspend your disbelief quite a bit, but once you get past all the ‘this wouldn’t be possible in the real world’ it is pretty entertaining.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

POV: 1st person, dual

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this fake marriage / marriage of convenience story!

Cam was ticking all my boxes so he was undoubtedly my favourite of the two main characters.

Shelby actually gave me a headache though! I think if there had been two or three less instances of him questioning everything, I would have liked this story even more, and even liked Shelby. As it was, Shelby just got on my nerves. He's not the only one hurting, he knows Cam's past, but he has no problem in hurting Cam to ensure he doesn't get hurt himself, and I'm never really a fan of that which is why I struggled to rate any higher.

However, I did absolutely love the vision boards - I'm definitely a Pinterest addict myself when I get any free time!

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

- roomies
- size difference
- opposites attract
- marriage of convenience
- bi awakening

Shelby has always been a sucker for love, and is even more desperate to find it after his coworkers start finding their forevers. He thought he'd finally found it in Evan, until things end explosively and with him being rescued by a coworker's brother.

Unfortunately Cam gets injured during the altercation, and due to being self employed does not currently have insurance. To thank Cam for helping him get away from his ex and for giving him a place to stay until he can find one, Shelby offers to marry him so he can get the insurance and the treatment he needs for his broken ankle.

Shelby always thought he would get married to the love of his life, and while he's very attracted to Cam, the man is straight... Or so he thinks. The pair share a life altering kiss after exchanging vows, and the dynamic between Cam and Shelby changes. Cam is affectionate and protective, the lines blurring further between them with every touch and kiss they share.

Their marriage was just supposed to be temporary, but as the pair get to know each other and spend more time together, it gets harder and harder to let go.

Oh goodness! I loved this so much.

Shelby has always been a favorite character of mine, and I was so happy to see him finally get his happy ever after. He deserves the world, especially after all the heartache he's been through, and Cam was the absolute perfect fit! He too had been through a lot of hurt, and because of that was able to love Shelby the way he needed to be loved.

I also really loved the way Cam accepted his sexuality changing, and that he didn't really care about the label, just about how much he loved and cared about Shelby. Plus I loved how all in he was from the very beginning, choosing Shelby when no one else ever had, and never doubted himself or his feelings.

I seriously love this series and cannot wait for more!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up. The story was cute.
But the premise of having to marry someone because you need health insurance is actually quite depressing. 😭😭 only in America 😭😭😭

[Head in a book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelby deserved all the love! I enjoyed this series, Curious didn’t disappoint, a solid 3.75⭐️

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the blurb had made me curious 😂🤭, I'm so happy I gave this a chance! Exactly the happiness I needed today. This is just the sweetest, I loved Shelby, Cam. Their friends & C's family is great. Devoured my #ARC in less than 5hrs!

A MM romance b/w a cute, gay twink Law-firm receptionist, Shelby + a kind, straight-ish (bi-awakening!) bearly contractor, Cam (who's siblings work with Shelby). A marriage of convenience, with an end date, for health insurance (due to when C got hurt confronting Shelby's abusive ex) turned out to be so much more!

I loved their relationship, how C's so protective, sweet & calm, how S cares & just lights up C. They've both hurt by ex-s 🥺😣. S had feeling of low self-esteem & it saddened me, but I love how C & friends showed they loved him 🥰. This is mostly low angst & very sweet! I enjoyed the story, will check the series! RTC.

So this is my 1st solo book by Leslie, I realised I've also read ILYBSM (MMM) which I adored! Hoping C's lil bro gets a book 😏.

Story ratings:

POV: 1st person, DUAL POV
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Top 3 feels: so sweet, aha, YES
3) Story enjoyment: 5/5
4) Creativity & Conflicts: 4.2/5
5) World build: 4.6/5
6) Relationship: 5+/5
7) Steamy scenes: 2.75/5
8) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 2.2/5
Dark: 1.5/5
9) Writing style & pace: 4.7/5
10) Grammar: 5/5

[Leslie]

Thing one: if you already have an arc, ummm today I just added about 8-10 more pages. So I’ll be sending new arcs out to be distributed shortly.

Thing two: I’m really excited for everyone to meet the man Shelby falls in love with! Many of you know Shelby as the twinky receptionist in the other stories. He deserved a good man, and that’s who he found in Cam. The teeny problem that Cam is straight… well, fear not since there will be a HEA.

[Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Camden. I loved how he embraced his ”newfound sexuality” without overthinking it. He told anyone who would listen that Shelby was his husband and it was so adorable. He’s the sweetest ever.

