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The Date Mistake
Doing it on my own didn’t mean I wanted to be lonely.
Trevor
When I said I wanted to do it on my own, I didn’t think it’d be so hard. Barely managing to get by wouldn’t be so bad except for the gripping loneliness. I like to flirt, and at times it comes across as desperate, but maybe I am. After flirting with my boss’s brother, I didn’t think it would turn into what it did. After all, isn’t Aaron straight?
Aaron
Being thirty-five, the oldest child, and still single is, admittedly, a little embarrassing. When my brother asked me to be the best man at his wedding, I probably shouldn’t have invited the waiter who flirted with him. It’s not as if my family assumes that maybe I’m not so straight after being single for so long, so it shouldn’t be a shock to bring a man, right?
Trevor
When I said I wanted to do it on my own, I didn’t think it’d be so hard. Barely managing to get by wouldn’t be so bad except for the gripping loneliness. I like to flirt, and at times it comes across as desperate, but maybe I am. After flirting with my boss’s brother, I didn’t think it would turn into what it did. After all, isn’t Aaron straight?
Aaron
Being thirty-five, the oldest child, and still single is, admittedly, a little embarrassing. When my brother asked me to be the best man at his wedding, I probably shouldn’t have invited the waiter who flirted with him. It’s not as if my family assumes that maybe I’m not so straight after being single for so long, so it shouldn’t be a shock to bring a man, right?
310 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2023
103 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Joelle Lynne
21 books224 followersJoelle Lynne is a M/M Romance author who is a total nerd at heart. She loves her romance sweet but on the spicy side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 3, 2023
4.5 Stars
This was a super enjoyable, entertaining, low angst read. It was exactly what I needed and Trevor and Aaron are just plain adorable.
Trevor works for Aaron at his café. I think Aaron and Trevor are both a bit lonely, but don't entirely realize it. Poor Trevor is struggling a bit right now financially and needs some help. He reaches out to a coworker and she encourages him to ask Aaron for a raise.
After Trevor asks for a raise, Aaron asks Trevor if he would agree to be his fake date to his brother's wedding (it was his brother's idea). Trevor has a bit of a crush on Aaron and could use the money, so he readily agrees. These two decide to have a couple of practice dates before the wedding and they are really enjoying each other's company.
"Tell me it's a bad idea." I said nothing because I couldn't tell him that, no matter how much I should. I could climb this man like a damn tree and I wasn't going to let the opportunity pass me by. The second I shook my head, hot lips crashed into mine, and my arms wound around his neck pulling him in tight.
As soon as the wedding week arrives, things really progress from there. Aaron and Trevor are so attracted to one another. Aaron is a little unsure because he has never been with a man or attracted to a man before, but he kind of just goes with it, which is great. He doesn't overthink it.
"Take your dick out, Trevor. You get to see me, I want to see you."
Once they give in to temptation, things get really HOT. The bathroom scene at the hotel was so good!!!
"Is this what you want? You want me to slip inside? Make you mine?" The words sounded foreign, but fuck if I didn't want them to be true. I wanted to turn this man inside out, wring him dry of everything, and reduce him to a wanton pile of need.
Trevor and Aaron fell into such an easy relationship with one another. If only they'd both discussed their feelings instead of just assuming the other didn't want anything more than the fake date, we could have avoided some hurt feelings. Luckily, it was just a small miscommunication.
I had spent the last two years falling for him even if we'd only been together for the last few weeks. The last few months. Who cared how long it had really been? He was mine now.
*** I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion. ***
This was a super enjoyable, entertaining, low angst read. It was exactly what I needed and Trevor and Aaron are just plain adorable.
Trevor works for Aaron at his café. I think Aaron and Trevor are both a bit lonely, but don't entirely realize it. Poor Trevor is struggling a bit right now financially and needs some help. He reaches out to a coworker and she encourages him to ask Aaron for a raise.
After Trevor asks for a raise, Aaron asks Trevor if he would agree to be his fake date to his brother's wedding (it was his brother's idea). Trevor has a bit of a crush on Aaron and could use the money, so he readily agrees. These two decide to have a couple of practice dates before the wedding and they are really enjoying each other's company.
"Tell me it's a bad idea." I said nothing because I couldn't tell him that, no matter how much I should. I could climb this man like a damn tree and I wasn't going to let the opportunity pass me by. The second I shook my head, hot lips crashed into mine, and my arms wound around his neck pulling him in tight.
As soon as the wedding week arrives, things really progress from there. Aaron and Trevor are so attracted to one another. Aaron is a little unsure because he has never been with a man or attracted to a man before, but he kind of just goes with it, which is great. He doesn't overthink it.
"Take your dick out, Trevor. You get to see me, I want to see you."
Once they give in to temptation, things get really HOT. The bathroom scene at the hotel was so good!!!
"Is this what you want? You want me to slip inside? Make you mine?" The words sounded foreign, but fuck if I didn't want them to be true. I wanted to turn this man inside out, wring him dry of everything, and reduce him to a wanton pile of need.
Trevor and Aaron fell into such an easy relationship with one another. If only they'd both discussed their feelings instead of just assuming the other didn't want anything more than the fake date, we could have avoided some hurt feelings. Luckily, it was just a small miscommunication.
I had spent the last two years falling for him even if we'd only been together for the last few weeks. The last few months. Who cared how long it had really been? He was mine now.
*** I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion. ***
September 22, 2023
This was pretty bad and I kind of felt like abandoning it a couple of times but I kept hoping I’d get to like those guys eventually. I couldn’t.
