The Anti-Wingman

Accidental Love #0.5

by Saxon James

The short story prequel to the Accidental Love series!

Kai is a boyfriend magnet who just wants to head into his hookup era. Rylan is done with the hookup scene and is ready to settle down. When they meet on a dating app, Kai comes up with a plan: Rylan helps keep the boyfriends at bay, and Kai will find him the perfect man.

Between smiley face nail polish, a delapidated house, and a cat named Kismet, they put their plan into action. Because what could possibily go wrong?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Novella, Queer, Friends To Lovers

51 pages, ebook

First published December 1, 2022

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a sweet short story about two guys who want completely opposite things when it comes to relationships and it was fun watching them fall for each other, without ever meaning to. Both characters are lovely, especially Kai who can't be left alone for fear he might end up with a boyfriend.

The audiobook is narrated by Teddy Hamilton, and while I usually love his narration, the voices he gave the two characters weren't always distinct enough and I had to go back to check who is talking. I'd like to read this story in e-book format at some point.

Thanks to the author for offering the audiobook for free via BookFunnel.

******
Re-read 9/2025: Rounding up my rating to 4 stars.

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how much fun I had listening to this novella.
Teddy Hamilton's narration made it easy to distinguish the MCs Rylan and Kai.
Usually I prefer reading the e-book because I'm easily distracted while listening to an audiobook, but I really enjoyed listening to Rylan and Kai falling in love (while working out.. no possibility to get distracted). Especially Kai was such a lovely character, full of enthusiasm and warmth.

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

re-read on audio

bahahahaha, as soon as I started listening I was sure I somehow knew this story already. Took me a while but I got it.

I read it as an entry in the Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology, Volume 6 two years ago. *lol

↩︎

♥︎ THE ANTI-WINGMAN by Saxon James

3.25 stars - Kai asks Rylan to act as his anti-wingman to prevent him from rushing into the next relationship head first. Pretty weird story but cute.

********
And as nice as listening to Teddy Hamilton was, he made Rylan sound like an airhead despite him clearly being not.

So yeah, overall, still not a fan.

*got this audio for free as kind of a holiday treat various authors gifted their readers

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and entraining himbo/nerd(ish) romance, probably best read and not listened to 😕

Sometimes, a narrator elevates a book from “ok” to “really good”. And sometimes, it makes me rate it less graciously than I probably would have, had I read it and not listened to the audio. I usually like Teddy Hamilton, but here… no idea. He wasn’t bad per se, but I couldn’t really keep the voices apart, apart from the fact that one sounded a bit… dumb? At times, he almost sounded like Alexander Cendese.

And I don’t like Alexander Cendese’s narration, to put it mildly 🥴

Than being said, the novella was… nice. It’s not deep, and that’s perfectly ok - sometimes you just need a palate cleanser. It’s about Kai and Rylan, who start chatting in a dating app - Rylan is looking for a relationship, and Kai is looking for anything BUT. Rylan is the too-serious nerd type, and Kai is more of a himbo who used to stumble from one relationship to the next, and now asks Kai to be his “anti wingman” and keep him from starting anything serious for at least a month.

And ofc, they involuntarily fall for each other.

Is it memorable? Not really. But it’s nice. My advice: when in doubt, DON’T go for the audio.

[Brat · Rating 5 out of 5]

free audio
prequel to the accidental love series
strangers to friends to lovers
cute and funny story

[NitaBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This love story is the short and sweet prequel to the accidental love series.

Rylan and Kai are adorable, love this story and seeing how Big Boned Bertha came to be and how Kismet the cat got their name.


This scene is from The Revenge Agenda

“There’s Rylan,” Rush says, waving to a good-looking man sitting at a four-seater by the window. “Rush.” He gets up to hug Rush before offering me a hand. “Thanks for meeting up with me.” “Yeah, of course. Is your partner coming?” Rylan sighs, smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “No. My ridiculous partner is not coming.” “Did you tell him Hunter only has eyes for me?” Rush asks, and I glance between them, wondering, far from the first time, if I somehow missed a step in this conversation. “I did, but he worked himself up so much that I snuck out without him.” “I’m sorry,” I say, taking one of the seats. “What was he worked up over?” “He didn’t want you to fall in love with him.” “He …” I shake my head because I can’t have heard him right. “Is there a reason he thinks I’d fall in love with him?” “Because men usually do, to be fair. Well, not in love, but he has a way of attracting people very quickly. I learned early on to get used to it.” That sounds like a goddamn headache. “Well, like Rush said, I only have eyes for him, so Kai doesn’t have to worry.” “I’ll be sure to let him know.” Rylan barely manages to contain the amusement in his voice.’