I did not love Shelby. He had too much of me-me-me going on. He didn’t ever consider Camden’s feelings and had no regard for the fact Camden had also been hurt in the past. His trust issues were just annoying and unbelivable toward the end. I quite liked him otherwise.

Not much depth, relationship development or character development. Unrealistic plot(which didn’t bother me at all). Sickingly cute and lots of cuddles and comfort. I ate it up. Was the book lacking? Yes. Do I care? No. I enjoyed this.

I loved Camden’s family and Shelby’s friends.

I might look at the other books in the series and see if any catches my interest.

3.5 stars

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love letter to Shelby:

I love you Shelby! Love love love you. I love your big heart. I love your enthusiasm. I love how you are everyone’s best friend and confidante. I love your fashion advice. I love that you want to help. I love that you are so artistic.

I don’t love that you don’t realise how fucking fantastic you are and how many people love you.

Love letter to Cameron:

Babe! I’m gutted that you got hurt when you were being the best man in the world. You are a hero. I love your curls and your bubble butt. If you want to chat Star Wars and health and safety violations on the Death Star, I’m here for it. Please can they at least put manhole covers over holes that might leave a man with his arm chopped off dangling in hyper space?

Letter to Weston Ramirez

Dear Noah and August,

Please can I have a job? I think I would be a great fit. I really like scrap books and group hugs.

Honestly love this series. I love how each of the characters grown and they learn something about themselves. The characters support each other and want them to be the best and happiest they can be. They have a found family in the staff as Weston Ramirez.

[Brey (lil Sebastian)]

No review DNF @ 62%. I really wanted to like this book and the beginning was pretty good. But then it got to a point where every chapter was the same thing being said internally over and over again. About how they want it to be real but then when they feel good none of it was real. I just couldn’t power through anymore.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelby & Cam

I enjoyed this story so much. I just want to snuggle Shelby up and smother him with love. I love Cam for him. Their story was great to read.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Rielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sugary sweet marriage of convenience and bi-awakening story.

Everything about this was absolutely lovely. There’s a “who hurt you” moment in the beginning, immediate (very mild) possessiveness, lots of confusion/obliviousness, no gay panic, and sunshine/sunshine vibes.

The book was 4 stars for me until about 70%. The end just started dragging and the heat wasn’t there.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: marriage of convenience, bi-awakening, hurt/comfort, found family
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: no
Angst: low/medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: domestic violence (not between MCs), violence, abuse/neglect by parent

Shelby is 24 and works as a receptionist at a law firm. He's a twink, spreads tea, is crafty in the literal craft sense and does vision boards of his dreams.

Camden is 31. He's self-employed and in construction. He got left at the altar last year by his long-term girlfriend and former boss's daughter. Hence he's now self employed. His brother works at the law firm. He also is a social media star because he records videos of his construction projects usually in time lapses. He's never been with a guy.

Shelby's boyfriend turns out not to be who he thought he was. He gets physically abusive. Cam comes to his rescue. Cam gets hurt and doesn't have insurance and needs some expensive medical treatment. Shelby needs a place to stay. They get married and Cam gets added to Shelby's insurance. They fall for each other and soon it's not fake.

This was a pleasant story. I liked their friend and family group. They were really supportive. And I liked the humor. Charlie had some great reactions to not wanting to hear about his brother and Shelby's shenanigans. The people in their lives had a lot of smart and funny things to say. I liked the possessiveness that they felt towards each other from early on. I liked how kind they were to each other. I liked how Cam reacted in a healthy way to Shelby having a crisis over their relationship - he didn't yell, but his disappointment and fear was captured and his next step was to say stay here I'm going to go talk to my sister and he got some advice. Cam was a really good guy. Shelby totally needed to see a therapist by the way. Poor thing!

There was something throughout the book that niggled at me. I felt like this book told us rather than showed us many things. And you know I don't want to judge the author for it because it's a narrative choice that they made, so I won't ding over it. But it's worth noting in the review. All the little bits of information and personality that we've learned, were from conversations. For example, Shelby is a gossip, social, pistol of a character, but we didn't really see that in action, we just heard about it. We had no idea that Shelby had been saving mementos and building a scrapbook about him and Cam until he pulled it out and presented it to Cam near the end of the book. I feel like we've been cheated a little bit because we haven't got that personal perspective and stream of conscious kind of thought.

