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Text Me Like You Love Me
Kuddlebear: Looking for a fake boyfriend for a year.
Fisheye25: A year? That's a long-term commitment. What does it pay?
Kuddlebear: Twenty million.
Fisheye25: *jaw drops to floor* what's the catch?
Kuddlebear: You have to pose for me.
Fisheye25: Naked?
Kuddlebear: No! I need to sell the world a romance to save my dating app.
Fisheye25: Okay. What next?
Kuddlebear: You just have to kiss me for the cameras, dominate me in private and text me like you love me.
Fisheye25: Sold.
Text Me Like You Love Me is a billionaire/escort romance with a fake relationship for clout, a 20-year age gap, and power exchange that's not what you expect.
Previously published in the Elite Connections Charity Anthology.
Fisheye25: A year? That's a long-term commitment. What does it pay?
Kuddlebear: Twenty million.
Fisheye25: *jaw drops to floor* what's the catch?
Kuddlebear: You have to pose for me.
Fisheye25: Naked?
Kuddlebear: No! I need to sell the world a romance to save my dating app.
Fisheye25: Okay. What next?
Kuddlebear: You just have to kiss me for the cameras, dominate me in private and text me like you love me.
Fisheye25: Sold.
Text Me Like You Love Me is a billionaire/escort romance with a fake relationship for clout, a 20-year age gap, and power exchange that's not what you expect.
Previously published in the Elite Connections Charity Anthology.
274 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2024
39 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Everly
35 books243 followersRhys Everly-Lawless is a hopeless romantic who loves happily-ever-afters.
Which would explain why he loves writing them.
When he's not passionately typing out his next book, you can find him cuddling his dog, feeding his husband, or taking long walks letting those plot bunnies breed ferociously in his head.
He writes contemporary gay romances as Rhys Everly and LGBTQ+ urban fantasy and paranormal romances as Rhys Lawless.
You can find him and all his latest projects on rhyswritesromance.com
Which would explain why he loves writing them.
When he's not passionately typing out his next book, you can find him cuddling his dog, feeding his husband, or taking long walks letting those plot bunnies breed ferociously in his head.
He writes contemporary gay romances as Rhys Everly and LGBTQ+ urban fantasy and paranormal romances as Rhys Lawless.
You can find him and all his latest projects on rhyswritesromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 13, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
This was a cute and fast-paced romance. I love the fake dating trope, and the unexpected kink was a surprise.
The writing was not for me, though. Full of internal monologues and very repetitive, felt like the book could’ve ended about a hundred pages ago.
And the kinks? Surprising yes, but also not in an entirely good way. Milo did NOT give Dom energy, so the dynamic between them felt really fake, and the abundance of nicknames and name-calling during sex was cringy instead of sexy. In the same sentence, Milo would call Keaton at least 4 different things. Like, bro you’re giving me a headache just pick a couple, not a thousand.
The ending was very rushed and abrupt. It was going for a low angst/no drama vibe, but ended up being a bit boring.
Overall, a sweet romance, but not for me.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Billionaire vs escort
- Age gap (25 vs 45)
- Fake dating
- Sexting
- Vers MCs
- Mild degradation & humiliation kink
- Light Daddy kink
- Light D/s dynamic
- Younger Dom older sub
- Use of slurs during sex (including f slur)
- Snowballing
- Semi-public sex
Falling for the guy I’m paying to be my fake boyfriend is bound to be a catastrophe.
This was a cute and fast-paced romance. I love the fake dating trope, and the unexpected kink was a surprise.
The writing was not for me, though. Full of internal monologues and very repetitive, felt like the book could’ve ended about a hundred pages ago.
And the kinks? Surprising yes, but also not in an entirely good way. Milo did NOT give Dom energy, so the dynamic between them felt really fake, and the abundance of nicknames and name-calling during sex was cringy instead of sexy. In the same sentence, Milo would call Keaton at least 4 different things. Like, bro you’re giving me a headache just pick a couple, not a thousand.
The ending was very rushed and abrupt. It was going for a low angst/no drama vibe, but ended up being a bit boring.
Overall, a sweet romance, but not for me.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Billionaire vs escort
- Age gap (25 vs 45)
- Fake dating
- Sexting
- Vers MCs
- Mild degradation & humiliation kink
- Light Daddy kink
- Light D/s dynamic
- Younger Dom older sub
- Use of slurs during sex (including f slur)
- Snowballing
- Semi-public sex
February 7, 2026
4.5 STARS | A STEAMY Fake Dating, Billionaire M/M Romance that I absolutely enjoyed!! Loved the love story between Milo & Keaton! This is one of Rhys Everly’s better works and truly shows the love between the characters! Would definitely recommend if you want a sex texting, and spicy scenes!
