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Men of Fairlake #1
My Best Friend’s Secret
I thought falling in love with my best friend would be the biggest shock of my life. I couldn’t have been more wrong…
Coming back home with my tail between my legs after a bitter divorce and a failed business venture isn’t exactly the life I’d envisioned for myself.
At least there’s Bennett. Strong and steady as always, even if there is a simmering anger in him that wasn’t there when we were boys.
When that anger finally boils over, I’m braced for a fight, but what I get instead… is a kiss.
A kiss that changes everything.
But a surprise visit threatens the new life Bennett and I are beginning to build together. Now I’m faced with an impossible Return to the safe, predictable life I’d always planned on with my ex-wife…
Or take a chance on the unexpected love of a lifetime.
* * *
My Best Friend’s Secret is a friends-to-lovers, bi-awakening romance set in the cozy little town of Fairlake. And while Adam and Bennett will have cameos in future stories, each book in this series can be read as a standalone.
Coming back home with my tail between my legs after a bitter divorce and a failed business venture isn’t exactly the life I’d envisioned for myself.
At least there’s Bennett. Strong and steady as always, even if there is a simmering anger in him that wasn’t there when we were boys.
When that anger finally boils over, I’m braced for a fight, but what I get instead… is a kiss.
A kiss that changes everything.
But a surprise visit threatens the new life Bennett and I are beginning to build together. Now I’m faced with an impossible Return to the safe, predictable life I’d always planned on with my ex-wife…
Or take a chance on the unexpected love of a lifetime.
* * *
My Best Friend’s Secret is a friends-to-lovers, bi-awakening romance set in the cozy little town of Fairlake. And while Adam and Bennett will have cameos in future stories, each book in this series can be read as a standalone.
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2023
1140 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
About the author
Romeo Alexander
93 books628 followersRomeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
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April 18, 2023
bennett deserved better. that's really all i have to say. 😐
July 9, 2025
"You left me. In every way that it's possible to leave someone. And you come back here battered, broken, tail between your legs, and you think that somehow gives you the right to treat me like shit."
WHACK HIM FOR ME.
Oop—he actually whacked him? Hahaha never been more excited about a punch.
You know what, maybe I DO condone violence in some situations because Adam had it cominggggg.
Alright, picture this. Adam and Bennet. Best friends since childhood. Bennet in love with Adam since they were 14. Adam straighter than an arrow.
Bennett never confesses. Adam gets married, moves away for a decade, and during that time, slowly forgets about his bestie, talking to him less and less.
Book starts with Adam, divorced, having recently moved back home and Bennett, now a cop, only hearing about it through the grapevine. (tbf he knew vaguely that Adam would return, just not when, or THAT IT HAD ALREADY HAPPENED)
As always, Bennet puts his shit aside and goes to be there for his friend. No questions, no recriminations. Few weeks in, they're at a gay bar and one of Bennet's friends mentions that B wants to date a specific unnamed person and has wanted to for a while.
And straight, ghosting best friend Adam goes into a rage???? Literally doesn't know why but he's so angry at the idea that his 'best friend' (whom he has told almost nothing about his life the past decade and didn't tell when he'd be back in town) could have the audacity to keep 'something important' from him.
"Why do you even care?" was the most satisfying thing (aside from the eventual punch) because, yes, Adam, why DO you care?
And when I tell you this man was actually fuming about it 😂😂. Self-awareness in the mud. Great day to be a hypocrite.
Except not. Because Bennet was NOT having that shit. Thanks be to God.
I've been WANTING an MC who rakes the other over the coals for a timeeeeee. B came out swinging (literally AND figuratively) haha and I was here for it.
Including the part where things ended up in bed.
Huge fan.
From that point on, this has what feels like a very realistic portrayal of a bi-awakening. The desire is very present, but so is the (non-sexual) hesitation. It's not a kiss and sudden illumination.
Of courseeeee lover boy B is there the whole time and clocked in to ensure the journey is WITH him💀
Five MONTHS of slow steps. Slow escalation. And finally, finally, JUST when it got to the point where they could say they'd done everything they wanted.... the ex wife shows up wanting her man back.
My one nitpick is that this story relies on a trope I detest😭😭😭😭like why did it have to be that?
And B once again decides to fade into the background. Because he's been here before.
He's been left for this woman before.
She's offering something he can't.
It doesn't help that their post-coital pillow talk the first time they did anal was about her.
And lemme digress a bit because how tf do you have sex with this person then IMMEDIATELY launch into a monologue about how you've come to realize you were just as much at fault for your divorce as your ex was, how you hope that one day you will get to tell her that.
Like, I HATE when MCs abdicate their place in the other's life, but given all this shit, I don't blame B for lowkey ghosting him after that.
And can we just discuss the beauty of Adam getting a taste of his own medicine? Granted, his was a slow ghost over the course of a decade and B soft ghosted him(there via text but pretty much talking to him like HR) for a few weeks, but at least he got a teaser so he could extrapolate what B felt all those years.
Especially now that they'd basically been dating and living under each other's skin for almost half a year.
Even with how much I love B, my favorite person in this is Adam's mom.