I won’t get into too many details because it isn’t worth it but I’ll say this : if I were Aaron I would have fired that obnoxious kid’s ass the next day. Not only was he incredibly immature, unprofessional, impertinent , whiny and pathetic but he was also petty and jealous of his bf’s good fortune and wealth.
And don’t think that Aaron was better..He was awkward, stiff and totally self centered (at least in the beginning). His bi-awakening felt anticlimactic (though the sex scenes were pretty decent). The fake bf situation was totally forced and unnecessary and the chemistry was completely absent.
Sorry but no, I can’t recommend this.
I won’t get into too many details because it isn’t worth it but I’ll say this : if I were Aaron I would have fired that obnoxious kid’s ass the next day. Not only was he incredibly immature, unprofessional, impertinent , whiny and pathetic but he was also petty and jealous of his bf’s good fortune and wealth.
And don’t think that Aaron was better..He was awkward, stiff and totally self centered (at least in the beginning). His bi-awakening felt anticlimactic (though the sex scenes were pretty decent). The fake bf situation was totally forced and unnecessary and the chemistry was completely absent.
Sorry but no, I can’t recommend this.
May 21, 2023
- boss/employee
- age gap (35/22)
- fake dating
- only one bed
- bi awakening
Making it on his own is harder and a whole lot lonelier than Trevor thought it would be. He’s struggling—financially & romantically, and flirts with his customers as an attempt to put himself out there, but doesn’t have much luck.
When he gets caught flirting with his boss’s brother, Trevor expects to get in trouble and expects his boss Aaron to be upset with him, instead Aaron asks him to pretend to be his boyfriend at his brother’s upcoming wedding. Trevor has no problem accepting, the only issue is that Aaron is supposed to be straight.
The chemistry between Trevor and Aaron is palpable, and has Aaron questioning himself as his attraction to Trevor grows. The more time spent pretending makes them realize their relationship and feelings aren’t so fake!
These two are super cute and work despite their differences. The Date Mistake is low angst and such a fun read, and definitely recommend to anyone looking for a light and quick read!
- age gap (35/22)
- fake dating
- only one bed
- bi awakening
Making it on his own is harder and a whole lot lonelier than Trevor thought it would be. He’s struggling—financially & romantically, and flirts with his customers as an attempt to put himself out there, but doesn’t have much luck.
When he gets caught flirting with his boss’s brother, Trevor expects to get in trouble and expects his boss Aaron to be upset with him, instead Aaron asks him to pretend to be his boyfriend at his brother’s upcoming wedding. Trevor has no problem accepting, the only issue is that Aaron is supposed to be straight.
The chemistry between Trevor and Aaron is palpable, and has Aaron questioning himself as his attraction to Trevor grows. The more time spent pretending makes them realize their relationship and feelings aren’t so fake!
These two are super cute and work despite their differences. The Date Mistake is low angst and such a fun read, and definitely recommend to anyone looking for a light and quick read!
May 17, 2023
This is such an endearing story. Trevor, I just wanted to hug him and make life better for him. Such a sweetheart.
Then hunky Aaron realising he may not be as straight as he thought at 35.
I wanted to bang their heads together several times in this book as they were just stubborn at points, especially Aaron. But when they gave in and let go, it was wonderful.
Also it’s always a treat for past characters to make an appearance.
Great story, full of romance, awkwardness, lust and love.
Then hunky Aaron realising he may not be as straight as he thought at 35.
I wanted to bang their heads together several times in this book as they were just stubborn at points, especially Aaron. But when they gave in and let go, it was wonderful.
Also it’s always a treat for past characters to make an appearance.
Great story, full of romance, awkwardness, lust and love.
July 6, 2023
I liked this, The mcs were good, plot was okay, I'm just a bit bored kinda need that Oomph.
they're so romantic and sweet to each other, i loved that that there was no misunderstanding unlike every other fake dating I've read.
They're both going all the way in, even tho there's still some self-doubt on Trevor's side of the story.
they're so romantic and sweet to each other, i loved that that there was no misunderstanding unlike every other fake dating I've read.
They're both going all the way in, even tho there's still some self-doubt on Trevor's side of the story.
November 25, 2024
This was a real sweet read/listen. Fake dating/ boss x employee are some of my fav tropes and this didn't disappoint. The narrator did a great job too. Looking forward to more from this author.
July 7, 2023
I'm not gelling with the writing style of this one; it's weirdly formal. I'm also not quite understanding where the author's going with the relationship because Trevor alternates between being pathetic (0% confidence) and throwing himself at his boss (100% confidence). They're also strangely stilted in their conversations and interactions. I screenshotted the below because I couldn't figure out if this was suddenly a sugar daddy / sugar baby story. Although, Trevor's boss did make him walk for like an hour to meet him for their fake date, so that's a pretty shitty way to treat your sugar baby. It's all very strange.
There was still the part of me that was surprised that he'd accepted the wine.
When Trevor noticed me staring, he set down his menu and sighed. "What?"
"I told you that you didn't need to drink the wine."
"I know. And I tried it and didn't mind it. Did you not want me to drink it?" Trevor tilted his head to the side and furrowed his brow. He was so damn adorable sometimes... shit.
"I wouldn't have ordered it if I didn't want you to drink it."
I don't know about you guys, but I'm exhausted after reading that LOL.
There was still the part of me that was surprised that he'd accepted the wine.
When Trevor noticed me staring, he set down his menu and sighed. "What?"
