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Book Club Boys #2
Midnights Like This
Eric Ruiz-
I never thought I’d see him again.
We ended things on a horrible note, and it was all my fault. So when I bump into Colton at a local coffee shop, I’m convinced it’s some kind of prank.
But it wasn’t. Colton was back in town, and he needed help. His mom was killed in a burglary gone wrong, and he’s convinced there’s more to the story.
He’s also convinced I’m the only one who could help him. It would require being fake boyfriends and going with him to his family retreat, but at least we had some real experience being together.
Shouldn’t be too hard, right?
Colton Cooper-
I always wondered if we’d meet again.
Eric was my first love. Even though we had to keep it a secret, he had held my entire heart.
And ended up breaking it.
But when I see him again after all these years, those feelings come rushing back. Along with an idea.
Eric had a lot to make up for. So the least he could do was fly with me to the South of France and try to figure out who in my family was responsible for my mom’s death.
I just hoped history didn’t repeat itself.
I never thought I’d see him again.
We ended things on a horrible note, and it was all my fault. So when I bump into Colton at a local coffee shop, I’m convinced it’s some kind of prank.
But it wasn’t. Colton was back in town, and he needed help. His mom was killed in a burglary gone wrong, and he’s convinced there’s more to the story.
He’s also convinced I’m the only one who could help him. It would require being fake boyfriends and going with him to his family retreat, but at least we had some real experience being together.
Shouldn’t be too hard, right?
Colton Cooper-
I always wondered if we’d meet again.
Eric was my first love. Even though we had to keep it a secret, he had held my entire heart.
And ended up breaking it.
But when I see him again after all these years, those feelings come rushing back. Along with an idea.
Eric had a lot to make up for. So the least he could do was fly with me to the South of France and try to figure out who in my family was responsible for my mom’s death.
I just hoped history didn’t repeat itself.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 12, 2023
151 people are currently reading
1109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
January 4, 2025
OMG I just love this sub-genre of smutty little gay romances that have a bunch of mystery and murder attached to it.
this was better than the first book in many ways, so many tropes I fell in love with. Eric and Colton, past lovers, meet again years later in a coffee shop. Colton’s mum was murdered, Eric is a private investigator, they decide to be fake boyfriends on Colton’s family holiday to France to solve the murder. Fake boyfriends turn into real boyfriends and a lot of history resurfaces. I also loved that Colton wasn’t built like a Greek god and spoke about his body not being up to the standard in the gay community. ~relatableeee~
This family is MESSY AF HAHAAHHA I was LIVING for the drama at the dinner table.
There was a lot more depth and development in this book compared to book one. But unfortunately there are still typos, grammatical errors and the use of words that shouldn’t be in a sentence. The worst one being “I you love” instead of “I love you”. It totally took me out of the fantasy and was really jarring.
The sexual material is SO HOT it’s actually wild. I’m diving straight into book three. These books are really everything I’ve wanted and more in a series. LOVE.
this was better than the first book in many ways, so many tropes I fell in love with. Eric and Colton, past lovers, meet again years later in a coffee shop. Colton’s mum was murdered, Eric is a private investigator, they decide to be fake boyfriends on Colton’s family holiday to France to solve the murder. Fake boyfriends turn into real boyfriends and a lot of history resurfaces. I also loved that Colton wasn’t built like a Greek god and spoke about his body not being up to the standard in the gay community. ~relatableeee~
This family is MESSY AF HAHAAHHA I was LIVING for the drama at the dinner table.
There was a lot more depth and development in this book compared to book one. But unfortunately there are still typos, grammatical errors and the use of words that shouldn’t be in a sentence. The worst one being “I you love” instead of “I love you”. It totally took me out of the fantasy and was really jarring.
The sexual material is SO HOT it’s actually wild. I’m diving straight into book three. These books are really everything I’ve wanted and more in a series. LOVE.
January 16, 2025
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“His smile only grew wider against my lips, his hand resting on my chest, right above my heart.
Good. He’ll feel the beats that are for him.”
I figured it was just a funny coincidence that I read aloud Midnights Like This, in the same voice as Taylor Swift. It was not until grieving Colton asked his former ex, thirty-four-year-old Eric Cruiz - 'a walking Renaissance painting. All bold lines and color and raw emotion' - from their police academy days now turned PI to be his fake boyfriend, when he and his siblings would have to go to their French villa, not in Paris, thankfully, to hear aloud the reading of their mother's will after an attempted robbery led to her murder, leading to a moment where his siblings so unceremoniously lashed out at their mother with She's laughing at us from hell, to the Lavender Haze that filtered into his and Eric's apartment, once bygones were finally addressed, did I fully realize how heavily Taylor Swift-inspired it actually was. 😆🎶
“I died a thousand deaths at the tips of his fingers, brought back to life each and every time by the voltage behind those lips.”
And with emotional imagery that would put the Tortured Poets Department to shame.
No harm, no foul, right?
But, somehow, wrong in so many levels - I can't believe I'm putting myself through this, simply because I feel unsettled if the series remains unfinished.
I wonder at myself, sometimes. 🤦🏻♀️
“Hey, I think you broke my heart beyond repair, and yet I still can’t stop thinking about you… what’s up?”