"You've been having relations?!"
💀
Yes, ma'am. They've been.....relating quite a bit.
Her hitting Adam with a spatula MULTIPLE times was my favorite scene.
And him justifying it by saying it was B's idea. 🙄
"It was his idea because that boy has always done what he needed to in order to keep you around."
Love a mother who mothers. Actually, call that parents. Because his dad's the one who reported Adam to his mom for kissing on B💀😂.
They would NOT get their feet off his neck. I love that they didn't just coddle him and justify what he'd been on. Do you really have a months long affair with your best friend who's been in love with you for decades and then sit around waiting for him to come make things okay while you stay with your pregnant wife?
At what point do you realize that life isn't happening to you and that both of these people are going off what they believe you want because you haven't fucking pronounced yourself on the issue?
Basically asked that man, DO YOU EVEN LOVE THIS WOMAN? WHY TF IS HER WEDDING RING ON AGAIN 💀
All's well that ends well, though (well—maybe not for the almost ex wife turned auditioning wife turned jilted new mom?
But who cares. This isn't about her.
The ridiculousness of their reunion was off the charts, though. Because why's B bursting into the labor ward like it's his baby💀(pre-reunion mind you)
Why are Adam and B gazing at each other adoringly while she pushes 😂
That's cold.
At least they waited till after she gave birth to do the declarations, though? And after everything, I love how Adam had to literally chase that man down and shove his love at him.
As cheesy as it sounds, I like that everything of theirs is in reverse. I love that sex simplified things for them.
That said.
Needing your lifelong bestie turned boyfriend to hold your hand while you tell your soon to be ex wife who JUST had your baby that you're definitely getting a divorce is crazy.
Hell, I didn't like the wife but even I thought the timing could have been better.
And the conversation? A movie 😂😂😂she's all..... Why didn't you just tell me? I wouldn't have tried to make you stay with me.
***significant silence from both men(because, well.....evidence to the contrary)
"What kind of manipulative bitch do you think I am?"
"All things considered, I probably shouldn't answer that."
💀💀💀💀💀
Yes, Adam. Maybe you shouldn't. You're about to spend the rest of your life coparenting with this person. Maybe a little tact. As a treat.
This man had nothing to say for years but when he started speaking I bet she wished he'd just....not.
As unrealistic as the whole scene was, I lowkey also loved that once she was over her shock, she was at the exact latitude and longitude to unionize with B. Because, yes.
Why are both her AND B hurt simply because Adam couldn't say what was on his chest?
I loved the fuck out of this one.
Not sure I forgive Adam for the decade long sabbatical from their friendship, though.
Because if his wife hadn't asked for a divorce and taken him to the cleaners, would he ever have come home? Would he have repaired the friendship with B? Would he even have noticed that something was off?
We'll never know.
What we do know, though, is they end up happily together with multiple kids and a heated sex life.
And you know what? I'm good with that.
Yay for B.
Adam's alright.
WHACK HIM FOR ME.
Oop—he actually whacked him? Hahaha never been more excited about a punch.
You know what, maybe I DO condone violence in some situations because Adam had it cominggggg.
Alright, picture this. Adam and Bennet. Best friends since childhood. Bennet in love with Adam since they were 14. Adam straighter than an arrow.
Bennett never confesses. Adam gets married, moves away for a decade, and during that time, slowly forgets about his bestie, talking to him less and less.
Book starts with Adam, divorced, having recently moved back home and Bennett, now a cop, only hearing about it through the grapevine. (tbf he knew vaguely that Adam would return, just not when, or THAT IT HAD ALREADY HAPPENED)
As always, Bennet puts his shit aside and goes to be there for his friend. No questions, no recriminations. Few weeks in, they're at a gay bar and one of Bennet's friends mentions that B wants to date a specific unnamed person and has wanted to for a while.
And straight, ghosting best friend Adam goes into a rage???? Literally doesn't know why but he's so angry at the idea that his 'best friend' (whom he has told almost nothing about his life the past decade and didn't tell when he'd be back in town) could have the audacity to keep 'something important' from him.
"Why do you even care?" was the most satisfying thing (aside from the eventual punch) because, yes, Adam, why DO you care?
And when I tell you this man was actually fuming about it 😂😂. Self-awareness in the mud. Great day to be a hypocrite.
Except not. Because Bennet was NOT having that shit. Thanks be to God.
I've been WANTING an MC who rakes the other over the coals for a timeeeeee. B came out swinging (literally AND figuratively) haha and I was here for it.
Including the part where things ended up in bed.
Huge fan.
From that point on, this has what feels like a very realistic portrayal of a bi-awakening. The desire is very present, but so is the (non-sexual) hesitation. It's not a kiss and sudden illumination.
Of courseeeee lover boy B is there the whole time and clocked in to ensure the journey is WITH him💀
Five MONTHS of slow steps. Slow escalation. And finally, finally, JUST when it got to the point where they could say they'd done everything they wanted.... the ex wife shows up wanting her man back.
My one nitpick is that this story relies on a trope I detest😭😭😭😭like why did it have to be that?