"I told you that you didn't need to drink the wine."
"I know. And I tried it and didn't mind it. Did you not want me to drink it?" Trevor tilted his head to the side and furrowed his brow. He was so damn adorable sometimes... shit.
"I wouldn't have ordered it if I didn't want you to drink it."
I don't know about you guys, but I'm exhausted after reading that LOL.
September 4, 2023
This was cute, BUT I didn’t feel like there was any chemistry between them? There was lust, yeah but that was it.
April 17, 2023
I absolutely loved everything about this book! This story is about the boss/employee, fake-dating relationship between Trevor and Aaron. We’ve met Trevor briefly in many other books by Joelle Lynne and he’s fun and flirty but never gets the guy. He finally gets his HEA in this book and it couldn’t have been better!
These two had chemistry right from the start and seemed to work really well together besides their major differences. Because of this chemistry, their fake relationship was completely believable and they moved at a great pace! I loved Aaron’s thoughts as he started realizing how attracted he really was to Trevor and how for the most part he was very easy-going with it. There was a lot of support from Aaron’s siblings which was amazing to see!
This was a very low-angst book which was perfect for me as I need a break from the angsty book I was currently reading! Trevor is dealing with a lot of difficult things as nothing seems to be going right for him in life and there is a bit of a situation near the end but it’s resolved fairly quickly. Besides those things it’s a fun story about two people realizing their fake relationship isn’t so fake after all!
I absolutely recommend this book if you are looking for a fun, low-angst, sexy read! If you want to read the books where Trevor makes appearances check out: Strictly Curious, Nerdy Talk and Spin. There are even a couple cameo appearances from some of those couples in The Date Mistake!
These two had chemistry right from the start and seemed to work really well together besides their major differences. Because of this chemistry, their fake relationship was completely believable and they moved at a great pace! I loved Aaron’s thoughts as he started realizing how attracted he really was to Trevor and how for the most part he was very easy-going with it. There was a lot of support from Aaron’s siblings which was amazing to see!
This was a very low-angst book which was perfect for me as I need a break from the angsty book I was currently reading! Trevor is dealing with a lot of difficult things as nothing seems to be going right for him in life and there is a bit of a situation near the end but it’s resolved fairly quickly. Besides those things it’s a fun story about two people realizing their fake relationship isn’t so fake after all!
I absolutely recommend this book if you are looking for a fun, low-angst, sexy read! If you want to read the books where Trevor makes appearances check out: Strictly Curious, Nerdy Talk and Spin. There are even a couple cameo appearances from some of those couples in The Date Mistake!
April 26, 2023
5 of the brightest shiniest stars ever. I freaking love Trevor and Aaron. They're both so endearing and Trevor's problems are so freaking relatable. I have no words how much I loved this story. Aaron's just kinda clueless and then everything hits him and he's like whoa what just roll with it. And Trevor sweet lovable Trevor 😭 They both deserve the world. 😭
May 21, 2023
So The Date Mistake is Trevor and Aaron’s story. It’s boss/employee with a thirteen year age gap and a fake relationship tossed in. We have one bed and bi-awakening. Lotttttts of my favorite tropes that really worked for this slightly angsty, but sweetly romantic love story.
ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜɪᴍ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴍɪɴᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴍɪɴᴇ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ.
Aaron is the boss and his brother is getting married. His brother notices that his seemingly straight older brother can’t keep his eyes off the flirty waiter, Trevor, and once he brings it to Aaron’s attention, he can’t get the younger guy off his mind. This leads to a fake date proposal to his brother’s wedding, a hotel room with one bed, and awakening feelings.
ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ʀᴇᴄᴋʟᴇꜱꜱ, ꜱᴏ ꜰᴀʀ ʙᴇʏᴏɴᴅ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴅᴏ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴅɪᴅɴ'ᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇ. ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛᴇᴍᴘᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴɪꜰɪᴇᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ɢᴇᴛ ᴍʏ ᴛᴀꜱᴛᴇ.
There’s some good angst with these two guys trying to draw a line between fake and real and there’s some angst when a cranky manager speaks his mind, but the ending was so sweet and perfect.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST:💧💧💧
POV: 1st, Dual
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
**4.5 stars rounded up**
ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜɪᴍ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴍɪɴᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴍɪɴᴇ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ.
Aaron is the boss and his brother is getting married. His brother notices that his seemingly straight older brother can’t keep his eyes off the flirty waiter, Trevor, and once he brings it to Aaron’s attention, he can’t get the younger guy off his mind. This leads to a fake date proposal to his brother’s wedding, a hotel room with one bed, and awakening feelings.
ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ʀᴇᴄᴋʟᴇꜱꜱ, ꜱᴏ ꜰᴀʀ ʙᴇʏᴏɴᴅ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴅᴏ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴅɪᴅɴ'ᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇ. ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛᴇᴍᴘᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴɪꜰɪᴇᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ɢᴇᴛ ᴍʏ ᴛᴀꜱᴛᴇ.
There’s some good angst with these two guys trying to draw a line between fake and real and there’s some angst when a cranky manager speaks his mind, but the ending was so sweet and perfect.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST:💧💧💧
POV: 1st, Dual
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
**4.5 stars rounded up**
June 9, 2023
The Date Mistake by Joelle Lynne
💙 Fake Dating
💙 Boss/Employee
💙 Only One Bed
💙 Age Gap
💙 Bi-Awakening
Trevor loves his job as a waiter but isn't in the best place financially. He's perpetually unlucky in love and lonely, wishing he could find someone to fill the emptiness in his life. When his boss Aaron asks him to accompany him as a fake date to his brother's wedding, Trevor agrees. After all Aaron is straight, isn't he? And even if he wasn't, surely he wouldn't be interested in someone like Trevor? All they have to do is fake their relationship for a week. What could possibly go wrong...