It must have been Karma that when Colton and Eric's paths crossed once again, both of them still felt the vestige of those passionate emotions that stirred their loins and kindled their flames so intensely. It stung worse that as much as their love had been so earnest, it was with a fatal crushing blow that Eric blew Colton off without preamble, without reason, even when he so desperately hoped he could be his special one. 🥺 'It was a silly little dream, made by my silly little heart over some silly little feelings.' It's that lingering hurt that clings to Colton's conscience, but not quite enough to respect the boundaries they attempt to set up - all in vain futility - as the yearning sensation is too strong to deny. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
I must confess, this second chance fake lovers romance had its moments that had me laughing aloud. Not at the story, but the writing. Because, good gosh, this style does not seem to take itself seriously. The ridicule and amusement I get at the absurdity of it - I wonder if it's intentional, like it is the author's preferred style, so maybe seasoned readers are accustomed to it. But, the cum-raderie of the characters was too much for me to take seriously, let alone embrace enthusiastically. 🙈😅
Not to mention that the conflict of interest simply stood in the fact that while the attraction still burned hot between the two, Colton was not ready to forgive & forget until Eric addressed the Would've, Could've, Should've of why he kicked their relationship where it hurt the most. 😥 Especially when everything was so picture perfect, even when Eric was so deep in the closet, and his family troubles weighed on him heavily, when he fought so hard to embrace his sexuality.
Catch my drift?
“This “fake” situation we had set up was never really fake, and I could see that now. The butterflies that fluttered to life every time he was around was impossible to fake.”
I can't say I'm very much impressed with their book club either. It is nice to see them so cheery and supportive of each other, but the discussion of books itself is minimum, at best. In fact, it serves better as a way for them to figure out who is behind the death of Colton's mother, and also gives him a chance to finally feel like he belongs to have friends, a feeling he pretty much missed out on growing up, especially when he's never been quite close to his family, either. 🫂
Uff, his family, testing his patience, much? Kudos to Eric for not giving a damn about their theatrics, and pretty much only being happy with Grandma Macy. The mystery behind his mother's death felt pretty much like a joke, but I do give props to the author for trying to make it seem as mysterious as possible, until from hushed conversations, Bejeweled confessions, and surreptitious accusations made it quite easy to figure out who the Mastermind was. 🧐
“And you always loved to read—you had that closet full of books.”
“I joked it was the only reason why I couldn’t stay in the closet, because my books didn’t leave me any room. I’ll have you know I’ve gotten a bookshelf since then.”
Unintentional or not, their brand of humor definitely was good for some laughs. 😆 Or was that the writing? 🙂↔️🙂↔️ And yeah, objectively, Eric and Colton were nice guys - down-to-earth, cool gents, who sadly broke up, but somehow found their way back to each other. Their comments made in jest or earnest - their comparison to the thunder raging outside matching the lightning in their hearts was interesting, and they worked well together. 'I smiled, my entire being lifted up past the clouds, drifting somewhere past Mars.' Cared for and trusted each other, and had each other's back When the Going Gets Tough.
Yes, I know this is not a Taylor Swift song, don't call me out for it. ☺️ But, I didn't feel anything for them, save for that one instance where Eric was too foolish or dumb to realize that all Colton wanted was an acknowledgement of his crime of passion - a heartbreaking blow that 'that you completely crushed my heart and made it hard for me to open up to anyone for a pretty long time'... 😞
And yet, I just couldn't take it seriously... At least it was a quick read. 😤
So, one more Love Story to go, with a crime rampaging the streets, and the threat levels escalated with one of their book club members, I can only imagine what suspense lies in store next... 🙄
“His smile only grew wider against my lips, his hand resting on my chest, right above my heart.
Good. He’ll feel the beats that are for him.”
I figured it was just a funny coincidence that I read aloud Midnights Like This, in the same voice as Taylor Swift. It was not until grieving Colton asked his former ex, thirty-four-year-old Eric Cruiz - 'a walking Renaissance painting. All bold lines and color and raw emotion' - from their police academy days now turned PI to be his fake boyfriend, when he and his siblings would have to go to their French villa, not in Paris, thankfully, to hear aloud the reading of their mother's will after an attempted robbery led to her murder, leading to a moment where his siblings so unceremoniously lashed out at their mother with She's laughing at us from hell, to the Lavender Haze that filtered into his and Eric's apartment, once bygones were finally addressed, did I fully realize how heavily Taylor Swift-inspired it actually was. 😆🎶
“I died a thousand deaths at the tips of his fingers, brought back to life each and every time by the voltage behind those lips.”
And with emotional imagery that would put the Tortured Poets Department to shame.
No harm, no foul, right?
But, somehow, wrong in so many levels - I can't believe I'm putting myself through this, simply because I feel unsettled if the series remains unfinished.
I wonder at myself, sometimes. 🤦🏻♀️
“Hey, I think you broke my heart beyond repair, and yet I still can’t stop thinking about you… what’s up?”
It must have been Karma that when Colton and Eric's paths crossed once again, both of them still felt the vestige of those passionate emotions that stirred their loins and kindled their flames so intensely. It stung worse that as much as their love had been so earnest, it was with a fatal crushing blow that Eric blew Colton off without preamble, without reason, even when he so desperately hoped he could be his special one. 🥺 'It was a silly little dream, made by my silly little heart over some silly little feelings.' It's that lingering hurt that clings to Colton's conscience, but not quite enough to respect the boundaries they attempt to set up - all in vain futility - as the yearning sensation is too strong to deny. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
I must confess, this second chance fake lovers romance had its moments that had me laughing aloud. Not at the story, but the writing. Because, good gosh, this style does not seem to take itself seriously. The ridicule and amusement I get at the absurdity of it - I wonder if it's intentional, like it is the author's preferred style, so maybe seasoned readers are accustomed to it. But, the cum-raderie of the characters was too much for me to take seriously, let alone embrace enthusiastically. 🙈😅
Not to mention that the conflict of interest simply stood in the fact that while the attraction still burned hot between the two, Colton was not ready to forgive & forget until Eric addressed the Would've, Could've, Should've of why he kicked their relationship where it hurt the most. 😥 Especially when everything was so picture perfect, even when Eric was so deep in the closet, and his family troubles weighed on him heavily, when he fought so hard to embrace his sexuality.
