The Former Fake Boyfriend

Sweet Southern #2

by Maya Jean

Beau

The strong one. The dependable one. Eldest son. Big brother. Now the family farm is mine to run. My entire life is centered around others. To keep the attention off me at my baby sister’s wedding, I impulsively hire a fake boyfriend to give the pretense of happiness. What I don’t expect is a man that seamlessly fits into my life. Trevor holds me up when no one else thinks twice about my needs or wants. And he keeps coming back for me. Again and again. Our relationship might be fake to Trevor, but I’m playing for keeps. 

Trevor

Fake boyfriend. Good friend. Shitty son. Faking is my only real skill. The dark family secrets I carry inside remind me daily of my worth. Nothing. I’m only of value when I’m providing fake boyfriends a service. But when a sweet farmer hires me for a wedding weekend, everything slowly starts to unravel. Beau works his way into my battered heart with gentle smiles, shy looks, and profound steadiness. Safe with Beau, maybe it’s finally time to stop faking my way through life.

The Former Fake Boyfriend is the second novel in the Sweet Southern series. Expect a swoony fake dating romance between a city boy sex worker and a gentle giant farmer featuring an age gap, hurt/comfort, and second chances. 

Genres: M M Romance, Fake Dating, LGBT, Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2024

About the author

Maya spends most of her time imagining happily ever afters for the characters that live in her head. If she's not plotting how to heal broken hearts for her characters then she’s spending time with her precocious daughter. She loves baking competitions, listening to the same song on repeat for months, and discussing the latest pop culture event in a group chat with her best friends.

Reviews

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle giant meets escort who doesn’t believe he’s worthy of love. And they live happily ever after ❤️

That’s basically the plot, but it’s so very romantic, that you can’t help but fall in love with both.

Admittedly, it took me a few days to finish it - maybe because of my hectic real-life-brain wasn’t able to slow down enough to fully immerse myself into this rather slow paced love story. Yes, they fall in love almost the moment they meet (Beau, the gentle giant, hires Trevor to pose as his boyfriend during a family wedding), but it takes them around 1 year (and around 50% of the book) to start being in a relationship.

While Beau is like a steady rock, unwavering in his affection and firm belief that Trevor is his other half, Trevor struggles, being sure that (through no fault of his own) he’s not worthy of love, and especially not worthy of someone as wonderful as Beau.

As mentioned, I struggled with it during my week, but as soon as weekend came, I couldn’t put it down. It’s… sweet. Loved the southern charm, the found family, home cooked meals and sunflower fields. There’s no drama to speak of, and I was all here for it. Because sometimes, it’s just lovely to have a break, and to believe that people who are meant to be together will eventually find their way.

Love is a gentle man that holds my battered heart safely in the palm of his hand. For keeps, I think, in the middle of the warm sunflower field. Beau’s elated smile widens against my lips, and I know without a doubt that I’m home.

🫠

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️

I wish. Oh, I wish. If the stars do grant wishes, then I deserve one the most. Don’t I? Just one wish.
“Levi,” I whisper to the sky. The name is a fervent wish on my lips and in my forever lonely heart.

Another sweet romance from Maya Jean.
Two lonely souls who didn’t think they could find love.

“Will you be happy with just tonight?”
“I’ll be happy with just one millisecond holding you.”

This was achy and lovely, full of longing and romantic moments. Beau was a sweet softie, I loved how gentle and caring he was with Trevor.
This story was missing something for me though, because although there were some heavy themes of loss and loneliness, I didn’t quite feel the characters like I did in the last installment.
I think I wanted more angst, more real reasons for them not to be together, more pining for lost love.
Either way, I still loved the writing style, the atmospheric small town vibes, the stargazing and romantic slow dancing.

I’m super curious about the next couple, and I’m sure it’s going to be another lovely winner.

