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Carver Brothers #2
The Idiot
You can't pick who you love...nor can you run from them.
Murphy Malone loves his orchard, his mother, and his dog. Life is great until he can't stop thinking about what he's missing—someone to share it all with. When he realizes that his love for his best friend, Jesse Carver, runs deeper than the bonds of friendship, it just makes things worse. The problem—Jesse Carver is the straightest man he's ever known.
Only time and distance can ease the ache, but what do you do when your loyal best friend follows you to the gay singles cruise you fled to in an attempt to escape your feelings?
Tropes: idiots in love, awakening, friends to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine
A follow on to The Gentleman with some spoilers to The Gentleman, but reads as a standalone
Murphy Malone loves his orchard, his mother, and his dog. Life is great until he can't stop thinking about what he's missing—someone to share it all with. When he realizes that his love for his best friend, Jesse Carver, runs deeper than the bonds of friendship, it just makes things worse. The problem—Jesse Carver is the straightest man he's ever known.
Only time and distance can ease the ache, but what do you do when your loyal best friend follows you to the gay singles cruise you fled to in an attempt to escape your feelings?
Tropes: idiots in love, awakening, friends to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine
A follow on to The Gentleman with some spoilers to The Gentleman, but reads as a standalone
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2024
179 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Dianna Roman
18 books715 followersRomcom author, Dianna Roman, believes in laughter, unsung heroes and heroines, chocolate, talking to yourself, hard work, and above all, love.
She enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.
She enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
August 14, 2025
Color me surprised but The Idiot was adorable. I could NOT stop listening, and I marathoned the audiobook in less than 24 hours.
Sexuality discovery stories are sort of my weakness, but this one wasn't even on my radar before someone mentioned it on reddit under audiobook recommendations (thank you, kind stranger!). I jumped into this one without reading the first in the series, which is totally fine as they work as stand-alones.
Friends-to-lovers is very tricky for me and not my favorite thing, but I loved it here. It just made sense. I think Dianna Roman was brilliant for calling this book "The Idiot," because whenever Jesse did something moronic, instead of getting annoyed I found it to be horribly endearing.
The sex scenes... whew, they were fire. I loved how these two really had everything drawn out and made us practically beg for them to finally touch. The sexual tension... MAN, it was everything. I was literally listening while lying in bed way into the night because I couldn't stand falling asleep without these two finally getting it on.
The story... charming. The sex... soooo sexy. The chemistry... just THERE. This is a funny, silly, fantastic little book.
I think Dianna Roman wrote a nearly perfect friends-to-lovers romance.
goodreads|instagram
Sexuality discovery stories are sort of my weakness, but this one wasn't even on my radar before someone mentioned it on reddit under audiobook recommendations (thank you, kind stranger!). I jumped into this one without reading the first in the series, which is totally fine as they work as stand-alones.
Friends-to-lovers is very tricky for me and not my favorite thing, but I loved it here. It just made sense. I think Dianna Roman was brilliant for calling this book "The Idiot," because whenever Jesse did something moronic, instead of getting annoyed I found it to be horribly endearing.
The sex scenes... whew, they were fire. I loved how these two really had everything drawn out and made us practically beg for them to finally touch. The sexual tension... MAN, it was everything. I was literally listening while lying in bed way into the night because I couldn't stand falling asleep without these two finally getting it on.
The story... charming. The sex... soooo sexy. The chemistry... just THERE. This is a funny, silly, fantastic little book.
I think Dianna Roman wrote a nearly perfect friends-to-lovers romance.
goodreads|instagram
July 6, 2024
Promising initially with laugh out loud moments, this story unfortunately devolved into dick jokes and miscommunication central.
Jesse is indeed an idiot. He's painfully oblivious, immature, and obnoxious.
Murphy isn't much better, running away from every serious conversation.
I was tempted to DNF @ 88% when two strippers "kidnap" Murphy so Jesse can make a grand gesture by pole dancing at a titty club in a speedo.
I loved the first Carver Brothers book. I don't know what happened here.
Jesse is indeed an idiot. He's painfully oblivious, immature, and obnoxious.
Murphy isn't much better, running away from every serious conversation.
I was tempted to DNF @ 88% when two strippers "kidnap" Murphy so Jesse can make a grand gesture by pole dancing at a titty club in a speedo.
I loved the first Carver Brothers book. I don't know what happened here.
August 4, 2024
I enjoyed this way more than I should, lots of miscommunication and misunderstandings but it was entertaining and adorable.
Jesse was honestly so clueless and it was endearing, he was this innocent puppy with a beautiful heart.
I’ve come to appreciate the friends to lovers trope more and this was exactly what I’m into, light, sweet and funny, I laughed out loud a few times.
Jesse was honestly so clueless and it was endearing, he was this innocent puppy with a beautiful heart.
I’ve come to appreciate the friends to lovers trope more and this was exactly what I’m into, light, sweet and funny, I laughed out loud a few times.
June 17, 2024
Gosh, this was so cute. I love reading friends to lovers, and this one was no exception. While I usually don’t like miscommunication in books it worked in this one. Poor Jesse, he is just completely oblivious to Murphy’s feelings, and just keeps making things worse while trying to make sure they stay friends. This book had so many laugh out loud moments, but also such a good amount of pining and heat. I found myself unable to put this one down until I finished it.
