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Crimson Club #2
Fakers with Benefits
Just when I think my life can’t get any weirder, a mysterious stranger comes to the club and offers me a crap-ton of cash to pose as his boyfriend for ninety days.
The job sounds simple enough. Evan is as rich as he is hot, and he says he doesn’t expect anything from me other than my acting skills. If we can pull it off and fool his friends and family, he gets his inheritance. I get a new wardrobe, a huge payout, and a chance to see how the other half lives.
But as time goes on and I find myself becoming more involved in Evan’s world, I realize things aren’t always as they seem.
On the outside Evan is a buttoned-up, boring businessman. But when he starts receiving letters threatening not only himself, but also me, I find out who he truly is.
Ruthless.
Possessive.
And the only person who’s ever made me feel seen.
Nick and Evan’s story is a fake relationship with benefits romance between a wealthy business mogul and a younger stripper with a heart of gold. Expect lots of heat, tons of banter, and all the feels as these two men realize that sometimes opposites really do attract. It is the second book in the exciting new Crimson Club series but can be read as a standalone.
The job sounds simple enough. Evan is as rich as he is hot, and he says he doesn’t expect anything from me other than my acting skills. If we can pull it off and fool his friends and family, he gets his inheritance. I get a new wardrobe, a huge payout, and a chance to see how the other half lives.
But as time goes on and I find myself becoming more involved in Evan’s world, I realize things aren’t always as they seem.
On the outside Evan is a buttoned-up, boring businessman. But when he starts receiving letters threatening not only himself, but also me, I find out who he truly is.
Ruthless.
Possessive.
And the only person who’s ever made me feel seen.
Nick and Evan’s story is a fake relationship with benefits romance between a wealthy business mogul and a younger stripper with a heart of gold. Expect lots of heat, tons of banter, and all the feels as these two men realize that sometimes opposites really do attract. It is the second book in the exciting new Crimson Club series but can be read as a standalone.
334 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2023
662 people are currently reading
1928 people want to read
About the author
Willow Dixon
22 books1,286 followersWhat can I say about myself? It’s kind of like being the new kid in school and being asked to tell everyone a bit about yourself. Anyone else forget everything they’ve ever liked, thought of, and even their name in those moments?
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews
January 24, 2025
RTC
🎶Driver roll up the partition please. I don't need you seeing 'Yonce on her knees🎶
🎶Driver roll up the partition please. I don't need you seeing 'Yonce on her knees🎶
October 6, 2023
i have no idea about what the author was trying to do here, but whatever it was, it didn’t work.
Read
October 11, 2023DNF @ 53% - I can’t stop skimming because Nick never stops talking.
January 13, 2024
It was really hard to get into this because it was extremely similar plot wise to Love in Spades by Charlie Cochet which I literally just read and hated 😐 In both of these books there was an attractive billionaire receiving threatening letters and was about to take over his fathers company, plus the bad dude was involved in organ trafficking. It just felt like deja vu and was pretty off-putting!
I couldn't really connect to either of these main characters and felt pretty indifferent to their relationship. They were sweet together but it all felt very superficial.
I am interested in the side characters though and I'm looking forward to Zane's book. Gotta say I'm kinda miffed that Vlado isn't having a bi-awakening with Stone/Quinn who he recognised from porn 😂
Was also nice to see Kai and Gray again, I liked both of their books!
I couldn't really connect to either of these main characters and felt pretty indifferent to their relationship. They were sweet together but it all felt very superficial.
I am interested in the side characters though and I'm looking forward to Zane's book. Gotta say I'm kinda miffed that Vlado isn't having a bi-awakening with Stone/Quinn who he recognised from porn 😂
Was also nice to see Kai and Gray again, I liked both of their books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2024
3.5
I really liked the premise, the fake dating, and I really liked Evan. I usually like reading the himbo type characters but Nick was a bit too much for me. Also- the stalker plot became a bit over the top.
I really liked the premise, the fake dating, and I really liked Evan. I usually like reading the himbo type characters but Nick was a bit too much for me. Also- the stalker plot became a bit over the top.
Read
October 27, 2023Because i saw an intagram post and now i ofc, as a mood reader, need to start it!!
March 17, 2024
1.5/5⭐ 2/5🌶️ 1/5🤣
I said it before and I'll keep saying it, Nick is a great side character, so he should have stayed there, and not got his own book.
Reading this book was like an exercise in learning to skim. Pointless banter and meaningless dialogue between irrelevant characters was so tiring. Where i enjoyed the back and forth between all the Crimson Club boys in later books, here it was just boring.
I didn't understand Nick's awkwardness throughout his and Evan's sexy times, i get what the author was trying to do, but it was not carried out well enough for me to root for them. And listen, maybe it's because the millionaire - fake dating trope is not my favorite, so i was not meant to enjoy this book properly, but aside from its essence, the execution was mid at best.
Also, this book is long, the smut is sparse and the scenes few and far between for a smutty M/M romance. I still love the series for what it is, an easy light read about boys who love their boys, and friendship, but this book was not for me, and i knew this going in, hence why i kept this one for last. Here are a few of the elements that make it a barely above 1 star read:
🤔Stone / Quinn's relationship with Nick, in fact his entire presence confused me. It felt like he was going to be a romantic distraction but nope, he just turned a bland friend weirdly and awkwardly adhering to Nick's need for platonic closeness.
🤔Vlado's emotional connection to Evan as his straight bestie had taken a vacation through this entire book. I didn't understand his loyalty or character at all.
🤔When Vlado realized that goth stuff looks good on guys as well as girls and had a mini-sexual crisis. Have you been living under a big rock, man?
🤔I was so distracted by the blabbering of all the side pieces that i missed the emotional connection developing between Evan and Nick. Or maybe there was none to notice.
My other Crimson Club Series Reviews:
Stepbrother Dearest - ⭐⭐⭐/5
Fakers with Benefits - ⭐⭐/5
Best Served Cold - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Left on Read - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I said it before and I'll keep saying it, Nick is a great side character, so he should have stayed there, and not got his own book.