Life is so beautiful when we let it be.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Fake dating
- Age gap (22 vs 36)
- Second chance
- Death of a parent (off page)
- Grief/loss
- Neglectful parents
- Sex work
- Eldest child syndrome
- Vers MCs
- Coming hands-free
- Edging

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25**** stars


Ugh. Gentle giants are my damn kryptonite. *swoon

This was such a lovely story. How Beau and Trevor fell for each other so easily over the cause of just one weekend of being fake boyfriends, craving each other in the time they were apart. Ugh, beautiful.

“I’m not a complicated man. You want me? You can have me. But there won’t be any going back and forth like last time. I’m not hiring you. This time, you’re mine because you want to be, because there’s something between us that I’ve been waiting for you to see.”

This one is definitely for the romantics among us. ♡

“You were made for me. Weren’t you?”
“I think so, yeah.”

***************
Sweet Southern Series

Book 1 - The Husband Experience - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Former Fake Boyfriend - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - The Remarkable Lover - dropped
Book 4 - The Long Refrain

[gabireadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞?” 
“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒔.”

formulating my thoughts for this review has been SO hard. i adored colby and eli from book 1, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. if you know me, you know eli is my angel baby. but trevor? came in with a sledgehammer to my heart and said, “me next!” 😭 i told maya from day one - this is for the eldest children. if you are the first born in your family, beau will resonate with your soul. his pain is bone deep and it poured from the pages of this book into my heart. the storytelling from maya in this one may be a little triggering so please check your TWs, but it is so, so needed. trevor and beau’s love is the sweetest, most tender thing. if you remember their reunion in book 1, just wait until book 2. 🥲 they’re the definition of soulmates. i believe it.

clay springs is one of those fictional destination spots you want to visit so badly. maya has created a world that i would seriously kill to jump into. one week - just give me ONE WEEK at the farm. please. 😫 it would seriously cure me.

i’m beyond grateful i got to beta read this beautiful book. i love trev and beau desperately, their love is so wholesome and healing. the way trevor is there for beau, and beau allows himself to need someone for once in his life…cries in oldest sibling. LMAO.

i feel like each book in this series gives you something you didn’t know you needed. with colby and eli, you find joy in life again. the fun moments. with trevor and beau, you find the ability to let go of things you cannot control while learning to rely on those around you. each book, and couple, is so special in its own way. it’s hard to say you have a “favorite” here because maya has built a world of amazingly complex characters.

have i sold you yet? if not…

here are some tropes in 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥:

🌻𝚏𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐
🖤𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚐𝚊𝚙 (𝟸𝟸/𝟹𝟼)
🌻𝚌𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚋𝚘𝚢 𝚡 𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚏𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚛
🖤𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝/𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝
🌻𝚜𝚎𝚡 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚌
🖤𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝚜𝚢𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚎
🌻𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎

thank you to maya a thousand times for allowing me to chat your ear off constantly. i love this series and YOU! 🫶🏼

[Drache.... (Angelika)]

Dnf 57% no rating.
No character development, no relationship development, but the MCs already confessed their love.

They had met through a dating agency, had spent in the last 10 months 5 days together:
-3 days during a wedding for which one MC, Beau (in his mid thirties, a solid rock for everyone around him, who rarely talks) hired the other MC, Trevor (22 years, he feels he doesn't deserve happiness) as fake boyfriend,
-2 days at Beau's dad's funeral, when there were only tears and sex.

They didn't talk more than a few sentences during these two occasions, didn't talk in between the wedding and the funeral.

Now they see each other again after months of zero contact, jump each other (literally and figuratively), exchange i-love-you's and plan a life together.
The drama behind Trevor's deep self hate was already explained, but non existent in my opinion.

Maybe/hopefully the story gets better, but usually when I'm already over the halfpoint and still don't find the book believable, I only get more and more frustrated, so I'm out now.

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐

I wanted something low-angst, simple, and sweet, and that’s exactly what I got. I’m not usually into insta-love, but this time? I didn’t care. No overthinking, no questioning—just pure enjoyment.