September 27, 2024
A billionaire x escort fake dating romance, you bet I said “say less”. This was part of the Elite Connections anthology and boy is it sweet, but also kinky. It’s a fake relationship for clout to save Keatons company and Milo is definitely in need of the cash for his grandmother. It’s a match made in fake heaven for the cool price of millions.. but you know, feelings are caught! It is soo damn cute every step of the way. I loved them both and definitely recommend if you’re in need of a quick, sweet and spicy read.
September 18, 2024
Arc Review
Keaton Sinclair is a billionaire owner of his own company called ‘cinderfella’. He is not on the right side of the board of his company, and they want him out. To try and make things better, he fakes his own relationship using his own app, and ‘Elite Connections’.
Milo Bryce works for Elite as an escort, he uses the money he makes to keep is grandma comfortable in her nursing home. He is picked to be Keaton’s fake boyfriend for a year and will be paid very handsomely for it.
Once they meet they have a connection and actually enjoy each other’s company. Could they make this fake relationship a real one and fall for each other.
Rhys Everly previously released this book as part of the Elite connection Anthology, but has now released it as a solo book.
I loved this book, I loved the way the story flowed and how the characters got to know one another and fall in love.
If you like the fake boyfriends trope with an age gap, then this is right up your street, and you will love it.
“Falling for the guy I’m paying to be my fake boyfriend is bound to be a catastrophe”.
Keaton Sinclair is a billionaire owner of his own company called ‘cinderfella’. He is not on the right side of the board of his company, and they want him out. To try and make things better, he fakes his own relationship using his own app, and ‘Elite Connections’.
Milo Bryce works for Elite as an escort, he uses the money he makes to keep is grandma comfortable in her nursing home. He is picked to be Keaton’s fake boyfriend for a year and will be paid very handsomely for it.
Once they meet they have a connection and actually enjoy each other’s company. Could they make this fake relationship a real one and fall for each other.
Rhys Everly previously released this book as part of the Elite connection Anthology, but has now released it as a solo book.
I loved this book, I loved the way the story flowed and how the characters got to know one another and fall in love.
If you like the fake boyfriends trope with an age gap, then this is right up your street, and you will love it.
“Falling for the guy I’m paying to be my fake boyfriend is bound to be a catastrophe”.
September 20, 2024
This was an interesting read.
Text Me Like You Love Me follows the story of Keaton, a billionaire who needs to find a way to save his App, and Milo, a friendly escort. Keaton hires Milo to be his boyfriend for a year to help save his dating app.
I enjoyed the idea of this book it was certainly entertaining. The whole book dynamic was what stood out for me. There is an age difference, yes, but the elder was the sub whilst the younger the dom. I haven't come across such before but boy did I enjoy it.
People who prefer strict roles may probably not enjoy this book but I say, as someone who prefers strict roles with the elder being the dom while the younger the sub, try it out.
//ARC Review//
Text Me Like You Love Me follows the story of Keaton, a billionaire who needs to find a way to save his App, and Milo, a friendly escort. Keaton hires Milo to be his boyfriend for a year to help save his dating app.
I enjoyed the idea of this book it was certainly entertaining. The whole book dynamic was what stood out for me. There is an age difference, yes, but the elder was the sub whilst the younger the dom. I haven't come across such before but boy did I enjoy it.
People who prefer strict roles may probably not enjoy this book but I say, as someone who prefers strict roles with the elder being the dom while the younger the sub, try it out.
//ARC Review//
September 19, 2024
This was such a great book that I read it in one sitting. Milo & Keatpn are so good together, and I loved Milo’s friends and Keaton’s sister as well. It's definitely not your typical fake dating story, which makes it so great.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
September 27, 2024
so sweet and fun
Omgosh, this was so sweet and fun! The banter, the sexiness, and the feeeeels! Milo and Keaton’s texting was so sweet and powerful on how what you see isn’t always what you are, and both men had to let go of preconceived notions. Don’t miss out on the pre-wedding texts 🤣
Omgosh, this was so sweet and fun! The banter, the sexiness, and the feeeeels! Milo and Keaton’s texting was so sweet and powerful on how what you see isn’t always what you are, and both men had to let go of preconceived notions. Don’t miss out on the pre-wedding texts 🤣
September 27, 2024
This sounded like a fun book, but I ended up being kinda bored and annoyed a little. Let's get into it.