October 31, 2024
This may be the best friends to lovers book I’ve ever read. We have Jesse a wild, clueless, sweet himbo and Murphy a snarky, sarcastic always put together bestie…it’s the perfect set up. These two were so frustrating (I mean superrrr f’ing frustrating) in the best way possible, like even before anyone admitted anything there was always an undercurrent of something from both of their POVs. I found myself trying to read faster and faster to get to when these idiots in love finally started getting past the idiots part to the love part.
Jesse’s awakening is probably one of my most favorite I’ve ever read, no freak outs, no shame just wow I didn’t even consider this was a possibility for me but now that I have I love it here and that’s always been how sexuality has to me. Murphy was so frustrating sometimes when he shut down but it made sense bc of how long he was pining for his “straight” best friend, his longing was so painful but endeared him as a character to me. My most favorite part of them getting together was that they always felt like friends even after the physical entered their relationship. The banter, the adoration, the longing to be with each other never went away and I always love that in a friends to lovers story 🥹
This book was soooo different to Cam and Pete’s and I loved it! It was funny, sweet, swoony and a perfect read to end October with! I just love Dianna Roman’s writing and storytelling and this only further proves she’s one of my favorite authors 💜
Jesse’s awakening is probably one of my most favorite I’ve ever read, no freak outs, no shame just wow I didn’t even consider this was a possibility for me but now that I have I love it here and that’s always been how sexuality has to me. Murphy was so frustrating sometimes when he shut down but it made sense bc of how long he was pining for his “straight” best friend, his longing was so painful but endeared him as a character to me. My most favorite part of them getting together was that they always felt like friends even after the physical entered their relationship. The banter, the adoration, the longing to be with each other never went away and I always love that in a friends to lovers story 🥹
This book was soooo different to Cam and Pete’s and I loved it! It was funny, sweet, swoony and a perfect read to end October with! I just love Dianna Roman’s writing and storytelling and this only further proves she’s one of my favorite authors 💜
February 27, 2025
Audio - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4 STars
Story - 4 STars
December 26, 2024
“We’re not dumb kids anymore. We’re….dumb adults".
* Re-read Dec '24 as an audiobook and it was just as fun. All books should be made into audiobooks. Loved the Dual POV, the narration was perfect. The thing I noticed most was how fresh and unique a character Jesse was. He was idiotic, silly but believable and endearing.
Original review:
Dianna Roman is an automatic read for me. Her books, I just….well…I love ‘em.
“The Idiot” was no exception.
I absolutely devoured this silly rom-com with so much ease while a pile of partially finished books just sit there languidly being ignored or struggled through in my Kindle and Audible libraries. Her brand of comedy just works for me, and I find myself frequently chuckling out loud. Most addictive of all, I always seem to find that elusive heart squeeze that keeps me hooked on the MM romance drug.
We have Murph and Jesse, BFF’s and each other’s absolute favourite people in the world. Murph is gay and hopelessly in love with Jesse who he hasn’t come out to yet due to fear of making things weird and/or disrupting the most important relationship in his life. Jesse is a complete himbo or (as Murph aptly describes him) “blockhead” who has no clue whatsoever, about anything, ever. The title of this book is ever so accurate.
Finally, Murph comes out to Jesse and like an idiot Jesse thinks it is a big joke.
Murph is having a terrible time. He is desperately longing and pining for Jesse (kill me now this is my kryptonite), he is in a bunch of pain, something must be done so he decides to remove himself from the situation for a while and book a gay cruise to find someone to connect with or at the very least some distraction.
Like an idiot Jesse follows him because he doesn’t want them to be apart and thinks he is going to be some sort of supportive wingman. However, Jesse is literally The. Worst. Wingman. Ever. This throws Murph into a grumpy tailspin.
I am not usually a fan of a miscommunication trope but it works here, it is believable because Jesse is such an idiot and Murph is so scared of breaking their friendship with the truth of how he feels.
I wish this book was longer. There is a lot of introspection and a lot of assumed history between the MC’s, I would have liked to see a bit more of the cruise and a slow slide into the physical relationship. I wanted to see Murph making more connections, maybe even getting physical with other guys and that helping Jesse see what could be (I wanted the green eyed monster to rear it’s head a bit more). But I get it that once Jesse was on the cruise, there really wasn’t any option for Murph to hook up with anyone else. His heart was Jesse’s. Hook, line and sinker.
The more MM romance I read, the more I find that I want to steer away from “Gay for you” books or books with clearly straight people that “turn” because of the right guy. I think it does a disservice to gay people who couldn’t be straight no matter how much they might have wished to or tried to when being so was literally against the law, life threatening or considered a mental illness. I usually like it more when there is some sort of “awakening” where the MC recalls some clues that have always been there but were sort of dismissed or ignored. Of course, this is all fiction, and these kinds of stories are a guilty pleasure and a bit of escapism. For the sake of my own piece of mind I am just going to assume that Jesse was Bi, Pan or Demi all along and was just too dense to notice, that checks out for me and makes me feel better.
4.99 stars instead of 5 because the book got it wrong. Henry Cavill wasn’t in the Avengers.
* Re-read Dec '24 as an audiobook and it was just as fun. All books should be made into audiobooks. Loved the Dual POV, the narration was perfect. The thing I noticed most was how fresh and unique a character Jesse was. He was idiotic, silly but believable and endearing.
Original review:
Dianna Roman is an automatic read for me. Her books, I just….well…I love ‘em.