Fake Dating, Escort,Opposites Attract, Hurt/Comfort, Found Family,Small Town Romance—all wrapped up in a cozy Southern setting.I have to admit, the descriptions of the berries, sunflowers, and melon fields completely pulled me in—I could almost feel the sun on my skin, the warmth of the earth, and the sweet, ripe scent filling the air.🍓🫐🌻🍈ahhh and the freshness of those springs🏝️

Beau is a quiet, hardworking farmer and Colby’s cousin (from book 1). Trevor is an escort, who works with Eli (also from book 1) and agrees to be Beau’s fake boyfriend for his sister’s wedding. But, of course, fake dating never stays fake for long. Feelings happen, and watching them fall for each other was so good, even if ridiculously fast!

Trevor has a lot of personal issues when it comes to self-worth. He was severely neglected by his parents, who are now in jail but still try to manipulate him. He’s spent his whole life alone and feeling like he’s never enough, and watching Beau love him—not in spite of his past, but just as he is—was beautiful. Their dynamic had such a soft, healing energy, and it made their romance even sweeter.The thing is, Beau might seem like the strong one, always there for everyone else—even at his own expense. But with Trevor, he’s finally the one who gets to be cared for. I loved that balance in their relationship. In the end, they complete and heal each other in that perfect “made for each other” way.

And the sex? Well, well. Pure intimate perfection. Sweet love-making, passionate kisses, delicate and rough touches. I felt their connection every time they looked at each other. It was beautiful.A bossy bottom and a worshiping god in the same bed? It can only be forever! A side note, they are deliciously vers , in every way👀🔥❤️.

“You gonna make me yours, Beau?”
I nod against his hand, placing a dry kiss to his palm. “I’m gonna show you.”
He arches one single eyebrow. “Show me what?”
“What it’s like to be loved, sweetheart.”

But. And there is a but. After they got together, the dating phase felt like a never-ending epilogue—about 40% of the book. The connection I loved in the first half got lost in a lot of... just simple things. I get it—Trevor was healing and building a “normal” relationship, but it dragged.

And what I really hated? No one needs a man that understanding, for fuck’s sake. Because come on… 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
“I also don’t do the boyfriend anything anymore, just so we’re clear.”
“Even if you did, that’s not something I’d have an issue with.”
It’s my turn to aim a confused look at him. “You’d be fine with me fucking someone else?”
He chuckles wryly and shrugs his broad shoulders. “I don’t know about fine, but sex work is sex work. Matters more to me that I’m the one you come home to at the end of the night, the one you say three special words to before bed.”🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

I wanted Beau to say something like, "I’ll erase every bad encounter you had." What was the author thinking? It makes no sense and honestly left a bad taste in my mouth.

Still, even with that, I love Beau and Trevor to bits,absolutely adore seeing them together ❤️

“For keeps?”
“For keeps always, sweetheart.”

The end!

TW
Death of a parent from cancer (off page)
Grief over the loss of a parent
Neglectful parents/Parents in prison
Sex work (Trevor continues his sex work after first meeting Beau but stops a few months before they officially get together (around 60% into the book). Nothing happens on-page—it’s only mentioned in passing.)
Brief mention of an MC experiencing and not enjoying rough sex
MC utilizing sex work as a form of self harm
Eldest child syndrome

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved this in the first half. I thought it was so sweet and cute. Once they got together the second half really fizzled out and dragged a bit. The set up for the next book is pretty interesting though.

Also I was so confused on the timeline of this book. There would be time jumps without a note saying how long it had been. The next chapter could have started the next day, the next month, or even the next year - you never really know. I think the whole book took place over the course of a year but I’m honestly not sure.

The scene of Beau losing his dad to cancer and Trevor coming over and comforting him was so sweet to read and my favorite part of the book. The author wrote the grief scenes so well.

[loverexreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Former Fake Boyfriend by Maya Jean is book 2 in the Sweet Southern series.

This book is for anyone who likes their stories sweet and with a real emphasis on romance.

