Takers

Upper Echelons #2

by Casey Cox

I don't date or do relationships. Love just isn't my thing.

But sex? Oh, I'm so into sex, I named my hugely successful podcast Intosexual. Get it?

One man I never expected to be a listener is gorgeous billionaire CEO, Bremmer Palmer. The guy who never cracks a smile, is super uptight, and gives off total control freak alpha boss vibes.

But he's also the guy who doesn't flinch when I ask him to join me at a tantric workshop. Or from jumping on board my crazy suggestion we start fake dating.

He needs to improve his corporate image to please his board—how 1950s, right?—and I'm curious to see what all the fuss is about dating. Purely for research purposes, of course.

A couple of short weeks fooling the media with a few public dates turns into a few months. Before you know it, we've been fake dating for over a year.

Except, things don't feel so fake anymore. The dates aren't for show anymore. And the sex? Nothing fake there, either.

It leaves me feeling the last thing I ever wanted.

Like I want this.
Like I want more.
Like I want him.

Too bad I've screwed up any chance of that happening. Once Bremmer finds out the secret I've been keeping from him, this whole fake relationship will be over. For real.

TAKERS is a fake relationship billionaire MM romance with some Pretty Woman vibes thrown in for fun! It features an uptight CEO, a free-spirited podcaster, a tantric workshop, hot tub shenanigans, Robbie and Dunlop's wedding, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, LGBT

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 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

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

Bremmer was kinder than he appeared in the first book, although I didn't find it believable that the whole thing with him displacing Robbie's grandpa and other seniors was swept under the rug like that.

Kelsey's fear of commitment didn't quite make sense either.

But whatever.

This story is a sexy little number, a cute, lighthearted read when you don't want to think too much.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ - Overall this was a fun read but I just wasn’t feeling the romantic connection between Kelsey and Bremmer. I did love their friendship and the times they actually talked about their lives and pasts. They really got along so well.

The sexual scenes felt very abrupt and then it was just the next chapter. And there was fade to black, which is fine except that Kelsey was getting ready to give Bremmer his first blow job by a man and as soon as Kelsey took him in his mouth, we were skipped to the next chapter. That felt so odd because Bremmer had only ever identified as straight and while his attraction to Kelsey was growing, this felt significant but was entirely glossed over. I didn’t get it.

It’s also interesting that Kelsey was this super open to anything, free spirit but absolutely refused love and monogamy - definitely a complex take on relationships. I also thought Bremmer being open to Kelsey sexually was maybe a bit too easy. I guess I wanted more of a backstory or indication that a relationship with a man was always something he’d considered but never sought out.

I guess because it was such a slow burn, IMO, that I wanted more romance and intimacy sooner. It’s just light kissing and blowjobs until 72% - when Bremmer confessed that his life felt like struggle - they hold each other. It wasn’t sexual just intimate (you have to wait until 95% for the other thing). And while I understand Kelsey was categorically opposed to an emotional connection, there just wasn’t any softness or vulnerability for most of the book. And this is drawn out for an actual year.

I did like both men though. They were genuine and tried to do right by the people they loved or cared for in lives. I also enjoyed the interactions with the brothers. They had a great dynamic. And there were two firsts for me in this book - a tantric masturbation workshop (don’t get too excited, it’s closed door so no details) and a ball stretcher. Also, if you’re looking for or need spice in your romance this is very mild.

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

I remember Bremmer from the previous book, and what happened back then with Kelsey. In the meeting room.
And I wondered what's their story.
Let's just say, Kelsey was a breath of a fresh air for the grumpy Bremmer :)
Nice story, I think this one's even better from the first one.
Give it a try!

