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This fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend.
I’m awful at following the rules.
One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV. Fixer Brothers Construction is getting its own home renovation TV show, and I’m on camera, giving the film crew an all-access pass to my life.
The kicker: fans think I’m sleeping with Jax, my favorite, hotter-than-hell frat boy bartender at the brewery. He’s young, straight, and just a friend. But rumors spread like wildfire. Now I’m faking it with Jax, 24/7—and we don’t leave much to the imagination when we’re in front of a camera.
The fans want what they want, right?
And I want things, too. Every kiss was fake until the one that definitely wasn’t, on a night too scorching for TV. Jax has helped me through the worst time in my life as a friend, and I never let myself wish for more. But I'm only human, and when we’re together, it’s fire.
I’m addicted. And I know I’m going to get hurt. But behind closed doors, it feels so real.
And I’m desperate to know what makes this frat boy tick.
I’m awful at following the rules.
One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV. Fixer Brothers Construction is getting its own home renovation TV show, and I’m on camera, giving the film crew an all-access pass to my life.
The kicker: fans think I’m sleeping with Jax, my favorite, hotter-than-hell frat boy bartender at the brewery. He’s young, straight, and just a friend. But rumors spread like wildfire. Now I’m faking it with Jax, 24/7—and we don’t leave much to the imagination when we’re in front of a camera.
The fans want what they want, right?
And I want things, too. Every kiss was fake until the one that definitely wasn’t, on a night too scorching for TV. Jax has helped me through the worst time in my life as a friend, and I never let myself wish for more. But I'm only human, and when we’re together, it’s fire.
I’m addicted. And I know I’m going to get hurt. But behind closed doors, it feels so real.
And I’m desperate to know what makes this frat boy tick.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2023
221 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
September 11, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Cute and low angst fake relationship romance.
Quick and easy, books like Frat Bro are great for a fast read to get your mind off things.
Normally it would’ve been too sweet for my taste, but I guess it caught me at a good time because I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Jax and Charlie were cute together, but I would’ve enjoyed a more slower pace, more cute fake dates and maybe some more drama with an ex.
Other than that, the characters were adorable, the plot somewhat engaging, and overall this book accomplishes what it’s supposed to.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Cute and low angst fake relationship romance.
Quick and easy, books like Frat Bro are great for a fast read to get your mind off things.
Normally it would’ve been too sweet for my taste, but I guess it caught me at a good time because I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Jax and Charlie were cute together, but I would’ve enjoyed a more slower pace, more cute fake dates and maybe some more drama with an ex.
Other than that, the characters were adorable, the plot somewhat engaging, and overall this book accomplishes what it’s supposed to.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
September 21, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
“Is it depressing that you’ve only been my fake boyfriend for about a minute, and already you’re treating me better than most real boyfriends I’ve had?”
I don’t have tons to say about this book, but I really did enjoy it. It was delightfully sweet, and a really good representation of the ‘fake dating trope’. It’s low angst, the characters were believable (they didn’t act out of character), and they were both lovable and endearing. What it lacks in angst and shit going down, it made up for in emotions. It’s a very uncomplicated book and not very long, but I still made a good connection with both MCs. Definitely recommend.
For years, I’d followed my desires blindly, and all it had gotten me was being hurt, time and time again.
I was a little bit disappointed by the praise kink teasing that didn’t go anywhere, but the spice that was there was good. It did sort of make up for it with one of the cutest epilogues I’ve read in ages, though.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Fake dating
Construction worker/college student
Filming reality tv show
Bisexual awakening
Attention starved
Frat bro/punk rocker
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of past binge drinking
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile, no switching on page
Jax was as conscientious as ever, even when he was talking about sucking dick. And bless his heart for that, truly.
My throat was tight. “It’s complicated.” “So fucking explain it,” he pressed, and I kind of loved that he’d called me on my bullshit.
Did good deeds matter, when they were built on a lie?
“Is it depressing that you’ve only been my fake boyfriend for about a minute, and already you’re treating me better than most real boyfriends I’ve had?”
I don’t have tons to say about this book, but I really did enjoy it. It was delightfully sweet, and a really good representation of the ‘fake dating trope’. It’s low angst, the characters were believable (they didn’t act out of character), and they were both lovable and endearing. What it lacks in angst and shit going down, it made up for in emotions. It’s a very uncomplicated book and not very long, but I still made a good connection with both MCs. Definitely recommend.
For years, I’d followed my desires blindly, and all it had gotten me was being hurt, time and time again.
I was a little bit disappointed by the praise kink teasing that didn’t go anywhere, but the spice that was there was good. It did sort of make up for it with one of the cutest epilogues I’ve read in ages, though.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Fake dating
Construction worker/college student
Filming reality tv show
Bisexual awakening
Attention starved
Frat bro/punk rocker
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of past binge drinking
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile, no switching on page
Jax was as conscientious as ever, even when he was talking about sucking dick. And bless his heart for that, truly.
My throat was tight. “It’s complicated.” “So fucking explain it,” he pressed, and I kind of loved that he’d called me on my bullshit.
Did good deeds matter, when they were built on a lie?
September 13, 2023
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I love how fun they are. Jax and Charlie start off in a fake relationship but as with most books in this trope they had amazing chemistry! They were super fun and flirty. Charlie was there for Jax in ways Jax never experienced before and it was so wonderful to see.