Trevor and Aaron are in completely different stages of their lives. Trevor is struggling to get by daily, whereas Aaron owns his own business, is financially secure and is settled in his life. As they start to learn more about each other and get to know each other better, their professional walls begin to crumble and their connection starts to deepen. Though they face plenty of ups and downs along the way, it's clear from very early on that neither of them are faking as much as they are pretending to.
We meet Trevor originally as a side character in several of Joelle's other books, most recently being Strictly Curious. Trevor is bubbly and flirtatious and constantly finds himself getting shot down. After all the rejection he's faced, it's so nice to see him get his happily ever after in this book.
Overall I found this book to be a super low angst story, with plenty of heat and lots of sweet fluffy moments. After being lonely for so long, Trevor truly deserved to get his happy ending, and who better for it to be with than Aaron, his perfect match.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
CW (from author): This book is very light, but Trevor does struggle with significant financial issues, which can be very upsetting to some. Aaron’s family, while supportive, is not on board with all of his life decisions. There is no homophobia in this book.
💙 Fake Dating
💙 Boss/Employee
💙 Only One Bed
💙 Age Gap
💙 Bi-Awakening
Trevor loves his job as a waiter but isn't in the best place financially. He's perpetually unlucky in love and lonely, wishing he could find someone to fill the emptiness in his life. When his boss Aaron asks him to accompany him as a fake date to his brother's wedding, Trevor agrees. After all Aaron is straight, isn't he? And even if he wasn't, surely he wouldn't be interested in someone like Trevor? All they have to do is fake their relationship for a week. What could possibly go wrong...
Trevor and Aaron are in completely different stages of their lives. Trevor is struggling to get by daily, whereas Aaron owns his own business, is financially secure and is settled in his life. As they start to learn more about each other and get to know each other better, their professional walls begin to crumble and their connection starts to deepen. Though they face plenty of ups and downs along the way, it's clear from very early on that neither of them are faking as much as they are pretending to.
We meet Trevor originally as a side character in several of Joelle's other books, most recently being Strictly Curious. Trevor is bubbly and flirtatious and constantly finds himself getting shot down. After all the rejection he's faced, it's so nice to see him get his happily ever after in this book.
Overall I found this book to be a super low angst story, with plenty of heat and lots of sweet fluffy moments. After being lonely for so long, Trevor truly deserved to get his happy ending, and who better for it to be with than Aaron, his perfect match.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
CW (from author): This book is very light, but Trevor does struggle with significant financial issues, which can be very upsetting to some. Aaron’s family, while supportive, is not on board with all of his life decisions. There is no homophobia in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
“Was I having a weird gay panic moment and about to pass out because I'd seen my employee half-naked and realized he was hot?”
5⭐️3🌶️
I fell in love with Trevor the moment I met him in Strictly Curious. A flirty waiter who knows he’s trying too hard but can’t seem to help himself.
“So, what’s the story? Am I shot down again?”
He’s unlucky in love and also in living on his own. When he asks his boss Aaron for a raise, he gets not only that but a side gig as Aaron’s date to his brother’s wedding!
What follows is the loveliest fake-dating, sexual awakening, age-gap story. Trevor suggests they go on a few dates prior to the wedding to get comfortable with each other and Aaron gets completely swept away. The wedding week festivities only serve to push them closer together since they’re in a room with only one bed.
Low angst, spicy AF, and a fun mixture of escapism and real world problems - I just loved these two so much and I’m so happy with how their story ended.
“I knew I needed to say it back, but hearing him say it solidified that I needed to show him I felt the same. That I had spent the last two years falling for him even if we'd only been together for the last few weeks. The last few months. Who cared how long it had really been? He was mine now.”
I received an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own.
5⭐️3🌶️
I fell in love with Trevor the moment I met him in Strictly Curious. A flirty waiter who knows he’s trying too hard but can’t seem to help himself.
“So, what’s the story? Am I shot down again?”
He’s unlucky in love and also in living on his own. When he asks his boss Aaron for a raise, he gets not only that but a side gig as Aaron’s date to his brother’s wedding!
What follows is the loveliest fake-dating, sexual awakening, age-gap story. Trevor suggests they go on a few dates prior to the wedding to get comfortable with each other and Aaron gets completely swept away. The wedding week festivities only serve to push them closer together since they’re in a room with only one bed.
Low angst, spicy AF, and a fun mixture of escapism and real world problems - I just loved these two so much and I’m so happy with how their story ended.
“I knew I needed to say it back, but hearing him say it solidified that I needed to show him I felt the same. That I had spent the last two years falling for him even if we'd only been together for the last few weeks. The last few months. Who cared how long it had really been? He was mine now.”
I received an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own.
June 10, 2023
Boring af
June 4, 2023
Oh, Trevor ♡ I'm so happy for you!
If you're looking for a sweet and swoonworthy mm romance this is for you. It has all my favourite tropes (fake dating, bi awakening) and only one bed!
Thank you Joelle for the ARC, this might be your best one yet!
If you're looking for a sweet and swoonworthy mm romance this is for you. It has all my favourite tropes (fake dating, bi awakening) and only one bed!