There are two very different vibes to this book. In the first part of the book I found it really sad and the grief was front and center. Maya has done such a good job of portraying how grief affects each person in different ways, and also how it's omnipresent in everyday life. Beau and Trevor's relationship was more complicated and melancholic in this part.

The second half was a bit like feeling the sun's rays on your face on a beautiful summer's day. I loved the vibe of Clay Springs, Beau's hometown, and the way Maya described it. I felt like I was there and I wanted to be there. I could feel the sunflowers swaying in the wind and hear the cicadas singing. It was the perfect backdrop for Beau and Trevor's romance.

Beau was the perfect representative of the Southern gentleman that everyone adores, but who feels terribly alone, and Trevor was this broken young man who carries so much baggage around with him. I found it so beautiful to see how they were exactly what each other needed to heal. Their love story is one that is slowly savored and deeply romantic. It was perhaps a little too slow, a little too sweet for me, even though I loved the time I spent with them.

Maya always manages to make me feel all the emotions of her characters. She also inevitably manages to immerse me in the atmosphere of her characters' surroundings. It's these two aspects that I love most about her writing. And I love that the Sweet Southern series is a vibe in itself.

[Iman (hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm let’s seee. It has all the elements I love but the execution fell short. The first half was packed of emotions I was sure this was a 5 star read, but the second half felt weak, lacking of depth and all the emotions and tension I felt was vanished.

The characters’ backstories weren’t convincing and it end up feeling underwhelming overall.

About the eldest child syndrome trope, I really needed Trevor to understand Beau as the first child; the grief, the grudges, the anger and all those weight Beau had to carry his whole life; how deeply sensitive yet strong he is. But that depth was never explored (wasted potential). It was a good marketing though, the eldest child trope, very interesting. Of course I was hooked… I am the eldest 😀

This happens the same with the characters development, the side characters’ story, and the MCs personalities. No development. No spark.

Overall, it wasn’t enough depth, and this book tries so hard to be relatable but couldn’t.

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with everything by Maya Jean, I inhaled this book. She has the ability to write angsty moments without being ott and to portray beautiful romantic moments without being sappy. This romance had the perfect balance between the two. Beau, our strong reliable farmer, has a lot going on in his life. His sister's wedding, his father's illness, and his need for someone to take solace in. I understood so well his struggle with feeling lonely and needing someone to be strong for him, instead of him always being everyone's rock. Trevor feels unlovable and undeserving of care. He is a fake boyfriend and that's how he meets Beau. They fall hard and fast for each other, but they struggle to own up to their feelings, especially Trevor.
They spend quite a long time apart, but it didn't feel like it. I usually dislike separation, but in this case, it was needed and didn't feel like a plot device.
I loved how Beau broke down Trevor's defences with his caring nature and how Trevor just becomes the safe place for Beau to stop being strong. Their relationship was so wholesome and their dates were so beautiful *sighs dreamily*.
I liked the little found family in the Fake Boyfriends club, how they're accepted by Beau's lot. I also appreciated how this Eli was there for Trevor.

I love this book, it was as angsty and swoony as all I've read by Maya Jean and I am so happy to have received an ARC 🙌🏽💙

[Iz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This was so very cute!
I was looking forward to Beau and Trevor's story since the first time both of them appear in book one! Beau especially seemed like a sweetheart, and I couldn't wait to discover what had happened between him and Trevor.

"The Former Fake Boyfriend" was a such a lovely, deliciously steamy story. It's very light-hearted, despite a few tough topics, and the relationship between Trevor and Beau was damned adorable. Second chance, age gap, a truck load of hurt/comfort and found family?! Sign me up!