This is also a bi-awakening for Jax and I loved how low-angst coming out for him was. Jax’s frat brothers reaction was incredible and what should always happen! There could have been better communication between Jax and Charlie in this story but the issues were wrapped up pretty quickly and I appreciated that!
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone but I recommend book 2 as well as I loved it! I still need to go back and read book 1. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
This is also a bi-awakening for Jax and I loved how low-angst coming out for him was. Jax’s frat brothers reaction was incredible and what should always happen! There could have been better communication between Jax and Charlie in this story but the issues were wrapped up pretty quickly and I appreciated that!
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone but I recommend book 2 as well as I loved it! I still need to go back and read book 1. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Read
October 12, 2023DNF @ 66% - cute guys, great chemistry. Losing interest and the dialogue sometimes reads MF.
October 27, 2023
The third book in the Fixer Brothers Construction series has been my favorite. At first, it appeared that we had another "straight" guy finding men attractive, but here it is more of a belated awakening than just attraction centered on one man. This is Jax, the Frat Bro from the title of the book, and his appearances in the earlier books showed that he had attraction to Charlie, which is the plot of this book.
Charlie seemed a bit OTT in earlier books, but I think the author did him justice here. I really felt for his quest to find true love, and that he found it through an initial "fake" relationship with just the sweetest guy was very moving.
I haven't read this author before this series, and I won't say these are the best books I've ever read. I do like the characters she created, though, as well as the small town where the books take place. Having just spent some time in the Colorado Rockies, my imagination has definitely been captivated by the places she writes about. I look forward to reading future books in this series.
Charlie seemed a bit OTT in earlier books, but I think the author did him justice here. I really felt for his quest to find true love, and that he found it through an initial "fake" relationship with just the sweetest guy was very moving.
I haven't read this author before this series, and I won't say these are the best books I've ever read. I do like the characters she created, though, as well as the small town where the books take place. Having just spent some time in the Colorado Rockies, my imagination has definitely been captivated by the places she writes about. I look forward to reading future books in this series.
October 12, 2023
Tropes: fake dating, friends to lovers
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: issues with alcohol, minor bad ex references
3.75 stars.
Jax is like 21 or 22. He's straight. He has a really busy life. He's in his senior year of college which he takes very seriously, he's a good student. He's in a fraternity and he volunteers. He also works as a bartender at the bar that Charlie frequents.
Charlie is 29, gay, and a construction guy. He's part of the fixer-uppers, and they are getting a TV show based on their business. He has been through the wringer with relationships. Charlie is the kind of guy it seems who dates to marry rather than dates for fun or casual purposes. He seems to consider every relationship that ends a failure and a disappointment. He just really wants to find his man.
Jax and Charlie have a friendly relationship. Cameras capture them hanging out and rumors start on the internet that they might be a couple. They decide to fake a relationship for the buzz that it will create for the TV show. But Jax isn't as straight as people think. He's never been with a guy but he's been falling for Charlie. Fake dating turns into a real relationship pretty quick.
This was a pleasant light and fluffy story. They were nice guys. It was friendly and they were sweet together.
It was a little rushed to me though. I kind of wish they had had a longer fake dating relationship. Spanning multiple months, with more sex. Not for the sake of more smut, but for the sake of normalizing their sexual relationship. I want to see them become every day partners, weather a few more practical realities of life together before they got all gushy and spewing all this love stuff after only a couple nights together. They weren't spending a ton of time together because of their busy lives so it just seemed too fast to me.
Some notable moments:
"“I have to learn how to convince you that I’d do anything with you on camera,” I told him. His eyes went wide, and he coughed once after a sip of his ginger ale. “Sorry. That just totally came out like you were trying to say you’d do a porno with me.”"
"Jax’s eyes landed on me and instantly I knew I was fucked. Totally fucked. And Kim was dead wrong about the idea of us breaking up. Because none of our fans were going to want to look at anyone other than him next to me. He was in a stunning light grey suit, and when he sat down next to me he smelled so good I wanted to cuddle up next to him like a cat. I felt like my person had finally gotten here. Like I’d been out of place, or lost, somehow, until he was by my side again."
"“You wanted to break up with me?” Jax said, and when I saw the look in his eyes, my heart ached. “Jax,” I said, forgetting about Kim for a moment. “If you got down on one knee and fucking proposed to me, right now, I’d say yes to that sooner than I’d say yes to a breakup.”"
*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.
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: issues with alcohol, minor bad ex references
3.75 stars.
Jax is like 21 or 22. He's straight. He has a really busy life. He's in his senior year of college which he takes very seriously, he's a good student. He's in a fraternity and he volunteers. He also works as a bartender at the bar that Charlie frequents.
Charlie is 29, gay, and a construction guy. He's part of the fixer-uppers, and they are getting a TV show based on their business. He has been through the wringer with relationships. Charlie is the kind of guy it seems who dates to marry rather than dates for fun or casual purposes. He seems to consider every relationship that ends a failure and a disappointment. He just really wants to find his man.
Jax and Charlie have a friendly relationship. Cameras capture them hanging out and rumors start on the internet that they might be a couple. They decide to fake a relationship for the buzz that it will create for the TV show. But Jax isn't as straight as people think. He's never been with a guy but he's been falling for Charlie. Fake dating turns into a real relationship pretty quick.