“The Idiot” was no exception.
I absolutely devoured this silly rom-com with so much ease while a pile of partially finished books just sit there languidly being ignored or struggled through in my Kindle and Audible libraries. Her brand of comedy just works for me, and I find myself frequently chuckling out loud. Most addictive of all, I always seem to find that elusive heart squeeze that keeps me hooked on the MM romance drug.
We have Murph and Jesse, BFF’s and each other’s absolute favourite people in the world. Murph is gay and hopelessly in love with Jesse who he hasn’t come out to yet due to fear of making things weird and/or disrupting the most important relationship in his life. Jesse is a complete himbo or (as Murph aptly describes him) “blockhead” who has no clue whatsoever, about anything, ever. The title of this book is ever so accurate.
Finally, Murph comes out to Jesse and like an idiot Jesse thinks it is a big joke.
Murph is having a terrible time. He is desperately longing and pining for Jesse (kill me now this is my kryptonite), he is in a bunch of pain, something must be done so he decides to remove himself from the situation for a while and book a gay cruise to find someone to connect with or at the very least some distraction.
Like an idiot Jesse follows him because he doesn’t want them to be apart and thinks he is going to be some sort of supportive wingman. However, Jesse is literally The. Worst. Wingman. Ever. This throws Murph into a grumpy tailspin.
I am not usually a fan of a miscommunication trope but it works here, it is believable because Jesse is such an idiot and Murph is so scared of breaking their friendship with the truth of how he feels.
I wish this book was longer. There is a lot of introspection and a lot of assumed history between the MC’s, I would have liked to see a bit more of the cruise and a slow slide into the physical relationship. I wanted to see Murph making more connections, maybe even getting physical with other guys and that helping Jesse see what could be (I wanted the green eyed monster to rear it’s head a bit more). But I get it that once Jesse was on the cruise, there really wasn’t any option for Murph to hook up with anyone else. His heart was Jesse’s. Hook, line and sinker.
The more MM romance I read, the more I find that I want to steer away from “Gay for you” books or books with clearly straight people that “turn” because of the right guy. I think it does a disservice to gay people who couldn’t be straight no matter how much they might have wished to or tried to when being so was literally against the law, life threatening or considered a mental illness. I usually like it more when there is some sort of “awakening” where the MC recalls some clues that have always been there but were sort of dismissed or ignored. Of course, this is all fiction, and these kinds of stories are a guilty pleasure and a bit of escapism. For the sake of my own piece of mind I am just going to assume that Jesse was Bi, Pan or Demi all along and was just too dense to notice, that checks out for me and makes me feel better.
4.99 stars instead of 5 because the book got it wrong. Henry Cavill wasn’t in the Avengers.
July 10, 2024
A sparkling new book from Dianna Roman that made me smile so much my cheeks hurt!
The story focuses on the friendship between Jessie and Murphy and how their relationship evolves when Murphy realizes he is gay and in love with his best friend. Jesse finds it hilarious trying to navigate Murphy's new world as he sees him in a different light. The book is lighthearted and fun, with Jesse always finding himself in peculiar situations. Despite the humor, the book also touches on serious topics such as grief, family, friendship, and self-acceptance. Overall, the sweetness of the story draws you in and makes you root for their happiness.
The story focuses on the friendship between Jessie and Murphy and how their relationship evolves when Murphy realizes he is gay and in love with his best friend. Jesse finds it hilarious trying to navigate Murphy's new world as he sees him in a different light. The book is lighthearted and fun, with Jesse always finding himself in peculiar situations. Despite the humor, the book also touches on serious topics such as grief, family, friendship, and self-acceptance. Overall, the sweetness of the story draws you in and makes you root for their happiness.
October 1, 2024
This was cutee
Jesse is an idiot. An oblivious, sweet idiot.
Murphy is an idiot too. An idiot that doesn’t communicate.
These two idiots are childhood best friends. While one idiot (Murphy) is aware of his feelings, the other idiot (Jesse) doesn’t even understand what he’s feeling is love.
After Jesse crashes a gay cruise to be Murphy’s “wingman”, Murph just can’t take it anymore because he needs some space to get over his feelings.
Oblivious idiot (Jesse) is absolutely relentless and doesn’t want to give grumpy idiot (Murphy) space.
This book was a good laugh and had some utterly ridiculous scenes. I haven’t laughed so much while reading in while.
Was I pissed off by the lack of communication? Always…But at the same time, they were both so oblivious that I had to see how this one will pan out!
Jesse is an idiot. An oblivious, sweet idiot.
Murphy is an idiot too. An idiot that doesn’t communicate.
These two idiots are childhood best friends. While one idiot (Murphy) is aware of his feelings, the other idiot (Jesse) doesn’t even understand what he’s feeling is love.
After Jesse crashes a gay cruise to be Murphy’s “wingman”, Murph just can’t take it anymore because he needs some space to get over his feelings.
Oblivious idiot (Jesse) is absolutely relentless and doesn’t want to give grumpy idiot (Murphy) space.
This book was a good laugh and had some utterly ridiculous scenes. I haven’t laughed so much while reading in while.
Was I pissed off by the lack of communication? Always…But at the same time, they were both so oblivious that I had to see how this one will pan out!