Keaton is a billionaire, son of a billionaire, but there's one thing that's completely his: Cinderfella, the gay dating app that he coded himself (although I have some continuity errors there about that) when he was in college. It's not making the money the board wants it to, and he's desperate to save his baby. Milo is a high-end escort who's struggling to pay for his grandmother's care home.
When Keaton's plan to fall in love through his own app doesn't pan out the way he hopes, he turns to the escort-service-to-the-rich that Milo works for with a plan: $20 million for a year and the romance of a lifetime. Milo agrees, even though he doesn't like Keaton's public persona.
They're both taken with each other in person despite a less-than-ideal first date dinner. They both find themselves having to remember it's a paid arrangement and not real at all. When they learn how compatible they are in bed (older Keaton surprises younger Milo with his submissive needs, but Milo is happy to step into a Master/Daddy role), resisting the urge to say "I actually like you for real" gets harder to do.
So first, and this is a personal preference all the way, but this book reminded me why I can't read billionaire romance anymore. I know too much about the worker exploitation that goes into becoming a billionaire, and I fundamentally think they are selfish, bad people. So Keaton could go on and on about how he doesn't like his father and he's more than the "fake" persona he wears, but I don't care. Even his concern for Cinderfella is completely selfish: his company will be taken from him by the board, oh no! What about your employees, huh? When the stock crashes and the board sells it to a private equity and lays a bunch of people off, the regular people who keep the thing running will suffer. Keaton will be fine, even if he's sad. Boo hoo. It would have really helped with the repetitive "Keaton just cares about stock numbers. He's horny for numbers" thoughts that Milo had about him if Keaton said, "This has to work. This is my baby, and hundreds of people's livelihood's count on me saving my company." How hard is that? Not at all.
Second, let's talk Cinderfella. He says he coded the app himself in the beginning. Well, he did it 20 years ago when he was in college and even said it started out as a dating website. So he coded it as an app later after it was already successful? Why? Or did the author just forget this bit and he actually coded the website (still cool, but not nearly that hard when I know a lot of people when I was a preteen who coded their own MySpace websites, soooo). Also, there was no talk about the fact he coded and launched a gay dating website in 2004 -- Prop 8 was PASSED in 2008 and "don't ask, don't tell" wasn't repealed until 2011. A billionaire's son not only being out, but creating and launching a gay dating website and SUCCEEDING would be a huge accomplishment. It would have been one hell of a struggle. This book treats it like it's just Grindr. It's clear there was absolutely NO thought put into the historical context of some of these throwaway plot points. Keaton's shyness around sex and less-than-ideal encounters actually DOES make sense in this context, but the book doesn't tell you that or intend that, I am sure, due to the ignorance/lack of consideration for this point.
Also, there's a 20-year age gap. Milo was 5 when Keaton coded the first website. So, there's ick there too, on top of the power imbalance of billionaire/working class and client/escort. But none of these things matter! Even Milo's distaste for Keaton is about how he appears fake, not that he's destroying the environment with his private jet (because he uses it!)
But here's where my personal preferences don't play as heavy a role: Milo and Keaton say they fell in love with each other, but there's not a single scene of them actually talking about deep, emotional stuff. They have flirty banter and decent conversation. But there's no emotional connection, so relating to each other beyond a surface or sexual level. Keaton barely has a personality at all, expect for kinda awkward and submissive in bed. Milo likes photography and takes photos of random people in New York, wow, how unique! He likes "real" moments that the subjects can't control (oooh, so deep since he doesn't like Keaton being fake, even though Milo talks about how good of an actor he is because of his escorting. But he also doesn't think, "Hmm, maybe a super famous person has a public persona the way I have different personas for my clients.")
But it's not just the lack of real connection between the MCs. Milo pays for his grandmother's care home. She has Alzheimer's and doesn't remember who he is most of the time, but he calls her his queen (which was REALLY confusing in the beginning because I had no idea what the hell he was talking about "the payment for my queen's accommodations were due" -- with no context, this was confusing as hell). But we don't know why he cares about her so much, beyond she's his grandma. Obvi people generally care for their grandparents, but I was really waiting for some recounting of how special their relationship is. Did she take him in after his parents kicked him out? Did he spend all his summers with her growing up? Did she raise him after his parents died? What is it? It made it so hard for me to care for their relationship and understand his motives beyond the surface. (Also they take her to Bali at the end, and not only is there no mention of a care nurse, but she's totally fine in an unfamiliar environment with people she doesn't know that well.)
It was just impossible to connect to.
Sex scenes were fine. There wasn't that much tension built. Nothing I'll remember.