This was a pleasant light and fluffy story. They were nice guys. It was friendly and they were sweet together.
It was a little rushed to me though. I kind of wish they had had a longer fake dating relationship. Spanning multiple months, with more sex. Not for the sake of more smut, but for the sake of normalizing their sexual relationship. I want to see them become every day partners, weather a few more practical realities of life together before they got all gushy and spewing all this love stuff after only a couple nights together. They weren't spending a ton of time together because of their busy lives so it just seemed too fast to me.
Some notable moments:
"“I have to learn how to convince you that I’d do anything with you on camera,” I told him. His eyes went wide, and he coughed once after a sip of his ginger ale. “Sorry. That just totally came out like you were trying to say you’d do a porno with me.”"
"Jax’s eyes landed on me and instantly I knew I was fucked. Totally fucked. And Kim was dead wrong about the idea of us breaking up. Because none of our fans were going to want to look at anyone other than him next to me. He was in a stunning light grey suit, and when he sat down next to me he smelled so good I wanted to cuddle up next to him like a cat. I felt like my person had finally gotten here. Like I’d been out of place, or lost, somehow, until he was by my side again."
"“You wanted to break up with me?” Jax said, and when I saw the look in his eyes, my heart ached. “Jax,” I said, forgetting about Kim for a moment. “If you got down on one knee and fucking proposed to me, right now, I’d say yes to that sooner than I’d say yes to a breakup.”"
*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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
“Step one: be a guy’s fake boyfriend.
Step two: beg him to let you suck his dick.
Step three: go on your first date…”
ARC Review~ 4.5⭐️
Super cute and short! You can absolutely read this as a standalone - Charlie is going to be on a reality TV show with the home renovation company he works for. Fans see how he and the cute local bartender look at each other and they decide to fake date to help hype the show. Except Jax isn’t really faking anything.. he’s more using this as an excuse to explore his sexuality with a guy he’s always thought was hot.
I love a low-angst bi-awakening and this was so super sweet! They just wanted to take care of each other 😭😭😭 There’s a bit of spice (I wanted more as per usual) and a lot of vulnerability and humour. I haven’t read the other books in the series but I’ll definitely be checking them out soon!
Step two: beg him to let you suck his dick.
Step three: go on your first date…”
ARC Review~ 4.5⭐️
Super cute and short! You can absolutely read this as a standalone - Charlie is going to be on a reality TV show with the home renovation company he works for. Fans see how he and the cute local bartender look at each other and they decide to fake date to help hype the show. Except Jax isn’t really faking anything.. he’s more using this as an excuse to explore his sexuality with a guy he’s always thought was hot.
I love a low-angst bi-awakening and this was so super sweet! They just wanted to take care of each other 😭😭😭 There’s a bit of spice (I wanted more as per usual) and a lot of vulnerability and humour. I haven’t read the other books in the series but I’ll definitely be checking them out soon!
September 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much! I read it in a single day and loved every minute. Getting this was a no-brainer, as I loved Straight Dad, but fake-dating is also one of my favourite tropes and it's a really nice set up for a fantastic story.
Charlie and Jax were just the sweetest. They are so amazingly cute and I loved how they asked if they could kiss each other (just to start with, that could get awkward after a while!) and their chemistry was great. I also teared up a few times, they were both great at giving each other the time and attention they desperately needed.
I can't wait to read more books in this series and hopefully future frat boys spin-offs! This has cemented Raleigh Ruebins as one to watch and I'd love to read more of their work. Frat Bro is a lot of fun and I highly recommend.
Charlie and Jax were just the sweetest. They are so amazingly cute and I loved how they asked if they could kiss each other (just to start with, that could get awkward after a while!) and their chemistry was great. I also teared up a few times, they were both great at giving each other the time and attention they desperately needed.
I can't wait to read more books in this series and hopefully future frat boys spin-offs! This has cemented Raleigh Ruebins as one to watch and I'd love to read more of their work. Frat Bro is a lot of fun and I highly recommend.
September 20, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars
Frat Bro is a very low angst, sweet & hot romance with a guy who's been burned too many times by love before and the hot, straight (or maybe no-so-straight) bartender who's roped into a fake relationship with him for Reasons.
I loved the first two thirds-ish of this book, but then it seemed to sort of drag on longer than it needed to. I think my favorite part of the book was actually Jax's frat bro's reaction to his big reveal, haha. This is a great book if you need a comfy, sweet bit of escapism. I can't wait for the next book about Harlan and Sawyer!
This is the third book in the Fixer Brothers Construction Co. series and can be read as a standalone. I actually read book one (Flip Job) and skipped book two (Straight Dad) because the tropes are not my jam, and filled in the blanks just fine.
CW: alcoholism/recovering alcoholic
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
Frat Bro is a very low angst, sweet & hot romance with a guy who's been burned too many times by love before and the hot, straight (or maybe no-so-straight) bartender who's roped into a fake relationship with him for Reasons.
I loved the first two thirds-ish of this book, but then it seemed to sort of drag on longer than it needed to. I think my favorite part of the book was actually Jax's frat bro's reaction to his big reveal, haha. This is a great book if you need a comfy, sweet bit of escapism. I can't wait for the next book about Harlan and Sawyer!
This is the third book in the Fixer Brothers Construction Co. series and can be read as a standalone. I actually read book one (Flip Job) and skipped book two (Straight Dad) because the tropes are not my jam, and filled in the blanks just fine.