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
This is such an enjoyable read with two men who are polar opposites starting a fake relationship to help Bremmer to seal a deal that may help save his family's company. We met both Bremmer and Kelsey in book one of the series and now get to go back to the start when they first met and go on a tantric weekend together. I love that two such different people made such an impact on each other that they're thinking of the other which is drastically out of character for both men; Bremmer so busy with being the new CEO of the business and Kelsey doesn't do relationships, happy in his single and free ways.
When a photo released makes it seem that they are closer, it works out well to carry on with a game relationship to make a possible buyer into the business believe that Bremmer has traditional family values, because apparently that's what the focus groups show he should have!
It's very slow burn when it comes to romance but slightly quicker when it comes to the physical relationship between them, neither being able to deny the attraction they share. The story itself actually moves at quite a pace, missing out chunks of time but ensuring everything relevant to the couple is included, and a couple of things about Bremmer's brothers too.
Overall, this is an entertaining story, showing two men that they deserve more than what they think they do and sometimes you have to see the other side to know what you want. There is discussion of lost loved ones as they share memories and painful history, in case that is a trigger for anyone.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Cyndy]

DNF 37% fake dating isn’t a trope I enjoy. I’ve been trying to keep going since I liked the first one but I’m not feeling it.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takers by Casey Cox is the second book in his Upper Echelons series. I suggest that you read the first one before this one because there are characters introduced there that take a major part in this story. Bremmer is the CEO of Australis Property Holdings which was started by his grandfather and is now run by him and his brothers. His oldest brother died in an accident and now he is running it, but is struggling because it is a new skills set for him. His constant work schedule has led to the loss of his on and off girlfriend and unfortunately, his board of directors has decreed that he needs to be in a relationship because that is what major investors are looking for before they hand over their money. Kelsey has a very popular podcast called Intosexual where he explores different kinds of loving with his listeners. He met Bremmer at a social event and invited him to a tantric workshop with sexual overtones and Bremmer accepted. They continued to meet after that and when Bremmer got drunk, Kelsey took him home. As they left the bar they were caught by the paparazzi and their pictures were all over the papers. When Bremmer said he needed to be in a relationship in order to lure a billionaire into giving his company money, Kelsey suggested they fake date and continue to see each other and have their pictures keep appearing in the papers so people would think they were together. However, Kelsey had something that happened in his past that has led him to saying he doesn’t believe in love and that he will never get into a real relationship. The story continues for another year as they fake date and get to know one another and one thing leads to another and soon they are having love scenes, with both thinking this can never go anywhere because of Kelsey’s feelings. Eventually they realize feelings can change. I enjoyed this book as I did the first one in the series. Bremmer and Kelsey are both snarky but their feelings are real and as they continue to get to know one another they realize they are falling in love but are afraid to tell each other this. Their family and friends also play a big part in the story and have some funny scenes together with them. Unfortunately they both have a secret that they are keeping from each other that they think will end their relationship, but luckily when they come out it makes them realize what they mean to each other. Bremmer thought he was straight so when they were finally intimate their love scenes were hot and developed slowly. I highly recommend this book especially if you like fake dating stories. Mr. Cox has become a favorite author of mine and this one doesn’t disappoint.

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kelsey and Bremmer's story! We still get plenty of the brothers, which means we get to see Dunlop and Clay, along with Robbie (who's not only Kelsey's best friend but also Dunlop's boyfriend). While you could read this one by itself, I think it would be nice to have started with Givers to give more context to the brother's relationship. Bremmer feels the need to always be in control, especially after the death of their oldest brother Adam. Kelsey is on a journey to live life to to the fullest and not be shamed by experiencing everything life has to offer....especially when that comes to sex. However, Kelsey's also crazy anti relationships and I loved the gentle way Casey handles Kelsey's past lost with the way he's been living his life. All this is to say, that when an opportunity arises that allows Kelsey to explore what a relationship could be and Bremmer gets a way to ease some of the pressure at work. These two can lie to themselves but there were was nothing fake from the beginning. I loved how these two were able to open up to each other where they haven't to others. Kelsey helps Bremmer relax and enjoy himself while Bremmer gives Kasey the chance to truly live and experience what life can be like with someone to share it with. It's a bit hard to describe how spicy this story is. There are tons of scenes that are fire and yet they don't cross the line that some might draw of going "all the way" until the very end. To me, it felt perfect for these two and if that last scene had never happened, I think that both MCs would call their bedroom life super fulfilling. Though I do like it when people get a bit tied up so I'll never complain. I just wanted to mention it because sometimes people can get a bit weird about what does or doesn't happen between the sheets. To me, this was a hot read and while that's great, there is a focus on emotional connection and intimacy outside of the physical which I really appreciated. I'm curious to see what's up with Clay. I think we need a story of the last brother and there just seems to be some unfinished business in my mind.