I admit, I think I loved Colby and Eli's dynamic a bit more, and both of their characters in general! They were more my kind of jam. Plus, while I do love a sweet story, and I do love sweetheart characters, I think I prefer stories with a grittier edge and slightly less perfect, messier characters. That being said, I inhaled this book! Maya Jean has a knack for writing in such an evocative way: I seriously thought I was with Trevor and Beau, in Beau's beautiful farm, with the cicadas, the sunflowers and the sun.
I also especially adored the side characters! I'm a sucker for a good ol' found family trope, and the Fake Boyfriends squad had me in a chokehold. I love them all sooooo very much, and I seriously cannot wait to see the rest of them reach their HEA *grabby hands*
The group scenes were definitely my favourites, and I'm already very much in love with all the new side characters too: Lee, Joey, Harper, Andy... I loved them all.

I seriously cannot wait for book three!
If you're looking for something sweet and short, lovely and just slightly heart-wrenching, this is the book for you.

TWs/CWs: death of a parent, grief, emotional abuse, non-con rough sex in the MCs line of work.

I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably swoony!!

A romance book that has actual romance in it - I absolutely adored both Trevor and Beau. Beau, the gentle giant with a romance kink meets Trevor, the cautious fake boyfriend who can't help but take a chance on love. Beau and Trevor were such a soft couple, which is definitely a change from Colby and Eli in book one, but it worked for them and their love was no less sweet. I loved how equally both Trevor and Beau sought out comfort in one another. Especially Beau!! Mr. Always There For Everyone finally was able to lean on someone and have someone who put his needs first. I really appreciated how slowly Trevor and Beau went when it came to their physical relationship as well, I thought it was a really good choice by the author that stayed true to both their personalities. The scene where they just spend the night kissing???? actually so sweet i need to go to the dentist now.

[Ditte · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’re going to destroy me for anyone else,” Trevor whispers like it's a secret.
“Good, cause I’m the last one.”'

The Former Fake Boyfriend is a lovely, soft, second-chance romance.

Trevor's an escort, working as a "fake boyfriend", and is hired by farmer Beau who needs a date for his sister's wedding. Trevor's a city boy with baggage, and Beau is a gentle giant with too much responsibility on his shoulders. Despite it being supposed to be a professional deal, the two form a real and deep connection in the three days they spend together in rural Florida, and neither wants to give it up though being together seems near impossible.

Tropes include:
* Fake dating
* Opposites attract
* Sex worker/farmer
* Second chance romance
* Hurt/comfort
* Age gap
* Slight time skip

I really enjoyed Trevor and Beau's relationship. They were incredibly sweet, very romantic, and both fell hard and fast. I'm glad Trevor let himself have the possibility of happiness with Beau, despite all the guilt he was carrying from his past.

I liked the first half of the book better than the second. The pacing felt better to me, and both the start of the relationship, and the grief were authentic and gripping. The second half of the book got overly sweet and sappy for me, but that's just a personal preference, as the book was still well-written.
I also wondered how Beau was able to commit to Trevor so fast despite not knowing much about him beyond his "boyfriend" persona but they did have a clear connection so maybe he was banking on that.

I'm excited for Jackson and Harper's story in book 3, they both seem intriguing and I can't wait to see more of them!

Thanks to the author for the ARC.

Rating: 3.75

[itskimmiescorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. A little too sweet for me and I want a little more angst. But if you are into sweet romance with a fake boyfriend and a gentle giant farmer, this is totally up your alley.

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

Beau, ever the big brother, puts everyone's needs above his own, but who looks out for Beau and puts him first? Honestly, poor Beau about broke my heart.

Then he meets Trevor, the overly cautious sex worker who he hires as his date for his sister's wedding, and they fall so hard and fast for each other.

Beau and Trevor absolutely stole my heart! They were honestly so perfect for each other, and their story was so sweet, but god did it make my heart ache.

Seriously, there's just something about the way Maya writes that sucks you in and kicks your ass emotionally while having you love every minute of it.

- fake dating
- opposites attract
- sex worker + farmer
- second chance romance
- hurt/comfort
- age gap

[✨Meli the bookworm✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I love you,” I tell him because I can. Because he’s mine. Because hell if I’m not in this to win it now.

4.25⭐

MAYA JEAN HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!😍❤️

Another great installment of the Sweet Southern Series!