Catch my drift?
“This “fake” situation we had set up was never really fake, and I could see that now. The butterflies that fluttered to life every time he was around was impossible to fake.”
I can't say I'm very much impressed with their book club either. It is nice to see them so cheery and supportive of each other, but the discussion of books itself is minimum, at best. In fact, it serves better as a way for them to figure out who is behind the death of Colton's mother, and also gives him a chance to finally feel like he belongs to have friends, a feeling he pretty much missed out on growing up, especially when he's never been quite close to his family, either. 🫂
Uff, his family, testing his patience, much? Kudos to Eric for not giving a damn about their theatrics, and pretty much only being happy with Grandma Macy. The mystery behind his mother's death felt pretty much like a joke, but I do give props to the author for trying to make it seem as mysterious as possible, until from hushed conversations, Bejeweled confessions, and surreptitious accusations made it quite easy to figure out who the Mastermind was. 🧐
“And you always loved to read—you had that closet full of books.”
“I joked it was the only reason why I couldn’t stay in the closet, because my books didn’t leave me any room. I’ll have you know I’ve gotten a bookshelf since then.”
Unintentional or not, their brand of humor definitely was good for some laughs. 😆 Or was that the writing? 🙂↔️🙂↔️ And yeah, objectively, Eric and Colton were nice guys - down-to-earth, cool gents, who sadly broke up, but somehow found their way back to each other. Their comments made in jest or earnest - their comparison to the thunder raging outside matching the lightning in their hearts was interesting, and they worked well together. 'I smiled, my entire being lifted up past the clouds, drifting somewhere past Mars.' Cared for and trusted each other, and had each other's back When the Going Gets Tough.
Yes, I know this is not a Taylor Swift song, don't call me out for it. ☺️ But, I didn't feel anything for them, save for that one instance where Eric was too foolish or dumb to realize that all Colton wanted was an acknowledgement of his crime of passion - a heartbreaking blow that 'that you completely crushed my heart and made it hard for me to open up to anyone for a pretty long time'... 😞
And yet, I just couldn't take it seriously... At least it was a quick read. 😤
So, one more Love Story to go, with a crime rampaging the streets, and the threat levels escalated with one of their book club members, I can only imagine what suspense lies in store next... 🙄
October 15, 2023
Colton has returned to his hometown of Atlanta, to solve a murder that's way too close to home. His best friend and former lover, Eric came home to find his mother had been murdered and it looks like the killer is going to be one of his family. It doesn't take long for the two guys to hook up again. They complement one another perfectly, but their past may prevent them from moving on and having a future together. Max Walker is one of my favorite M/M romance writers and with this one he has written an emotional roller coaster ride complete with chemistry, loyalty, family, friendships, anxiety, communication, second chances, challenges, and most importantly...love. All that leads to a fun and entertaining mystery, which Colton ad Eric cleverly solve and then decide that forgiveness was the best way for them to rebuild what they once had and both want again. What a sweet ending it has. I can't wait for the next one...Tristan's story.
October 3, 2024
This was a really fast easy read and I don’t have much to say. I’m not the smartest cookie in the jar but still even I solved the mystery. It was super obvious in this book which was an interesting choice. The best way I could describe this book was a kids (6-10) murder mystery book with a lot of sex. Those two things don’t go together obviously but that’s what it felt like. The two main characters only had sexual chemistry to me, but talked about emotional connection due to their past that we only heard brief information about and saw no real emotional connection during this book. It was not a bad book, truly I enjoyed it but it’s truly a brain off just vibes kind of book.
November 1, 2023
Murder solving + second chance romance = best combo ever 😁
March 28, 2025
Once again, the characters, romance, and spice were all great. And luckily the plot was a lot better and more believable than the first book!
March 21, 2023
Loved the Knives Out but make it gayer approach. I love a good mystery
My only disappointment is that if the man on the cover is supposed to be Eric, he is too thin and hairless lol.
Also did we ever get the reveal from Colt's dad?? Am I going to have to re-read the last chapters because I don't think we did.
My only disappointment is that if the man on the cover is supposed to be Eric, he is too thin and hairless lol.
Also did we ever get the reveal from Colt's dad?? Am I going to have to re-read the last chapters because I don't think we did.
July 3, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5⭐️
This was a sweet romance mixed with a Knives Out murder mystery plot. It had second chance romance, fake dating, family drama and a queer af book club!
I really enjoyed both characters and the plot kept me guessing who dunnit until the end. Colton and Eric were great together, with sizzling chemistry which made sticking to their fake dating rules practically impossible.
Though I wish there was more development with the murder mystery plot, it was still enjoyable with a light cozy feel.
This was a sweet romance mixed with a Knives Out murder mystery plot. It had second chance romance, fake dating, family drama and a queer af book club!
I really enjoyed both characters and the plot kept me guessing who dunnit until the end. Colton and Eric were great together, with sizzling chemistry which made sticking to their fake dating rules practically impossible.
Though I wish there was more development with the murder mystery plot, it was still enjoyable with a light cozy feel.
December 17, 2025
Finally finished reading this after 3 days of starting it. I would've read it in one day but I had work and went to the movies after work and then I got tired... But anyways I'm loving this series, book 2 had a lot of twist and turns that I didn't see coming. Why did it take me 2 years to read this series? Thank you Clint for recommending this one to me
March 19, 2023
fake dating second chances and murder mystery???