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally read when it was in the Heart2Heart volume 6 anthology, this is the fantastic introduction to the Accidental Love series.

Rylan and Kai end up dating without realising it when they meet on the app and decide to act as each other's wingman.

It's sweet, funny and does the job to introduce Big Boned Bertha in all her rundown glory.

[caffeinated.crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rylan finally wants to settle down after his 20s are filled with hookups. Kai has only ever rushed into relationships and wants to be single for a while. Neither know what they're doing, but they become besties and wingman/anti-wingman for each other.

I so very much enjoyed this little look into the guys who own Big Boned Bertha. It's sweet to know the origin story and to see why when Rylan showed up in book three, he didn't bring Kai.

I just finished a reread of this, and it is still utterly charming. Kai is a sweet himbo and Rylan is such a grumpy butt - he can't fight the pull of Kai's orbit.

The fact that they didn't even realize they were dating is just honestly so cute and ridiculous. And KISMET! We get the backstory of this adorable kitty. Kai calling him Kissy was hilarious.

I'm excited to reread this series, and Anti Wingman is such a good little shortie novella.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Big Boned Bertha’s daddies so much 🥹

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it was short I really enjoyed this. I decided to read this entire series and I’m glad I was able to get this from Saxon’s website. I wish I’d read it before any of the other books because it explains how Big Bertha came to be.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤!!!!!!!!!!!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kai & Rylan
Rating: 3.6⭐

Poor Kai just couldn't go anywhere without being hit on and he was so oblivious to how he got stuck in his relationship situations. I lost it from the beginning with his initial text messages with Rylan. Bless Rylan for hanging in there during that first conversation and for meeting up with Kai to go over his crazy plan to help keep him from getting into another relationship for at least a month. These two fools were dating the whole time and it was so stinking cute!!

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barb got me this free audio: Thanks again Barb!
I liked the plot and the characters were fun and perfect for each other (although it took them a little while to get there)
Not sure if I'm a fan of the narrator/Teddy Hamilton the voices for both MC's took me a while to get used to 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Sandali ♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 3.5 stars
It was nice. A cute little read and Rylan and Kai were nice enough characters but not something I’d reread or are super memorable characters. It was a cute trope though. The serial dater meets the first time dater. Sorta the dating version of opposites attract

[Moraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

way better than I expected!

RTC

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should have been called: Big Bertha: Origins

[Books and Gems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rylan and Kai

— friends to lovers
— opposites
— Big Boned Bertha origin

Kai has always found himself in relationships, and he is ready to be single for a while. Rylan has spent his 20s in the hookup phase and is ready to settle down. They agree to a anti-wingman/wingman situation.

The opening text exchange immediately had me invested! Kai seemed so fun, and I felt just like Rylan that I was helpless to his charms.

This was a cute, sweet short story. I really enjoyed them, and especially how they both realized they’d maybe possibly been dating the whole time 🤣


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Potential spoilers

Dynamic: MM - strict

Sharing? No

Cheating? No

Breakup? No

Sex scene with OM or OW No

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐ 2025 audio re-read

The Anti-Wingman by Saxon James

💛 Strangers to Friends to Lovers
💛 Adorable Himbo MC
💛 A Grumpy Cat
💛 Novella

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂.5
Angst: 🥺🥺

First person dual pov 👀

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know why it took me so long to track this story down! I adore the Accidental Love series and I finally came across the prequel. This is the origin story of how Big Boned Bertha came to be! The story follows Kai and Rylan. When they meet on a dating app, Kai is trying to move away from dating to focus on hook ups. He’s always been in a relationship and they always move super fast. He meets someone, they connect, and next thing he knows he is moved in. And shortly after, the break up. He has to change it up. Meanwhile, Rylan is the opposite. Looking for a relationship and not the hook up. Yet, somehow he finds himself charmed by Kai to at least keep talking. And one thing leads to another and he is agreeing to kelp Kai remain single and in exchange Kai will help Rylan meet someone. These two were adorable. Especially when by the end of the story, they realize they kind of are dating. And it’s clear they do have a connection and both secretly want to date but are trying to keep to their agreement. A really adorable short story!

[Stepphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rylan is sick of the single life and wants to settle down, he downloads an app with the intent to find a partner to settle down with.