Casey's writing is always a joy to read. There's lots of heart warming moments with true connections that I really enjoy. I don't know how he does it, but each couple feels unique and I am super excited for all the next adventures he has in store for us!

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, what a marvelous read!!

Bremmer Palmer is thirty-four and awfully rich, he’s the CEO of a multibillion-dollar property development firm. Not his first choice but devastating circumstances made it necessary.

Kelsey is younger, there’s some humor around this, so you’ll have to find out for yourself, he’s a podcaster of Intosexual and it’s quite successful. When they met at a gala with mutual friends, Kelsey invited Bremmer to a tantric masturbation workshop, and Bremmer said yes. Well, that changed some things between them.

Kelsey doesn’t do relationships, he shudders at the idea, that fact intrigues Bremmer.
The board members want Bremmer in a relationship and Kelsey offers to be his fake boyfriend.

“We Palmer men are well-known for many things, and being emotionally available isn’t one of them.”

To appear convincing they have to have some pre-fake dates. Oh, boy!
Kelsey stubbornly avoids thinking about feelings, even when they exchange a kiss.
Bremmer can’t get why, being straight, he’s obsessed with Kelsey, he can’t, it’s F.A.K.E. fake fake fake, there, when you say it enough you’ll gonna believe it! That’s also exactly what allergic-to-relationship Kelsey wants. Fake it will be.

What follows is downright delightful and complicated, they even get to sexual encounters.
With no strings of course, and not getting clingy, you know, Kelsey is allergic!

God, there are many many hilarious moments. I laughed out loud, hahaha.
Crazy author, what were you thinking?

The story was just right, from all angles, and awesomely put together, it was a delight!!
There are serious parts, of course there are, people become who they are because of life.
It’s all wonderfully layered, nothing superficial, well developed. There are feelings and moments I can’t talk about because it would spoil, but believe me the buildup was marvelously done.
Yes, dear readers, we got ourselves a winner.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Mayra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to Casey Cox for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bremmer, the eldest Palmer brother, is not great with romantic relationships seeing as his life is basically his work (being a billionaire is not always easy). There isn’t much time for anything else. Kelsey is not interested in romantic relationships but he does love sex, and he even runs a very successful podcast where he talks about everything sex.

When Bremmer is in need of a seemingly stable relationship to fall on the good graces of an investor, Kelsey steps up and becomes his fake boyfriend. I am, we do love fake dating and nothing ever goes wrong with them, right? Right?

Ok listen, for a fake relationship I think Bremmer and Kelsey do great for a very long time. Casey is great at writing characters that talk with each other (y’all know how much I appreciate that), so these two establish very early on what they expect, want, and where their limits are, both emotionally and physically, which, in my opinion, is super sexy. But we all know that feelings are not as easy to turn off as some might expect, especially when (fake) dating is easy, comforting, and the physical stuff is off the charts.

I love Bremmer’s relationship with his brothers. They work well together and seem to have fun with each other even if that is so limited for them. Also, it was greater to know a bit more about Clayton (the middle brother) and get a glimpse of what his book might be about. I love these guys.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was cute and fun. My only problem with was with the passage of time. Bremmer and Kelsey fake date for a very long time (over a year), and it didn’t feel like we really get their relationship development. I totally understand that that’s one of the points of the plot since they’re actually often busy, so their connection rests on the details. I just think that it’d be nice to have seen more of their connections being built.