In book 1, The Husband Experience, we met Colby who in the hopes of finally moving forward after dealing with his husband’s passing (and another death in the family), follows his cousin’s advice to use a fake boyfriend agency and falls in love with the sex worker he hires, Eli. The Former Fake Boyfriend is about such cousin, Beau, who prior to that conversation with Colby had used the services of someone else in that agency (hence the reason for the recommendation) and the one who got away, who works for that agency, Trevor. Then, if you read Book 1 before The Former Fake Boyfriend, you already know this, you already know that they parted ways despite apparently having feelings for each because they kept it professional.

So if you read this, and think well I already know they are gonna part ways so why bother, think again because there is so much more to their story. Because unlike book 1 where most of the psyche exploration is done through Colby’s POV, here the author endeavors in a much more ambitious effort exploring two broken men, who for very different reasons and backgrounds have problems accepting support and/or love from others, sometimes even emotionally hurting themselves and finding themselves deserving of love. This was by far, one of my favorite parts about this book, even if the resolution of those issues felt to me a bit contrived at times, I ENJOYED IT IMMENSELY.

Also and talking about things I immensely enjoyed, I really liked how we, on one hand had a focus on the importance of a loving and supporting family and then on the other how not all people are deserving of undying devotion and loyalty, just because they are your blood relatives, and sometimes the healthiest, best and only thing you can do is cut ties with your toxic family. Every time I don’t get forced to forgive awful people in a book just because they are family, the book will get bonus points and my undying recommendation. As simple as that.

Emotions choke me. The grief and profound love are so palpable. It’s hard to believe some families are full of this much love for one another.

Now, if you come here for the romance, rejoice. There is less smut than in the first book and much more focus on the feelings and romancing one another which IS ABSOLUTELY MY JAM. Beau is one of the most lovable and swooniest gentle giants I’ve read in a long time, and every time Trevor was in awe of his southern ways, bursting with love, all I could think of is same, bestie, f*cking same.😍🥰❤️

On a side note, and because I believe in heeding CW as if your life and sanity depend on it because many times it does, I strongly advise to read the CW (which I will list at the end as the author had them in the ARC request), because even though I can assure you that everything is handled with a lot of care by the author, I do also know it can be hard to read about some topics (like navigating one’s feelings about hospice and death of a parent from cancer), even if most of the hardest parts are off page.

Finally, I want to say I am not only ALREADY OBSESSED AND VIBRATING AT AN INSANELY HIGH FREQUENCY😍🥰❤️😍🥰❤️😍🥰❤️ with the next book The Remarkable Lover and couple, Jackson and Harper, which if the little snippets we have already seen throughout the series are any indication might possibly be the death of me in the BEST WAY POSSIBLE.

“What’s going on?” Eli murmurs out of the side of his mouth. “We’re witnessing a very bad mating dance. Jackson is like one of those birds that bring all the colorful fauna to the other bird only to be denied.”

The Former Fake Boyfriend’s CW:
Death of a parent from cancer (off page)

Grief over the loss of a parent

Neglectful parents

Parents in prison

Sex work (Trevor continues sex work after first meeting Beau)

Brief mention of drug use by a minor

Brief mention of an MC experiencing and not enjoying rough sex

MC utilizing sex work as a form of self harm

Eldest child syndrome




[I received an advance review copy from GRR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that I gave this author another chance, because I liked this book so much more than the first entry in the series. Trevor and Beau were so sweet together, and I loved their dynamic. The way that the relationship grows in this feels so much more realistic, and things don't go from 0 to 60 physically. It is very sweet and without the same level of angst/heartache as the first book, but things are not all smooth sailing and they do have struggles to overcome of their own. I am very excited for book number three in the series, and I'm so happy that I gave the author another try.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maya Jean has once again proved that her books are full of wholesome characters and gentle love.

Beau and Trevor first meet when Beau hires him to be his fake boyfriend for his sister’s wedding. But it doesn’t take either of them much time to realize that there’s actually something real between them.