July 16, 2024
Murphy & Jesse
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
- Best Friends-to-Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Gay Singles Cruise
- First Times
- Bi-Awakening
- Idiots in Love
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Pining
- Small Town
This is the second book in the Carver Brothers series and is a standalone with small cameos of the previous couple. These two were freaking cute but oblivious to the obvious, I swear. This book is light but not fluffy, and it's kind of angsty but not ridiculous (mostly charming). The spice is spicy, especially that ending of a HEA, hello!
Murphy and Jesse have been friends since childhood and do everything together. They don't keep secrets from each other, except that Murphy never told Jesse that he was gay. Also, ever since Murphy got back from the military Jesse is extra clingy.
Murphy is starting to realize that he wants that forever kind of love like his parents had, like Jesse's parents have but he's unsure how to find it in their small farming town or in Seattle where he used to go for hookups. When he gets slapped over the head with the realization that he's been in love with his best friend this whole time, he knows he needs to put some distance between them for self-preservation. He decides to go on a gay singles cruise to maybe meet someone that he could have a relationship with.
Jesse trying to be the best friend he could be, but also clingy and not great at connecting the obvious dots, surprises Murphy by showing up on his vacation cruise to be his wingman. Yeah, we all know how that goes! Jesse helps Murphy out by pretending they're together to get rid of a guy that latched onto Murphy. Lines start to blur and Jesse starts to become aware of his latent attraction to men, especially Murphy. Murphy was so patient with Jesse even though it was breaking his heart. They were so cuddly and sweet with each other. Their banter made this more of a comedy, which was nice to have the levity in here.
These two have some miscommunication issues that were running me up a wall, per usual when that happens. I wanted to shake them and tell them to just spit it out! Murphy would run away from their arguments while Jesse's immaturity and obliviousness would make situations worse.
Content Warnings :
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Mentions of parental death (past, off-page)
- Mild exhibitionism
- Mentions of friendly kidnapping (on-page)
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Ages: 30 & 30
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
- Best Friends-to-Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Gay Singles Cruise
- First Times
- Bi-Awakening
- Idiots in Love
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Pining
- Small Town
This is the second book in the Carver Brothers series and is a standalone with small cameos of the previous couple. These two were freaking cute but oblivious to the obvious, I swear. This book is light but not fluffy, and it's kind of angsty but not ridiculous (mostly charming). The spice is spicy, especially that ending of a HEA, hello!
Murphy and Jesse have been friends since childhood and do everything together. They don't keep secrets from each other, except that Murphy never told Jesse that he was gay. Also, ever since Murphy got back from the military Jesse is extra clingy.
Murphy is starting to realize that he wants that forever kind of love like his parents had, like Jesse's parents have but he's unsure how to find it in their small farming town or in Seattle where he used to go for hookups. When he gets slapped over the head with the realization that he's been in love with his best friend this whole time, he knows he needs to put some distance between them for self-preservation. He decides to go on a gay singles cruise to maybe meet someone that he could have a relationship with.
Jesse trying to be the best friend he could be, but also clingy and not great at connecting the obvious dots, surprises Murphy by showing up on his vacation cruise to be his wingman. Yeah, we all know how that goes! Jesse helps Murphy out by pretending they're together to get rid of a guy that latched onto Murphy. Lines start to blur and Jesse starts to become aware of his latent attraction to men, especially Murphy. Murphy was so patient with Jesse even though it was breaking his heart. They were so cuddly and sweet with each other. Their banter made this more of a comedy, which was nice to have the levity in here.
These two have some miscommunication issues that were running me up a wall, per usual when that happens. I wanted to shake them and tell them to just spit it out! Murphy would run away from their arguments while Jesse's immaturity and obliviousness would make situations worse.
Content Warnings :
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Mentions of parental death (past, off-page)
- Mild exhibitionism
- Mentions of friendly kidnapping (on-page)
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Ages: 30 & 30
October 16, 2024
4-5 star
I actually really loved this, I just couldn't bring myself to click five stars for some reason.
I actually really love the "himbo" "obliviot" "too stupid to live" kind of characters. Jesse in this book was such an idiot and I loved everything about it. (I loved everything about it in the book, I pray to the lord there is no one that stupid out there in real life). It was just so funny to read, definitely a laugh out loud book.
Also, this book takes place on a cruise which I loved reading about. I need more cruise ship romance novels, send any requests if anyone knows any. I just got back from a cruise and may or may not have already booked another 😬
Many complained about the miscommunication, and the author even addresses it in her author's note but as someone who generally dislikes stupid miscommunication in books- I must say it didn't bother me at all. It was always resolved fairly quickly and it was never the stupidly frustrating takes forever to resolve miscommunication.
I actually really loved this, I just couldn't bring myself to click five stars for some reason.
I actually really love the "himbo" "obliviot" "too stupid to live" kind of characters. Jesse in this book was such an idiot and I loved everything about it. (I loved everything about it in the book, I pray to the lord there is no one that stupid out there in real life). It was just so funny to read, definitely a laugh out loud book.
Also, this book takes place on a cruise which I loved reading about. I need more cruise ship romance novels, send any requests if anyone knows any. I just got back from a cruise and may or may not have already booked another 😬
Many complained about the miscommunication, and the author even addresses it in her author's note but as someone who generally dislikes stupid miscommunication in books- I must say it didn't bother me at all. It was always resolved fairly quickly and it was never the stupidly frustrating takes forever to resolve miscommunication.