Kai, on the other hand, is a serial dater. He finds himself in relationship after relationship with only weeks in between men. He wants to live the single life for a while, with all that may entail, so he downloads an app to find casual hookups.

Rylan and Kai start talking and finally come to an agreement that may seem be facial for them both, Rylan will help keep Kai in the single life, and Kai will help Rylan find someone to date…


Written by Saxon James and Narrated by Teddy Hamilton, this tale is excellent introduction into the world of Saxon James’ Accidental Love series. Teddy Hamilton’s narrative style lends well to telling this story and he really gets across the different personalities of the fun loving and open to possibilities Kai, and the more reserved and serious Rylan.

I couldn’t help but get invested in the story and my emotions went on a rollercoaster ride as they realised the flaw to their plan and how it all fell apart at the end.

This was a great re-introduction to audio books and I will be making sure I purchase more of Saxon James work to listen to on my long commute to work.

[Vicious but Romantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great!

[Roxanna Mascarenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy Hamilton
The birth of Big Bone Bertha
Kismet

OMG this audiobook 🫠🫠🫠

[Luz Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Hookups to Heartfelt Moments

This was short, lovely, and funny—a perfect listen while working out at the gym so that if someone sees you red-faced, they’ll think it’s from exercise. 😅💪

It was also a great little origin story for Big Bone Bertha, and I loved seeing how she came to be. This friends-to-lovers trope always gets me! ❤️

I’m still pretty new to audiobooks (this is only my third one), but I’m so pleased with the experience—especially since it was narrated by Teddy Hamilton. No more words needed—my audiobook girls will understand. 😅❤️‍🔥

[Lili’s Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

So after reading all three books in the series that are out, I finally thought it'd be a grand idea to check out the prequel. No?

So, the novella focuses on Kai (an adorable oblivious dun Juan who keeps falling into relationships) and Ryland (a sarcastic realist looking for a relationship). The two strike up a conversation on a dating app where Kai wants to find a hookup. After chatting, Kai realises that Ryland might actually be the solution to his relationship problems (i. e. keep them at bay!!).

The two quickly become inseparable and start renovating Big Berta which is a staple of the Accidental love series and we learn where Kismet (and his name) comes from.

It was super cute, a bit less steamy than usual, but I did love the ship that bloomed through the 50 pages or so!
All around a nice and quick story!!

[Ana Laura Coronel Blanes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

>Romance.
>LGBT+.
>Historia corta.

Una entretenida corta entre dos hombres, uno que buscaba establecerse en una relación y otro que quería dejar de engancharse con cualquier tipo con el que saliese en el momento.

Ambos tenian objetivos distintos y una vez que se conocen (después de estar hablando por una App) deciden ayudarse a lograrlos. Rylan no deja solo a Kai y que así termine de novio con el primer chico que se le cruza, mientras que Kai le presenta a amigos que buscan una relación seria.

Obviamente el plan estaba destinado a fracasar cuando al conocerse ya se encontraban atractivos. Y luego pasaron más tiempo juntos del que deberían: encuentros para almorzar, ir juntos a entrenar, Kai preparando la cena para los dos, pasar la noche jugando juegos de mesa, etc.

Me encanto esta historia. Fue totalmente predecible lo que iba a pasar y en este tipo de historia, eso es bueno. Claro, si hubiera sido un poco más largo y con un poco más de desarrollo habría estado genial. También destaco que no hubo angustia ni tiempo separados. Una vez que Rylan se da cuenta que básicamente está en una relación con Kai y se lo dice, Kai solo necesito unos minutos para pensar en todo y regresa inmediatamente con Rylan.

Los personajes estuvieron bien. Kai con su personalidad extrovertida era hilarante, iba a mil por horas y no es de extrañar que terminara metido en una relación con lo inconsciente que era a veces. Y Rylan es todo lo contrario, bastante más tranquilo, realista y sarcástico. Me encantas los polos opuestos que se complementan tan bien.

Plus: Tenemos el origen de Big Boned Bertha , la casa donde Gabe (Foolish Puckboy, Puckboys 4) solía vivir y donde viven la mayoría de los personajes de esta serie.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rylan and Kai
PLEASE be aware that this summary/review is meant for my own purposes in order to help me recall this book and definitely has spoilers. It is in no way a reflection of what I think anyone else will like or want out of a book. It is simply a memory aid and a rough voice-to-text which is completely unedited/reviewed for errors. Read at your own discretion.