Reading this book was like an exercise in learning to skim. Pointless banter and meaningless dialogue between irrelevant characters was so tiring. Where i enjoyed the back and forth between all the Crimson Club boys in later books, here it was just boring.
I didn't understand Nick's awkwardness throughout his and Evan's sexy times, i get what the author was trying to do, but it was not carried out well enough for me to root for them. And listen, maybe it's because the millionaire - fake dating trope is not my favorite, so i was not meant to enjoy this book properly, but aside from its essence, the execution was mid at best.
Also, this book is long, the smut is sparse and the scenes few and far between for a smutty M/M romance. I still love the series for what it is, an easy light read about boys who love their boys, and friendship, but this book was not for me, and i knew this going in, hence why i kept this one for last. Here are a few of the elements that make it a barely above 1 star read:
🤔Stone / Quinn's relationship with Nick, in fact his entire presence confused me. It felt like he was going to be a romantic distraction but nope, he just turned a bland friend weirdly and awkwardly adhering to Nick's need for platonic closeness.
🤔Vlado's emotional connection to Evan as his straight bestie had taken a vacation through this entire book. I didn't understand his loyalty or character at all.
🤔When Vlado realized that goth stuff looks good on guys as well as girls and had a mini-sexual crisis. Have you been living under a big rock, man?
🤔I was so distracted by the blabbering of all the side pieces that i missed the emotional connection developing between Evan and Nick. Or maybe there was none to notice.
My other Crimson Club Series Reviews:
Stepbrother Dearest - ⭐⭐⭐/5
Fakers with Benefits - ⭐⭐/5
Best Served Cold - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Left on Read - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
October 10, 2023
⭐︎
4.5 Stars Rounded Up!
⭐︎
This was so good. Nick, the sweet guy who is a total cuddle monster and bestie to Gray, gets his own love story in this one.
Evan is rich. Like very rich. Millions upon millions type of rich. Well, his family is, but he himself is still very rich.
When his sister has her bachelor party at the strip club Nick works at, there's an instant type of connection between them. Even tips Nick way too much when he gives him a hundred dollar bill, and when Nick confronts him about it, Evan has a proposition for him, that ultimately Nick can't resist.
In order for Evan to get his inheritance and thus keep control of his family's company - and also so his sister's fiance, Malcolm, doesn't get it, as he's kind of totally an asshole who sucks up to his father - he needs to be in a serious relationship, heading toward a future.
Thus, he asks Nick to be his fake boyfriend, with the plan for them to get fake engaged in a few months, thus earning him his inheritance, and then the fake relationship would end after that.
Also, he pays for 6 months of Nick and his best friend's rent, as well as for his wardrobe, as well as a thousand bucks a day, and 500 bucks for each event Nick goes to with Evan and pretends to be his boyfriend.
It's too good of an opportunity to pass up.
And plus, there's that something between them that they can't ignore.
While they soon start a sexual relationship separate from the fake boyfriend thing, it's apparent as time goes on that the 'fake' part of the deal is becoming less and less so.
And when seemingly nothing threats against Evan (who this apparently happens a lot to, being so rich) turn into threats against Nick, Evan becomes more protective of Nick.
Their chemistry was off the charts good. I loved these two together, and this story flew by for me. It was just so engaging and I adored Nick and Evan, together and apart.
Evan was a tougher nut to crack, but being with Nick made Evan less severe, and let him open up more and be more himself.
The sex was, of course, scorching. Evan was actually really sweet and wonderful with Nick, which Nick obviously wasn't used to. It worked for them, especially as Nick expected to be treated like dirt.
My only niggles and my reason for .5 stars off is that...I didn't find Evan all that possessive or intimidating a character, like the blurb suggests. There are few moments here and there where Nick sees that Evan could maybe get to that place by the look on his face, but...we don't actually ever see it. Evan is actually pretty controlled and we never really see that control snap? Like a little bit with Nick, and he is somewhat possessive and jealous at times.
But I was expecting a lot more on that front. While possessive, he never actually lets it show that much. Aside from maybe a look on his face. His actions aren't anything severe either. He never even demands Nick not to be around anyone or cuddle others even, which is a thing Nick loves to do. Yeah he says the whole "you're mine" thing, but not in a growling, almost threatening way.
I just...didn't get that vibe from Evan. Which is fine. I don't need that to enjoy a couple. Just...it's something that was advertised he'd be and he really...wasn't that.
Also at one point Nick asks for rough sex and aside from thrusting harder than he usually does, it doesn't actually get all that rough?
Which again, is fine. It's more intense and passionate and loving than anything else, which I DO adore. But it's like...this isn't actually all that rough. Or possessive. Evan isn't actually all that threatening of a man. Yeah, he could be. But he never actually is in this.
So it's just...not 100% what is advertised in the blurb to this book, is all. And if a character isn't going to be like it describes, then...yeah, I'm going to take off a little to my overall rating.
But otherwise, I did adore this. As Evan and Nick were, I loved them together. The chemistry was so good and I just couldn't put this book down. It kept me invested from beginning to end, and was a quick, easy read.
Definitely recommend. And I can't wait for the next one about Zane - although in this it says he's ace, unless he's more on the ace spectrum? So maybe demi? Because the blurb for his book mentions "lust" between them, so I have to assume Zane will feel attraction for him. Maybe he's gray-ace? Who knows! But either way, can't wait for that one! 😍🥰😘
My Ratings for the Crimson Club Series:
🔆 Stepbrother Dearest: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Fakers with Benefits: 4.5 stars
This was so good. Nick, the sweet guy who is a total cuddle monster and bestie to Gray, gets his own love story in this one.
Evan is rich. Like very rich. Millions upon millions type of rich. Well, his family is, but he himself is still very rich.