Some notable moments:

"Instead, I place my ring on his finger. It looks good there, and this possessive feeling—that Shelby is mine—rushes through me, even if our situation is temporary. For now, at least, he is mine."

"I sit rather primly off to the side, but he looks at me, rolls his eyes, and opens his arms. “C’mere.” I pounce. There’s no other word for it, but I’m not going to look a gift Camden in the mouth. He’s mine. I curl into him, and he’s so fucking snuggly for someone so muscular."


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[~BookNeeds~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author. I loved this so much. Shelby tugged at my heartstrings.

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this marriage of convenience tory about Camden and Shelby. Camden helped Shelby get away from an abusive ex and has felt super protective ever since.Camden was hurt in the altercation and really needed to see a physician. So Shelby thought if they got married until Camden was healed and in return he lived with Camden it would be a win, win. Yet straight Camden begins to have real feelings for Shelby. Shelby has had only bad relationship experiences. So how to come to terms with their situation is the question. Such a sweet story about two lovely souls who found one another!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series! These books are fun, sweet, steamy, and give you all the feels.

Shelby finally gets his HEA, even if it happened after an unconventional marriage. Camden is the perfect fit for Shelby, giving him the love he deserves, while also being the stability he never had growing up.

Overall, loved this book. Hoping there is more to this series!

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Adorable love story between Camden (Charlie's brother, one of the attorneys at Weston Ramirez) and Shelby (receptionist at WR).
We already know Shelby from the previous book, he seemed a fun guy, a little bit of a gossip, a nice friend of everyone. But there's so much more about him and I did not expect all the pain he endured from his mother, pain that left his soul broken and made him believe to not be worthy of love.
Camden is also a wonderful man and I really liked how he was always honest with Shelby and how he respected him and put him first while trying to figure out his own sexuality; he never treated Shelby like a guinea pig and he always care about his feelings.
Their marriage started with an agreement and a deadline, but it slowly became so much more.

What prevented me from giving an higher rate:
Camden's meeting with Leah felt a little anticlimatic, I was honestly expecting more angst from two people who didn't speak for a year. And, even if Leah was right telling they weren't made for each other, leaving Cam at the altar was the last thing she should have done and I didn't like that she implied Cam's sexuality had something to do with their failed wedding (it seemed she was looking to ease her conscience).
I also would have liked to know more about Shelby's mom and if things changed between them at the end (I strongly hope so).

I love the guys at Weston Ramirez, I love their friendship and how they're always there for each other and I loved so so much what they did for Shelby.

I really like Leslie McAdam's style, the way she writes spicy and passionate sex scenes and all the funny jokes (especially the ones her characters think but don't say out loud).

Now we need Charlie's story.

Recommended

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Carra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience with a bisexual awakening? Yep, that’s what caught my eye as well.

Camden is a wonderful guy, selfless and protective, thoughtful and sweet. Shelby has had a not-so-great dating life, particularly his last boyfriend before Camden steps into the picture. The unconventional way they end up married is already expected, though it is very obvious that this is being used as a mechanism to bring these two together; to me it felt very transactional.

The two of them do fall into a easy partnership, and there is almost no angst to speak of once Camden’s initial defense of Shelby at the start of the story is past. There are some hints that Shelby’s ex might stir up trouble later, but overall if you’re looking for a mostly effortless pairing, you’ll find that here.

Even as Camden is exploring his previously non-existent attraction to men with Shelby, and Shelby continually goes through his many reasons of why it’s not a good idea, we all know where this is eventually headed—you won’t be disappointed on that part. I did get a bit frustrated with Shelby towards the end where it felt like he was pushing Camden to not stay regardless of how Camden was telling him he wanted to. Shelby’s self esteem is definitely something he needs to work on, as even with every indication otherwise he still must not think he’s deserving.

I’m a little on the fence with this one, but it was still an overall good read and is coming in at 3.5 stars for me. If these tropes are your jam though, you’ll want to check this one out. I’ll note that this is the first book I’ve read from this author, and while it is part of a series I had no problem reading it as a standalone. The supporting characters are a great group, and I am interested in finding out their stories.

[Elley Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series all out of order, haha. I read book three (Oblivious) first, then book four (Curious), then went back to book two (Studious) because I adored Alden in Shelby's book, and I'll likely skip book one (Ambiguous) because rock stars just aren't my jam (hehe).