This a sweet book focused on family, friendships, dedication, some trauma (check the TW) and, of course, love within all of that.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic, read and second book in the series. I have got the biggest smile on my face and that’s all because of this book. I’m not even going to tell you where Kelsey and Bremmer start in the beginning of this book. All I can tell you is that Bremmer is open to seeing a different side of Kelsey.
Bremmer starts this book getting dumped by his girlfriend and if honest he’s not even bothered. He has got so much stress with losing his brother Adam and taking over the company after his dad takes a step back. They need an investor and the board and advisors had told him he needed to be in a relationship awhile or he had no chance of getting the investment. He had explained this to Kelsey who then said why not be a fake relationship with me because that’s one way to stick up two fingers to your bored. After all, they never said he had to be in a relationship with a woman. So These two start off in a fake relationship, but you can just see how much more relaxed and comfortable they are together and it is so obvious there is a chemistry sizzling between them. But there are a couple of little problems and that is because Kelsey doesn’t want to be in a real relationship. He had been hurt when he lost his best friend and It left him seeing things differently and how the way he lives his life. Kelsey is an influencer and has a podcast that is doing extremely well for itself, but it was only a month or so to pretend to be in a fake relationship, so why not do that??
I was so gutted when his book ended I got totally lost and read this book in two sittings. I just didn’t wanna put this book down. I liked grumpy Bremer and seeing the effects that spending time with Kelsey had on him and Kelsey learning to know what a true relationship is, was just magical. Bremmer had a lot to learn about being a relationship with a man, but he was a quick learner and didn’t shy away from any aspect. He was pretty open to most things.
And the banter between them was so good.
I really brilliant read.
It was great to see Robbie and Dunlop story continue in this book.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

💛🖤 Takers ARC Review 🖤💛

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

Takers is a contemporary MM romance and book two in the Upper Echelons series. Bremmer has always identified as straight and never thought he was anything different. He doesn’t want relationships because he’s been used for his money in the past. But after he attends a tantric workshop with his friend Kelsey, he finds himself unable to forget their experiences together. So when Bremmer has a business deal that might fall through if he doesn’t come across as a single playboy, he decides he needs a fake relationship and Kelsey is the only man he will accept, even if it’s not real

This was such a fun read! Bremmer and Kelsey were both anti-relationship and I loved their growth throughout this story. They both had valid reasons for avoiding relationships and I enjoyed how their feelings grew slowly over time. This is such a fun series and I loved the cameos from the first book in this series!

Overall this was a five star read for me! This is such a fun series and I can’t wait to read more! The spice started early on and continued regularly throughout the book, so overall three flames for spice

If you’re a fan of fake romance tropes with broody billionaires, sassy banter and friends to lovers, then absolutely pick this one up! While this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order so you can get the most out of the cameos and overlapping timelines.

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and is Bremmer Palmer's story ,who is Dunlop's older brother, and Kelsey's story who is Robbie's best friend. Kelsey is a sex positive, pan and poly podcaster and Bremmer is the serious and driven CEO of Australis. Bremmer is being pressured from all directions since taking of the company after his older brother Adam died in a car wreck and his father fell to pieces. He has just been dumped by his latest girlfriend. The first time he met Kelsey, he agreed to go to a tantric workshop for masturbation with him. Bremmer feels that Kelsey is a breath of fresh air and makes Bremmer smile. After locking eyes during a particularly intimate moment at the workshop, the two can't stop thinking of each other. Bremmer is being pressured by his board of directors to be in a relationship to look better for investors. Kelsey agrees to be his fake boyfriend to give the board want it wants but still sticking the finger up to them by bringing relationship with a man. their relationship soon turns to fake boyfriend with benefits and they soon develop deep feelings for each other. However, Kelsey has never wanted to be in a relationship before due to the loss of a friend. Can Bremmer change Kelsey's mind and convince him to give them a chance? This was a fun read with plenty of steamy scenes between the two MC's.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two guys afraid to be frank: good pairing💦

4-4.5🌟 stars
CEO Bremmer and podcaster Kelsey are a smokin' pairing that gave this MM romance the heat and heart I wanted. I would characterize the story having a feel-good vibe, with plenty of steam and some nice humor, like Bremmer's wild moves on the dance floor and the numerous times they are interrupted in their intimate moments.