When his sister has her bachelor party at the strip club Nick works at, there's an instant type of connection between them. Even tips Nick way too much when he gives him a hundred dollar bill, and when Nick confronts him about it, Evan has a proposition for him, that ultimately Nick can't resist.
In order for Evan to get his inheritance and thus keep control of his family's company - and also so his sister's fiance, Malcolm, doesn't get it, as he's kind of totally an asshole who sucks up to his father - he needs to be in a serious relationship, heading toward a future.
Thus, he asks Nick to be his fake boyfriend, with the plan for them to get fake engaged in a few months, thus earning him his inheritance, and then the fake relationship would end after that.
Also, he pays for 6 months of Nick and his best friend's rent, as well as for his wardrobe, as well as a thousand bucks a day, and 500 bucks for each event Nick goes to with Evan and pretends to be his boyfriend.
It's too good of an opportunity to pass up.
And plus, there's that something between them that they can't ignore.
While they soon start a sexual relationship separate from the fake boyfriend thing, it's apparent as time goes on that the 'fake' part of the deal is becoming less and less so.
And when seemingly nothing threats against Evan (who this apparently happens a lot to, being so rich) turn into threats against Nick, Evan becomes more protective of Nick.
Their chemistry was off the charts good. I loved these two together, and this story flew by for me. It was just so engaging and I adored Nick and Evan, together and apart.
Evan was a tougher nut to crack, but being with Nick made Evan less severe, and let him open up more and be more himself.
The sex was, of course, scorching. Evan was actually really sweet and wonderful with Nick, which Nick obviously wasn't used to. It worked for them, especially as Nick expected to be treated like dirt.
My only niggles and my reason for .5 stars off is that...I didn't find Evan all that possessive or intimidating a character, like the blurb suggests. There are few moments here and there where Nick sees that Evan could maybe get to that place by the look on his face, but...we don't actually ever see it. Evan is actually pretty controlled and we never really see that control snap? Like a little bit with Nick, and he is somewhat possessive and jealous at times.
But I was expecting a lot more on that front. While possessive, he never actually lets it show that much. Aside from maybe a look on his face. His actions aren't anything severe either. He never even demands Nick not to be around anyone or cuddle others even, which is a thing Nick loves to do. Yeah he says the whole "you're mine" thing, but not in a growling, almost threatening way.
I just...didn't get that vibe from Evan. Which is fine. I don't need that to enjoy a couple. Just...it's something that was advertised he'd be and he really...wasn't that.
Also at one point Nick asks for rough sex and aside from thrusting harder than he usually does, it doesn't actually get all that rough?
Which again, is fine. It's more intense and passionate and loving than anything else, which I DO adore. But it's like...this isn't actually all that rough. Or possessive. Evan isn't actually all that threatening of a man. Yeah, he could be. But he never actually is in this.
So it's just...not 100% what is advertised in the blurb to this book, is all. And if a character isn't going to be like it describes, then...yeah, I'm going to take off a little to my overall rating.
But otherwise, I did adore this. As Evan and Nick were, I loved them together. The chemistry was so good and I just couldn't put this book down. It kept me invested from beginning to end, and was a quick, easy read.
Definitely recommend. And I can't wait for the next one about Zane - although in this it says he's ace, unless he's more on the ace spectrum? So maybe demi? Because the blurb for his book mentions "lust" between them, so I have to assume Zane will feel attraction for him. Maybe he's gray-ace? Who knows! But either way, can't wait for that one! 😍🥰😘
My Ratings for the Crimson Club Series:
🔆 Stepbrother Dearest: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Fakers with Benefits: 4.5 stars
dnf
October 9, 2023DNF @ 17% - Book one in this series was okay, if plagued with extra characters from other series, but this one just kind of left me cold. I'm a big fan of fake relationships, but this one just didn't seem plausible or necessary and I couldn't figure out why the super rich guy picked this random pole dancer for the gig and didn't really care.
(It actually felt like a lackluster version of a book I read and very much enjoyed earlier in the year, so I figured I could just re-read that one, lol.)
(It actually felt like a lackluster version of a book I read and very much enjoyed earlier in the year, so I figured I could just re-read that one, lol.)
November 11, 2025
Tropes I loved:
Fake relationship
First love
Queer love
Pretty Woman vibes
Age gap
Slow burn
Spice that burns you alive
I really enjoyed book two the growth between Nicky and Evan had me smiling the whole time. Nicky is young, free-spirited, and delightfully gender-fluid. Nick refuses to be boxed in, and I loved that for him. Evan is a total workaholic who doesn’t think he has time for a relationship. Their romance starts as a fake arrangement, but the slow burn is everything. I loved the patience Evan shows Nicky, and how Nicky learns his worth with Evan’s steady support. It’s cute and fluffy watching them give in to their desire, but what got me is how a real connection forms this isn’t just spice. It’s two people learning to trust and care for each other.
💌Verdict: That’s why I enjoyed book two even more Willow, girlfriend, I was ruined by how cute this was. 🥹💖
Fake relationship
First love
Queer love
Pretty Woman vibes
Age gap
Slow burn
Spice that burns you alive
I really enjoyed book two the growth between Nicky and Evan had me smiling the whole time. Nicky is young, free-spirited, and delightfully gender-fluid. Nick refuses to be boxed in, and I loved that for him. Evan is a total workaholic who doesn’t think he has time for a relationship. Their romance starts as a fake arrangement, but the slow burn is everything. I loved the patience Evan shows Nicky, and how Nicky learns his worth with Evan’s steady support. It’s cute and fluffy watching them give in to their desire, but what got me is how a real connection forms this isn’t just spice. It’s two people learning to trust and care for each other.
💌Verdict: That’s why I enjoyed book two even more Willow, girlfriend, I was ruined by how cute this was. 🥹💖
September 29, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better! I am absolutely hooked! If you loved Stepbrother Dearest, you're in for a treat with this one.