And B once again decides to fade into the background. Because he's been here before.
He's been left for this woman before.
She's offering something he can't.
It doesn't help that their post-coital pillow talk the first time they did anal was about her.
And lemme digress a bit because how tf do you have sex with this person then IMMEDIATELY launch into a monologue about how you've come to realize you were just as much at fault for your divorce as your ex was, how you hope that one day you will get to tell her that.
Like, I HATE when MCs abdicate their place in the other's life, but given all this shit, I don't blame B for lowkey ghosting him after that.
And can we just discuss the beauty of Adam getting a taste of his own medicine? Granted, his was a slow ghost over the course of a decade and B soft ghosted him(there via text but pretty much talking to him like HR) for a few weeks, but at least he got a teaser so he could extrapolate what B felt all those years.
Especially now that they'd basically been dating and living under each other's skin for almost half a year.
Even with how much I love B, my favorite person in this is Adam's mom.
"You've been having relations?!"
💀
Yes, ma'am. They've been.....relating quite a bit.
Her hitting Adam with a spatula MULTIPLE times was my favorite scene.
And him justifying it by saying it was B's idea. 🙄
"It was his idea because that boy has always done what he needed to in order to keep you around."
Love a mother who mothers. Actually, call that parents. Because his dad's the one who reported Adam to his mom for kissing on B💀😂.
They would NOT get their feet off his neck. I love that they didn't just coddle him and justify what he'd been on. Do you really have a months long affair with your best friend who's been in love with you for decades and then sit around waiting for him to come make things okay while you stay with your pregnant wife?
At what point do you realize that life isn't happening to you and that both of these people are going off what they believe you want because you haven't fucking pronounced yourself on the issue?
Basically asked that man, DO YOU EVEN LOVE THIS WOMAN? WHY TF IS HER WEDDING RING ON AGAIN 💀
All's well that ends well, though (well—maybe not for the almost ex wife turned auditioning wife turned jilted new mom?
But who cares. This isn't about her.
The ridiculousness of their reunion was off the charts, though. Because why's B bursting into the labor ward like it's his baby💀(pre-reunion mind you)
Why are Adam and B gazing at each other adoringly while she pushes 😂
That's cold.
At least they waited till after she gave birth to do the declarations, though? And after everything, I love how Adam had to literally chase that man down and shove his love at him.
As cheesy as it sounds, I like that everything of theirs is in reverse. I love that sex simplified things for them.
That said.
Needing your lifelong bestie turned boyfriend to hold your hand while you tell your soon to be ex wife who JUST had your baby that you're definitely getting a divorce is crazy.
Hell, I didn't like the wife but even I thought the timing could have been better.
And the conversation? A movie 😂😂😂she's all..... Why didn't you just tell me? I wouldn't have tried to make you stay with me.
***significant silence from both men(because, well.....evidence to the contrary)
"What kind of manipulative bitch do you think I am?"
"All things considered, I probably shouldn't answer that."
💀💀💀💀💀
Yes, Adam. Maybe you shouldn't. You're about to spend the rest of your life coparenting with this person. Maybe a little tact. As a treat.
This man had nothing to say for years but when he started speaking I bet she wished he'd just....not.
As unrealistic as the whole scene was, I lowkey also loved that once she was over her shock, she was at the exact latitude and longitude to unionize with B. Because, yes.
Why are both her AND B hurt simply because Adam couldn't say what was on his chest?
I loved the fuck out of this one.
Not sure I forgive Adam for the decade long sabbatical from their friendship, though.
Because if his wife hadn't asked for a divorce and taken him to the cleaners, would he ever have come home? Would he have repaired the friendship with B? Would he even have noticed that something was off?
We'll never know.
What we do know, though, is they end up happily together with multiple kids and a heated sex life.
And you know what? I'm good with that.
Yay for B.
Adam's alright.
April 7, 2023
My major beefs: First, too predictable. This felt like a story I’ve read a couple hundred times. No new ground was covered and I won’t remember anything about it in another month. Second, snorts and chuckles. Kindle tells me that a character snorted or said something ‘with a chuckle’ 137 times. A smaller number than I would’ve guessed, bc it felt like every other paragraph, but it was 100 times too many. Third, a ton of groundwork was laid for future stories, something I’m never down for at the best of times and certainly wasn’t here since it often felt forced and awkward, what with all the random, tangential characters and storylines that were introduced. Fourth, the plot took a weird turn towards the end with the Bree subplot. It came out of nowhere and felt clunky and totally out of place.
All that said, I didn’t hate it and I don’t know why.
All that said, I didn’t hate it and I don’t know why.
January 26, 2023
Adam is an insensitive dick throughout most of this book. And I wasn't a fan of all the references and conversations about other characters who I assume have their own books in this same fictional town.
November 11, 2024
“God, have I ever mentioned how much I love it when you get a dirty mouth?”