CW: alcoholism/recovering alcoholic
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
dnf
September 21, 2023DNF: 50%
This series was not it for me. I really enjoyed the first one but the second book and third book I just cannot get by. I do not think this is a well-developed series in my opinion. The characters are good, but the plot of this book was weird for me and the development of the relationship was not interesting to me and was out of place. While I mentioned the characters are good the way they are broken down in this book just seems completely out of wack. I am reading Charlie as a character and it makes no sense to me why he has issues with relationships because of how he is described and his actions seem like good qualities. Also, I do not like how we are 50% into the book and there is really no drama with his ex who SA'd him at one point. Like why even mention him if we are not going to unpack that situation in his book?
I can see why people like this series, it's not for me.
This series was not it for me. I really enjoyed the first one but the second book and third book I just cannot get by. I do not think this is a well-developed series in my opinion. The characters are good, but the plot of this book was weird for me and the development of the relationship was not interesting to me and was out of place. While I mentioned the characters are good the way they are broken down in this book just seems completely out of wack. I am reading Charlie as a character and it makes no sense to me why he has issues with relationships because of how he is described and his actions seem like good qualities. Also, I do not like how we are 50% into the book and there is really no drama with his ex who SA'd him at one point. Like why even mention him if we are not going to unpack that situation in his book?
I can see why people like this series, it's not for me.
September 22, 2023
This is the best book of this series. I liked Charlie since the first book but I never thought his story would be this great
Jax is the most amazing man for Charlie, so thoughtful and kind.
Highly recommend this book as well as the previous ones
Can't wait to enjoy the next book
Jax is the most amazing man for Charlie, so thoughtful and kind.
Highly recommend this book as well as the previous ones
Can't wait to enjoy the next book
September 14, 2023
There's something about this author's books, particularly the last couple of series, that are just . . . glommable. My socks are still on my feet, but they are just so pleasant and cozy and you get enough characterization to really care about what's going on.
Okay, so this is fake dating for a reality show. Could be yawnsville, but this book avoided some of the usual stuff. Shoes I was expecting to drop didn't, which gave me tension to keep going, but relief when it didn't happen. In the end, there wasn't
Jax was really sweet, but we get to see why he's perfect: he feels like he has to be. Not to get noticed, but so he never causes any problems for his overwhelmed parents. Charlie feels like a mess, but we see him on the road to figuring his stuff out, and he was never as bad as he believed himself to be. Together, they were just so cute and complimentary (and complementary) of each other.
There were things I might have done differently and things I wish we'd seen, but I had a lovely time with these two. I am slightly feral for the next book with Harlan and his childhood friend Sawyer.
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews.
Okay, so this is fake dating for a reality show. Could be yawnsville, but this book avoided some of the usual stuff. Shoes I was expecting to drop didn't, which gave me tension to keep going, but relief when it didn't happen. In the end, there wasn't
Jax was really sweet, but we get to see why he's perfect: he feels like he has to be. Not to get noticed, but so he never causes any problems for his overwhelmed parents. Charlie feels like a mess, but we see him on the road to figuring his stuff out, and he was never as bad as he believed himself to be. Together, they were just so cute and complimentary (and complementary) of each other.
There were things I might have done differently and things I wish we'd seen, but I had a lovely time with these two. I am slightly feral for the next book with Harlan and his childhood friend Sawyer.
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews.
September 22, 2023
I really like the Fixer Bros series!! I’ve been waiting for Charlie’s book since we first met him and heard about how he is so deserving and desiring of love. Unfortunately for Charlie, he often picks the wrong type of men for him and ends up single again each time. Could his straight guy crush Jax be Mr Right?
Charlie and Jax are friends who meet up at the bar where Jax works and Charlie frequents after work. Right from the start we see their special flirty bond, and how Jax looks out for Charlie. They have a lot in common, in that they both have so much unmet need for attention and care. When they enter into a fake relationship to promote the Fixer Bros new tv show, sparks fly. Jax realizes he has a lot of feelings about Charlie and what kind of relationship he deserves. But Charlie is someone who expects his relationships to fail and cause him hurt. Jax is a people pleaser who doesn’t like to say no, even when he already has a lot on his shoulders. Will they be able to open up to each other about they need? The book is super heartwarming and has just the right amount of angst and spice. I definitely recommend it.
Frat Bro is a standalone, although I recommend reading the rest of the series for context on the other couples and to get the full effect of the foreplay between Charlie and Jax.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest opinion.
Charlie and Jax are friends who meet up at the bar where Jax works and Charlie frequents after work. Right from the start we see their special flirty bond, and how Jax looks out for Charlie. They have a lot in common, in that they both have so much unmet need for attention and care. When they enter into a fake relationship to promote the Fixer Bros new tv show, sparks fly. Jax realizes he has a lot of feelings about Charlie and what kind of relationship he deserves. But Charlie is someone who expects his relationships to fail and cause him hurt. Jax is a people pleaser who doesn’t like to say no, even when he already has a lot on his shoulders. Will they be able to open up to each other about they need? The book is super heartwarming and has just the right amount of angst and spice. I definitely recommend it.
Frat Bro is a standalone, although I recommend reading the rest of the series for context on the other couples and to get the full effect of the foreplay between Charlie and Jax.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest opinion.