September 9, 2024
Didn’t love this one as much as The Gentleman, but it was still a fun read. Miscommunication tropes are probably my least favorite tropes out here, mostly because it’s something that just seems so easy to fix. Where The Gentleman shined in not overplaying the “are we dating or are we just fucking” aspect, this book was basically 100% that.
January 15, 2025
I struggled with this one. This was one had tons of miscommunication and just a straight-up lack of communication. I have never been a huge fan of this in books.
I liked Jesse and Murphy, but damn, a couple of conversations could've cleared so many things up. And that's where my problems lie with this book. Where it started out funny, things started to get old. Have a conversation, admit what you feel, and just be together already.
Except none of that happened. IT isn't resolved until the very end of the book.
I liked Jesse and Murphy, but damn, a couple of conversations could've cleared so many things up. And that's where my problems lie with this book. Where it started out funny, things started to get old. Have a conversation, admit what you feel, and just be together already.
Except none of that happened. IT isn't resolved until the very end of the book.
June 22, 2024
This book was such a joy to read with amazing characters and all the feels and so much scorching heat and chemistry. The author gives us a wonderful journey to follow along to the characters HEA with loads memorable moments, like I was cackling and laughing at the whole Un-Bean-liveable scene and then legit getting teary over what happens next .. this book is a roller coaster of emotions and I absolutely loved it.
This is such a sweet friends to lovers story with tons of humour and heat threaded through. Jesse and Murphy are just so fundamentally adorable in their cluelessness regarding their feeling and a whole host of things change when Murph comes out as gay to Jesse including them seeing things that have been there all along just waiting to be discovered. I low key loved how prickly and a tiny bit petulant and gruff Murphy is and what a sweet, loving, goofball Jesse is.
I just love Dianna Roman’s writing style that just gently pulls you into the life of her characters and doesn’t let go. It’s perfectly paced as they transition to more than best friends and it’s beautifully written, I had trouble putting it down, I have to go back and immediately read the first book in the series.
If you want something light but not fluffy, angsty but in the most charming of ways and a relationship finding its footing, spicy with all the feels and a banger of an HEA I definitely recommend checking this out
Expect:
* Friends to lovers
* Emotional
* Smidge of pining
* Humorous
* Coming out
* Slow burn
* Forced proximity
* First times
* Sexual awakening
* Possessive MCs
* Opposites attract
This is such a sweet friends to lovers story with tons of humour and heat threaded through. Jesse and Murphy are just so fundamentally adorable in their cluelessness regarding their feeling and a whole host of things change when Murph comes out as gay to Jesse including them seeing things that have been there all along just waiting to be discovered. I low key loved how prickly and a tiny bit petulant and gruff Murphy is and what a sweet, loving, goofball Jesse is.
I just love Dianna Roman’s writing style that just gently pulls you into the life of her characters and doesn’t let go. It’s perfectly paced as they transition to more than best friends and it’s beautifully written, I had trouble putting it down, I have to go back and immediately read the first book in the series.
If you want something light but not fluffy, angsty but in the most charming of ways and a relationship finding its footing, spicy with all the feels and a banger of an HEA I definitely recommend checking this out
Expect:
* Friends to lovers
* Emotional
* Smidge of pining
* Humorous
* Coming out
* Slow burn
* Forced proximity
* First times
* Sexual awakening
* Possessive MCs
* Opposites attract
July 3, 2024
Well, the title says it all ;))
I guess I'm still hooked on Diana's first book I've read and nothing else from her comes close, I cannot help it. While I like good best friends to lovers, it works in rather younger version for me, not 30 year old idiots... At least the title is accurate :)
I guess I'm still hooked on Diana's first book I've read and nothing else from her comes close, I cannot help it. While I like good best friends to lovers, it works in rather younger version for me, not 30 year old idiots... At least the title is accurate :)
May 31, 2024
Dianna never disappoints!
The Idiot is a very accurate name for this book :D In this story we follow Jesse Carver and his shenanigans, as well as his best grumpy friend Murphy. Jesse is the straightest guy you know. Or is he...
This story is light and full of humour, but it can get serious when the times call. I loved Jesse and his openness - dude is just clueless af :D
Totally would recommend it for a summer day! Murph and Jesse find a way to every heart for sure - I sighed and laughed so hard I almost cried sometimes.
Also, it was nice to have a glimpse to Pete and Cam from The Gentleman through Jesse's eyes :) Love these guys so much!
Give them a try!
The Idiot is a very accurate name for this book :D In this story we follow Jesse Carver and his shenanigans, as well as his best grumpy friend Murphy. Jesse is the straightest guy you know. Or is he...
This story is light and full of humour, but it can get serious when the times call. I loved Jesse and his openness - dude is just clueless af :D
Totally would recommend it for a summer day! Murph and Jesse find a way to every heart for sure - I sighed and laughed so hard I almost cried sometimes.
Also, it was nice to have a glimpse to Pete and Cam from The Gentleman through Jesse's eyes :) Love these guys so much!
Give them a try!
December 14, 2024
‘And now… he won’t talk to me again, so this is fantastic. Is it a bearded-person thing? Hold your feelings in and then explode and hibernate? Gosh, I’m in love with an impossible, unpredictable ABBA fan who just happens to be a dude. I have to laugh despite the pain of uncertainty’
I keep reading and forgetting to review and then time passes and I forget what even happens but I do remember really enjoying this! Best friends to lovers with a bi awakening! Great found family and funny banter and on a gay cruise!!