Also, the pacing was weird. Milo agrees to a year, we see the first bits real time, and then it's a time skip to six months in. And they both appear to be in the same place emotionally (which was really into each other, but not willing to cross the line for basically the same reason: it's a business arrangement.) I'm not sure how to fix it, per se, but it felt weird and like we SHOULD have missed a lot as readers, but since there was no real growth, it didn't matter.
Anyway, it gets two stars because it's written fine and easy to follow along. But it's ultimately soulless and boring.
| I received an ARC, and this is my honest, freely given review. |
Keaton is a billionaire, son of a billionaire, but there's one thing that's completely his: Cinderfella, the gay dating app that he coded himself (although I have some continuity errors there about that) when he was in college. It's not making the money the board wants it to, and he's desperate to save his baby. Milo is a high-end escort who's struggling to pay for his grandmother's care home.
When Keaton's plan to fall in love through his own app doesn't pan out the way he hopes, he turns to the escort-service-to-the-rich that Milo works for with a plan: $20 million for a year and the romance of a lifetime. Milo agrees, even though he doesn't like Keaton's public persona.
They're both taken with each other in person despite a less-than-ideal first date dinner. They both find themselves having to remember it's a paid arrangement and not real at all. When they learn how compatible they are in bed (older Keaton surprises younger Milo with his submissive needs, but Milo is happy to step into a Master/Daddy role), resisting the urge to say "I actually like you for real" gets harder to do.
So first, and this is a personal preference all the way, but this book reminded me why I can't read billionaire romance anymore. I know too much about the worker exploitation that goes into becoming a billionaire, and I fundamentally think they are selfish, bad people. So Keaton could go on and on about how he doesn't like his father and he's more than the "fake" persona he wears, but I don't care. Even his concern for Cinderfella is completely selfish: his company will be taken from him by the board, oh no! What about your employees, huh? When the stock crashes and the board sells it to a private equity and lays a bunch of people off, the regular people who keep the thing running will suffer. Keaton will be fine, even if he's sad. Boo hoo. It would have really helped with the repetitive "Keaton just cares about stock numbers. He's horny for numbers" thoughts that Milo had about him if Keaton said, "This has to work. This is my baby, and hundreds of people's livelihood's count on me saving my company." How hard is that? Not at all.
Second, let's talk Cinderfella. He says he coded the app himself in the beginning. Well, he did it 20 years ago when he was in college and even said it started out as a dating website. So he coded it as an app later after it was already successful? Why? Or did the author just forget this bit and he actually coded the website (still cool, but not nearly that hard when I know a lot of people when I was a preteen who coded their own MySpace websites, soooo). Also, there was no talk about the fact he coded and launched a gay dating website in 2004 -- Prop 8 was PASSED in 2008 and "don't ask, don't tell" wasn't repealed until 2011. A billionaire's son not only being out, but creating and launching a gay dating website and SUCCEEDING would be a huge accomplishment. It would have been one hell of a struggle. This book treats it like it's just Grindr. It's clear there was absolutely NO thought put into the historical context of some of these throwaway plot points. Keaton's shyness around sex and less-than-ideal encounters actually DOES make sense in this context, but the book doesn't tell you that or intend that, I am sure, due to the ignorance/lack of consideration for this point.
Also, there's a 20-year age gap. Milo was 5 when Keaton coded the first website. So, there's ick there too, on top of the power imbalance of billionaire/working class and client/escort. But none of these things matter! Even Milo's distaste for Keaton is about how he appears fake, not that he's destroying the environment with his private jet (because he uses it!)
But here's where my personal preferences don't play as heavy a role: Milo and Keaton say they fell in love with each other, but there's not a single scene of them actually talking about deep, emotional stuff. They have flirty banter and decent conversation. But there's no emotional connection, so relating to each other beyond a surface or sexual level. Keaton barely has a personality at all, expect for kinda awkward and submissive in bed. Milo likes photography and takes photos of random people in New York, wow, how unique! He likes "real" moments that the subjects can't control (oooh, so deep since he doesn't like Keaton being fake, even though Milo talks about how good of an actor he is because of his escorting. But he also doesn't think, "Hmm, maybe a super famous person has a public persona the way I have different personas for my clients.")