Yeah this was a fun read and it gave me gay knives out vibes
Colton and Eric are definitely perfect for each other and it was so obvious they never moved on
“I loved you, Colton. I still do. I’ve always loved you. You make me happy in ways I’ve never been able to find again ever since I pushed you away. Being around you in simple silence can be the highlight of my day, and that doesn’t happen with anyone else. You’re my one, Colton.“
🥹
OKAY BUT THAT EPILOGUE?????? I NEED TRISTIAN’S BOOK NOWWWWWWWWWW
Yeah this was a fun read and it gave me gay knives out vibes
Colton and Eric are definitely perfect for each other and it was so obvious they never moved on
“I loved you, Colton. I still do. I’ve always loved you. You make me happy in ways I’ve never been able to find again ever since I pushed you away. Being around you in simple silence can be the highlight of my day, and that doesn’t happen with anyone else. You’re my one, Colton.“
🥹
OKAY BUT THAT EPILOGUE?????? I NEED TRISTIAN’S BOOK NOWWWWWWWWWW
December 28, 2023
I actually liked this one better than the first book in the series. Colton and Eric are more relatable than Jake and Noah IMHO. They really have good chemistry, their relationship feels genuine and their interactions are really sweet.
I think there was a small continuity error: in page 83 when asked if the lawyer would be present at the villa Colton responds "She will be there." Later on page 117 when asked who that is, Colton responds: "Jax, my mom's lawyer. He..." nothing major but I was a little bit confused and thought I had read it wrong.
I think there was a small continuity error: in page 83 when asked if the lawyer would be present at the villa Colton responds "She will be there." Later on page 117 when asked who that is, Colton responds: "Jax, my mom's lawyer. He..." nothing major but I was a little bit confused and thought I had read it wrong.
April 11, 2024
this started out so fucking strong/big I was so surprised!! Second chance romance, count me in. I was a little surprised it turned out the way it did, was almost wondering if there was still another twist cause like.... what was colton's dad's deal?? the messiness of this family.. sheesh
I'm happy Eric was able to live his life and work out some internalized feelings. Colton deserves a forehead kiss and a neck massage.
I'm happy Eric was able to live his life and work out some internalized feelings. Colton deserves a forehead kiss and a neck massage.
April 14, 2024
This was such a wonderful book. I was totally invested in how this one unfolded. It seems Max really hit his stride on the book and I can't wait to read how this all ends in the next one
March 11, 2025
Better than the first book. Still pretty predictable but I still enjoyed it.
May 19, 2025
second chance
right person wrong time
fake dating
murder mystery
so cute.
right person wrong time
fake dating
murder mystery
so cute.
September 28, 2025
Book 2 in the Book Club Boys series was a good read. For what this book is (a smutty gay murder mystery), it’s a fun read. The romance is fun and spicy, and the thrill of who killed Colton’s mom is fun to uncover. It is free on Kindle Unlimited, so it’s definitely worth the $0 price. On to book 3 here soon.
July 4, 2024
This was bad guys, like the first one in the series at least makes sense and the couple has chemistry, but in this one, everything is so forced and the continuity errors were so apparent.
October 5, 2024
This fucking bugged, so buckle up!
The writing is too ham fisted for me, too basic.
But the timeline and story holes were beyond the pale 😤
🚨SPOILERS 🚨
1. "Since we were tiny kids barreling through the house, being chased by our four other brothers, she was always my best friend, my buddy, the one that had my back and I had hers."-chapter 2
Sooo 6 siblings in the fam, got it.
"'Have you talked to Matt? Archie? Kendall?' All siblings none of them as close to me as Jen."-chapter 2 (Kendall is a sister)
Uh ok missing a few siblings I guess? Or not? In France, there was Kendall, Archie, Jen, Colton, and Matthew. So, 5 kids in the family; 3 brothers and 2 sisters? Jen is a trans woman and Colton referred to her as his sister throughout, so we're missing 2 mysterious brothers? Simple writing slip up, I'm sure that's all...😒
2. Nope! Then in France...
-Colt tells a newly arrived Eric that Kendall had already arrived with her lawyer BF and shocked everyone.
-Immediately after this, Kendall and the lawyer BF come out to the pool pulling their suitcases and saying "it just happened" at the Nice France airport, because they both are wearing wedding bands that are noticed by everybody! They move around to everyone and shake hands in welcome and congratulations. So they just got there directly from the airport? Got married there? Engaged with both of them exchanging rings? Didn't they arrive previously? Does France do same day weddings for foreigners? 😂
-Then while the couple is by the pool with everybody and their luggage, Eric / Colt search Kendall/BF lawyer's room and find BF suitcase open and her travel bag unpacked. WTF is happening!
3. Colton previously states that he was in the fourth grade when his parents divorced, but then the baby brother Matthew said to the table that he was in high school when they divorced, so older Colton would have been in college or something. Arrrrrgh!
4. The most egregious part??? No follow-up on why Kendall was such a bitch to absolutely everyone, no follow-up on what Jackson's (the lawyer bf) relationship was with the dead mother or why he took up with the addict she-devil Kendall, and what did Colton's dad have to confess to his son that was interrupted??? Was his pink/blue bowtie meant he was coming out as trans? Was that his confession? Or just a sign of support for his daughter who's trans? WHY HIGHLIGHT THE TIE FFS!
OMG I'M GOING TO THROW SOMETHING!
Also, how the hell did Tristan get a hold of the nanny cam footage?? In the text it says that he's an author not a tech guy hacker; is that a description that's just missing? MOTHERFUCKER 🤦♀️
We never get a full reading of the will, so it's entirely possible that Colton got it all or the dad or Jen or Matthew, or like Archie, the whole thing was donated to her favorite charity, no idea. 😡
They're Disney Adults. Ohnononono
The mystery is why this book ever went to print. The mystery in the book wasn't interesting with all of this shit hanging on unanswered.