4.25⭐
Okay so give me a childhood friends to lovers romance and I eat it up every single fucking time. This is no different. Did it break the mold? No. But I dont give a single fuck to be honest because I like this type of shit. A friend in love with another, bam kiss, bam fucking, bam drama, bam HEA. I got it, so Im happy. Did I get the amount of angst and emotional damage that I love in these types of books? No this was a low drama low emotional trauma type of deal and I cant knock it for that. What I can knock it down a star for is the amount of snorts and chuckles these fellas were doing and the fact I felt like I was getting TOO much information on side characters that obviously are a part of this series. I mean I would of loved if it was them hanging out, like when they visited Bennett and shit, or when we saw some of them at teh bar. But I felt like we were gossiping about these fuckers too much, keep it going fellas, I dont need to know all the dirty details absolute their book. Anyways, I got a good Epilogue and two best friends fucking and loving each other so I am doing good folks. Also I read some comments about Adam being like an asshole or some shit? I didnt see it. He was fine.
4.25⭐
Okay so give me a childhood friends to lovers romance and I eat it up every single fucking time. This is no different. Did it break the mold? No. But I dont give a single fuck to be honest because I like this type of shit. A friend in love with another, bam kiss, bam fucking, bam drama, bam HEA. I got it, so Im happy. Did I get the amount of angst and emotional damage that I love in these types of books? No this was a low drama low emotional trauma type of deal and I cant knock it for that. What I can knock it down a star for is the amount of snorts and chuckles these fellas were doing and the fact I felt like I was getting TOO much information on side characters that obviously are a part of this series. I mean I would of loved if it was them hanging out, like when they visited Bennett and shit, or when we saw some of them at teh bar. But I felt like we were gossiping about these fuckers too much, keep it going fellas, I dont need to know all the dirty details absolute their book. Anyways, I got a good Epilogue and two best friends fucking and loving each other so I am doing good folks. Also I read some comments about Adam being like an asshole or some shit? I didnt see it. He was fine.
December 31, 2024
Adam and Bennett were best friends until Adam moved away, and they lost track of one another. After Adam's failed marriage, he returned to his hometown of Fairlake. The two meet up again and spend a great deal of time together. Bennett doesn't know how to handle his feelings for Adam. Nothing has changed as far as his feelings are concerned, after all, he's been in love with his best and supposedly straight friend for a very long time...at least most of his life. No sooner are they back on good terms than unforeseen complications begin to arise.
You have to love Bennett. He is so very likable, warm and humorous. There were some really funny moments with him also.... like the lengths he goes to when he's trying to keep his boss, the chief of police, from finding him. Adam, on the other hand, is mostly a very quiet guy, but there are many things to like about him for also. You will just want to hug him and assure him everything will work out alright when you find out what a horrible, vile person his ex-wife is and what she has put him through.
The story is entertaining and diverting while featuring very interesting side characters. This is part of the Men of Fairlake Series...it looks like this book was published just shortly before the first book of the series, a teaser so to speak...so even though there are characters popping up from the other books. It really doesn't make much of a difference or take anything away from the story, however the remainder of the series should be read in order. I ended 2024 reads on a very high note. Thank you, Mr. Alexander.
You have to love Bennett. He is so very likable, warm and humorous. There were some really funny moments with him also.... like the lengths he goes to when he's trying to keep his boss, the chief of police, from finding him. Adam, on the other hand, is mostly a very quiet guy, but there are many things to like about him for also. You will just want to hug him and assure him everything will work out alright when you find out what a horrible, vile person his ex-wife is and what she has put him through.
The story is entertaining and diverting while featuring very interesting side characters. This is part of the Men of Fairlake Series...it looks like this book was published just shortly before the first book of the series, a teaser so to speak...so even though there are characters popping up from the other books. It really doesn't make much of a difference or take anything away from the story, however the remainder of the series should be read in order. I ended 2024 reads on a very high note. Thank you, Mr. Alexander.
March 19, 2023
Pomimo ogranego tematu, wszystko się w sumie fajnie rozwijało. Przede wszystkim - kiedy już doszło do pierwszego, gniewnego pocałunku i pierwszego zbliżenia seksualnego - nie było udawania, uciekania, nieporozumień, świrowania. Była rzeczowa rozmowa i od tej pory komunikacja między bohaterami była niemalże wzorowa, co było miłą odmianą od większości jednak historii. Ale potem, pod koniec książki, 👀 I to było do kitu, zupełnie niepotrzebnie historia poszła w tę stronę 😕 I to zmaściło mi odbiór książki...
August 21, 2023
Romeo delivers another solid series opener
I do love a best friend's to lovers romance, especially when it's coupled with a bisexual awakening.
I'm not as keen on the horrible ex wife trope bit fortunately that ends up not being as bad as on first impressions.
Adam and Bennett's friendship had got a bit battered but I liked how they reconnected and Adam's dawning realisation of his attraction was well done.
It's a solid setting as well with plenty of other people to discover mote about.
I do love a best friend's to lovers romance, especially when it's coupled with a bisexual awakening.
I'm not as keen on the horrible ex wife trope bit fortunately that ends up not being as bad as on first impressions.
Adam and Bennett's friendship had got a bit battered but I liked how they reconnected and Adam's dawning realisation of his attraction was well done.