Thank you Joelle for the ARC, this might be your best one yet!
July 11, 2023
It is a cute book with not many drama except for the whole "we are faking it but to me it feels real and I am not sure if this is going anywhere" type of thing. It was a 2.5 for most part... I just wasn't feeling it.. the romance. I think it is because the two guys never truly bond. They both are nice, good people but that's it. There is no explosive chemistry and no cute/hot bonding. And I was not feeling it, that Aaron and Trevor know each other for a couple years and only now that Aaron's brother teases him with Trevor, Aaron starts to see him differently (??). Trevor is a flirt but not really? It is like the author had many ideas but couldn't decide for one.
And that problem at the end, with Angelo (the manager from the cafe) was ridiculous. Better said, Trevor overreacting and quitting was even more ridiculous. What was the need to go to Aaron's office and get all handsy, if he was not going to face the consequences? And then the last straw was the problem with Trevor's parents so they move out and they all make a cute happy family.. what. Was that necessary, for the epilogue??
Martin, Aaron's younger brother, getting betrothed to a 19 year old girl... was that necessary??
As a whole, it has many unnecessary drama or problem, but not enough "real" interaction between the leads. And I am not talking about sexual intimacy, but more on the emotional one. Lacking.
And that problem at the end, with Angelo (the manager from the cafe) was ridiculous. Better said, Trevor overreacting and quitting was even more ridiculous. What was the need to go to Aaron's office and get all handsy, if he was not going to face the consequences? And then the last straw was the problem with Trevor's parents so they move out and they all make a cute happy family.. what. Was that necessary, for the epilogue??
Martin, Aaron's younger brother, getting betrothed to a 19 year old girl... was that necessary??
As a whole, it has many unnecessary drama or problem, but not enough "real" interaction between the leads. And I am not talking about sexual intimacy, but more on the emotional one. Lacking.
May 27, 2023
This was another great fake dating book.
Trevor’s and Aaron’s story was so adorable, I really couldn’t put the book down. Their chemistry was on point.
I don’t know which of the characters I liked the most.
Trevor was so endearing and sweet. I really felt for him and just wanted to hug him. Aaron came along just right. Perfect combination.
I really liked the writing style. The book was easy to read and therefore very enjoyable.
It had almost everything I wished for. A fun, light and adorable story. Just what I needed.
Trevor’s and Aaron’s story was so adorable, I really couldn’t put the book down. Their chemistry was on point.
I don’t know which of the characters I liked the most.
Trevor was so endearing and sweet. I really felt for him and just wanted to hug him. Aaron came along just right. Perfect combination.
I really liked the writing style. The book was easy to read and therefore very enjoyable.
It had almost everything I wished for. A fun, light and adorable story. Just what I needed.
June 11, 2023
The fake dating trope is a guilty pleasure of mine. There is something fun and sweet about two people getting played by their own game, and falling head over heels in love.
The Date Mistake is Trevor's book, we briefly met him in Strictly Curious as the overly flirty waiter just looking for his chance at love. I was very vocal about my love of Trevor and have been dying for his book and I was not let down. He's just as hopelessly adorable as he was in Strictly.
His upbeat attitude definitely took a few knocks during this story. He's down on his luck and just looking for a break, which comes in the form of his boss, Aaron! Needing to get his interfering mother off his back supposedly, Aaron decides after some not so subtle pushing from his brother. To ask Trevor to accompany him as his fake boyfriend to said brothers wedding. I mean what could possibly go wrong when the lines between business/pleasure become blurred? And much to Aaron's dismay, as the undercurrent of sexual attraction towards Trevor takes flight. There's just one problem! Aaron has always been straight.
There are a handful of fun tropes in this GFY Employee/Boss romance. Including age-gap, only one bed and a lot of first times for Aaron.
The Date Mistake is Trevor's book, we briefly met him in Strictly Curious as the overly flirty waiter just looking for his chance at love. I was very vocal about my love of Trevor and have been dying for his book and I was not let down. He's just as hopelessly adorable as he was in Strictly.
His upbeat attitude definitely took a few knocks during this story. He's down on his luck and just looking for a break, which comes in the form of his boss, Aaron! Needing to get his interfering mother off his back supposedly, Aaron decides after some not so subtle pushing from his brother. To ask Trevor to accompany him as his fake boyfriend to said brothers wedding. I mean what could possibly go wrong when the lines between business/pleasure become blurred? And much to Aaron's dismay, as the undercurrent of sexual attraction towards Trevor takes flight. There's just one problem! Aaron has always been straight.
There are a handful of fun tropes in this GFY Employee/Boss romance. Including age-gap, only one bed and a lot of first times for Aaron.
October 7, 2024
This is my favorite book in this connected universe. I have been waiting for Trevor to get a book since he was first introduced and I was not disappointed. Trevor and Aaron's story is so good from beginning to end. I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
Update: I loved reading this and I loved listening to it even more. The narration by JD Tomlinson was so good and absolutely perfect for this.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Update: I loved reading this and I loved listening to it even more. The narration by JD Tomlinson was so good and absolutely perfect for this.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 25, 2024
1st person, past tense, dual POV
Trevor (22), cafe barrista
Aaron Montgomery (35), cafe owner
Audiobook Narration (7h10m) - JD Tomlinson - 4.5 stars
This is my first time listening to this audio narrator and I really enjoyed his style and delivery. Definitely not performative, which I enjoy sometimes, yet still imbued with appropriate emotion It was just smooth and easy to listen to, with slight nuanced voices for each MC.