The sex scenes were 🔥 🔥 🔥 🥵 so good. Saved a star with that part. Read it for the smut.
The writing is too ham fisted for me, too basic.
But the timeline and story holes were beyond the pale 😤
🚨SPOILERS 🚨
1. "Since we were tiny kids barreling through the house, being chased by our four other brothers, she was always my best friend, my buddy, the one that had my back and I had hers."-chapter 2
Sooo 6 siblings in the fam, got it.
"'Have you talked to Matt? Archie? Kendall?' All siblings none of them as close to me as Jen."-chapter 2 (Kendall is a sister)
Uh ok missing a few siblings I guess? Or not? In France, there was Kendall, Archie, Jen, Colton, and Matthew. So, 5 kids in the family; 3 brothers and 2 sisters? Jen is a trans woman and Colton referred to her as his sister throughout, so we're missing 2 mysterious brothers? Simple writing slip up, I'm sure that's all...😒
2. Nope! Then in France...
-Colt tells a newly arrived Eric that Kendall had already arrived with her lawyer BF and shocked everyone.
-Immediately after this, Kendall and the lawyer BF come out to the pool pulling their suitcases and saying "it just happened" at the Nice France airport, because they both are wearing wedding bands that are noticed by everybody! They move around to everyone and shake hands in welcome and congratulations. So they just got there directly from the airport? Got married there? Engaged with both of them exchanging rings? Didn't they arrive previously? Does France do same day weddings for foreigners? 😂
-Then while the couple is by the pool with everybody and their luggage, Eric / Colt search Kendall/BF lawyer's room and find BF suitcase open and her travel bag unpacked. WTF is happening!
3. Colton previously states that he was in the fourth grade when his parents divorced, but then the baby brother Matthew said to the table that he was in high school when they divorced, so older Colton would have been in college or something. Arrrrrgh!
4. The most egregious part??? No follow-up on why Kendall was such a bitch to absolutely everyone, no follow-up on what Jackson's (the lawyer bf) relationship was with the dead mother or why he took up with the addict she-devil Kendall, and what did Colton's dad have to confess to his son that was interrupted??? Was his pink/blue bowtie meant he was coming out as trans? Was that his confession? Or just a sign of support for his daughter who's trans? WHY HIGHLIGHT THE TIE FFS!
OMG I'M GOING TO THROW SOMETHING!
Also, how the hell did Tristan get a hold of the nanny cam footage?? In the text it says that he's an author not a tech guy hacker; is that a description that's just missing? MOTHERFUCKER 🤦♀️
We never get a full reading of the will, so it's entirely possible that Colton got it all or the dad or Jen or Matthew, or like Archie, the whole thing was donated to her favorite charity, no idea. 😡
They're Disney Adults. Ohnononono
The mystery is why this book ever went to print. The mystery in the book wasn't interesting with all of this shit hanging on unanswered.
The sex scenes were 🔥 🔥 🔥 🥵 so good. Saved a star with that part. Read it for the smut.
April 4, 2024
3.5 stars
Overall this was an enjoyable romance with a hint of mystery. However…
I unfortunately had trouble connecting with this book. I loved the first one, and I anticipated loving this one especially with the trip to France. I think I expected a better sense of atmosphere from the international travel (because I love that), but didn’t get it. That’s probably on me. I also liked the MCs (and I adore exes/second chance romances) but just felt they were fine. It’s likely a me-thing. I also struggled to see the MCs as heroes since they’re a cop and and ex-cop.
Eric is a cis white gay 28 year old man. He has a trimmed beard, brown eyes, hairy, tall, broad, thick, fit but soft with love handles. He broke up with Colton in a brutal way (suddenly, and by saying he could never love Colton and what they had wasn’t real) years ago after his dad kicked him out of the house until he “fixed himself” from being gay. He has since then come out and is a proud gay man, but he went through a lot to get there.
Colton is a cis white gay man with blonde hair, on the shorter side, fairly muscular but without a lot of definition, and stocky. He also has a trimmed beard. His age isn’t specified by likely he’s Eric’s age because they went to police academy together. His heart was broken by Eric from the breakup, which to him came out of left field, and being told by Eric he could never love him was very hard on him.
I very much appreciated the redemption and self-saving arc of Eric’s story, where he went from closeted to protect himself (even at the expense of hurting others like Colton) to deciding that was just harming himself and those around him. Coming out can be so extremely dangerous, especially since he was surrounded by cops (and is a cop).
Tropes and content warnings:
—Exes
—Fake dating to real dating
—France
—Lightly a mystery/crime story, mostly romance
—Second chance
Other:
—First person dual POV
—No cheating or romantic rivals
—Breakup: no (mentioned in the past)
—Kids: no
—Sexual roles: versatile
—HEA
Overall this was an enjoyable romance with a hint of mystery. However…
I unfortunately had trouble connecting with this book. I loved the first one, and I anticipated loving this one especially with the trip to France. I think I expected a better sense of atmosphere from the international travel (because I love that), but didn’t get it. That’s probably on me. I also liked the MCs (and I adore exes/second chance romances) but just felt they were fine. It’s likely a me-thing. I also struggled to see the MCs as heroes since they’re a cop and and ex-cop.
Eric is a cis white gay 28 year old man. He has a trimmed beard, brown eyes, hairy, tall, broad, thick, fit but soft with love handles. He broke up with Colton in a brutal way (suddenly, and by saying he could never love Colton and what they had wasn’t real) years ago after his dad kicked him out of the house until he “fixed himself” from being gay. He has since then come out and is a proud gay man, but he went through a lot to get there.