It's a solid setting as well with plenty of other people to discover mote about.
dnf
October 25, 2023I have tried this author before but ended up DNF. But this one seemed right up my alley so I went for it. Without reading any reviews. Big mistake. Oh the disappointment.
I was not too keen on a dream making someone bisexual, without any other signs but I kept on.
Bennett was full on but funny, so that was ok as well.
Adam was not great though, he did not talk and I did not like him as a person either.
There were just too many characters being set up for future books. I don't usually mind it but there were a lot. Still, I carried on.
But then the pregnant ex-wife bit was just too much. I hate that trope so much, so had to let go. Sorry, not sorry.
I was not too keen on a dream making someone bisexual, without any other signs but I kept on.
Bennett was full on but funny, so that was ok as well.
Adam was not great though, he did not talk and I did not like him as a person either.
There were just too many characters being set up for future books. I don't usually mind it but there were a lot. Still, I carried on.
But then the pregnant ex-wife bit was just too much. I hate that trope so much, so had to let go. Sorry, not sorry.
April 7, 2023
Evil ex-wife, ugh but ok. I'm not a fan but it's certainly popular.
Leading up to their first kiss, one of them punches the other in the face??? He doesn't even apologize and they both agree the guy who got punched had it coming. I almost DNFd right there but I had a morbid curiosity.
Then, the ex-wife shows up, pregnant (although, surprise, they're not officially divorced yet 🙄).
There's also a lot of nonsense about the side characters, obviously setting up the next few books in the series.
Leading up to their first kiss, one of them punches the other in the face??? He doesn't even apologize and they both agree the guy who got punched had it coming. I almost DNFd right there but I had a morbid curiosity.
Then, the ex-wife shows up, pregnant (although, surprise, they're not officially divorced yet 🙄).
There's also a lot of nonsense about the side characters, obviously setting up the next few books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
May 30, 2023I skimmed this after the 44% mark but I knew what was going to happen. The book was dragging with extra info about the other people in the town. If the book stayed on the story of Bennett and Adam I’d have liked it better. But I’m not a fan of the ex wife who is supposedly evil and then she comes back and **SPOILER** she’s pregnant. All of a sudden she’s not evil and they all work out with everyone being happy. Ehh, predictable and boring, not to mention frustrating.
Also, I’ve read a few book recently where the straight friend falls for the gay friend and I don’t buy it. Adam has one sex dream about Bennett after never thinking about another man before and all of a sudden he’s attracted to him? I did read one part where his ex-wife asked if he was bisexual now and he said something along the lines of “bi for Bennett”. This is the new way of doing “gay for you” which I thought was a thing of the past. It’s an annoying trope that I feel is something sone readers get off on and if it isn’t done right it feels disrespectful and wrong. Can someone feel attraction for someone of the opposite sex after never feeling that way before? Yes, absolutely. But I don’t like the way it’s written in some of these books lately. This is the third book in the last couple of months that has been written this way and I just didn’t buy the attraction. That’s just my opinion.
Also, I’ve read a few book recently where the straight friend falls for the gay friend and I don’t buy it. Adam has one sex dream about Bennett after never thinking about another man before and all of a sudden he’s attracted to him? I did read one part where his ex-wife asked if he was bisexual now and he said something along the lines of “bi for Bennett”. This is the new way of doing “gay for you” which I thought was a thing of the past. It’s an annoying trope that I feel is something sone readers get off on and if it isn’t done right it feels disrespectful and wrong. Can someone feel attraction for someone of the opposite sex after never feeling that way before? Yes, absolutely. But I don’t like the way it’s written in some of these books lately. This is the third book in the last couple of months that has been written this way and I just didn’t buy the attraction. That’s just my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
This was an awesome book! I loved Adam and Bennett together. These two were wonderful together and the steam and love was amazing. You get all kind of feels with Adam and Bennett but also they have some issues to work out and some drama to overcome but they do get a really sweet HEA. This is the first book in a new series and if the rest of the books are like this one, then we are in for one heck of a ride; I can't wait for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2023
Stars deducted for:
- Another MM series where the group of friends have not only slept with each other in the past, but they also make numerous references to it - ick.
- Standard (boring) ex wife drama
- Adam. I just didn't really like him
- Bennett's friends - Didn't like them all that much either.
- Another MM series where the group of friends have not only slept with each other in the past, but they also make numerous references to it - ick.
- Standard (boring) ex wife drama
- Adam. I just didn't really like him
- Bennett's friends - Didn't like them all that much either.
February 3, 2023
This was a decent book until , which ruined the last part of the book for me.
I liked the two main characters and the narration (of the audiobook), though.
I liked the two main characters and the narration (of the audiobook), though.
February 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and it had an epilogue 💕
January 23, 2023
Could not put this book down
I have just got to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the banter and the romance and the passion and the heartache of this Reese I honestly could not read it fast enough.
Adam had returned to his hometown after filing for divorce. He had a toxic relationship with his wife and they could not spend any time together without arguing so he came home move back in with his parents and thought about what he was going to do now.