These two warmed my heart in a way I’ll never forget. Beau with his tenderness and Trevor with his compassion. They were exactly what each other needed and Maya portrayed that in the best way, with so many special moments, both big and small.

If you haven’t read The Husband Experience, I highly recommend reading it before this one. There’s a scene in that book with these two that makes it even more perfect when you read it in Trevor’s pov.

I knew Clay Springs would become my new favorite place before I even read this, but swims in crystal-blue springs, nights under the stars and days on the farm with Beau and Trevor solidified it. I will always be over the moon to read anything Maya wants to give us in this world or any other.

Thank you so much to Maya for the ARC.

[Peppa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book just fine but the pacing felt a bit too slow for me.
It was one of those books where a lot seemed to happen, yet at the same time, not much really did. That said, the heart of the story, Trevor and Beau’s connection,was beautifully done.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story. Beau is just such a sweet gentle soul and he’s exactly what poor Trevor needed. I loved these two together, complete opposites but perfect for each other. The best way to describe this book is very romantic and so sweet.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this soooo much!!!
This was my favourite couple so far.
Beau is such a gentle giant. So sweet and loving. Oh, and poor Trevor is so hurt and broken.
Oh, the love here. ❤️❤️❤️

[dj&books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:
Are you kidding me!? This was sooo good 😭
I absolutely adored both of these men. I already knew I was going to eat this book up when they had their moment in the first book and this was everything and more! Trevor is such a beautiful soul and he deserves all the love. Especially from Beau. What a fuckin man he is. He’s literally so perfect and the way he just understands Trevor and how he just wants to show him what real love is had me a hot booboo mess!! I loved this so much and I can not wait for the next book.

[Kafui · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

The instant love in book 1 makes more sense than this one.

[Tare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really sweet and incredibly sappy. My man Beau has a romance kink and it is adorable.

Beau is the man that takes care of everyone in his life. Always has. His family and friends all turn to him when they need help or strength. He feels like he always needs to step up and be the strong, dependable one. But with his father’s terminal diagnosis and his sister getting married he is once again thinking of relieving everyone else’s stress by hiring a fake boyfriend so everyone can stop worrying about him. Trevor is jaded but can’t help falling for Beau almost immediately. I mean - relatable. Beau is not only a strong, dependable man but he is sweet as sugar, soft, tender and clearly has been waiting his whole life to romance the fuck out of someone.

After their weekend together, they say their reluctant goodbyes. But a few months later when Beau’s dad passes away he reaches out to Trevor again for him to come back and accompany him to the funeral, to which Trevor jumps on the chance to be there for Beau. Seeing Beau struggle with his grief was rough I’m not going to lie. It takes a lot for me to cry in a book and I shed some tears watching Beau grieve his father. But thankfully Trevor was there for Beau to lean on and to be the strong, dependable one taking care of Beau for once. I loved seeing Beau be treated the way he deserved.

They part ways again but obviously reconnect once more and continue to date for real and solidify their relationship. It was really beautiful seeing these two souls find their everything in one another.

Now - I know Maya has plans for Harper next (and oh how I love him).But I’m going to need Joey and Lee’s story like yesterday. The potential angst and pain?!?! 👌

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading has been so difficult for me this year.. nothing holds my attention.. but, I can always count on Maya and her characters! I feel so lucky to beta read for such an amazing author.

I looooooove Trevor and Beau.
Beau is such a big softy.. and exactly what trevor needs. They are so perfect for each other and their love is something special 🥹
Oh! Also, I’m a sucker for the nickname “sweetheart” 😭😭 these two just make me melt.

SWOOOOOOOOON.