Honestly he, more than the story itself, kept me engaged and listening.
I'll be on the lookout for other books he's narrated in the future.
Story - 3.5 stars
I liked the story but wasn't blown away by it. To be honest, the whole idea of having Trevor be Aaron's date to the wedding was rather bizarrely executed. I didn't really buy the idea that someone would invite so much drama to their wedding. This clunky set-up took me a minute to get over, because it felt awkward and unnatural.
Once I could set that aside, I enjoyed Trevor and Aaron's getting to know you dates and the sexual tension that was evident between them. I liked the slower burn aspect of the sexual relationship, that dressing room scene was delightful but it would have been nice to see them find more common ground to build a real relationship upon or for Trevor to better find his footing as the story progressed so things didn't feel quite so dire for him. I'm not super into the bi-awakening trope but it was barely a plot point since Aaron didn't really struggle overmuch with his identity and having that component removed from the story wouldn't have really changed anything.
Just as I started to really get into the story, we started running in a bit of a hamster wheel of repetitive thoughts that aren't followed up by any action . That endless hand-wringing of I shouldn't want him because he's my boss/employee or I'm catching feelings and shouldn't - what do I do??? can get tiresome if it goes on for too long. I don't want to dwell on all the reasons they can't, I want to find the reasons they can and I don't find that the internal monologues provide needed tension in the story, they just make me irritated with the characters.
Both characters were fine enough but you never really got to know them on a deeper level which made the whole relationship feel a little superficial, more like that you'd find in a novella. I enjoyed the secondary cast of characters, especially Sylvia and Amanda, but again by and large they felt more like caricatures. Quite a bit of time was spend on other people and couples, which dragged the story a bit. I think Aaron's mother's arc could have been more nuanced and a small part of me can't blame her for being upset at having her sons drop significant others on her out of the blue. Her behaviour was beyond the pale so any sympathy I has for her was short-lived. At least Trevor's parents made up for Aaron's deficient ones.
I quite liked the whole Angelo angle, but it went off the rails rather quickly and became a little OTT dramatic. .
At the end of the day, I enjoyed the low-angst story, found a new narrator that I enjoy and would read something else by the author if the synopsis sounded good.
I was given an Audible code and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Trevor (22), cafe barrista
Aaron Montgomery (35), cafe owner
Audiobook Narration (7h10m) - JD Tomlinson - 4.5 stars
This is my first time listening to this audio narrator and I really enjoyed his style and delivery. Definitely not performative, which I enjoy sometimes, yet still imbued with appropriate emotion It was just smooth and easy to listen to, with slight nuanced voices for each MC.
Honestly he, more than the story itself, kept me engaged and listening.
I'll be on the lookout for other books he's narrated in the future.
Story - 3.5 stars
I liked the story but wasn't blown away by it. To be honest, the whole idea of having Trevor be Aaron's date to the wedding was rather bizarrely executed. I didn't really buy the idea that someone would invite so much drama to their wedding. This clunky set-up took me a minute to get over, because it felt awkward and unnatural.
Once I could set that aside, I enjoyed Trevor and Aaron's getting to know you dates and the sexual tension that was evident between them. I liked the slower burn aspect of the sexual relationship, that dressing room scene was delightful but it would have been nice to see them find more common ground to build a real relationship upon or for Trevor to better find his footing as the story progressed so things didn't feel quite so dire for him. I'm not super into the bi-awakening trope but it was barely a plot point since Aaron didn't really struggle overmuch with his identity and having that component removed from the story wouldn't have really changed anything.
Just as I started to really get into the story, we started running in a bit of a hamster wheel of repetitive thoughts that aren't followed up by any action . That endless hand-wringing of I shouldn't want him because he's my boss/employee or I'm catching feelings and shouldn't - what do I do??? can get tiresome if it goes on for too long. I don't want to dwell on all the reasons they can't, I want to find the reasons they can and I don't find that the internal monologues provide needed tension in the story, they just make me irritated with the characters.
Both characters were fine enough but you never really got to know them on a deeper level which made the whole relationship feel a little superficial, more like that you'd find in a novella. I enjoyed the secondary cast of characters, especially Sylvia and Amanda, but again by and large they felt more like caricatures. Quite a bit of time was spend on other people and couples, which dragged the story a bit. I think Aaron's mother's arc could have been more nuanced and a small part of me can't blame her for being upset at having her sons drop significant others on her out of the blue. Her behaviour was beyond the pale so any sympathy I has for her was short-lived. At least Trevor's parents made up for Aaron's deficient ones.
I quite liked the whole Angelo angle, but it went off the rails rather quickly and became a little OTT dramatic. .
At the end of the day, I enjoyed the low-angst story, found a new narrator that I enjoy and would read something else by the author if the synopsis sounded good.
I was given an Audible code and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
April 25, 2025
Ahmmm... hello? Why didn't I hear about this absolutely cute, sweet, lovely story sooner?
Why is everyone sleeping on this book? Hello? Hello everyone, wake up!!!!!
The Date Mistake... yeah, let's me tell you it was NO mistake. Like, FR, this is the furthest thing from a mistake ever.
Trevor is an absolute sweetheart. I swear he is such a sweet boy, and I doubt it's from all the sweets he is eating. He is just sunshine. Flirty, fun, but he's a hot mess as well. His life is literally falling apart, and he's just there, trying to hold it all together. My poor baby.
Aaron is Trevor's boss, but can someone tell him that? Our man is over here pining over Trev like there's no tomorrow, and the funny part? He doesn't even realize it.