Bennett is an openly happy gay policeman who everybody just enjoyed being around. Except his chief maybe who seem to want to kill him most days . He had a really playful way about him. And when he hears that his best friend has returned without telling him he rushes over to Adam‘s home to see him. And this is where he heard that he was in his room drinking loads and not coping. Bennett is like a second son to the family who had still been going round to see them at least once a week within the many years that Adam was away. He knows how to get to Adam and he make sure that he gets the reaction he wants. And it’s Bennett that brings Adam back to life. The only issue was that Adam had no idea that his best friend Bennett was madly in love with him Coming back and spending time with Bennett had been the best thing he had ever done. Adam knew he hurt him but he was hoping to make it up to him so when Bennett suggested they go to a gay bar Adam agrees. And this night Adam finds out a few things . Including about Bennetts feelings You see they shared a kiss and this started him on a whole new relationship. Adam wasn’t sure about how he felt so they were taking every day as it came and they were going so well they just click. there is something special about this bond between these men. But then as always something comes along that can ruin everything.
I absolutely adore Bennett I thought he was the best friend anybody could ever have. Adam is quiet takes things at a slower pace think things through but then Bennett knows how to bring out the best in him and they are just absolutely adorable together. The passion that they feel for one another, the chemistry is off the charts everything is so effortless there’s something extremely special and my heart broke in that section of the book and I was so glad on the decision that was made and I’m not telling you anymore cause I don’t wanna give it away but this book is amazing and I really Can’t wait to read more about the men of fairlake.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have just got to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the banter and the romance and the passion and the heartache of this Reese I honestly could not read it fast enough.
Adam had returned to his hometown after filing for divorce. He had a toxic relationship with his wife and they could not spend any time together without arguing so he came home move back in with his parents and thought about what he was going to do now.
Bennett is an openly happy gay policeman who everybody just enjoyed being around. Except his chief maybe who seem to want to kill him most days . He had a really playful way about him. And when he hears that his best friend has returned without telling him he rushes over to Adam‘s home to see him. And this is where he heard that he was in his room drinking loads and not coping. Bennett is like a second son to the family who had still been going round to see them at least once a week within the many years that Adam was away. He knows how to get to Adam and he make sure that he gets the reaction he wants. And it’s Bennett that brings Adam back to life. The only issue was that Adam had no idea that his best friend Bennett was madly in love with him Coming back and spending time with Bennett had been the best thing he had ever done. Adam knew he hurt him but he was hoping to make it up to him so when Bennett suggested they go to a gay bar Adam agrees. And this night Adam finds out a few things . Including about Bennetts feelings You see they shared a kiss and this started him on a whole new relationship. Adam wasn’t sure about how he felt so they were taking every day as it came and they were going so well they just click. there is something special about this bond between these men. But then as always something comes along that can ruin everything.
I absolutely adore Bennett I thought he was the best friend anybody could ever have. Adam is quiet takes things at a slower pace think things through but then Bennett knows how to bring out the best in him and they are just absolutely adorable together. The passion that they feel for one another, the chemistry is off the charts everything is so effortless there’s something extremely special and my heart broke in that section of the book and I was so glad on the decision that was made and I’m not telling you anymore cause I don’t wanna give it away but this book is amazing and I really Can’t wait to read more about the men of fairlake.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2023
Another Romeo novel, another wonderful couple to love
A new series and another winner. There are many characters in this book to love but, of course, Bennett and Adam took centre stage and shone.
Bennett was like an eager puppy, bounding about, happy all the time, cuddly and totally loveable. Adam was much more reserved, not so touchy-feely, a thinker who procrastinates. Best friends since childhood, Adam left his lovelorn friend behind ten years ago.
Despite being total opposites the two men fit together perfectly, though I have to admit, I wanted to punch Adam more than once for his complete lack of responsibility for anything when it comes to Bennett. They were special together, especially once Adam got his head out of his backside towards the end. I just wanted to hug Bennett all the way through.
Special mention has to go to Adam's parents, Diane and Erik. They were hilarious and wonderful, such great characters that stole every scene they were in.
I loved Chase and Isaiah too, and can't wait for Isaiah's story with Julian next.
A new series and another winner. There are many characters in this book to love but, of course, Bennett and Adam took centre stage and shone.
Bennett was like an eager puppy, bounding about, happy all the time, cuddly and totally loveable. Adam was much more reserved, not so touchy-feely, a thinker who procrastinates. Best friends since childhood, Adam left his lovelorn friend behind ten years ago.
Despite being total opposites the two men fit together perfectly, though I have to admit, I wanted to punch Adam more than once for his complete lack of responsibility for anything when it comes to Bennett. They were special together, especially once Adam got his head out of his backside towards the end. I just wanted to hug Bennett all the way through.
Special mention has to go to Adam's parents, Diane and Erik. They were hilarious and wonderful, such great characters that stole every scene they were in.
I loved Chase and Isaiah too, and can't wait for Isaiah's story with Julian next.
January 30, 2024
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions. Bennett is a wonderful guy who I fell in love with instantly, but Adam took a bit more convincing. The spicy scenes were light but did the job lol. This was my first time with anything by Romeo Alexander, and I have to admit the writing is a little simple and repetitive. With that said though I found it to be an enjoyable read and I do want to read more about the Men of Fairlake along with looking into Alexander’s other series.