Takers gave me two leads who have some attraction from the start but have issues sharing how they really feel. It's a fake dating trope romance with no hard edges as they start out in a friendly camaraderie and quickly discover that being linked for public consumption and in private feels only too much better than either could have imagined. Their backstories made them bruised, likable characters and somehow the steamy scenes, of which they were plenty, still came across a bit slow burn as I waited for their surrendering-to-it-all moment. I was surprised by the dynamic and which of the guys holds back the most and longest but loved the end.

Good fun.

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

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so fake and I loved it

After seeing Kelsey in Givers, I knew he'd give Bremmer a run for his money. Understatement of the year! As open as Bremmer was closed off, Kelsey never met a subject he wouldn't talk about, even if his talking meant telling everyone he wasn't a relationship type of person. Well... not until Bremmer.
Bremmer and Kelsey both have trauma that haunts them but theirs is a low angst story, full of public dates and private steam. There are also tender moments, laughter, and the realisation that the past shouldn't colour the present in the way that it has for both of them. Watching them dance around each other, unable to stay away but loath to address their 'fake' relationship status, was entertaining, as was seeing where their next assignation would be!
I loved seeing Robbie and Dunlop, and Clay too. The dynamic between the brothers, with their affectionate banter and obvious love, was fun to witness again.
This was an absolute pleasure to read and I wish it was longer because I didn't want to leave them.
Casey has certainly created some memorable characters and Bremmer and Kelsey are no exception.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in series (Upper Echelons), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. Fake relationship. Opposites attract. Slow burn. Dual POV. Bremmer is the stressed out CEO of his family’s business, it was supposed to be his older brother’s job, and his girlfriend just broke up with him so his life is not really going well. Kelsey doesn’t think anything of inviting Bremmer to a tantric masturbation workshop, after all Kelsey is all about living freely, openly, with no shame discussing some of his experiences on his Intosexual podcast. Kelsey doesn’t believe in relationships or love, and Bremmer is straight, so when they start a fake relationship to help Bremmer’s business, there is no worrying about anyone catching feelings and they continue the ruse for almost a year. All of Bremmer and Kelsey’s interactions are full of fun, humor, kindness, and a growing friendship, which eventually include some no strings steamy times. Their honest communication was the best part as they fall in love, spend time together and learn that an unexpected love can be the best experience ever. 4.5 rounded up

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takers is the sequel to Givers, a book I absolutely loved. Dunlop and Robbie are back, but this is Bremmer and Kelsey’s story.
Sex positive Kelsey hosts a podcast, Intosexual, exploring aspects of sexuality that interest his pan, poly nature. He impulsively invites seemingly straight laced CEO Bremmer (the brother of his best friend Robbie’s boyfriend) to a tantric masturbation retreat. To his surprise, Bremmer accepts.
Can I just say how much I adore Casey’s creativity and sense of humor!
From this inauspicious beginning, they become kind of friends. A focus group, a drunken night out caught on film, and a badly needed potential investor big on family values leads to a fake dating scheme. Even though Bremmer is totally straight. Ish.
I loved these two men getting to know each other through carefully orchestrated dates. Their agreement evolves into friends with benefits, and
the way Kelsey steers the conversation about a physical relationship and comfort zones is perfect.
Bremmer, for all his uptight alpha vibes, is very open when it comes to sexuality. When he shares a desire with Kelsey, it’s surprising, but makes sense.
Even after they both have reasons to end their fake(now real) relationship, they don’t. The support Kelsey gave Bremmer gave Kelsey should have clued Bremmer into how Kelsey was changing his anti-relationship stance. It was a surprise when they mentioned how long they had been dating through a time jump.
For as open as they are about their wants in bed, both balk at expressing their desire to make things real.
I loved these two and was so happy when they finally manned up and admitted their feelings.
…And it was fun seeing THAT boardroom scene from Bremmer and Kelsey’s POV.