Let's talk about the star of the show - Nick. Oh my goodness, I adore him! His personality is simply amazing. He's funny, cute, and doesn't take any bullsh*t. Nick is a ball of energy, a little bit bratty at times, and it's impossible not to fall in love with him. Sorry, Evan, but you didn't stand a chance!
The chemistry between Nick and Evan is off the charts, and the banter had me laughing out loud. I love it when Nicky teases Evan and gangs up against him with Vlado. The romance in this book is swoon-worthy, and I found myself rooting for these two from the very beginning. Evan makes Nicky feel valued and worthy of love, it’s so pure and beautiful. They’re also very hot together and I don’t know how Willow Dixon does that but the sex scenes are always so emotional and well-written, I literally live for them!
I also adored Nick and Aiden's friendship, they're BFF goals! Aiden is a perfect example of anti-toxic masculinity. He's a wonderful friend to Nicky, and I had a great time with them every time they had their moments. I could say exactly the same thing for Evan and his BFF Vlado.
Evan is a mystery for a long time in the book. I loved his behavior toward Nick - he's protective, kind, and loving. But there is this blurred area concerning why he needs a bodyguard and security. I felt very invested in the story and I was dying to know everything!
One thing I really appreciate about Willow Dixon's writing is how she gives a lot of space to all the characters to express themselves, even if they're secondary characters. We get to know them better and it gives more depth to the story.
Another aspect I loved about this book is how it emphasizes gender and sexual fluidity, challenges stereotypes, and addresses bi erasure. It's refreshing to see these topics explored in a romance novel.
Fakers With Benefits is a captivating story that will leave you wanting more. I can't wait to read Zane's book! If you're looking for a steamy romance with well-developed characters and a touch of mystery, this book is for you. I highly recommend it!
[I received an ARC and this is my honest review]
Let's talk about the star of the show - Nick. Oh my goodness, I adore him! His personality is simply amazing. He's funny, cute, and doesn't take any bullsh*t. Nick is a ball of energy, a little bit bratty at times, and it's impossible not to fall in love with him. Sorry, Evan, but you didn't stand a chance!
The chemistry between Nick and Evan is off the charts, and the banter had me laughing out loud. I love it when Nicky teases Evan and gangs up against him with Vlado. The romance in this book is swoon-worthy, and I found myself rooting for these two from the very beginning. Evan makes Nicky feel valued and worthy of love, it’s so pure and beautiful. They’re also very hot together and I don’t know how Willow Dixon does that but the sex scenes are always so emotional and well-written, I literally live for them!
I also adored Nick and Aiden's friendship, they're BFF goals! Aiden is a perfect example of anti-toxic masculinity. He's a wonderful friend to Nicky, and I had a great time with them every time they had their moments. I could say exactly the same thing for Evan and his BFF Vlado.
Evan is a mystery for a long time in the book. I loved his behavior toward Nick - he's protective, kind, and loving. But there is this blurred area concerning why he needs a bodyguard and security. I felt very invested in the story and I was dying to know everything!
One thing I really appreciate about Willow Dixon's writing is how she gives a lot of space to all the characters to express themselves, even if they're secondary characters. We get to know them better and it gives more depth to the story.
Another aspect I loved about this book is how it emphasizes gender and sexual fluidity, challenges stereotypes, and addresses bi erasure. It's refreshing to see these topics explored in a romance novel.
Fakers With Benefits is a captivating story that will leave you wanting more. I can't wait to read Zane's book! If you're looking for a steamy romance with well-developed characters and a touch of mystery, this book is for you. I highly recommend it!
[I received an ARC and this is my honest review]
October 11, 2023
I loved, loved, loved this book!!!! I enjoyed the first one in this series, but this one was even better.
Nick works at a strip club at night time and a café during the day. He lives with his best friend and is happy with his found family, his roommate bestie and his coworkers at the club. One night he meets Evan, a millionaire businessman who proposes to Nick a deal involving good money in exchange for faking being the man's boyfriend. Nick accepts and that's when the good stuff starts!
This book was wonderful, I couldn't stop reading as I got hooked from page one. Nick was sweet, smart and good hearted. I fell in love with him straight away, he was so good at heart and such an extrovert adorable guy that it didn't surprise me that Evan fell for him. Evan and Nick made the perfect couple and they balanced each other out amazingly.
Evan was the character with a difficult life. I hated his father so much and I loved how he dealt with his business and took care of everyone around him. He was the boyfriend everyone would like to have, and not because of his money, although the shopping scene with Nick was sooooo Pretty Woman-like and I, of course, loved it!
This book was very romantic, but also extremely funny and I had such a good time reading it. I loved the secondary characters, especially Vlado, he was funny and very important in the story. This is one of those stories that make me love reading, because it was enjoyable, beautiful and entertaining. A must-read for all romance book lovers.
Nick works at a strip club at night time and a café during the day. He lives with his best friend and is happy with his found family, his roommate bestie and his coworkers at the club. One night he meets Evan, a millionaire businessman who proposes to Nick a deal involving good money in exchange for faking being the man's boyfriend. Nick accepts and that's when the good stuff starts!
This book was wonderful, I couldn't stop reading as I got hooked from page one. Nick was sweet, smart and good hearted. I fell in love with him straight away, he was so good at heart and such an extrovert adorable guy that it didn't surprise me that Evan fell for him. Evan and Nick made the perfect couple and they balanced each other out amazingly.
Evan was the character with a difficult life. I hated his father so much and I loved how he dealt with his business and took care of everyone around him. He was the boyfriend everyone would like to have, and not because of his money, although the shopping scene with Nick was sooooo Pretty Woman-like and I, of course, loved it!
This book was very romantic, but also extremely funny and I had such a good time reading it. I loved the secondary characters, especially Vlado, he was funny and very important in the story. This is one of those stories that make me love reading, because it was enjoyable, beautiful and entertaining. A must-read for all romance book lovers.