Aaaaanyhoo! I really enjoyed this book about Shelby, the adorable receptionist at Whatever-It's-Called law firm, and Cam, the STRAIGHT (*ahem*) blue-collar contractor brother of two of the firm's lawyers (Charlie and Reyna). I feel like you don't really see too many marriage of convenience tropes in contemporary romances - and the author says right up front in the forward that this book requires some suspension of disbelief. As long as you don't go into it expecting it to be realistic (where in LA are you going to get a next-day marriage license?!) you'll have a fun ride. ;) Their chemistry is very cuddly and adorable, and then eases into super hot, and I just adore the way they care for each other, supporting each other and also letting the other support them. *sigh* #CoupleGoals

This is the fourth book in the IOU series, but can be read as a standalone. There are some minor spoilers for earlier books in the series, but nothing you wouldn't have gleaned from the back cover blurbs and a history of reading romance novels. ;)

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.

Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curious indeed. After reading the blurb, I was curious too :D
I liked the first half better than the second, which is a bit odd, since usually it is the other way around. This book went much deeper than I expected. I thought it would be a fun rom-com, but it goes into some deep issues and emotional traumas, which was not what I expected at all. The premise was interesting and the writing is good, but the second half was too much drama for me. Maybe it is because I didn't expect it, so that is not what I wanted to read? Who knows. In any case, the book was good. I liked both main characters, they were sweet and pretty great as a couple. The many, many side-characters were a bit disorientating, but they were pretty good too. I enjoyed the story, even if it was not what I expected.

**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Awww this was sweet with all the green flags. Note the authors note in the beginning and if you can get passed that then this will be a sweet story of two men helping each other finding love with each other. It’s found family and finding that you are enough to be loved. The smexy was yum, and these two were cute.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Romantic

This was a very cute and low angst read. Shelby and Cam were adorable, and it was so sweet watching them fall in love with each other.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Curious by Leslie McAdam is a fun read, the plot seems ridiculous but it works.
Shelby and Cam are the complete opposite of each other
A marriage of convenience gay / straight !

Cam is so caring of Shelby but Shelby being needy for love isn’t sure of Cam’s complete feelings.
Both guys are adorable plus Cam’s siblings are so very supportive and loving .
I enjoyed the writing style and the love between Shelby and Cam was beautiful.

[Katy Cuthbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can never find words that will adequately express my love for the words of Leslie McAdam and this book is not changing that for me. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!!
Camden & Shelby?!?! Holy hotness!! Also, I think I want Cam for myself 😈🥰
Be prepared to feel all the feelings! I laughed & cried & swooned & sighed… I ugly cried, too! I cannot express articulately how much I love this book, so I’ll go with: GAAHHH!!!!! SQUEEEEEE!!!!! HOLY CRAP!!
And THAT COVER, THOUGH!!!!!!!!
Go see & read for yourself.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are cute elements here, and a sweet story overall, but it didn’t click for me.

I did love the family relationships, both found and biological. There are many heartfelt instances of people showing up for each other. It can be a little cheesy at times, but that can work in the right circumstances.

What didn’t land for me was the writing. The author was telling me what I should feel, but it wasn’t there. It felt like there was no trust in the reader to infer anything not explicitly stated, and that led to clunky dialogue that should have been narration, and narration that felt repetitive and distant to me.

If you’re looking for a low stakes, cute story with a marriage of convenience, you could give this a whirl!

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again the author delivers an adorable romance with adorable characters. It was maybe a bit too sweet, and there’s never a real conflict–so the happily ever after is never threatened. But there were a lot of really good elements.

I was a bit bothered that, when one is straight–Cam keeps insisting he is and has checked often–it’s yet so easy for them to be together. I mean, I’m not a fan of the gay for him trope, it’s hardly believable. The only thing that made it plausible here was their compatibility. Shelby and Camden were so compatible, with shared experiences and a good chemistry.

They are still quite different. Shelby is a romantic and a creative person, while Cam is full on blue collar. But they end up blending somewhat. They distribute the chores according to their skills too–or their abilities at the moment. They also share what they love with the other. Really, they work well together. I loved the domesticity.

The most important thing they share is their need for love, and their doubt about deserving it. They both had terrible experiences that brought them here. It’s by opening up to each other that they realize they’re mistaken. I thought it was well done.

It was sexy, just enough. I don’t like it when there’s a check list with the things they’re supposed to do in bed, and it was a bit like that. But that’s okay, because it’s a bi-awakening story and of course Camden has to go through all of it. But they also have a lot of gentle and tender moments, which make the story less about lust, and more about true connection. A nice addition to the series.