Colton is a cis white gay man with blonde hair, on the shorter side, fairly muscular but without a lot of definition, and stocky. He also has a trimmed beard. His age isn’t specified by likely he’s Eric’s age because they went to police academy together. His heart was broken by Eric from the breakup, which to him came out of left field, and being told by Eric he could never love him was very hard on him.
I very much appreciated the redemption and self-saving arc of Eric’s story, where he went from closeted to protect himself (even at the expense of hurting others like Colton) to deciding that was just harming himself and those around him. Coming out can be so extremely dangerous, especially since he was surrounded by cops (and is a cop).
Tropes and content warnings:
—Exes
—Fake dating to real dating
—France
—Lightly a mystery/crime story, mostly romance
—Second chance
Other:
—First person dual POV
—No cheating or romantic rivals
—Breakup: no (mentioned in the past)
—Kids: no
—Sexual roles: versatile
—HEA
September 28, 2025
The mystery was okay. It was a nice change from the usual fake boyfriend trope. I think there was a lot of potential. The characters were interesting and diverse. All had problems and secrets. There were a lot to keep track of but it was good to have a many people in a closed room mystery. The author did a good job. I was always a little surprised when something was revealed.
I liked the MCs fine, too but there was way way way too much sex for this kind of book. It’s a murder mystery. This is erotica and often a little crass. It wasn’t hot, either. It was so boring I sped those scenes up to 3x.
I think Colton was being an idiot. He’d get upset at something Eric did and then the next time they saw each other, he’d initiate stuff without any acknowledgment of what had happened before. One time Colton had gotten so upset he even ordered Eric to leave and the next time they met, it was as though nothing had happened.
The whole thing was a traditional reveal at the end of the closed mystery with a person revealing all the evidence then naming the culprit. It worked though.
The epilogue is just a teaser for the next book that reveals a lot so if you plan to read the book, maybe don’t read the epilogue. Then again, it’s all mentioned in the blurb for the next volume. If you don’t want to read the next one, don’t bother—it isn’t even narrated by one of the MCs. The book mentions Stonewall Investigations which is a series the author also wrote and the next book is a crossover with that series.
The next one sounds really up my alley but if it has this much sex, ick.
The readers, Simon Dornet and Javi Wilder, were good. One of them was a little inconsistent but they both did a good job. One of them sounded exactly like a well-known character actor but I can’t remember his name.
I liked the MCs fine, too but there was way way way too much sex for this kind of book. It’s a murder mystery. This is erotica and often a little crass. It wasn’t hot, either. It was so boring I sped those scenes up to 3x.
I think Colton was being an idiot. He’d get upset at something Eric did and then the next time they saw each other, he’d initiate stuff without any acknowledgment of what had happened before. One time Colton had gotten so upset he even ordered Eric to leave and the next time they met, it was as though nothing had happened.
The whole thing was a traditional reveal at the end of the closed mystery with a person revealing all the evidence then naming the culprit. It worked though.
The epilogue is just a teaser for the next book that reveals a lot so if you plan to read the book, maybe don’t read the epilogue. Then again, it’s all mentioned in the blurb for the next volume. If you don’t want to read the next one, don’t bother—it isn’t even narrated by one of the MCs. The book mentions Stonewall Investigations which is a series the author also wrote and the next book is a crossover with that series.
The next one sounds really up my alley but if it has this much sex, ick.
The readers, Simon Dornet and Javi Wilder, were good. One of them was a little inconsistent but they both did a good job. One of them sounded exactly like a well-known character actor but I can’t remember his name.
March 13, 2024
This is another awesome M/M Mystery Thriller by Max Walker! I had the pleasure of reading the first one and loved it so was excited about reading this second one. It was a real good reading! Max was able to keep me guessing who the murderer was until the end! He would start with that pivotal moment stepping up to the climax and cut away so we have to read the whole book to get to that point after! The “Book Club Boys” series would make for a great TV movie series!!!! Max Walker is definitely an awesome writer! The series is one of the few series I’ll be reading over and over!!!! Looking forward to reading more in the B.C.B. Series! More than 5 stars reading from me!
The story starts with Eric and Colton in a precarious situation at a villa in south France along with Colton’s family. They were getting ready to read the will of Colton’s mother who was murdered few months prior.
Then the story starts few days prior to the rendezvous at the villa when Eric happened to bump into his ex, Colton at the local coffee house. They had not seen each others for couple years. They got talking and Colton happened to mention that his mother had been killed and he wanted to find out who did it. Colton found out that Eric had started a surveillance business and convinced him to help him find who killed his mother. Eric begrudgingly agreed and they agreed to pretend to be lovers. Colton would be covering all the expenses for Eric. So off they went to France. I’ll just stop right here and have you pick up the book to read and find out what happens! A GREAT reading!
The story starts with Eric and Colton in a precarious situation at a villa in south France along with Colton’s family. They were getting ready to read the will of Colton’s mother who was murdered few months prior.
Then the story starts few days prior to the rendezvous at the villa when Eric happened to bump into his ex, Colton at the local coffee house. They had not seen each others for couple years. They got talking and Colton happened to mention that his mother had been killed and he wanted to find out who did it. Colton found out that Eric had started a surveillance business and convinced him to help him find who killed his mother. Eric begrudgingly agreed and they agreed to pretend to be lovers. Colton would be covering all the expenses for Eric. So off they went to France. I’ll just stop right here and have you pick up the book to read and find out what happens! A GREAT reading!