I keep reading and forgetting to review and then time passes and I forget what even happens but I do remember really enjoying this! Best friends to lovers with a bi awakening! Great found family and funny banter and on a gay cruise!!
June 8, 2024
This is a well written book with strong characters in Murphy and Jesse. It's a friends to lovers/awakening filled with humor and love. The author moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers an entertaining read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
September 23, 2025
2.5 rounded up
I enjoyed this one more than the first book in this series, and I definitely think this author does better when she leans into the romcom (heavy on the com) instead of trying to do something grittier. The miscommunications do get old though. Not great, but better than the first book
I enjoyed this one more than the first book in this series, and I definitely think this author does better when she leans into the romcom (heavy on the com) instead of trying to do something grittier. The miscommunications do get old though. Not great, but better than the first book
May 30, 2024
I absolutely loved reading Jessie and Murphy’s story. The story and characters were absolutely amazing. They are really sweet and you can’t help but love them!! I really couldn’t out this one down!! Great characters and plenty of spice. I highly recommend checking out this really entertaining and sweet story!!
July 2, 2024
Murphy and Jesse ❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Dianna Roman has done it again! As always, she has managed to capture my heart with such endearing characters all while giggling my a** off. I haven't laughed like that in...well... since reading my last Dianna Roman book. This was such a fantastic friends to lovers read. I fell in love with Jesse, he was so clueless and absolutely oblivious to all things remotely related to being gay. There were so many scenes that had me rolling in a fit of giggles and I can safely say that the next time that I hear the term "Sword Fighting" I will immediately lose it!!! This book was so much fun, it had fantastic characters, comedy, spice and a super sweet love story between two best friends who were perfect for each other. Do yourself a favor, pick this book up and enjoy the heck out of it because I sure did. I 100% recommend!!
* I received an ARC courtesy of this author, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Dianna Roman has done it again! As always, she has managed to capture my heart with such endearing characters all while giggling my a** off. I haven't laughed like that in...well... since reading my last Dianna Roman book. This was such a fantastic friends to lovers read. I fell in love with Jesse, he was so clueless and absolutely oblivious to all things remotely related to being gay. There were so many scenes that had me rolling in a fit of giggles and I can safely say that the next time that I hear the term "Sword Fighting" I will immediately lose it!!! This book was so much fun, it had fantastic characters, comedy, spice and a super sweet love story between two best friends who were perfect for each other. Do yourself a favor, pick this book up and enjoy the heck out of it because I sure did. I 100% recommend!!
* I received an ARC courtesy of this author, this is my open and honest review *
June 22, 2024
I enjoyed this book, it was a sweet read 🥰
July 5, 2024
This was so good!
I'd say it was very different to book one but in a great way.
A clueless "idiot" and his best friend. The banter, the shenanigans, the chemistry that they don't even realize is chemistry! This book was addictive and hooked me from the get-go.
Jesse and Murph are fantastic characters and their unique and slightly complicated journey to reach their HEA is both hilarious and adorable.
I will say I usually hate character miscommunication and get so bloody frustrated when the characters don't just talk to each other. But this book has reframed the "miscommunication" trope for me and these two characters thrive on all the miscommunication and for good reason. The journey of lifelong best friends to "hook-up buddies" to lovers in love in an epic journey of miscommunication, and idiocy (on both parts, come on Murph, your mom had to clue you in), and this adventure is all the more hilarious and enjoyable because of Jesse's adorable fumblings and golden retriever (on caffeine) personality.
I feel that each book Dianna writes (that I've read) is so different yet so familiar in the best possible ways. Her characters are totally endearing and unique even with similar "tropes" suggested. I loved this book and just love Jesse and Murph and their cluelessness and chemistry. This was a wonder best friends-to-lovers story with a twist! Just awesome!! Go read it now!!
I'd say it was very different to book one but in a great way.
A clueless "idiot" and his best friend. The banter, the shenanigans, the chemistry that they don't even realize is chemistry! This book was addictive and hooked me from the get-go.
Jesse and Murph are fantastic characters and their unique and slightly complicated journey to reach their HEA is both hilarious and adorable.
I will say I usually hate character miscommunication and get so bloody frustrated when the characters don't just talk to each other. But this book has reframed the "miscommunication" trope for me and these two characters thrive on all the miscommunication and for good reason. The journey of lifelong best friends to "hook-up buddies" to lovers in love in an epic journey of miscommunication, and idiocy (on both parts, come on Murph, your mom had to clue you in), and this adventure is all the more hilarious and enjoyable because of Jesse's adorable fumblings and golden retriever (on caffeine) personality.
I feel that each book Dianna writes (that I've read) is so different yet so familiar in the best possible ways. Her characters are totally endearing and unique even with similar "tropes" suggested. I loved this book and just love Jesse and Murph and their cluelessness and chemistry. This was a wonder best friends-to-lovers story with a twist! Just awesome!! Go read it now!!
September 13, 2024
It wasn't just one idiot, there were two. And the story was kind of idiotic as well.
I'm giving it 2.5 - 2.75⭐, but I'll round it down.
I get being goofy but at some point you have to balance it out with some substance. In this book both main characters were kind of let down, I think. Their story is unappealing. It uses a lot of stereotypically gay elements but fails to combine them into a love story that's attractive and worth reading about.