July 23, 2024
I felt like there were a lot of arguments that came out of nowhere and escalated so quickly I was left wondering what the hell had happened. Like, why were some of these people friends? Adam was a douche canoe. A lot of stuff just seemed to happen for the sake of happening rather than making sense for the story or characters. I finished the story for Bennett. He deserved a happy ending, even if it wasn’t great.
March 18, 2025
This was my second book by this author and I’m thinking they may not be my cuppa. Suuuper low angst and heat and I definitely like more meat in my stories 😉
That said, I liked the couple and the side characters a lot. I especially enjoyed that Adam’s ex Bri was portrayed as a reasonable human and that they all ended up being a great family for their son.
That said, I liked the couple and the side characters a lot. I especially enjoyed that Adam’s ex Bri was portrayed as a reasonable human and that they all ended up being a great family for their son.
March 28, 2023
This is a 5/5 for me. Bennett and Adam have been best friends for years. Bennett came out to Adam and it did not affect their friendship. Adam is very comfortable with his heterosexuality. Adam moves to Boston and gets married and he and Bennett lose contact with each other. But Adams’s life does not go as he planned and he has to move back home to Fairlake. He and his wife are going through a nasty divorce. Once Adam gets home, Bennett decides to still be his best friend and be there for him. He helps find Adam jobs and the two men grow closer. But one night they get into and argument and Bennett hits him and then kisses him. The men start exploring what a relationship would be like but trying to be discreet. This is very romantic but Adam’s wife shows up unexpectedly. Adam is still adjusting to being with a man and he has some unresolved issues with his wife. Will Adam take a chance or will he go with what he knows?
did-not-finish
December 10, 2023i’m already skimming at 14% .. can’t yall write better developed characters that aren’t such a bore?
January 22, 2023
This is a small town friends to lovers MM romance with strong characters in Adam and Bennett. The author does a great job developing the story and had me hooked reading with the humor and romance. It's well written with descriptive scenes and is a great start to a new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 21, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Two friends after years finds love together. Bennett has loved Adam for years but lets him leave to find his own way. Adam returns and friendship turns to love when Adam faces his own feelings. There is minor hiccups but they form a loving marriage together.
October 28, 2023
I was ready to give this book 4+ stars because I really liked the beginning but then one specific trope happened.
That ruined it for me.
I’m really mad about it because I hate that special kind of surprise so much in my romance books. It’s just lazy writing for me because the author couldn’t think of an idea of their own to cause (unnecessary) drama.
Yes, I’m talking about the pregnancy trope, so be warned.
That ruined it for me.
I’m really mad about it because I hate that special kind of surprise so much in my romance books. It’s just lazy writing for me because the author couldn’t think of an idea of their own to cause (unnecessary) drama.
Yes, I’m talking about the pregnancy trope, so be warned.
January 4, 2024
Ich mag Geschichten über beste Freunde zu Liebhabern, also war ich schon neugierig auf diese her. Romeo Alexander hat einen tollen locker-leichten und flüssigen Schreibstil, der es mir leicht machte, schnell in die Geschichte einzutauchen.
Adam und Bennett sind beste Freunde, bis Adam wegzieht und sie sich aus den Augen verlieren. Nach einer gescheiterten Ehe kehrt Adam in seine Heimatstadt Fairlake zurück.
Und so treffen sich die beiden wieder und verbringen auch viel Zeit miteinander. Aber wie geht man damit um, wenn man schon lange in seinen besten Hetero-Freund verliebt ist?
Kaum haben sich die beiden versöhnt, kommt es zu unvorhergesehenen Komplikationen.
Bennett muss man einfach lieben. Er ist sehr sympathisch, warmherzig und humorvoll. Es gab einige herrlich komische Momente mit Bennett, dessen Taten mich zum Schmunzeln brachten. Adam hingegen ist eher ein ruhiger und nachdenklicher Typ, aber auch ihn mochte ich sehr.
Die Geschichte ist unterhaltsam und kurzweilig und bietet interessante Nebenfiguren, von denen ich hoffe, bald mehr zu lesen!
Adam und Bennett sind beste Freunde, bis Adam wegzieht und sie sich aus den Augen verlieren. Nach einer gescheiterten Ehe kehrt Adam in seine Heimatstadt Fairlake zurück.
Und so treffen sich die beiden wieder und verbringen auch viel Zeit miteinander. Aber wie geht man damit um, wenn man schon lange in seinen besten Hetero-Freund verliebt ist?
Kaum haben sich die beiden versöhnt, kommt es zu unvorhergesehenen Komplikationen.
Bennett muss man einfach lieben. Er ist sehr sympathisch, warmherzig und humorvoll. Es gab einige herrlich komische Momente mit Bennett, dessen Taten mich zum Schmunzeln brachten. Adam hingegen ist eher ein ruhiger und nachdenklicher Typ, aber auch ihn mochte ich sehr.
Die Geschichte ist unterhaltsam und kurzweilig und bietet interessante Nebenfiguren, von denen ich hoffe, bald mehr zu lesen!