This is a short story and the prequel for the Accidental Love series. Is the origin story of Big Boned Bertha

Rylan and Kai meet on a dating app. Rylan is tired of the hookup culture and is looking for someone who wants a relationship and Kai is trying to stay single and was looking for his first hook up. Kai has had many serial boyfriends in the past intense to fall way too quickly. The two strike up a friendship and Kai asks Rylan to help him stay away from relationships and men so that he doesn't accidentally date someone. Rylan is attracted to Kai but knows that Kai wants to stay single so he does not pursue anything. Kai is a total Hibo/golden retriever of a guy who really has no idea when someone is flirting with him. He pretty much takes over Rylan's life and they start hanging out all the time. After a few weeks realize they are actually in love with each other. Kai being Kai immediately blurt it out and they decide to be in a relationship. They fix up the giant house that Rylan had bought and Kai names it Big Boned Bertha. The men move to a smaller house with the intention of fixing it up and we are left with no set plan for what they're going to do at the house. This becomes the house to all of the Bertha Boys.
This is a cute story and the characters are surprisingly developed for such a short novella. They're both very appealing and Kai is just adorable.
The audiobook is very well done (Book Funnel)

[Stephanie Oldeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rylan meets Kai on a dating app, he knows immediately that there is something different about him. Kai is loud, enthusiastic, smart but naive, and doesn't seem to be able to read the room. Meeting him in person confirms Rylan's fears, yet somehow he still agrees to be Kai's anti-wingman in a bid to keep Kai from falling into bad habits and immediately getting a new boyfriend and moving in with him. But the more time they spend together, the more Rylan realizes he actually likes Kai, and it soon becomes harder and harder to keep his distance. Rylan wants more, but does Kai? Because these hangouts have started to feel like dates, and Rylan is ready to shoot his shot.

This was a super cute novella. I loved Rylan's character. He is me and I am him, so it felt very relatable. I loved that he gave Kai a shot even when it appeared to just be a himbo friendship. I also loved Kai. He was the epitome of sunshine and rainbows, and I loved that he was just so happily oblivious to everything. I loved how he loved Rylan as a friend and then more and thst he always respected the boundaries between them. They were seriously so cute together, and they gave me the real warm and fuzzies

I enjoyed the plotline of this as well. It was cute to see their relationship transition from strangers to friends to lovers, and it was done so easily and authentically. The humor was spot on, and the spice had a nice kick.

I loved that this novella sets up Big-Boned Bertha and the theme for the Accidentally In Love series. Overall I give this novella 5/5 🌟

[Marie-Eve Mailhot · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we met Rylan in The Revenge Agenda, i was really curious to meet his counter part, so its not a big surprise that i liked this story. The Accidental Love Series is one of my favorite so this cute little treat was really appreciated.

I really enjoyed the origin story of Big Boned Bertha, and while this was quite a quirky premise between Rylan and Kai, Rylan volunteering to help Kai stay single, I enjoyed the quirkiness. Yes. It was big neon signs what was going on even if they werent admitting it, but Kai's Eureka moment was so cute it made me think of Cher in Clueless. lol

My only issue was the narration. Now dont give me wrong i ADORE Teddy Hamilton, but i dont know if its was becuase it was a short one, or what, but i didnt like the vibes i got from Rylan, and it was sometimes hard to know who was talking.

Other than that, really happy with this.
Thanks to the author for the freebie!

[Elyxyz Elyxyz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voto: 4.5 stelle
Spero che prima o poi possa venire tradotta in italiano, perché questa novella (che faceva parte della raccolta Heart2Heart vol.6) è breve ma deliziosa.
Ci dà modo di conoscere Rylan e Kai, che abbiamo intravisto alla fine del terzo volume tradotto appena uscito, e che sono i proprietari della Grande Bertha, dove vivono i nostri Bertha Boys.
Ecco, in questo prequel possiamo conoscere la loro bizzarra, divertente e dolcissima storia, nata come un’amicizia di necessità per poi sbocciare. Nel frattempo, la vecchia casa diventa il nido per i futuri giovani bisognosi.
Unico rammarico è la brevità del testo, che nasce come una novella. È bellissima anche così, ma mi sarebbe piaciuto leggere di questa coppia ancora di più!

[Emily Cavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun novella to kick off the Accidental Love universe. This story showed the origins of Big Boned Bertha, the house that the characters in Accidental Love share, and the couple that own it. Like with most other Novelas, I always find myself wanting more. I feel like this could’ve been a full length story to give us more details about the renovation of Big Boned Bertha, and I also wish we could have seen more at the very end about how they went about finding struggling artists to live in her.