October 20, 2024
Have yet to read a Willow book I didn't love
RTC
RTC
November 2, 2023
3.5 stars ✨
January 1, 2025
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
December 23, 2023
I wish I cared 😭
Everyone hyped this up but there are endless, absolutely pointless conversations and text threads that drag on for 20+ pages at a time and have nothing to do with the plot not to mention the actual fake dating is just told instead of shown for the most part - when that's literally what the book is supposed to be about?! Make it make sense.
Also why do Vlado and Nick have more chemistry than Nick and the rich dude whose name I've already forgotten because he's blander than white bread?
2 stars for Nick because he deserved better than whatever this was.
Everyone hyped this up but there are endless, absolutely pointless conversations and text threads that drag on for 20+ pages at a time and have nothing to do with the plot not to mention the actual fake dating is just told instead of shown for the most part - when that's literally what the book is supposed to be about?! Make it make sense.
Also why do Vlado and Nick have more chemistry than Nick and the rich dude whose name I've already forgotten because he's blander than white bread?
2 stars for Nick because he deserved better than whatever this was.
August 22, 2024
As much as I thought I wasn't going to like Nick or his story, I actually did. Nick and Evan were great together, I liked their characters and if the story focused on them alone, it would've been far better than what it turned out to be.
🟢 Fake boyfriends
🔵 A male stripper/millionaire
🟣 Bisexual/gay
🟠 Age gap - 9 years 21/30
🟡 The story didn't focus on the MMCs as much, a lot of side characters and additional drama with them
🔵 Nick obviously has ADHD but is not addressed as ADHD in the book, he's very talkative and his mind is going 100km/h, so if you don't like that, you won't like the story
🟣 First half of the book quite good, after 60% the show is over
🌶️ Smut is good, skips a few timelines, half of it off-page so the intimate relationship is progressing but is skipped over; t/b
Nick is working at Crimson Club as a dancer where he gets propositioned to be a fake boyfriend to Evan, the multimillionaire from Seattle. Nick accepts the deal and realises Evan is a great guy, so in no time Nick offers sex, even though their contract doesn't demand it.
The love develops gradually, first they're intimate occasionally while the plot thickens with Evan's family and his inheritance, so as much as I liked their times together on-page, it wasn't enough. The two times they were intimate together and a few times on-page where they had those intense, personal interactions were the best part of the story.
Evan and Nick did have fantastic chemistry, Evan was a good guy who was great in bed and came to really like and care for Nick, so I thought it was a strange idea the author used so much page time for other things like other side characters and endless dialogues Nick had with them that had absolutely nothing to do with the story.
Those dialogues were superficial and a far cry from what Nick and Evan shared when they were together, so this story could've been fantastic if the main topic were indeed Evan and Nick's budding relationship.
I get that Nick is a bit different and I did like his character, but at one point it becomes a bit much, he's 21 years old, not 15 and by the end of the book I expected for his character to evolve a bit, but fine -- overall I did like Nick and Evan, Evan kind of saves the day though.
I'm going to continue reading this series, but I expect all the books to be pretty much on the same level.
🟢 Fake boyfriends
🔵 A male stripper/millionaire
🟣 Bisexual/gay
🟠 Age gap - 9 years 21/30
🟡 The story didn't focus on the MMCs as much, a lot of side characters and additional drama with them
🔵 Nick obviously has ADHD but is not addressed as ADHD in the book, he's very talkative and his mind is going 100km/h, so if you don't like that, you won't like the story
🟣 First half of the book quite good, after 60% the show is over
🌶️ Smut is good, skips a few timelines, half of it off-page so the intimate relationship is progressing but is skipped over; t/b
Nick is working at Crimson Club as a dancer where he gets propositioned to be a fake boyfriend to Evan, the multimillionaire from Seattle. Nick accepts the deal and realises Evan is a great guy, so in no time Nick offers sex, even though their contract doesn't demand it.
The love develops gradually, first they're intimate occasionally while the plot thickens with Evan's family and his inheritance, so as much as I liked their times together on-page, it wasn't enough. The two times they were intimate together and a few times on-page where they had those intense, personal interactions were the best part of the story.
Evan and Nick did have fantastic chemistry, Evan was a good guy who was great in bed and came to really like and care for Nick, so I thought it was a strange idea the author used so much page time for other things like other side characters and endless dialogues Nick had with them that had absolutely nothing to do with the story.
Those dialogues were superficial and a far cry from what Nick and Evan shared when they were together, so this story could've been fantastic if the main topic were indeed Evan and Nick's budding relationship.
I get that Nick is a bit different and I did like his character, but at one point it becomes a bit much, he's 21 years old, not 15 and by the end of the book I expected for his character to evolve a bit, but fine -- overall I did like Nick and Evan, Evan kind of saves the day though.
I'm going to continue reading this series, but I expect all the books to be pretty much on the same level.
October 4, 2023
If you want a sweet story with just the right amount of angst, humour and feels this one is for you! I loved the book.
Nick is a warm, sassy, bright ball of energy but with a host of insecurities he hides. Evan is steady, sweet and a complete caretaker.
Meeting Nick and propositioning him for a fake relationship as a work around on his dad’s inheritance terms was meant to be a transactional relationship with clearly defined rules to never push the power imbalance with anything sexual. That went right out the moment when this slow burn caught fire and they gave in to the push and pull and deeper feeling weee bound to develop with both these men with big hearts. It’s a little predictable in places but in the absolutely best swooniest of ways.
I loved how much consent and respect was built into the themes of the story Willow Dixon gave us and also glimpses into insulating or overprotection and advocating for yourself- it made reading this such a joy- no drawn out misunderstandings or raging drama just solid entrancing storytelling with insanely hot chemistry.