But it's not just the lack of real connection between the MCs. Milo pays for his grandmother's care home. She has Alzheimer's and doesn't remember who he is most of the time, but he calls her his queen (which was REALLY confusing in the beginning because I had no idea what the hell he was talking about "the payment for my queen's accommodations were due" -- with no context, this was confusing as hell). But we don't know why he cares about her so much, beyond she's his grandma. Obvi people generally care for their grandparents, but I was really waiting for some recounting of how special their relationship is. Did she take him in after his parents kicked him out? Did he spend all his summers with her growing up? Did she raise him after his parents died? What is it? It made it so hard for me to care for their relationship and understand his motives beyond the surface. (Also they take her to Bali at the end, and not only is there no mention of a care nurse, but she's totally fine in an unfamiliar environment with people she doesn't know that well.)
It was just impossible to connect to.
Sex scenes were fine. There wasn't that much tension built. Nothing I'll remember.
Also, the pacing was weird. Milo agrees to a year, we see the first bits real time, and then it's a time skip to six months in. And they both appear to be in the same place emotionally (which was really into each other, but not willing to cross the line for basically the same reason: it's a business arrangement.) I'm not sure how to fix it, per se, but it felt weird and like we SHOULD have missed a lot as readers, but since there was no real growth, it didn't matter.
Anyway, it gets two stars because it's written fine and easy to follow along. But it's ultimately soulless and boring.
| I received an ARC, and this is my honest, freely given review. |
September 16, 2024
Text Me Like You Love Me by Rhys Everly is the story of two men, one who is a billionaire and is losing something he created and an escort who needs money to help his family. It stars Milo Bryce who works for Elite Connections, a dating app that finds matches for people with lots of money or are celebrities, and Keaton Sinclair, a billionaire who created a dating app, Cinderfella, for gay men that is now in trouble because it isn’t drawing many people in to make the profits its board wants. In order to save it he tries his own app to find his special someone and when it doesn’t work he goes to Elite Connections who match him with Milo. Milo’s grandmother, Blanche, suffers from Alzheimer’s and he is trying to keep her in the best care home in the city but it is very expensive. When Keaton offers him an obscene amount of money to be his “boyfriend” it is a done deal. From their first texts they are both intrigued with each other because they aren’t the stereotypes they thought they would be. With each date, which Keaton posts on social media so it can draw attention to his app, they see the people they really are and fall more in love with each other. And it doesn’t take long for them to have some steamy love scenes (that may involve some kink). They visit many exotic places and the more they are together, the more they like each other, but both think their relationship isn’t real and that the other doesn’t really want them because of their deal through Elite Connections. Then something happens that outs them and things start to fall apart, until Keaton texts Milo an offer he can’t refuse and they get their happy ending. I really enjoyed this story with all its ins and outs that kept me rooting for Keaton and Milo and hoping they would realize they both loved each other. I also enjoyed the side characters, especially Blanche and Milo’s friends Sierra and Rhett who all played such a big part in the story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like the fake boyfriends, older/younger men, and using a dating app tropes, where one of them has something to lose, the other does his best to help him, and along the way they find love.
September 26, 2024
4.5 - this was part of the Elite Connections Anthology
This book was a fairly quick read and my fave combination of sweet + spicy! Keaton is the CEO and creator/developer of an app called Cinderfella, which over the years has become more of a hookup app than the source of HEAs Keaton had hoped it would be. Given the devaluation of the stock in recent years, the stockholders wish to oust Keaton from his baby. Keaton, who is uber wealthy, has trouble finding love on his own because of who he is. To have his app also taken away? That's just too much! What's a guy to do? He strategizes that the best way to help his company and his love life at the same time is to publicize his search for love....on his own app! However, after a few months, he still has little to show for it. So...he places a request with Elite Connections, which sets him up Milo, an escort who needs a good chunk of cash to continue paying for his grandmother's nursing home. And so, Keaton, who is 45, and Milo, who is 25, embark on some very public fake dating.
From the beginning of their first (fake) texting convo, though, it is clear that there is an electric connection between them! Their flirtatious banter is sexy and fun & their connection turns into something physical pretty quickly. The Daddy kink was a surprise and their spice was FIRE. Loved it!
Of course, anytime one has a secret (like with fake dating), the truth comes and this has consequences. In the end, this forces the communication between them to really get real and they get their HEA!
Despite being a short book, it felt developed and we get the connection between the MCs - definitely recommend this fun, low angst read! Although this is my first read from this author, I will absolutely seek out more!
Thanks to GRR for this ARC - this is my honest review.
This book was a fairly quick read and my fave combination of sweet + spicy! Keaton is the CEO and creator/developer of an app called Cinderfella, which over the years has become more of a hookup app than the source of HEAs Keaton had hoped it would be. Given the devaluation of the stock in recent years, the stockholders wish to oust Keaton from his baby. Keaton, who is uber wealthy, has trouble finding love on his own because of who he is. To have his app also taken away? That's just too much! What's a guy to do? He strategizes that the best way to help his company and his love life at the same time is to publicize his search for love....on his own app! However, after a few months, he still has little to show for it. So...he places a request with Elite Connections, which sets him up Milo, an escort who needs a good chunk of cash to continue paying for his grandmother's nursing home. And so, Keaton, who is 45, and Milo, who is 25, embark on some very public fake dating.