March 25, 2024
So I liked this book in the way I like ‘empty’ romcom movies. It is easy to read, no brainpower needed, makes me feel nice. But story wise, and consistency wise, this book was pretty terrible. Way worse than love & monsters, book 1 in this series. I hope book 3 is closer to book 1. But, the appearance of Colton is described in at least a confusing way (buzz cut/runs his hands through his hair. Blonde/light brown hair) Either I just didn’t understand what Max ment, or he did a terrible job explaining what he ment. Then one character saying it’s been 3 years and the other saying 6. Colton going to get wine, coming back with beer, and then drinking this wine. What the hell is going on. It definitely feels like the writer never read his own book to spot problems like this and it annoys me. Also, the book has a lot of empty filler sentences. ‘I’ve collected a lot of puzzle pieces but have not put them together yet,’ which would be a fine thing to write if it didn’t happen this much. ‘Eric is so funny’ even though we don’t get to read him joking around. It’s just disappointing. I still enjoyed the book though. It was cute. It made me smile. I flew through it. I just wish it didn’t have all these problems. I will still read book 3. This was not a low rating book, just much lower than book 1.
July 14, 2023
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Max Walker channels Agatha Christie in this whodunnit.
Colton and Eric loved each other once, and maybe still do. But it ended badly, so it’s probably not the best idea to fake being boyfriends, even if it’s to try and figure out who killed his mother.
Colton comes from a wealthy family that has its fair share of secrets, lies, & addictions. In short, there’s no shortage of suspects.
Trying to find the truth means sharing a bed, trading kisses and baring your soul. They really had no hope to keep the relationship fake.
In the end, the one that got away didn’t get too far.
I love this series, and I really want to join the book club. Reading books, solving mysteries, and getting drunk is my ideal life!
PS. I need a follow-up book about the family, and how they all turn out.
Max Walker channels Agatha Christie in this whodunnit.
Colton and Eric loved each other once, and maybe still do. But it ended badly, so it’s probably not the best idea to fake being boyfriends, even if it’s to try and figure out who killed his mother.
Colton comes from a wealthy family that has its fair share of secrets, lies, & addictions. In short, there’s no shortage of suspects.
Trying to find the truth means sharing a bed, trading kisses and baring your soul. They really had no hope to keep the relationship fake.
In the end, the one that got away didn’t get too far.
I love this series, and I really want to join the book club. Reading books, solving mysteries, and getting drunk is my ideal life!
PS. I need a follow-up book about the family, and how they all turn out.
November 21, 2024
MIDNIGHTS LIKE THIS wasn't a horrible read, but it wasn't great. It was one of those books you play in the background while doing other stuff, not really minding whether a detail or two gets skipped because it all leads to the same place. It was an alright mystery with some serious spice. Like, A LOT of spice. Not dark spice, just two very horny lovers meeting again.
The mystery would have been more interesting if it didn't take a backseat to the sex--and listen, I'm usually alright with a good amount of smut, but there was a murder mystery somewhere in there. And a pretty big one because it was the mother of one of the MCs. I liked how it was all tied up at the end, but I wish there had been more sleuthing (which is saying a lot because I'm not usually a mystery girly).
While I enjoyed the reveal at the end, that prologue worried me a bit. I wasn't expecting it and I actually almost DNFed this book because of it. I hate when that's done in books because it just completely turns me off the book.
This is random, but the audiobook production was questionable LOL. There were some weird sleep noises, like it was a dog or someone quietly snoring in the background. Most people might not notice it, but my little hyperactive brain latched on to the sound and wouldn't let go until that POV was done (this was a dual POV story, performed by two different narrators).
I don't know what I was expecting from this book. I am guilty of not really reading the synopsis, but I definitely fell victim to the cute cover. I thought this was going to be one of those cute romances that takes place in Italy, not an awkward mystery.
Anyway, I'm glad I've finally read it and have taken it off my to-read shelf!
Happy reading!
The mystery would have been more interesting if it didn't take a backseat to the sex--and listen, I'm usually alright with a good amount of smut, but there was a murder mystery somewhere in there. And a pretty big one because it was the mother of one of the MCs. I liked how it was all tied up at the end, but I wish there had been more sleuthing (which is saying a lot because I'm not usually a mystery girly).
While I enjoyed the reveal at the end, that prologue worried me a bit. I wasn't expecting it and I actually almost DNFed this book because of it. I hate when that's done in books because it just completely turns me off the book.
This is random, but the audiobook production was questionable LOL. There were some weird sleep noises, like it was a dog or someone quietly snoring in the background. Most people might not notice it, but my little hyperactive brain latched on to the sound and wouldn't let go until that POV was done (this was a dual POV story, performed by two different narrators).
I don't know what I was expecting from this book. I am guilty of not really reading the synopsis, but I definitely fell victim to the cute cover. I thought this was going to be one of those cute romances that takes place in Italy, not an awkward mystery.
Anyway, I'm glad I've finally read it and have taken it off my to-read shelf!
Happy reading!
March 10, 2025
Unfortunately for this book one of my niche genres I love is gay detective mystery thrillers. I found this book annoying. The second chance romance was fine, but it was too short of a story for this much back and forth. I think they shouldn’t have had sex until Eric apologized. It would’ve made the sex mean more, but because they had fucked like every 5 minutes the day before. I never felt like the crime had no weight to it, which is bad cause it’s a main character’s mother’s strangulation. They are mostly focused on each other, which would be fine if it felt like his mother’s death fucking mattered!!
Eric is bad at being a detective (it really bothered me when other characters would say something, and then it was either ignored or pretended the answer never happened), and they spent so much time fucking and Colton flopping back and forth between saying no and then saying yes and having sex immediately. The writing is fine, just not made for a mystery thriller, it just doesn’t work. Maybe it was that I listened to it and not read it, but alas.