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - This Upper Echelons world is a lot of fun to read and Bremmer + Kelsey’s story was no exception.

Bremmer Palmer is the CEO of his family’s property development company and feels like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders to make the company successful. After being dumped, he finds himself willing to do just about anything to impress an investor, including pretending to date his brother’s boyfriend’s best friend. Kelsey Gardner is a podcaster who talks about all of his sexual experiences and broadcasts a sex positive message to the world. He introduces Bremmer to a whole new world of sexual things and uses his charm to weasel his way into his heart. These two are a little crazy but so much fun together and their chemistry is insane whenever they’re in a room together. Their relationship started out as fake but quickly turned into something real, something that was intimidating to both of them but also something they didn’t want to live without.

Things were so low angst and accepting between them and I really enjoyed that, but the lack of communication between them drove me crazy. They were so open about so many other things but when it came to things that mattered, they clammed up and I wanted to shake them!

Really curious to see where Clay’s story will take us next and for more glimpses into what Dunlop + Robbie and Bremmer + Kelsey are up to!

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

- billionaire
- fake dating
- opposites attract
- age gap (minor, 34/27)
- bi awakening

Recently dumped and needing to make himself look more desirable to an investor, Bremmer needs to find someone to fake a relationship with until he has won the investor over. When one of the pap's snaps a photo of Kelsey, his brother's boyfriend's best friend, taking care of him after getting too drunk at a club, rumors fly about them dating and that solves his problem. Only, Kelsey isn't anything he expected, mainly because he's a man, and Bremmer is very straight.

The pair spend the next year fake dating, having mind blowing sex, and promising not to catch feelings for each other because Kelsey doesn't do feelings or relationships--something he's built a whole career around with his podcast. There's just something about Bremmer though, and despite his hesitancy to fall for him, he does.

Honestly, I just loved how low angst Bremmer and Kelsey's story was. It was cute and steamy, and their banter had me rolling. Can't wait for Clay's story next!

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this next installment. This started during the action in Givers, so there was some overlap in time to see a couple of things from a different point of view. Bremmer has been struggling with his brother's death and having to take over at the family company. When he is strongly encouraged to get into a relationship to help his company get money, he decides to go against the grain and enter a fake relationship with Kelsey, his brother's friend. Bremmer has never had thoughts about another man until Kelsey, and Kelsey has strongly demanded that there are no feelings allowed in their arrangement. Of course that doesn't hold true as we get a wonderful HEA, but I loved watching them work together. Their miscommunication was a bit much sometimes, but the book was written in a way that it didn't feel like the miscommunication was truly over the top even though it went on forever. Great story, and I look forward to who is next. Oh, and as for Bremmer's brother Clayton, YAY FOR YOU!!!! :-)

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takers has super rom com vibes and I adored it from start to finish, super sweet moments and two men that fail hard at the fake part of the fake dating. Kelsey is this super cool sex positive dude, making a killing career out of his podcast exploring all things sexuality. He meets Bremmer, the super serious and straight CEO and the chemistry is top notch right off the bat. An upcoming business deal and some questionable reporting after they are spotted together lead them to pretending to date for the sake of Bremmers business deal. Their story is full of fake dating adventures mixed in with really super sweet tender moments and ugh just trust me, you’ll enjoy this if you need something sweet, light and low angst. It’s a whole year of them pretending to date but they’re so totally dating and they’re the last to realise it because they promised not to catch feelings dammit. I love me some oblivious boys!