I loved that there was a whole suspense and threats to life secondary plot line which also added to the characters growing closer
I also loved the found family of the Crimson Club and Emily and Vlado
Expect:
- Fake relationship
- Opposites attract
- Slow burn
- Stripper x millionaire businessman
- Hurt comfort
- Suspense
- Pretty lingerie and femme attire
- Dirty talk
- age gap
- protective mc
- found family
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Humour: 🤣🤣🤣
Nick is a warm, sassy, bright ball of energy but with a host of insecurities he hides. Evan is steady, sweet and a complete caretaker.
Meeting Nick and propositioning him for a fake relationship as a work around on his dad’s inheritance terms was meant to be a transactional relationship with clearly defined rules to never push the power imbalance with anything sexual. That went right out the moment when this slow burn caught fire and they gave in to the push and pull and deeper feeling weee bound to develop with both these men with big hearts. It’s a little predictable in places but in the absolutely best swooniest of ways.
I loved how much consent and respect was built into the themes of the story Willow Dixon gave us and also glimpses into insulating or overprotection and advocating for yourself- it made reading this such a joy- no drawn out misunderstandings or raging drama just solid entrancing storytelling with insanely hot chemistry.
I loved that there was a whole suspense and threats to life secondary plot line which also added to the characters growing closer
I also loved the found family of the Crimson Club and Emily and Vlado
Expect:
- Fake relationship
- Opposites attract
- Slow burn
- Stripper x millionaire businessman
- Hurt comfort
- Suspense
- Pretty lingerie and femme attire
- Dirty talk
- age gap
- protective mc
- found family
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Humour: 🤣🤣🤣
May 10, 2025
Very cute and fluffy story. Pretty Woman inspired (name checking it a lot) except Nick is not a prostitute, he is just a stripper (and also a golden retriever with ADHD) hired for a fake relationship because reasons. With shopping sprees and a few other scenes (though not the polo match now I think of it).
I loved the technical bits about stripping and pole dancing and the bonding over clothes and Nick in general. I usually have a heart of stone for supposedly funny dialogue and over the top characters but somehow I was charmed (but I am going to take a break from the author in case too much really becomes too much) with Nick and with all of his dialogue: with friends, roommates, sassy bodyguard. The love interest, ah, he is (like Richard Gere) just the prize, but good enough, and he appreciates Nick enough, so in all, had a lot of fun reading this.
It is not a particularly deep story though, not in plot or character development, but that was absolutely fine with me. Just fun...
I loved the technical bits about stripping and pole dancing and the bonding over clothes and Nick in general. I usually have a heart of stone for supposedly funny dialogue and over the top characters but somehow I was charmed (but I am going to take a break from the author in case too much really becomes too much) with Nick and with all of his dialogue: with friends, roommates, sassy bodyguard. The love interest, ah, he is (like Richard Gere) just the prize, but good enough, and he appreciates Nick enough, so in all, had a lot of fun reading this.
It is not a particularly deep story though, not in plot or character development, but that was absolutely fine with me. Just fun...
July 4, 2025
This was a chore :/
October 24, 2023
Tropes: rich/poor, fake dating, age gap, sugar daddy/baby, found family
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: mild stuff, gender nonconforming clothing, some toys
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: biphobia, bad people, some dangerous situations
Nick is 21, he's bi and works as a stripper and at a restaurant. He's baby faced, looks younger than he is. People around him love him and feel protective of him. He loves to shop, he has expensive tastes, he is absent-minded and a bit of a slob, always running late. He's affectionate and loves bestie cuddles.
Evan is 30, he's a gay businessman. He is super wealthy. Evan meets Nick the strip club because his sister had her Bachelorette there. Evan offers Nick a job to pretend to be his boyfriend. Evan's father is traditional and wants Evan to settle down before he retires and transfers the business to Evan. So Evan wants to show Nick around for a few months, and look like he's in a serious relationship.
They start their ruse and they soon add sex to the mix because they are attracted to each other. They start crossing some lines into genuine affection for each other.
Some things I liked about this book... Nick was a sweetheart. He speaks his mind and he's good-hearted and affectionate. I love how he just needs to get his hug fix sometimes and he just needs to run his mouth sometimes to let out his crazy. I liked the found family dynamic. Nick had such healthy relationships with his friends and co-workers, there was a lot of humor in their interactions. I also liked how everyone liked Nick when they met him. Nick ended up being really close to Evan's sister and his bodyguard Vlado, it was entertaining.
Some things I didn't like.... I didn't like how expensive Nick's taste were and how Evan ended up buying him so many expensive things. I don't like people living above their means because someone else is footing the bill, it's an unequal dynamic and just isn't attractive to me. I know they made a big deal about how Nick is just as happy with someone giving him a sandwich or cookies, it doesn't have to be an expensive gift to make him happy, but still. I didn't like the childish gimme gimme prezzies or the vain $3000 ball sack cream lol. Also the relationship progressed to love a little too quickly and easily. I would have liked to see more everyday non-transactional interactions between them that we're just daily living and talking so you can see them being more equal and believable partners in life.
I'm looking forward to the murder twins books. They have had some great scene stealing moments in the other books. Zane and his love interest Rath sounds like they will be interesting.
Some notable moments:
Great start, I loved the humor in the opening words of the book! "Mindlessly, I scrolled down on my phone, barely seeing the various items for sale. “Nick?” “Ow!” The door to my room flew open and Aiden, my BFF, hurried inside. He skid to a stop and grinned. “Did you drop your phone on your face again?” I rubbed my nose and sat up. “Would you believe me if I said no?”"
"If he’d decided he didn’t like this Rath guy, then one of two things would happen. This guy would reveal himself to be whatever had triggered Zane’s instincts, or we’d find out the dude was harmless and hadn’t yet figured out that you didn’t touch murder kittens’ toe beans or try to give them belly rubs."
"“You saying I’m yours?” He quirked his eyebrow at me. “Of course you are.” “I am? Since when?” “Since…” I paused, some of my haze clearing. “I forgot to tell you, didn’t I?”"