🟣 Best friends to lovers
🟢 Gay/bi awakening
🔵 Both mmcs 30 years old
🟡 Gay cruise
🌶️ First times, descriptive, hot, but the chemistry wasn't as good; both vers
I liked Jesse in Gentleman and while that book had some depth, Jesse's story should've been much better than it was.
Murphy, his best friend, was a closeted gay man who came out to Jesse when Pete and Cam became a couple. There was supposedly some lifelong pining going on for Jesse over there on Murphy's part, but I couldn't sense it. It was like he lived a separate life that was working for him, but until Murphy's mother mentioned he's probably in love with Jesse, he didn't really think about it all that much.
The gay cruise thing where they both went to was them experimenting with each other and that's fine, but Jesse's bi awakening seemed like he's doing it just because and that it's his best friend he's doing it with wasn't really a hiccup at all. It was nothing, pretty much. They went from buddies that didn't really seem like best friends to hooking up and all the while I'm supposed to believe Murphy's in love when it wasn't felt, at all.
"Women do that coy thing, where they usually wait to be complimented by the guy. I’ve never had my ego stroked so much as I did today in the pool. I can see why Murph wanted to come here— the positivity is endless."
Yeah well the thing is that if women went around complimenting other guys, they'd be either seen as desperate, whores or they'd get unwanted attention that they couldn't fight off, so comparing the dynamic of a woman/man to man/man is also idiotic.
Positivity would be endless without those factors involved, I'm pretty sure. But the author would know more, she's a woman, does she go around positively complimenting other men? Probably not, right? I'm guessing doing the coy thing is the safest option for her as well.
The way the love story evolved wasn't all that special either and when Murphy and Jesse finally came out as a couple it was as anticlimactic as can be. Literally nothing changed, nothing happened, I think Pete and Cam had more interesting roles in this book than the main characters did.
So overall it's a goofy but ridiculous story of two simple, mid guys getting together. Nothing much, nothing special, a lot of country awkwardness and some hot sex.
If you don't have a problem with that, then go ahead. For me - this book had no business being 300 pages long.
I'm giving it 2.5 - 2.75⭐, but I'll round it down.
I get being goofy but at some point you have to balance it out with some substance. In this book both main characters were kind of let down, I think. Their story is unappealing. It uses a lot of stereotypically gay elements but fails to combine them into a love story that's attractive and worth reading about.
🟣 Best friends to lovers
🟢 Gay/bi awakening
🔵 Both mmcs 30 years old
🟡 Gay cruise
🌶️ First times, descriptive, hot, but the chemistry wasn't as good; both vers
I liked Jesse in Gentleman and while that book had some depth, Jesse's story should've been much better than it was.
Murphy, his best friend, was a closeted gay man who came out to Jesse when Pete and Cam became a couple. There was supposedly some lifelong pining going on for Jesse over there on Murphy's part, but I couldn't sense it. It was like he lived a separate life that was working for him, but until Murphy's mother mentioned he's probably in love with Jesse, he didn't really think about it all that much.
The gay cruise thing where they both went to was them experimenting with each other and that's fine, but Jesse's bi awakening seemed like he's doing it just because and that it's his best friend he's doing it with wasn't really a hiccup at all. It was nothing, pretty much. They went from buddies that didn't really seem like best friends to hooking up and all the while I'm supposed to believe Murphy's in love when it wasn't felt, at all.
"Women do that coy thing, where they usually wait to be complimented by the guy. I’ve never had my ego stroked so much as I did today in the pool. I can see why Murph wanted to come here— the positivity is endless."
Yeah well the thing is that if women went around complimenting other guys, they'd be either seen as desperate, whores or they'd get unwanted attention that they couldn't fight off, so comparing the dynamic of a woman/man to man/man is also idiotic.
Positivity would be endless without those factors involved, I'm pretty sure. But the author would know more, she's a woman, does she go around positively complimenting other men? Probably not, right? I'm guessing doing the coy thing is the safest option for her as well.
The way the love story evolved wasn't all that special either and when Murphy and Jesse finally came out as a couple it was as anticlimactic as can be. Literally nothing changed, nothing happened, I think Pete and Cam had more interesting roles in this book than the main characters did.
So overall it's a goofy but ridiculous story of two simple, mid guys getting together. Nothing much, nothing special, a lot of country awkwardness and some hot sex.
If you don't have a problem with that, then go ahead. For me - this book had no business being 300 pages long.
October 26, 2024
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I hadnt enjoyed book 1 so much. The Gentleman got 5 stars from me. The author said in the notes that she wanted to write a book all about the miscommunication trope. Because she believes although it’s annoying, it’s also realistic.
This book is just miscommunications galore. And as the title implies, it’s idiots-to-lovers. Jesse is the ultimate idiot but Murphy isn’t far behind. I think it was cute and funny, but not nearly as satisfying as book 1.
This book is just miscommunications galore. And as the title implies, it’s idiots-to-lovers. Jesse is the ultimate idiot but Murphy isn’t far behind. I think it was cute and funny, but not nearly as satisfying as book 1.
July 3, 2024
2.5 stars. I didn't connect with this book like I did with other books by this author. It didn't help that it had some tropes/things that aren't my favorite (we've been best friends our whole lives, but we are unable to communicate in a healthy way, the 'let's put all stereotype gays on a cruise and pretend it's funny' and people who are 30 years old acting like they're teenagers).