Eric is bad at being a detective (it really bothered me when other characters would say something, and then it was either ignored or pretended the answer never happened), and they spent so much time fucking and Colton flopping back and forth between saying no and then saying yes and having sex immediately. The writing is fine, just not made for a mystery thriller, it just doesn’t work. Maybe it was that I listened to it and not read it, but alas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
The Book Club Boys are back and this time it’s a second chance romance that hinders on a fake relationship as Colton asks Eric to help him uncover who murdered his mother. Eric and Colt decide to pretend to date to go undercover on a family trip to France where a game of clue unravels family secrets left and right.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Eric and Colt clearly never got over each other and you can see the struggles as they try to work on this “fake” thing
2) Opening the book by declaring the killer was an interesting twist that I thought was well done on upping the mystery and
3) That ending with the Midnight Chemist! I am excited for book three!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #bookclubboysseries #mmromance #romanticsuspense #fiction #midnightslikethis #maxwalker @maxwalkerwrites
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Eric and Colt clearly never got over each other and you can see the struggles as they try to work on this “fake” thing
2) Opening the book by declaring the killer was an interesting twist that I thought was well done on upping the mystery and
3) That ending with the Midnight Chemist! I am excited for book three!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #bookclubboysseries #mmromance #romanticsuspense #fiction #midnightslikethis #maxwalker @maxwalkerwrites
January 18, 2024
Midnights like this gave me a constant since of wonder as I was pulled into Colton and Eric’s relationship full force. When fate brought these two back together i knew it was for the best because of the way they both thought of the other as the one that got away and giving us a clear view as to who eric was before he was out (which in the first book we got a little feeling that it had been hard and rocky on the poor cuddly bear) but seeing how Colton meant to him he let his guard down and cried telling him how he felt. But that’s not even the best part of the book! The whole reason they learn they still love each other is because they pretend to be fake boyfriends to solve Colton’s moms murder!! Which had me doing my own little P.I job on the side while reading which had me in serious mode and giggling like a child! This book may have sped up the ending a little bit to fast for my liking but other than that this book gave me all the warmth I could have ever asked it too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2024
Talk the shit, bro.
"Nothing about us being together was fake. No matter what rules or regulations or whatever the fuck else we set up between us, my feelings for Colton were very real and very intense."
“That’s just the way life goes, Dad. Things are simple one minute and completely fucked-up the next. That’s why I try to just soak in all the good times, all the quiet times."
“I loved you, Colton. I still do. I’ve always loved you. You make me happy in ways I’ve never been able to find again ever since I pushed you away. Being around you in simple silence can be the highlight of my day, and that doesn’t happen with anyone else. You’re my one, Colton."
“It still felt like home as long as Eric was there with me."
“—For being perfect in every single way. For never holding grudges. For proving to me that love is real and second chances are deserved.
—You proved to me that second chances are worth it”
"Nothing about us being together was fake. No matter what rules or regulations or whatever the fuck else we set up between us, my feelings for Colton were very real and very intense."
“That’s just the way life goes, Dad. Things are simple one minute and completely fucked-up the next. That’s why I try to just soak in all the good times, all the quiet times."
“I loved you, Colton. I still do. I’ve always loved you. You make me happy in ways I’ve never been able to find again ever since I pushed you away. Being around you in simple silence can be the highlight of my day, and that doesn’t happen with anyone else. You’re my one, Colton."
“It still felt like home as long as Eric was there with me."
“—For being perfect in every single way. For never holding grudges. For proving to me that love is real and second chances are deserved.
—You proved to me that second chances are worth it”
August 30, 2024
I picked this up not knowing it was in the middle of a series, but I saw Knives Out but make it gay and was very intrigued. This plot does standalone though I think it does "spoil" the previous book.
This book starts with a scene from the end of the book and then goes back to how we got there, and while I usually love that, in this case it was very jarring. I found myself triple checking where I was in the audiobook because I was so confused. Once that was settled though I found myself fully engaged in the story. I really liked Colton and Eric and found their second chance romance to be really compelling. I also liked the plot beats of the mystery quite a bit. The sex seasons were not to my taste but I'm not sure if it's due to the writing or to the narrator.
All that to say, I thought this was a fun queer romantic suspense and am interested in picking up the rest of this series at some point.
This book starts with a scene from the end of the book and then goes back to how we got there, and while I usually love that, in this case it was very jarring. I found myself triple checking where I was in the audiobook because I was so confused. Once that was settled though I found myself fully engaged in the story. I really liked Colton and Eric and found their second chance romance to be really compelling. I also liked the plot beats of the mystery quite a bit. The sex seasons were not to my taste but I'm not sure if it's due to the writing or to the narrator.
All that to say, I thought this was a fun queer romantic suspense and am interested in picking up the rest of this series at some point.
October 24, 2023
I really liked both Colton and Eric separately and together. They had distinct personalities but fit together well. I liked the inclusion of the mystery around Coltons mums death and how complicated family dynamics added to and played a massive part in this mystery.
There was some inconsistences with the small details in this book such as how long had it been since the last book, how long it had been since Colton and Eric last saw each other and how old that would make them. But these were minor details and didn't take away from the overall story for me.
Loved the continued inclusion of the book club and how welcoming and fun they all are. They seem like a solid and realistic group of friends where you can do dumb stuff with them but will also push you to do stuff you don't want to do but that's good for you.
A super easy read with good characters.
There was some inconsistences with the small details in this book such as how long had it been since the last book, how long it had been since Colton and Eric last saw each other and how old that would make them. But these were minor details and didn't take away from the overall story for me.
Loved the continued inclusion of the book club and how welcoming and fun they all are. They seem like a solid and realistic group of friends where you can do dumb stuff with them but will also push you to do stuff you don't want to do but that's good for you.
A super easy read with good characters.
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