*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*: 3.5/5
Kinks: mild stuff, gender nonconforming clothing, some toys
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: biphobia, bad people, some dangerous situations
Nick is 21, he's bi and works as a stripper and at a restaurant. He's baby faced, looks younger than he is. People around him love him and feel protective of him. He loves to shop, he has expensive tastes, he is absent-minded and a bit of a slob, always running late. He's affectionate and loves bestie cuddles.
Evan is 30, he's a gay businessman. He is super wealthy. Evan meets Nick the strip club because his sister had her Bachelorette there. Evan offers Nick a job to pretend to be his boyfriend. Evan's father is traditional and wants Evan to settle down before he retires and transfers the business to Evan. So Evan wants to show Nick around for a few months, and look like he's in a serious relationship.
They start their ruse and they soon add sex to the mix because they are attracted to each other. They start crossing some lines into genuine affection for each other.
Some things I liked about this book... Nick was a sweetheart. He speaks his mind and he's good-hearted and affectionate. I love how he just needs to get his hug fix sometimes and he just needs to run his mouth sometimes to let out his crazy. I liked the found family dynamic. Nick had such healthy relationships with his friends and co-workers, there was a lot of humor in their interactions. I also liked how everyone liked Nick when they met him. Nick ended up being really close to Evan's sister and his bodyguard Vlado, it was entertaining.
Some things I didn't like.... I didn't like how expensive Nick's taste were and how Evan ended up buying him so many expensive things. I don't like people living above their means because someone else is footing the bill, it's an unequal dynamic and just isn't attractive to me. I know they made a big deal about how Nick is just as happy with someone giving him a sandwich or cookies, it doesn't have to be an expensive gift to make him happy, but still. I didn't like the childish gimme gimme prezzies or the vain $3000 ball sack cream lol. Also the relationship progressed to love a little too quickly and easily. I would have liked to see more everyday non-transactional interactions between them that we're just daily living and talking so you can see them being more equal and believable partners in life.
I'm looking forward to the murder twins books. They have had some great scene stealing moments in the other books. Zane and his love interest Rath sounds like they will be interesting.
Some notable moments:
Great start, I loved the humor in the opening words of the book! "Mindlessly, I scrolled down on my phone, barely seeing the various items for sale. “Nick?” “Ow!” The door to my room flew open and Aiden, my BFF, hurried inside. He skid to a stop and grinned. “Did you drop your phone on your face again?” I rubbed my nose and sat up. “Would you believe me if I said no?”"
"If he’d decided he didn’t like this Rath guy, then one of two things would happen. This guy would reveal himself to be whatever had triggered Zane’s instincts, or we’d find out the dude was harmless and hadn’t yet figured out that you didn’t touch murder kittens’ toe beans or try to give them belly rubs."
"“You saying I’m yours?” He quirked his eyebrow at me. “Of course you are.” “I am? Since when?” “Since…” I paused, some of my haze clearing. “I forgot to tell you, didn’t I?”"
*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.
October 9, 2023
3.5 Stars
Very entertaining but missing that little something something. I had a good time reading it though and I loved Nick :) I think the little something missing might have been Evan’s personality.
Very entertaining but missing that little something something. I had a good time reading it though and I loved Nick :) I think the little something missing might have been Evan’s personality.
November 20, 2023
3.5 stars for a cutesy fake-bf read w plenty of spice. Willow always delivers easy reads. i'm ngl, i read the roommates series and i read the last book in this off-shoot but i STILL lost track of who tf everyone was 💀 there are so many side characters and i love the interactions between them, but ffs i couldn't remember or keep tally of who was who. one thing i will say is that i hate overly cuddly platonic types when there's a bf involved so i docked a star just for that because i'm a petulant baby and there was loads of it in here. like excuse me do not climb your best friend like a tree to get a hug when ur literally ass naked. yes it's innocent but I HAVE SYMPATHY JEALOUSY! anyways Evan is hot and loving and big swoon vibes. Nick is basically a chihuahua with abs. i was into it tho
December 2, 2023
2.75 stars
Evan and Nick first meet at the Crimson Club where Evan is with his sister at her Bachelorette party.
Something about Nick draws Evan in and an idea forms. He wants to hire Nick to play the part of his boyfriend to get his inheritance.
For 3 months Nick is to play his arm Candy and convince Evan's dad he is a family man. What Evan forgets to tell Nick is there has been someone sending him threatening letters for months. When the threat turn on Nick, Evan is determined to find out who is making them.
What starts as fake turns real when the two men find they truly like one another. It was a sweet story with a HEA.
Evan and Nick first meet at the Crimson Club where Evan is with his sister at her Bachelorette party.
Something about Nick draws Evan in and an idea forms. He wants to hire Nick to play the part of his boyfriend to get his inheritance.
For 3 months Nick is to play his arm Candy and convince Evan's dad he is a family man. What Evan forgets to tell Nick is there has been someone sending him threatening letters for months. When the threat turn on Nick, Evan is determined to find out who is making them.
What starts as fake turns real when the two men find they truly like one another. It was a sweet story with a HEA.
November 25, 2023
I loved what I saw of Nick’s character in Stepbrother Dearest and was really excited for him to get his own book, but this missed the mark a bit for me.
I really loved how sassy and funny Nick was, and that he shook up Evan’s banal and rigid existence, but their relationship just didn’t hook me. I didn’t really feel the connection between them to make their love story believable, and the spice between them was just ok.
Overall though, Willow wrote it and therefore I enjoyed it, just not as much as I was hoping.
I really loved how sassy and funny Nick was, and that he shook up Evan’s banal and rigid existence, but their relationship just didn’t hook me. I didn’t really feel the connection between them to make their love story believable, and the spice between them was just ok.
Overall though, Willow wrote it and therefore I enjoyed it, just not as much as I was hoping.
October 6, 2023
a funny hot story
I didn’t know id laugh so much but glad I did. Really good story and series and can not wait for the next one I wish it was a lot sooner!