Their story finally, finally, finally started when Sam suggested making a move ( now, I won't tell you more about this, that's for you to discover, enjoy, btw ). Thank God for Sam and his idea cuz otherwise, who knows how much longer it would've taken these two to finally come to their senses.
I love their love. It was unexpected ( for them, of course, not for us ), and so cute. The way they have fallen for each other was so sweet ( yes, I overused this word, but what can I do? it suits them perfectly ), and you could tell that what they are sharing is genuine respect and genuine love.
I was sad when the book ended. I want more. Actually, no. I NEED more of them. I loved the ending. It was so fitting for them and their story, and I am happy Aaron will get to experience all that love. He deserves it. They both do.
This is my 2nd Joelle book, and for sure, it will not be my last. She knows how to write sweet stories, lovable characters, fun scenes, and spice. Oh, she is good. I love her style, and I can't wait to read more of her books.
The audiobook for this one was also good. Oh, the narrator did an amazing job. I highly recommend not only the book but the audiobook as well.
10/10. Highly recommend if you want to read a sweet, fun, fluffy story. This is a perfect book for a lazy day spent drinking coffee. You will not regret it.
Why is everyone sleeping on this book? Hello? Hello everyone, wake up!!!!!
The Date Mistake... yeah, let's me tell you it was NO mistake. Like, FR, this is the furthest thing from a mistake ever.
Trevor is an absolute sweetheart. I swear he is such a sweet boy, and I doubt it's from all the sweets he is eating. He is just sunshine. Flirty, fun, but he's a hot mess as well. His life is literally falling apart, and he's just there, trying to hold it all together. My poor baby.
Aaron is Trevor's boss, but can someone tell him that? Our man is over here pining over Trev like there's no tomorrow, and the funny part? He doesn't even realize it.
Their story finally, finally, finally started when Sam suggested making a move ( now, I won't tell you more about this, that's for you to discover, enjoy, btw ). Thank God for Sam and his idea cuz otherwise, who knows how much longer it would've taken these two to finally come to their senses.
I love their love. It was unexpected ( for them, of course, not for us ), and so cute. The way they have fallen for each other was so sweet ( yes, I overused this word, but what can I do? it suits them perfectly ), and you could tell that what they are sharing is genuine respect and genuine love.
I was sad when the book ended. I want more. Actually, no. I NEED more of them. I loved the ending. It was so fitting for them and their story, and I am happy Aaron will get to experience all that love. He deserves it. They both do.
This is my 2nd Joelle book, and for sure, it will not be my last. She knows how to write sweet stories, lovable characters, fun scenes, and spice. Oh, she is good. I love her style, and I can't wait to read more of her books.
The audiobook for this one was also good. Oh, the narrator did an amazing job. I highly recommend not only the book but the audiobook as well.
10/10. Highly recommend if you want to read a sweet, fun, fluffy story. This is a perfect book for a lazy day spent drinking coffee. You will not regret it.
May 25, 2023
This book was a first for me by this author - but it certainly won’t be the last 🩷
The sweet story of Aaron & Trevor was exactly what I needed. That’s what great books can do, I guess. Find you exactly at the moment when you need them the most.
I felt an insta-connection with the struggling waiter Trevor which made this book a page-turner. I haven’t had the urge to inhale a book in a while - a bit of a slump - but as soon as I finished the last page, I wanted to read Aaron & Trevor’s story all over again 💋🩷
There was something real about the two MCs. Eventhough, this is a low-angst book, the struggles are real and not neglected by the author. The hurt/comfort level was just so comforting and well-balanced.
Aaron’s sexual awakening was beautifully described, well-paced and realistic. The steamy parts were just the right mixture of hot & cute 💋🩷
The characters were clearly the highlight for me. I prefer character-driven books with well-developed MCs. And like I told Joelle Yesterday - Aaron and Trevor could have basically just paddled around in a canoe and I would have been here for it! Such an amazing couple, this one.
The author mentions, that this is probably her favorite couple - and it shines through in the entire book 🩵
So, here we go:
🌟 for a realistic approach to financial struggles
🌟 for at super sexy age-gap couple
🌟 for a well-executed sexual awakening
🌟 for Aaron
🌟 for Trevor
Bonus points: for making me forget that two of my least favorite tropes are fake dating and boss/employee 😂😂 see, it’s all about the MCs in the end! 🩵🩷
*I rcvd an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
October 10, 2024
Audio review
Trevor wants someone to call his own, someone to love and be loved by. He works in a cafe which is adores, and is his dream job. On shift one afternoon he spies an older man sitting at a table on his own, as he approaches he realises the man sitting there is the boss’ (Aaron) brother Sam.
Aaron is the boss of the cafe house and cannot understand why his staff sometimes fear him. He is straight but has this draw to Trevor. When he meets his brother at his cafe, Trevor is the wait staff and Aaron gets all flustered.
Sam asks Aaron to be his best man at his upcoming wedding. Aaron agrees but he forgets he needs a date. Being constantly pestered by his family to settle down, he dreads all the talk at the wedding as to why he has not got a partner. He decides to ask Trevor to be his date for the wedding, pretending to be his boyfriend. Soon the lines blur from boss and employee to boyfriends.
This is a lovely low angst age gap, boss/employee mm romance. Trevor is such a sweetheart and deserves the one person to care for him. Aaron is that person.
Joelle Lynne has been one of my favourite new author discoveries this year. I have loved everything she has written that i have read so far.