September 28, 2023
Ever since I first was introduced to Charlie I’ve wanted his happy ending and on this book we get it! I was so excited this book was Charlie’s book and even more excited because Jax was his happily ever after. If you are looking for a low angst sweet and funny romance this is a perfect book. The Fixer Brother’s series has been so fun to read. I can’t wait for Harlan’s book!
September 20, 2023
Frat Bro is the third book in the Fixer Brothers Construction Co series by Raleigh Ruebins. This is the story of Charlie and Jax. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
September 11, 2023
"He really knew how to show other people that he was paying attention, and that he cared. Because he knew that it mattered."
Confession. I was a bad girl and this was the first book I read by this author. I know, I KNOW it's book 3 in a series, but I got sucked in by the blurb and the promise of this being able to stand alone. The author was right by the way. It definitely could stand on it's own, but having met the previous MCs I am absolutely going back and reading their stories as well.
Jax and Charlie were absolutely freaking adorable. Their love story was cute, with tiny bits of of angst scattered throughout which mostly centered on both of them being unsure of the other person's true feelings. I mean we all know how easy it is for the fake relationship trope to slowly slip into something that feels more real. Charlie was definitely a bit slower on the uptake than Jax due to the fact that Jax previously identified as straight. I kind of think he should have figured it out a bit sooner if I'm honest because Jax was very open about his feelings and also the fact that he had no qualms about getting down and dirty with Charlie should have been a big clue. However, as someone who had been burned multiple times in the past I kind of couldn't blame Charlie for thinking everything was too good to be true.
I'd call this one moderately steamy, but the scenes we got were HOT. I love a first timer. It's definitely my reader kryptonite. The only thing that would have made things even hotter was if we got a scene with Jax taking his turn on the bottom. The epilogue was super sweet and made me smile seeing how happy these two still were down the road. I'm super intrigued about Harlan and his bestie Sawyer and can't wait to read about them in the next book!
Confession. I was a bad girl and this was the first book I read by this author. I know, I KNOW it's book 3 in a series, but I got sucked in by the blurb and the promise of this being able to stand alone. The author was right by the way. It definitely could stand on it's own, but having met the previous MCs I am absolutely going back and reading their stories as well.
Jax and Charlie were absolutely freaking adorable. Their love story was cute, with tiny bits of of angst scattered throughout which mostly centered on both of them being unsure of the other person's true feelings. I mean we all know how easy it is for the fake relationship trope to slowly slip into something that feels more real. Charlie was definitely a bit slower on the uptake than Jax due to the fact that Jax previously identified as straight. I kind of think he should have figured it out a bit sooner if I'm honest because Jax was very open about his feelings and also the fact that he had no qualms about getting down and dirty with Charlie should have been a big clue. However, as someone who had been burned multiple times in the past I kind of couldn't blame Charlie for thinking everything was too good to be true.
I'd call this one moderately steamy, but the scenes we got were HOT. I love a first timer. It's definitely my reader kryptonite. The only thing that would have made things even hotter was if we got a scene with Jax taking his turn on the bottom. The epilogue was super sweet and made me smile seeing how happy these two still were down the road. I'm super intrigued about Harlan and his bestie Sawyer and can't wait to read about them in the next book!
January 22, 2024
22 year old college student Jax is the bartender at Jade Brewery. 29 year old construction guy Charlie likes to pick fights with Jax at the bar. The two of them argue like a married couple, and even their friends notice. But Jax is straight, and Charlie is sworn off dating and going sober. However, their relationship becomes noticed by the Fixer Bros tv series that's been filming in the small town they live in. So the two of them decide to fake a relationship for fan engagement with the series... Which predictably becomes real as they get... physically involved.
I enjoyed the beginning and the banter between Charlie and Jax. But that was quickly cut short by the pages of interior monologuing between the two as they consider their involvement. And the monologues were a bit long and repetitive. Then there were the cliche scenes "come back to my place and sleep... just sleep" plot lines and the awful "harder than a diamond" descriptions. Even the hoary old twists not-communicating or thinking each other is saying what they want to hear. And there were some odd story cuts. Like early on, Charlie gets a call from a toxic ex which really disturbs him... and it was written in such a way that I felt like it would be part of the plot later. But it never comes up again. And yet there were lots of little scenes of Jade Brewery owner Harlan and his best friend Sawyer, so you know that's going to be the next book.
I really wanted to like this, but the lack of character or plot development just didn't make this a good book. It sort of felt more like fan fiction written by a high schooler.
Two stars.
I enjoyed the beginning and the banter between Charlie and Jax. But that was quickly cut short by the pages of interior monologuing between the two as they consider their involvement. And the monologues were a bit long and repetitive. Then there were the cliche scenes "come back to my place and sleep... just sleep" plot lines and the awful "harder than a diamond" descriptions. Even the hoary old twists not-communicating or thinking each other is saying what they want to hear. And there were some odd story cuts. Like early on, Charlie gets a call from a toxic ex which really disturbs him... and it was written in such a way that I felt like it would be part of the plot later. But it never comes up again. And yet there were lots of little scenes of Jade Brewery owner Harlan and his best friend Sawyer, so you know that's going to be the next book.
I really wanted to like this, but the lack of character or plot development just didn't make this a good book. It sort of felt more like fan fiction written by a high schooler.
Two stars.