I felt both Jesse and Murphy didn't handle the whole thing well. Jesse meant well, but his actions didn't always come across the way he intended, so were hurtful for Murphy sometimes, and Murphy kept running away and expected Jesse to immediately process everything he threw at him, which wasn't fair.
I think that if you love Cora Rose books, you'll like this one. No depth, barely any character development and people without any hobbies or other friends, but lots of sex and shenanigans. It wasn't for me, unfortunately, I definitely preferred the first book over this one.
I felt both Jesse and Murphy didn't handle the whole thing well. Jesse meant well, but his actions didn't always come across the way he intended, so were hurtful for Murphy sometimes, and Murphy kept running away and expected Jesse to immediately process everything he threw at him, which wasn't fair.
I think that if you love Cora Rose books, you'll like this one. No depth, barely any character development and people without any hobbies or other friends, but lots of sex and shenanigans. It wasn't for me, unfortunately, I definitely preferred the first book over this one.
July 5, 2024
All the stars.
One the best books I've read lately.
I laughed and loved it so much.
One the best books I've read lately.
I laughed and loved it so much.
May 25, 2024
I think if anyone looks through my review history, it is no secret that I am a huge Dianna Roman fan. So when I was able to receive an advanced copy of The Idiot, I was over the moon excited. As expected this book does not disappoint. I laughed out loud, I had my heartstrings pulled, and I absolutely fell head over heels for the characters.
We meet Jesse Carver in The Gentleman, he is Pete’s younger brother and a little bit (ok a lot) of a prankster. So I was very excited to read Jesse’s story and get to know him better. He is so sweet, almost innocent… or as the title suggests kind of an idiot sometimes. He doesn’t take life too seriously, makes friends whenever he goes, and is just such a joyful character.
Murph is Jesse’s best friend, the ride or die, friends forever kind of best friend. Murph is such a hard working, takes on the weight of the world, compassionate, teddy bear, mommas boy there ever was. He is also Jesse’s opposite, he’s calm, cool, and
Collected.
The love story between these two is not without its bumps, but you will get hilarity, heart warming, and sweet mixed in with your wanting to yell at the characters through the pages.
This book is fantastic, I highly recommended it. I would say you could easily read this one without reading Pete’s story first… but why would you miss out on the opportunity to read another amazing Dianna Roman novel.
What you can expect:
🩷 best friends to lovers
🩷 bi awakening
🩷 small town romance
🩷 a gay cruise 🚢
🩷 humor and heart
This book will be available in kindle unlimited July 2, 2024!!!
We meet Jesse Carver in The Gentleman, he is Pete’s younger brother and a little bit (ok a lot) of a prankster. So I was very excited to read Jesse’s story and get to know him better. He is so sweet, almost innocent… or as the title suggests kind of an idiot sometimes. He doesn’t take life too seriously, makes friends whenever he goes, and is just such a joyful character.
Murph is Jesse’s best friend, the ride or die, friends forever kind of best friend. Murph is such a hard working, takes on the weight of the world, compassionate, teddy bear, mommas boy there ever was. He is also Jesse’s opposite, he’s calm, cool, and
Collected.
The love story between these two is not without its bumps, but you will get hilarity, heart warming, and sweet mixed in with your wanting to yell at the characters through the pages.
This book is fantastic, I highly recommended it. I would say you could easily read this one without reading Pete’s story first… but why would you miss out on the opportunity to read another amazing Dianna Roman novel.
What you can expect:
🩷 best friends to lovers
🩷 bi awakening
🩷 small town romance
🩷 a gay cruise 🚢
🩷 humor and heart
This book will be available in kindle unlimited July 2, 2024!!!
July 1, 2024
We meet Jesse on "The Gentleman" pranking his brother Pete but this one truly stands alone.
Murphy and Jesse have been friends since they were kids, after a heart to heat with his mom Murphy realizes he is in love with Jesse.
After his realization Murphy runs away to a single´s cruise, only to be surprised by Jesse following him to patch things up after a little fight they had.
I enjoyed Murphy´s realization that he’s always been in love with Jesse, i love the trope when everyone knows but the MCs, it’s just too cute. And his mom being there for him and enlighten him made my heart so happy.
Jesse was truly an idiot, i say it in the best way possible, he wanted to be there for his friend so bad, but his mouth and brain didn’t always align.
I kind of love when an author takes MCs to unexpected set ups, so the gay singles cruise was an unexpected surprise. There were many good characters there so lest hope we see some of them again.
But what took the cake was that amazing grand gesture at the end of the book, I won’t spoil it but it was totally Jesse, and i loved him more for it.
Loved, loved, loved it
Murphy and Jesse have been friends since they were kids, after a heart to heat with his mom Murphy realizes he is in love with Jesse.
After his realization Murphy runs away to a single´s cruise, only to be surprised by Jesse following him to patch things up after a little fight they had.
I enjoyed Murphy´s realization that he’s always been in love with Jesse, i love the trope when everyone knows but the MCs, it’s just too cute. And his mom being there for him and enlighten him made my heart so happy.
Jesse was truly an idiot, i say it in the best way possible, he wanted to be there for his friend so bad, but his mouth and brain didn’t always align.
I kind of love when an author takes MCs to unexpected set ups, so the gay singles cruise was an unexpected surprise. There were many good characters there so lest hope we see some of them again.
But what took the cake was that amazing grand gesture at the end of the book, I won’t spoil it but it was totally Jesse, and i loved him more for it.
Loved, loved, loved it
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