From the beginning of their first (fake) texting convo, though, it is clear that there is an electric connection between them! Their flirtatious banter is sexy and fun & their connection turns into something physical pretty quickly. The Daddy kink was a surprise and their spice was FIRE. Loved it!
Of course, anytime one has a secret (like with fake dating), the truth comes and this has consequences. In the end, this forces the communication between them to really get real and they get their HEA!
Despite being a short book, it felt developed and we get the connection between the MCs - definitely recommend this fun, low angst read! Although this is my first read from this author, I will absolutely seek out more!
Thanks to GRR for this ARC - this is my honest review.
September 27, 2024
Keaton’s baby is an app for meeting your HEA, but it has turned into a hookup app. It’s not doing well for the shareholders and if he wants to keep Cinderfella in his control then it’s time to do something unconventional. When trying to find his prince charming the conventional way through his own app fails he hires someone to fake it. Milo works as an escort and agrees to be the fake boyfriend of the billionaire, but things aren’t as expected on a lot of levels.
OPINION: We knew how this was going to turn out, but there were a lot of delightful moments along the way. As far as billionaires are concerned, I like Keaton a lot. He seems to have a generous spirit, and his sub side is predictable but still fun to read about. You get a decent feel for Keaton as a person, and I liked him very much.
Milo is unapologetic about his job as an escort, and that is nice. There is no hidden shame about his past. It is surprising that with the millions of dollars he now has, he doesn’t do more with it, such as moving his grandma to a better facility or even getting a better apartment. Regardless, Milo is charming, and I felt I knew him.
The story is as expected: falling for the billionaire you spend a ton of private time with. There are some nice spice scenes, but they are not super graphic. The text messages and conversations are a lot of fun, and the fact Milo embraces him spending his money is a nice touch. Why not enjoy it is the mantra, while they both don’t dare mention their feelings. They are both sweet, charming men who embrace each other and fall hard. Their path is straightforward with no angst and lots of sweetness, it's a lovely read. You won't be disappointed if you want a nice story about two great guys read this.
OPINION: We knew how this was going to turn out, but there were a lot of delightful moments along the way. As far as billionaires are concerned, I like Keaton a lot. He seems to have a generous spirit, and his sub side is predictable but still fun to read about. You get a decent feel for Keaton as a person, and I liked him very much.
Milo is unapologetic about his job as an escort, and that is nice. There is no hidden shame about his past. It is surprising that with the millions of dollars he now has, he doesn’t do more with it, such as moving his grandma to a better facility or even getting a better apartment. Regardless, Milo is charming, and I felt I knew him.
The story is as expected: falling for the billionaire you spend a ton of private time with. There are some nice spice scenes, but they are not super graphic. The text messages and conversations are a lot of fun, and the fact Milo embraces him spending his money is a nice touch. Why not enjoy it is the mantra, while they both don’t dare mention their feelings. They are both sweet, charming men who embrace each other and fall hard. Their path is straightforward with no angst and lots of sweetness, it's a lovely read. You won't be disappointed if you want a nice story about two great guys read this.
September 25, 2024
4.5☆
This was a quick and fun read, and also my first Rhys Everly book, and definitely not my last.
Keaton developed a gay dating app, that he wants to save and decides to hire Milo as his fake boyfriend. They pretend that they met on the app, because Keaton things him meeting and getting married with someone from the app will increase share prices and he can keep his app. Right from the start there's a spark between them. Their banter is really good and they are flirty with each other. They go on dates and have a lot of fun for 6 months- of course they share a lot of things with Keaton's online followers- but a gossip/entertainment channel exposes them. By this time both have feelings for each other, but think they are unrequited. Thankfully Keaton decides to publicly put everything on the table and admits his feelings towards Milo. He also uses the same service he hired Milo through to send him a request, which I thought was really cute.
I really enjoyed them as a couple and they were a well balanced couple. I really enjoyed their dynamic in the bedroom and how naturally they fell into those roles. They were very hot together! I enjoyed the combination of praise and degradation that the book had.
They were both so ready to be heartbroken when the year of their contract was up, so in a way I was glad that something happened to nudge them toward trying for something real.
It was a shorter book, but I felt like we got everything we needed from the story and the characters.