October 3, 2023
A great balance between hot and sweet in low angst romance
I really enjoy the Fixed Brothers books. There are entertaining characters and good stories, I'm happy that Charlie now has the chance at his own HEA with the bad luck he has had in love.
Jax is such a sweetheart and would do anything for anyone, perfectly showcased by stepping up to help Charlie out by being his fame boyfriend for some Fixed Brothers tv show promo. Charlie knows nothing will happen because Jax is straight but he very quickly turns that on its head, being very open to exploring his attraction to Charlie.
Bless Charlie, he's so wary and needing to protect his heart with the pain he's been through with past relationships but Jax has such a pure heart and is so good to look at. It also doesn't help that he's actually quite open with Charlie about what he's feeling, which is wonderfully refreshing. Together, they make for an extremely hot couple, even before it moves into "real" territory. I found this to be quite a fast paced story, and was maybe expecting more of a lead up to things going from fake to more to deal sharing of feelings but I still really enjoyed how things developed for them and they both very much deserve the happiness that they find together. We get little things of Harlan and what's coming in his book and I'm looking forward to that.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I really enjoy the Fixed Brothers books. There are entertaining characters and good stories, I'm happy that Charlie now has the chance at his own HEA with the bad luck he has had in love.
Jax is such a sweetheart and would do anything for anyone, perfectly showcased by stepping up to help Charlie out by being his fame boyfriend for some Fixed Brothers tv show promo. Charlie knows nothing will happen because Jax is straight but he very quickly turns that on its head, being very open to exploring his attraction to Charlie.
Bless Charlie, he's so wary and needing to protect his heart with the pain he's been through with past relationships but Jax has such a pure heart and is so good to look at. It also doesn't help that he's actually quite open with Charlie about what he's feeling, which is wonderfully refreshing. Together, they make for an extremely hot couple, even before it moves into "real" territory. I found this to be quite a fast paced story, and was maybe expecting more of a lead up to things going from fake to more to deal sharing of feelings but I still really enjoyed how things developed for them and they both very much deserve the happiness that they find together. We get little things of Harlan and what's coming in his book and I'm looking forward to that.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 27, 2024
Raleigh Ruebins is the reverse of the early 2010s YA dystopian authors. I'll explain. In the post-Hunger Games dystopia book boom, there was a massive trend of authors who wanted to write their own YA trilogy, who had amazing ideas for their series, built a fantastic world, and then HAD NO IDEA HOW TO STICK THE LANDING (at least in my opinion) and ended up with a stellar start and a mid-to-low finish. I'm thinking the Ally Condies, the Alexandra Brackens, the Veronica Rossis.
But anyway, Raleigh is the opposite of that for me. To me, she has mid-to-low ideas for her books and very little followthrough on those ideas. Why did we have Charlie's abusive ex text him if he wasn't going to come back? Why did we visit Jax's volunteer soccer league and have a bonding moment with one of the guys if they weren't going to come back? Why did we decide to write a bi awakening and then make the first page of the first chapter of the straight boys chapter a gay sex dream? But what Raleigh DOES DO SO WELL is making lovable characters and lovable side characters and banter and the development of feelings and getting me to have faith in the relationship and leave the book with warm fuzzies. I've been down bad for every book boy she's written so far and they're the ones that have me happily continuing this series.
But anyway, Raleigh is the opposite of that for me. To me, she has mid-to-low ideas for her books and very little followthrough on those ideas. Why did we have Charlie's abusive ex text him if he wasn't going to come back? Why did we visit Jax's volunteer soccer league and have a bonding moment with one of the guys if they weren't going to come back? Why did we decide to write a bi awakening and then make the first page of the first chapter of the straight boys chapter a gay sex dream? But what Raleigh DOES DO SO WELL is making lovable characters and lovable side characters and banter and the development of feelings and getting me to have faith in the relationship and leave the book with warm fuzzies. I've been down bad for every book boy she's written so far and they're the ones that have me happily continuing this series.
January 6, 2025
One minute Charlie was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life and then suddenly, his life was on TV. Fixer Brothers Construction is getting its own home renovation TV show, and he's on camera, giving the film crew an all-access pass to his life. The kicker: fans think he's sleeping with Jax, his favourite, hotter-than-hell frat boy bartender at the brewery. He’s young, straight, and just a friend. But rumours spread like wildfire. Now he's faking it with Jax, 24/7 and we don’t leave much to the imagination when we’re in front of a camera. The fans want what they want, right? And Charlie wants things, too. Every kiss was fake until the one that definitely wasn’t, on a night too scorching for TV. Jax has helped him through the worst time in his life as a friend, and he never let himself wish for more. But he's only human, and when they're together, it’s fire. He's addicted. And he knows he's going to get hurt. But behind closed doors, it feels so real. And he's desperate to know what makes this frat boy tick.
I loved this story of Charlie and Jax as they had great chemistry in the previous books in this series so I was looking forward to their story. Their relationship was fun and I enjoyed the rapport between them. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story of Charlie and Jax as they had great chemistry in the previous books in this series so I was looking forward to their story. Their relationship was fun and I enjoyed the rapport between them. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
January 8, 2025
Charlie. Poor sweet Charlie has been STRUGGLING in the background since book 1. Finally done with his on and off bullshit with his POS ex-boyfriend Jim, Charlie has put himself on a self-imposed dating strike. Since the Fixer Brothers Construction crew has been picked up for a reality show after their success on Kace's reality show, Charlie's been a bit of a minor celebrity. The fans love him and he often gets stopped and asked for selfies.