This was my first audio book to review, even though i loved it and the narration by JD Tomlinson was wonderful, i still prefer to read the book instead.
Trevor wants someone to call his own, someone to love and be loved by. He works in a cafe which is adores, and is his dream job. On shift one afternoon he spies an older man sitting at a table on his own, as he approaches he realises the man sitting there is the boss’ (Aaron) brother Sam.
Aaron is the boss of the cafe house and cannot understand why his staff sometimes fear him. He is straight but has this draw to Trevor. When he meets his brother at his cafe, Trevor is the wait staff and Aaron gets all flustered.
Sam asks Aaron to be his best man at his upcoming wedding. Aaron agrees but he forgets he needs a date. Being constantly pestered by his family to settle down, he dreads all the talk at the wedding as to why he has not got a partner. He decides to ask Trevor to be his date for the wedding, pretending to be his boyfriend. Soon the lines blur from boss and employee to boyfriends.
This is a lovely low angst age gap, boss/employee mm romance. Trevor is such a sweetheart and deserves the one person to care for him. Aaron is that person.
Joelle Lynne has been one of my favourite new author discoveries this year. I have loved everything she has written that i have read so far.
This was my first audio book to review, even though i loved it and the narration by JD Tomlinson was wonderful, i still prefer to read the book instead.
May 15, 2023
All the shiny stars for Trevor and Aaron.
Ok, so I am slightly obsessed with Trevor 🥰 he is like the best friend I never knew I needed. He's so sweet and funny and a massive flirt, but he's also really unsure of himself and doubts himself.
I loved every bit of this story Travor and Aaron, who also happen to be employee and boss embark on this journey of fake dating that at first seems like a really good idea but it soon stops feeling so fake as they both begin to develop feelings.
I absolutely loved how protective Aaron was of Trevor and how he always just wanted to make everything better for him. I loved how Aaron wasn't afraid of what people might think, especially when it came to his relationship with Trevor.
These two were so hot, and their chemistry is off the charts 🔥
I'm so glad that Trevor finally got his happily ever after, and im glad it was Aaron that was able to give him that 💙
Ok, so I am slightly obsessed with Trevor 🥰 he is like the best friend I never knew I needed. He's so sweet and funny and a massive flirt, but he's also really unsure of himself and doubts himself.
I loved every bit of this story Travor and Aaron, who also happen to be employee and boss embark on this journey of fake dating that at first seems like a really good idea but it soon stops feeling so fake as they both begin to develop feelings.
I absolutely loved how protective Aaron was of Trevor and how he always just wanted to make everything better for him. I loved how Aaron wasn't afraid of what people might think, especially when it came to his relationship with Trevor.
These two were so hot, and their chemistry is off the charts 🔥
I'm so glad that Trevor finally got his happily ever after, and im glad it was Aaron that was able to give him that 💙
May 26, 2023
A lovely read, with employee/boss, age gap, fake date, and close proximity tropes.
There are quite some awkward moments, I cringed, smiled, giggled, and swooned.
Trevor works at a bar, he needs it desperately, he’s low on money, and he can’t afford much.
Aaron, his straight boss, needs a date to his brother's wedding, in exchange for some money, he asked Trevor to be his fake boyfriend, and he agrees.
What follows are several awkward situations, the colleagues can’t know, but they need time to get to know each other. So a lot of stuff is done secretly. They have to practice as if they are lovers, with kisses and touching. Yes, awkward, lol.
It’s unavoidable, there’s something growing between them.
There are a few nasty moments but overall the main course of this story was sweet.
It’s all nicely written, entertaining, and enough developed.
There are quite some awkward moments, I cringed, smiled, giggled, and swooned.
Trevor works at a bar, he needs it desperately, he’s low on money, and he can’t afford much.
Aaron, his straight boss, needs a date to his brother's wedding, in exchange for some money, he asked Trevor to be his fake boyfriend, and he agrees.
What follows are several awkward situations, the colleagues can’t know, but they need time to get to know each other. So a lot of stuff is done secretly. They have to practice as if they are lovers, with kisses and touching. Yes, awkward, lol.
It’s unavoidable, there’s something growing between them.
There are a few nasty moments but overall the main course of this story was sweet.
It’s all nicely written, entertaining, and enough developed.
March 3, 2025
DNF 27%
When it takes me 3 days to pick a book back up, that's always my sign that it's not going to work out. I am batting a thousand right now 🤦♀️ ugh
The chemistry between the MCs is weird and the prose gets bogged down with minutiae about everything from dinner prep to family dynamics. It's boring and I'm not invested.
When it takes me 3 days to pick a book back up, that's always my sign that it's not going to work out. I am batting a thousand right now 🤦♀️ ugh
The chemistry between the MCs is weird and the prose gets bogged down with minutiae about everything from dinner prep to family dynamics. It's boring and I'm not invested.
April 20, 2025
This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last. This was such a fun book and such a cute story. I love the fake dating trope and the bi-awaking is always a double plus in my heart. Thank you to Joelle for giving me a copy of the book to listen to I absolutely loved it.
Can't wait to pick up my next read of yours
Can't wait to pick up my next read of yours
May 14, 2023
This book is so good. Trevor and Aaron are so sweet together. I love how much Aaron sticks up for Trevor through this book. Even though they are at different points in their lives, i love how they still end up being together ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
I really enjoyed Trevors and Aaron's book it's amazing 🥰the chemistry between them was on point and they just fitted together ❤️
October 23, 2024
4.5 stars
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