It was low angst and quick paced, but also fun, so I would definitely recommend if you're in the mood for that.
This was a quick and fun read, and also my first Rhys Everly book, and definitely not my last.
Keaton developed a gay dating app, that he wants to save and decides to hire Milo as his fake boyfriend. They pretend that they met on the app, because Keaton things him meeting and getting married with someone from the app will increase share prices and he can keep his app. Right from the start there's a spark between them. Their banter is really good and they are flirty with each other. They go on dates and have a lot of fun for 6 months- of course they share a lot of things with Keaton's online followers- but a gossip/entertainment channel exposes them. By this time both have feelings for each other, but think they are unrequited. Thankfully Keaton decides to publicly put everything on the table and admits his feelings towards Milo. He also uses the same service he hired Milo through to send him a request, which I thought was really cute.
I really enjoyed them as a couple and they were a well balanced couple. I really enjoyed their dynamic in the bedroom and how naturally they fell into those roles. They were very hot together! I enjoyed the combination of praise and degradation that the book had.
They were both so ready to be heartbroken when the year of their contract was up, so in a way I was glad that something happened to nudge them toward trying for something real.
It was a shorter book, but I felt like we got everything we needed from the story and the characters.
It was low angst and quick paced, but also fun, so I would definitely recommend if you're in the mood for that.
September 24, 2024
I had caught up with all of my ARCs, requested a toooon more, and proceeded to avoid them. Oops. Here's Rhys Everly's "Text Me Like You Love Me."
["Looking for a fake boyfriend for a year.
A year? That's a long-term commitment. What does it pay?
Twenty million.
*jaw drops to floor* what's the catch?
You have to pose for me.
Naked?
No! I need to sell the world a romance to save my dating app.
Okay. What next?
You just have to kiss me for the cameras, dominate me in private and text me like you love me.
Sold."]
*Sigh* More idiots falling in love. I mean, I guess I understand (for a while) why neither of them wanted to talk about how real it was or how actual feelings were getting involved, but my GOD. They were breaking their own hearts while actively giving them away.
Suuuuure, they eventually talked it out, but that was after Drama happened and shit hit the fan and they were almost ruined forever. It's a good thing they were able to actually TALK before their egos destroyed it even more.
Reader Warning: the dirty talk in this one was...a little much. There's degradation kink and then there's this book. It just felt..too much. It ruined some of the scenes or me and took me out of the moment. That's just my opinion, but you've been warned.
#grr #gayromancereviews #arcs #arcteammember #booksirens
#textmelikeyouloveme #rhyseverly #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Looking for a fake boyfriend for a year.
A year? That's a long-term commitment. What does it pay?
Twenty million.
*jaw drops to floor* what's the catch?
You have to pose for me.
Naked?
No! I need to sell the world a romance to save my dating app.
Okay. What next?
You just have to kiss me for the cameras, dominate me in private and text me like you love me.
Sold."]
*Sigh* More idiots falling in love. I mean, I guess I understand (for a while) why neither of them wanted to talk about how real it was or how actual feelings were getting involved, but my GOD. They were breaking their own hearts while actively giving them away.
Suuuuure, they eventually talked it out, but that was after Drama happened and shit hit the fan and they were almost ruined forever. It's a good thing they were able to actually TALK before their egos destroyed it even more.
Reader Warning: the dirty talk in this one was...a little much. There's degradation kink and then there's this book. It just felt..too much. It ruined some of the scenes or me and took me out of the moment. That's just my opinion, but you've been warned.
#grr #gayromancereviews #arcs #arcteammember #booksirens
#textmelikeyouloveme #rhyseverly #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
September 12, 2024
This is another release from the Elite Connection Anthology and it's a winner!
Keaton has a dating app that was meant for falling in love but it becomes just another hookup app. So the best way to rebrand is to get into the love trenches but he has no prospects on the horizon so he seeks out a very private company to suit his needs, "fall in love+stay in love =app success.
Milo is a an Elite Escort in order to provide for for his grandmother's care. When he is provide the opportunity for a yearlong assignment which would solve all his financial problems and goals. The assignment is simple " meet" through the app. Make sure you flirt and add some fun banter. Then in person meetup and have some public moments to bring their relationship to the forefront. And the biggest rule is to keep feelings separate this is a business transaction not a love connection.
However despite the 20 year age gap they are making true connections with one another through their app and in person conversations. But outside forces are looking to work against them and both men realize this is getting less and less fake everyday. Can they overcome the pressures of a public relationship and the factor that threaten to expose the whole thing.