[readingwithmiaa]

3⭐️
2.75🌶️



Really Cute Y’all. It’s Definitely My Least Favorite In The Series But It Was Still Really Cute And Trevor And Beau Were A Really Cute Couple. Still Prefer Book 1 And Colby And Eli More But This Book Was Over Really Cute And Fun And I Would Highly Recommend If You Want A Really Cute Quick Read. I Cannot Wait For The Next Two Books I’m SO Excited!💕🫶

[hopelesslymmromantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Putting the way this book made me feel into words has been challenging. This book spoke to my soul and endeared me to both Beau and Trevor. I love anything that Maya Jean writes but this has to be my favorite.

Beau…swoon. He is just the sweetest, kindest, most romantic man. He has spent his life taking care of everyone else around him and just wants to find someone that will take care of him too…someone that will hold him up when he needs support.

Beau’s younger sister is getting married and Beau hires a boyfriend so that no one will worry or be concerned about him. Enter Trevor. Trevor is younger than Beau and has spent his life trying to make up for the mistakes of his parents. He struggles with self-love and self-worth and does not believe that anyone will love him as he is.

While Beau and Trevor’s relationship started off as fake, it is anything but. Beau’s strong and supportive nature is exactly what Trevor needs to feel safe enough to open himself to love. Trevor fully sees and connects with Beau which allows him to be vulnerable and open enough to be helped and loved. It takes time and heartbreak before they get to their HEA but it is so worth it in the end. The connection and love these two have for one another is proof that soulmates exist…they truly are meant for each other.

[Em’sBookNook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the pleasure to read an advanced copy of this book. I swooned hard and it makes the cut for one of my top tier setting books. I wanted to jump inside the pages.

Can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I think people will really love this story 🌻

[amber. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me: in a giant reading slump, forgot how to read, haven’t looked or thought about a book since April

Maya Jean: hey wanna beta read this for me

who is gonna say no to that?

And I’m so glad I didn’t. I’m so glad I broke my slump for Trevor and Beau. These two are so special.
Maya has a way to make every character she writes relatable in some way or another and that definitely shows with these two.

Beau is such a soft loving guy who just wants to love and cherish Trevor and help take away all his pain.

“I never thought it was possible to find someone that felt like a warm blanket out of the dryer, or the end of a summer day at the beach. But that’s how Beau feels to me. His love is easy and warm.”

God I love these two so much. It’s fun to see little cameos of all the other characters as well.
Looking forward to the next book too👀

I want to read about every single person in this universe.

Trevor and Beau will hold a special place in my heart forever and ever and I can’t wait for everyone to read them🩷

[AALIYAH: aaliyahreads1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

the former fake boyfriend was simply beautiful. i have recently come to learn that Maya Jean has an indescribable talent for writing the most wholesome and moving romance novels and this continues to show throughout this next book.

the former fake boyfriend focuses on two gorgeous men, both individually coping with their own internal struggles and managing through life but when their paths cross, urgh it was fated istg.

beau callahan and trevor shaw are stunning, i loved both main characters so damn much. beau is the eldest sibling of his family, he is used to taking care of everything, being there for everyone and not dropping the ball -ever. he has the world on his shoulders and everyone depends on him. as a fellow eldest sibling, beau baby i get you. I wanted to protect this big sweetheart of a man at all costs, he deserves every ounce of happiness in the world.

trevor, my broken baby. trevor has a past. he has secrets but all this beautiful man wants is to be loved and cared for. he believes he doesn’t deserve it when he is absolutely everything. urgh i couldn’t love him anymore if i tried. these two coming together was gorgeous, their chemistry and connection flowed seamlessly and i swooned so effing hard.

if you have read t-h-e, you should know we see these two from another pov during a certain scene and it left questions. seeing this scene from trevor’s pov changes everything. i am still thinking about this scene because my heart could quite literally burst !!!

but what i truly loved most about this book was the writing and the genuine romance i could feel while reading it. this book was heavily focused on falling in love, healing and finding your person and gahhhh i just loved how you could feel their love. it was perfection and i wanna be apart of their world like seriously. get me a one way ticket to clay springs because life is just better there. like please.


i am desperate for the next book and everything else you want to release into the world maya, i loved this book and i will continue to recommend this series to everyone <333