Quickie

- Series: IOU #4 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #MM romance #fake marriage #bisexual #opposites attract #gay for him
- Triggers: past parental neglect, domestic violence
- Main couple: Shelby Borchard & Camden Cooper
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + the domesticity was adorable
- – Camden falls a little too fast

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I loved the ‘Author’s Note’, second I loved this story!

After being hit by his lying boyfriend Shelby runs away. Camden who’s working next door sees him fly and runs over to talk to him.
From one comes another and Camden ends up hurting Shelby’s ex, but also hurting himself.

Cam offers Shelby a room to stay. Cam is protective and even possessive, keep in mind he’s straight!
Cam is hurt, and in need of medical help but without insurance, sweet Shelby has the solution.
They will marry so Cam can use Shelby’s insurance. So said so done.

Shelby had a past that hurt him badly and made him feel he didn’t deserve happiness, Cam’s family is the opposite, they are welcoming and fun.

After one kiss it’s clear, they both love kissing each other and both love to cuddle. There’s so much kissing!!
Everything goes smoothly, they just fit perfectly! Camden is the best and most loving husband.
Hopefully, the hurt from the past will not influence the future. Let’s watch them!

Gosh, I loved this story, Cam and Shelby are perfect together, it was an amazing journey to watch. I could mention there are a bit of repetitive things, but I won’t because it’s inferior to the whole picture.
This story was a joy to read, wonderfully written, and has the most lovable main characters!

[Chené Van der Merwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always Leslie McAdam's book hits the spot! I have been obsessed with Shelby from book one and honestly this book delivered in spades for me. Cam and Shelby each carry scars and have been hurt, but together they are healing the hurts of the past. I caught myself brushing away a stray tear a few times while reading this book.

The writing style is really easy to read and follow and I finished this book in a sitting.

A definite recommend for pure fluff and happiness 🥺

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

This is the first book I’ve read by Leslie McAdam and I loved it. It was such a sweet, low-angst heartfelt read about a marriage of convenience/necessity for Camden (Cam) to get health insurance after he was injured protecting Shelby from his abusive a*sehole of an ex. I’m definitely going to purchase the rest of the series and read them all, as the friends during this book are so loving and supportive that I want to read them getting their own happily ever afters. I was interested in Shelby and Cam’s story from reading the blurb but as soon as I read a sample I was hooked from the get go and purchased the book straight away. I couldn’t put it down and loved reading Cam and Shelby’s love story. Yes, some of things that happen during this book wouldn’t happen in real life and are meant to be enjoyed as part of this story which Leslie notes at the start of book saying that the book requires a suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader but even if I didn’t read Leslie’s note it wouldn’t have bothered me as they were such small parts to get annoyed at if it’s something that would never be able to happen in real life.

Both Shelby and Cam have been hurt in the past by their ex’s. Shelby’s had a string of bad ones and Cam got left standing at the altar by his ex-fiancé in front of everyone, but to make matters worse he paid for everything for the wedding and his ex’s parents were paying for the honeymoon but they got insurance so they got their money back whereas Cam didn’t get any money back because it was too late. He also worked for his ex’s dad and since the dad thought it would be too strange he also lost his job, including all benefits including his health insurance. She’s a complete and utter b*tch, like how could you do that to someone you’d been with for years. Like why couldn’t she talk to him about her doubts before the wedding instead of embarrassing him like that. Shelby also believes that he’s not loveable because his mother was neglectful and blamed him for having no life, since she got pregnant young but it wasn’t his fault. I liked how Cam never had a massive freak out when he started having feelings for his fake husband. Shelby was such a sweetheart and Cam was so protective from the get go. I also loved how excited Cam was about introducing Shelby as his husband to others, even when he was technically still straight(ish).

I enjoyed seeing Cam and Shelby slowly fall in love during their marriage of convenience/necessity and I liked that they had open and honest communication throughout and that there was no huge misunderstanding that happens in a lot of other MM stories. I really wanted to reach through the pages and shake Shelby with how stupid he was being near the end of the book but then I also wanted to hug him so hard and tell him that he’s worth so much and that he’s very loveable but I think it was more believable that even though Camden had told Shelby that he wants to stay married to him now his ankle is healed up Shelby struggled to believe that he was staying for the right reasons. It all stemmed from Shelby’s childhood trauma and the way he was treated by his sh*tty ex’s. The intervention for Shelby where his work mates told him that he’s extremely loveable made me shed a few tears. Cam’s big gesture was absolutely adorable and perfect. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the IOU Series and more books from Leslie in future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.