February 4, 2023
I enjoyed this book, it was a good story. I especially enjoyed the beginning as Adam and Bennet found each other again and reconnected. The middle section dragged slightly and was a little predictable, but overall this was an enjoyable story.
I listened to this title on audio, narrated by Michael Dean. The audio narration was excellent, the characters' voices were distinct and he brought them to life. Recommended as a sweet small-town best-friends-to-lovers romance.
I listened to this title on audio, narrated by Michael Dean. The audio narration was excellent, the characters' voices were distinct and he brought them to life. Recommended as a sweet small-town best-friends-to-lovers romance.
April 7, 2024
I hated Adam for 90% of the book. For a grown man he seemed incapable of having mature discussions with Bennett and Bri. Would he have even realized he was in love with Bennett if his parents hadn’t pushed? 🙄 But I am interested in the side characters enough to read the next one before deciding whether or not to give up on the series.
June 11, 2024
old post reposted
Not sure what I want to read right now (reading slump mixed with mild seasonal depression). However, Romeo Alexander's "Men of Fairlake" has been on my TBR list for a while now, so I figured I'd start there. The first novel is "My Best Friend's Secret."
["I thought falling in love with my best friend would be the biggest shock of my life. I couldn’t have been more wrong…
Coming back home with my tail between my legs after a bitter divorce and a failed business venture isn’t exactly the life I’d envisioned for myself.
At least there’s Bennett. Strong and steady as always, even if there is a simmering anger in him that wasn’t there when we were boys.
When that anger finally boils over, I’m braced for a fight, but what I get instead… is a kiss.
A kiss that changes everything.
But a surprise visit threatens the new life Bennett and I are beginning to build together. Now I’m faced with an impossible choice: Return to the safe, predictable life I’d always planned on with my ex-wife…
Or take a chance on the unexpected love of a lifetime."]
This above blurb makes Bennett sound like...Adam (he's the real grump in this duo); Bennett is a sunshiny, mischievous golden retriever.
This book was the perfect mash of angsty and sweet. They didn't have an all out talk about the past, about Adam ghosting Bennett, about Bennett's secret until it had bubbled over and exploded.
And did it explode...into even more angsty pieces that resembled heartbreak and me crying at midnight. Then it got all soft and sweet and protective and adorable and not-quite-communicating-yet. Then it got all heartbreaking again, times two or three.
But IT'S FINE. They eventually did talk it out. After Adam got (playfully) hit by his mom with a spatula a few times, and Bennett got yelled at (with good intentions) by his friends, and I cried some more.
I'm not sure how I feel about some of the spoilers we got for the rest of the series. I loooove when a series takes place within the same timeframe (book A is parllel to book B is parallel to book--you get it), but now that I know at least 4 (or 5) of the future couples, I...don't know.
#mybestfriendssecret #fallingembers #seekingsanctuary #cuffsandcommitment #oncebrokentwiceloved #cakeandcomfort #mychaoshiscalm #menoffairlake #menoffairlakeseries #romeoalexander #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Not sure what I want to read right now (reading slump mixed with mild seasonal depression). However, Romeo Alexander's "Men of Fairlake" has been on my TBR list for a while now, so I figured I'd start there. The first novel is "My Best Friend's Secret."
["I thought falling in love with my best friend would be the biggest shock of my life. I couldn’t have been more wrong…
Coming back home with my tail between my legs after a bitter divorce and a failed business venture isn’t exactly the life I’d envisioned for myself.
At least there’s Bennett. Strong and steady as always, even if there is a simmering anger in him that wasn’t there when we were boys.
When that anger finally boils over, I’m braced for a fight, but what I get instead… is a kiss.
A kiss that changes everything.
But a surprise visit threatens the new life Bennett and I are beginning to build together. Now I’m faced with an impossible choice: Return to the safe, predictable life I’d always planned on with my ex-wife…
Or take a chance on the unexpected love of a lifetime."]
This above blurb makes Bennett sound like...Adam (he's the real grump in this duo); Bennett is a sunshiny, mischievous golden retriever.
This book was the perfect mash of angsty and sweet. They didn't have an all out talk about the past, about Adam ghosting Bennett, about Bennett's secret until it had bubbled over and exploded.
And did it explode...into even more angsty pieces that resembled heartbreak and me crying at midnight. Then it got all soft and sweet and protective and adorable and not-quite-communicating-yet. Then it got all heartbreaking again, times two or three.
But IT'S FINE. They eventually did talk it out. After Adam got (playfully) hit by his mom with a spatula a few times, and Bennett got yelled at (with good intentions) by his friends, and I cried some more.
I'm not sure how I feel about some of the spoilers we got for the rest of the series. I loooove when a series takes place within the same timeframe (book A is parllel to book B is parallel to book--you get it), but now that I know at least 4 (or 5) of the future couples, I...don't know.
#mybestfriendssecret #fallingembers #seekingsanctuary #cuffsandcommitment #oncebrokentwiceloved #cakeandcomfort #mychaoshiscalm #menoffairlake #menoffairlakeseries #romeoalexander #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
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