[Tammy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Bremmer and Kelsey's story. From the way we were introduced to their story in "Givers", I knew I was in for a fun read. Kelsey is such a free spirit as compared to the very uptight Bremmer. I loved how Kelsey didn't care about WHO Bremmer was or how much money was in his bank account. He just kinda liked his company. The situations that these two got themselves into totally cracked me up at times. Both of these characters also had some personal setbacks though that really affected the way they looked at dating and happiness. When an innocent interaction is taken as more by the paparrazi, Bremmer and Kelsey find themselves becoming much closer in and out of the bedroom, which in turn leads to some amazing self-realizations.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. This is book 2 in the series and should be read in order. Kelsey met Bremmer in Givers and in it him to a tantric workshop; which he went to. When Bremmer came back his brothers were grilling him to find out what it was about. Kelsey does a podcast and talks about everything having to do with sex. When Bremmer was told that in order to get an investment from a multi millionaire, he had to be in a relationship, Kelsey cooked up that they be fake boyfriends . Taking place over a year, these two started their relationship which ended up as more. Great world building with lots of chemistry and heat between them. Cannot wait to see what’s next.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey and Bremmer were such great characters. I love Kelsey's no shame, no embarrassment stance, he truly is a breath of fresh air. Bremmer might seem the complete opposite, but actually when he's in a safe space with someone he trusts, he's quite a free spirit too. Together they just make sense and there are some very tender moments that tug at your heartstrings. In true Casey style, there is plenty of comedy afoot. A great addition to this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were left with such a titillating teaser from Bremmer and Kelsey at the end of Givers, book one in this series. An introduction to the relaxed happy-go-lucky friendship that could be more.
Their personalities did not give off vibes of being more than compatability, but definitely grew to a relaxed, more meaningful need to be together.
Casey Cox has perfected the art of drawing you into his books, sharing his ideas and characters over a diverse range of themes, one can never become bored or disappointed at the end of each one.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fake relationship becomes so much more

I loved this book! Another phenomenal story by Casey, this one is the tale of Bremen and Kelsey. Two very different men with very different thoughts on love, their journey will take them through a range of emotions. I love the way their relationship changes and develops as the story unfolds. Their banter adds yet another amazing layer to this tale and helps to make it an absolute must read!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Jo Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey hits the mark again in this story. Bremmer is an overworked person supporting everyone but himself and Kelsey is anti relationship because he doesn't want to get hurt but he doesn't know that yet. What starts as a fake relationship for a business deal morphes into something else completely. Loved the boardroom scene with Robbie and Dunlop. Fantastic follow up in this new series and can't wait for the next chapter.

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey and Bremmer

This was a cute book about Kelsey (who was afraid of falling for someone and having them be taken away from him) and Bremmer (who fell for a guy the first time but he is unavailable) while helping Bremmer’s ‘image’ by fake dating. Their banter is very cute and funny, and Kelsey brings Bremmer out of his shell wonderfully. Very good addition to the Upper Echelons series.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series!

I loved Takers by Casey Cox. It's the second book in the Upper Echelons series. This is one of the better fake dating books that I've read. It's not one of my favorite tropes, but I loved Bremmer and Kelsey and how their fake/real relationship evolved. I also loved that we got to see Dunlop and Robbie's wedding. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I read this book using the Kindle unlimited program.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey and Bremmer are two fully developed, uniquely wonderful MC's in a well written and captivating story, with a great mix of seriousness and laughs, and a dash of spice.
Kelsey and Bremmer give new meaning to avoidance and denial, yet still manage to fall helplessly in love after forming a surprising connection while fake dating.
I really enjoyed this engaging story and I would definitely recommend it.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can a book be equally hilarious and boring af?

I really laughed out loud quite a few times, but other times I thought 'okay go on, this is boring'.

You could have made more out of this masturbation workshop. Also they waited a year to fuck and the scene wasnt very intersting? WTF - literally.

So 2,5 stars, very generously rounded up to 5