I didn’t know id laugh so much but glad I did. Really good story and series and can not wait for the next one I wish it was a lot sooner!
October 13, 2023
DNF’d at 82% 😐😐
i tried to love this book, i really did. maybe it’s because i’m a mood reader and just haven’t been in the mood for a story like this but to me it was very juvenile while also still being “smexy” (i feel like that’s a word Nick would say because his whole character is very animated and it’s giving 2014 meme culture).
also i started this book because everyone said it was funny and yet i didn’t laugh at all 😐 less funny, more annoying and immature. i understand writing someone with a “big personality” but it was like he was just regurgitating tumblr posts and memes that were relevant years ago and not actually being funny or clever.
there were many points where i’d roll my eyes because the dialogue just wasn’t believable and there were sooo many side conversations between nick and his friends that had nothing to do with anything and did not push the story along. reading a whole 20+ text thread between nick and his friend that has zero point was just boring and unnecessary. it’s like it was placed in there for no other reason than to make the book longer and show that Nick is very ADHD and can’t stay focused on one topic. We get it, we got it the first 20 times he went off on a tangent and jumped topics in his brain. and then a whole chapter dedicated to Nick + the other dancers rehearsal???? what was the point in that??? i skimmed the whole thing pretty much.
this book didn’t grab me. i had to force myself to get to 82% and just couldn’t anymore lol my favorite character was Vlado and he was more interesting than Nick and Evan combined.
there was also a lot of telling instead of showing in this book, which is just how some authors write. personally, i’m not a fan of it.
((as you can see i have pretty much zero opinion on Nick and Evan as a couple… because there was literally noooo deeper connection there. it almost seems odd and out of place. nick had better chemistry with his friends and vlado than he did with Evan, so really i have nothing to say about them.))
i tried to love this book, i really did. maybe it’s because i’m a mood reader and just haven’t been in the mood for a story like this but to me it was very juvenile while also still being “smexy” (i feel like that’s a word Nick would say because his whole character is very animated and it’s giving 2014 meme culture).
also i started this book because everyone said it was funny and yet i didn’t laugh at all 😐 less funny, more annoying and immature. i understand writing someone with a “big personality” but it was like he was just regurgitating tumblr posts and memes that were relevant years ago and not actually being funny or clever.
there were many points where i’d roll my eyes because the dialogue just wasn’t believable and there were sooo many side conversations between nick and his friends that had nothing to do with anything and did not push the story along. reading a whole 20+ text thread between nick and his friend that has zero point was just boring and unnecessary. it’s like it was placed in there for no other reason than to make the book longer and show that Nick is very ADHD and can’t stay focused on one topic. We get it, we got it the first 20 times he went off on a tangent and jumped topics in his brain. and then a whole chapter dedicated to Nick + the other dancers rehearsal???? what was the point in that??? i skimmed the whole thing pretty much.
this book didn’t grab me. i had to force myself to get to 82% and just couldn’t anymore lol my favorite character was Vlado and he was more interesting than Nick and Evan combined.
there was also a lot of telling instead of showing in this book, which is just how some authors write. personally, i’m not a fan of it.
((as you can see i have pretty much zero opinion on Nick and Evan as a couple… because there was literally noooo deeper connection there. it almost seems odd and out of place. nick had better chemistry with his friends and vlado than he did with Evan, so really i have nothing to say about them.))
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
Ahhhh this book was so cute!
It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but the chemistry between Nick and Evan was undeniable, and I feel like their characters compliment each other nicely.
Nicky deserves the world - I fell in love with his character and all of his quirks. He’s giving neurodivergent vibes and I am here for it. I love how his confidence and self assurance is contrasted with moments of vulnerability, making him a character that I could really relate to. I also appreciate Willow Dixon writing a bisexual character who is more femme, as often that’s reserved for stereotypically gay characters.
Evan is the perfect counterpart to Nick’s chaos - he cherishes Nick, and apparently has the stamina of a racehorse, so what more could you ask for? I don’t feel like I got to know Evan as well as Nick in this book, but I like him all the same, and he’s a great book boyfriend.
This book had all the banter that I love from Willow Dixon, although some of the dialogue was a little OTT. I think it suited the characters though, so I’ll let it slide.
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected, and I’d recommend it if you want a cute fake dating romance, with found family vibes and lovable characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but the chemistry between Nick and Evan was undeniable, and I feel like their characters compliment each other nicely.
Nicky deserves the world - I fell in love with his character and all of his quirks. He’s giving neurodivergent vibes and I am here for it. I love how his confidence and self assurance is contrasted with moments of vulnerability, making him a character that I could really relate to. I also appreciate Willow Dixon writing a bisexual character who is more femme, as often that’s reserved for stereotypically gay characters.
Evan is the perfect counterpart to Nick’s chaos - he cherishes Nick, and apparently has the stamina of a racehorse, so what more could you ask for? I don’t feel like I got to know Evan as well as Nick in this book, but I like him all the same, and he’s a great book boyfriend.
This book had all the banter that I love from Willow Dixon, although some of the dialogue was a little OTT. I think it suited the characters though, so I’ll let it slide.
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected, and I’d recommend it if you want a cute fake dating romance, with found family vibes and lovable characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2023
I love Nick with all my heart, but this whole book felt so rushed and like we missed some really important moments of their development. Evan was a mystery to me through the whole book, as much as I wanted to like and get behind him, I just couldn't. He was possessive from the beginning and I wasn'table to get to know him as a character as much as I'd have liked. I didn't get the long parts of Nick babbling with his friends that didn't feel as relevant to the story than some things that happened in the time jumps but sounded so interesting and actually relevant to better understand their developing relationship. It felt so rushed, but it was entertaining thanks to Nick being Nick...
January 28, 2024
I think I expected this to be a mafia romance, and it wasn’t. Don’t ask me why I thought that, but I was upset that it wasn’t what I was wanting. I also thought some chapters were totally unnecessary. Sex was good.
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