One night he's at the brewery hanging out, flirting with Jax, the frat boy straight bartender who works there. The cameras happen to catch the flirting, and right away, there is speculation and excitement online that Jax and Charlie are in a relationship. Charlie apologizes profusely to Jax, knowing he's straight. But Jax shocks Charlie -- he wants to go with the ruse and pretend they're together.
Charlie REALLY likes Jax, but he's wary. He's sick of being with liars, with men who didn't appreciate him, men who deny being with him in front of other people. But Jax is determined to show Charlie that even though he USED TO think he was straight, he definitely wants Charlie in every single way.
OMG this one was SO CUTE and SO HOT. Poor Charlie's been so sad in the past books and it was so great to see him find his love. It was a very short, pressure cooker novel, but I loved it. Jax was such a cinnamon roll.
Rating 🔥🔥🔥🔥
One night he's at the brewery hanging out, flirting with Jax, the frat boy straight bartender who works there. The cameras happen to catch the flirting, and right away, there is speculation and excitement online that Jax and Charlie are in a relationship. Charlie apologizes profusely to Jax, knowing he's straight. But Jax shocks Charlie -- he wants to go with the ruse and pretend they're together.
Charlie REALLY likes Jax, but he's wary. He's sick of being with liars, with men who didn't appreciate him, men who deny being with him in front of other people. But Jax is determined to show Charlie that even though he USED TO think he was straight, he definitely wants Charlie in every single way.
OMG this one was SO CUTE and SO HOT. Poor Charlie's been so sad in the past books and it was so great to see him find his love. It was a very short, pressure cooker novel, but I loved it. Jax was such a cinnamon roll.
Rating 🔥🔥🔥🔥
September 16, 2023
This story took its premise in a more angsty direction than I was anticipating: this take on the fake boyfriends trope comes with real feelings and, at least for one of them, a mountain of baggage. That’s not to say it doesn’t work; however, it does, and there’s sweetness and heat along with all the doubt and anxiety. Jax is lovely, kind, and clear eyed about who he is and what he wants, even when those things sometimes surprise him. Charlie is funny and smart and lovely in his own right, but he’s also deeply wounded and it shows. It is a very, very good thing that Jax has so much patience because Charlie needs every scintilla of it. I understand his endless cycles of catastrophic thinking and self doubt are the result of previous experiences, but at times I couldn’t help but think that therapy, rather than a relationship with a partner who’s adding “emotional support human” to a long long list of other obligations, is what he really needs. Overall, however, it’s good to see them get their HEA and the epilogue is perfect for them. As a final thought, while the story can stand alone, fans of previous books in the series will have the added bonus of seeing some familiar faces in this one.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 21, 2023
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This was a joy to read.
Charlie’s dating life is an absolute mess. After too many nights drinking his sorrows after having gone back to his toxic ex. He’s given up drinking and dating. That doesn’t mean he can’t drool over the hot bartender at their favourite hangout.
Jax, is an absolute gem of a human being. This kind, patient, dedicated man makes all who come in his path feel special. What he’s not used to, is getting the same kind of care and attention back.
These two start off fake but it doesn’t take long for genuine friendship and feelings to come out.
This whole story is so caring and warm. They have a fantastic connection, some fun banter and charisma for days. They are also just pretty adorable.
Now, gimmee, gimmee, gimmee Harlan’s story because I can’t wait to meet the man who will make the grumpy man melt!
This was a joy to read.
Charlie’s dating life is an absolute mess. After too many nights drinking his sorrows after having gone back to his toxic ex. He’s given up drinking and dating. That doesn’t mean he can’t drool over the hot bartender at their favourite hangout.
Jax, is an absolute gem of a human being. This kind, patient, dedicated man makes all who come in his path feel special. What he’s not used to, is getting the same kind of care and attention back.
These two start off fake but it doesn’t take long for genuine friendship and feelings to come out.
This whole story is so caring and warm. They have a fantastic connection, some fun banter and charisma for days. They are also just pretty adorable.
Now, gimmee, gimmee, gimmee Harlan’s story because I can’t wait to meet the man who will make the grumpy man melt!
September 19, 2023
While I liked the first two Fixer Brothers books by Raleigh Ruebins, I liked Frat Bro even more. Charlie’s evolution over the three book arc has been fun to watch as he turned himself from a needy guy always seeking a relationship but failing into someone who gave up his bad habits and became ready for what life could offer him. Of course Jax has been a sweet secondary character who also blossoms from his structured, busy life into someone who discovers the missing piece in his life. For one thing, Jax is straight and seeing how his sexuality evolves was very well done. For both men, being in environments, whether it is the frat Jax belongs to or the TV people from LA or the crowd at Jade Brewery, that accept them for who they are without question is a huge help in them becoming their best selves. I was not sure how these two different guys were going to be together but the epilogue makes it all clear. I received a free ARC of Frat Bro from Raleigh Ruebins and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2023
Full disclosure, I have not read the first two books in the series...but this was a solid 4 stars for me.
I enjoyed this low-angst read for the most part. Charlie and Jax are the sweetest, such a cute couple. The relationship drama was believable, but maybe a little under-explained/utilized. For example, Charlie has been with a lot of bi-curious guys in the past and that's a big part of his trepidation with hooking up with Jax, but then that insecurity just disappears. I loved the idea of a reality-show, and maybe it was explained more/better in the previous two books, but it was very much in the background for being the reason Jax and Charlie start fake-dating.
I'm still confused by the title of the book being "Frat Bro" because, except for the fact that Jax is in a fraternity and does sports, there's very little stereotypical "frat" in his character. The fraternity doesn't even play a big role in the story...
I did like the writing style and how the story flowed. I don't think it was too slow or too fast at parts, and the spicy scenes were great!
I enjoyed this low-angst read for the most part. Charlie and Jax are the sweetest, such a cute couple. The relationship drama was believable, but maybe a little under-explained/utilized. For example, Charlie has been with a lot of bi-curious guys in the past and that's a big part of his trepidation with hooking up with Jax, but then that insecurity just disappears. I loved the idea of a reality-show, and maybe it was explained more/better in the previous two books, but it was very much in the background for being the reason Jax and Charlie start fake-dating.
I'm still confused by the title of the book being "Frat Bro" because, except for the fact that Jax is in a fraternity and does sports, there's very little stereotypical "frat" in his character. The fraternity doesn't even play a big role in the story...
I did like the writing style and how the story flowed. I don't think it was too slow or too fast at parts, and the spicy scenes were great!
September 24, 2023
I love the worlds that Raleigh Ruebins builds and I always want stories involving the characters we are introduced to, but I have to say I was pulling for Charlie and Jax’s story and the author did not disappoint. After knowing each other for months in a casual way, Jax and Charlie start a “fake relationship” to try to influence Charlie’s social media presence for his upcoming reality TV Show. But how fake is it when Charlie has been crushing hard on Jax since the start and Jax is now starting to look at Charlie and his sexuality with new eyes. An Awakening story at its best, the author gives us laughter, heat and some truly emotional moments between the two as they both take a good look at themselves and see what they are looking for in each other. Another great read from the author and can’t wait for what their next series brings us.
September 26, 2023
Frat Bro is book 3 in the Fixer Brothers Construction series and follows Charlie and Jax and all I can say is IT’S ABOUT TIME. We all knew that Charlie is a bit of a mess from books 1 & 2 and how he has struggled so much to find a working relationship. I was a little nervous at the beginning of the book when Charlie gets a text message from his ex, but thankfully we never go down that road and instead focus on the fake/real relationship with Jax. Jax who is like pretty darn perfect…and straight, yet finds himself wanting Charlie. His way around that dissonance? A fake relationship for TV, only that fake relationship becomes real. I enjoyed how that just allows Jax to sink into the relationship and he ends up being pretty okay with figuring out it’s not so very fake. This is a low-angst HEA, bi? Demi? Charlie? awakening that slides right into an already great series.
October 5, 2023
Another cute, fluffy bit of escapism to add to the Construction Bros series. Our poor little baby Charlie, unlucky in love when it is the main thing he wants in life; love and romance. Luckily, he has cute bartender Jax to flirt with. Too bad he’s straight. But do straight guys really flirt back this much? Look at other men the way he does Charlie? Offer to be in a fake relationship for publicity? Do they kiss other guys like this? Once the fake relationship starts feeling a lot more real, Charlie gets wary. He’s been burned way too many times. But Jax was the perfect person for him to fall for. He knows Charlie, he can read him, he’s not afraid to voice his feelings, even though Charlie’s not sure he can trust him. I loved seeing the relationship grow and Jax tear down every bit of Charlie’s walls, brick by brick. I absolutely loved their happy ending.
November 13, 2023
Frat Bro, a friends-fake lover-lover, with a charming bartender who realizes he might just swing both ways and the construction worker who is a hot mess when it comes to love.
This story was so charming. Poor Charlie just can’t catch a break when it comes to dating and Jax who barely has time in his schedule to breath both come together in one of the most tender couplings I have read in a while.
Although I felt the back and forth will they won’t they make it official in the end was just a wee bit convoluted…I still had an amazing time following thier journey to an HEA.
One thing I appreciated the most is that the misunderstandings between them never lasted long. They talked it out almost immediately which I loved!
I can’t wait for the next book. Another Reuben series in the bag!
*I received a review copy in exchange for a review from @gay.romance.reviews
This story was so charming. Poor Charlie just can’t catch a break when it comes to dating and Jax who barely has time in his schedule to breath both come together in one of the most tender couplings I have read in a while.
Although I felt the back and forth will they won’t they make it official in the end was just a wee bit convoluted…I still had an amazing time following thier journey to an HEA.
One thing I appreciated the most is that the misunderstandings between them never lasted long. They talked it out almost immediately which I loved!
I can’t wait for the next book. Another Reuben series in the bag!
*I received a review copy in exchange for a review from @gay.romance.reviews
September 15, 2023
Charlie was friends with the bartender, had a crush on the bartender and thought the bartender was hot. The bartender was Jax and he was straight but he also agreed to be Charlie's fake boyfriend for the Fixer Brothers show. Only it wasn't fake for either of them. In this third book of the Fixer Brother series, their construction company becomes a reality show and Charlie is the main draw. I love friendly, charismatic Charlie and sincere, studious and model hot Jax. They struggled to admit their feelings but they were meant for each other when they communicated. After all, everyone talks to their bartender. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
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