Keaton and Milo are a great couple and it's a fun story from start to finish. Don't miss your chance to read this novella!
Keaton has a dating app that was meant for falling in love but it becomes just another hookup app. So the best way to rebrand is to get into the love trenches but he has no prospects on the horizon so he seeks out a very private company to suit his needs, "fall in love+stay in love =app success.
Milo is a an Elite Escort in order to provide for for his grandmother's care. When he is provide the opportunity for a yearlong assignment which would solve all his financial problems and goals. The assignment is simple " meet" through the app. Make sure you flirt and add some fun banter. Then in person meetup and have some public moments to bring their relationship to the forefront. And the biggest rule is to keep feelings separate this is a business transaction not a love connection.
However despite the 20 year age gap they are making true connections with one another through their app and in person conversations. But outside forces are looking to work against them and both men realize this is getting less and less fake everyday. Can they overcome the pressures of a public relationship and the factor that threaten to expose the whole thing.
Keaton and Milo are a great couple and it's a fun story from start to finish. Don't miss your chance to read this novella!
September 26, 2024
This was a quick read for me. It was a good story to read but wish it was a little bit longer and had more things happen between the two main MC's.
Milo is an Escort and takes care of his Queenie who lives in an assisted living because he isn't able to take care of her himself. He is struggling as he can't afford the high cost of the place she is in and needs to make a little more money. When he gets a job for twelve million, he first thinks it's a joke until he realizes it's not. He never expected his date to be the Keaton Sinclair, billionaire son. He agrees to be his fake boyfriend for a year but he needs other things worked out as well.
Keaton owns some businesses but his baby is his first app that he created from scratch and he will do anything he has to, to protect what is his. When the board wants some changes, Keaton has no choice but to hire someone to help pretend they met on the app and go from there. He doesn't expect to fall for the fake boyfriend.
There are some funny moments in the book and the way these two don't communicate ends up showing exactly why they should. You do get to know them but I feel there is more that we could have learned. It's a great story and such a good ending.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Milo is an Escort and takes care of his Queenie who lives in an assisted living because he isn't able to take care of her himself. He is struggling as he can't afford the high cost of the place she is in and needs to make a little more money. When he gets a job for twelve million, he first thinks it's a joke until he realizes it's not. He never expected his date to be the Keaton Sinclair, billionaire son. He agrees to be his fake boyfriend for a year but he needs other things worked out as well.
Keaton owns some businesses but his baby is his first app that he created from scratch and he will do anything he has to, to protect what is his. When the board wants some changes, Keaton has no choice but to hire someone to help pretend they met on the app and go from there. He doesn't expect to fall for the fake boyfriend.
There are some funny moments in the book and the way these two don't communicate ends up showing exactly why they should. You do get to know them but I feel there is more that we could have learned. It's a great story and such a good ending.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
September 23, 2024
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THEM!💕
This was part of the Elite Connections Anthology and now I can give my full review!
I absolutely loved Keaton and Milo’s instant connection even when they were messaging on Keatons Cinderfella app!
It was so sweet how they bantered and flirted with each other…and then they messaged IRL to each other- absolutely hot 🥵!
“I was his. I was his from the first text.”
But it is only for the sake of the investors and their fans as it is fake…. right?
Milo Bryce is a paid escort from Elite Connections and Keaton Sinclair is only a client for a year, right? Twenty Million Dollars says so… 🤑
Oh they were just beautiful together, made for each other whether they admit it to each other or not!
The way that Keaton spoiled and courted Milo was so amazingly sweet and not to mention their dynamic was very surprising with daddy kink, degradation and dominance! 🥵
The side characters that forms part of their family was amazing and fun especially Blanch and Rhett!
Not to mention a sassy little missy Nia who definitely takes after her mother!
A sweet, funny and engaging read that will entertain and inspire!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
This was part of the Elite Connections Anthology and now I can give my full review!
I absolutely loved Keaton and Milo’s instant connection even when they were messaging on Keatons Cinderfella app!
It was so sweet how they bantered and flirted with each other…and then they messaged IRL to each other- absolutely hot 🥵!
“I was his. I was his from the first text.”
But it is only for the sake of the investors and their fans as it is fake…. right?
Milo Bryce is a paid escort from Elite Connections and Keaton Sinclair is only a client for a year, right? Twenty Million Dollars says so… 🤑
Oh they were just beautiful together, made for each other whether they admit it to each other or not!
The way that Keaton spoiled and courted Milo was so amazingly sweet and not to mention their dynamic was very surprising with daddy kink, degradation and dominance! 🥵
The side characters that forms part of their family was amazing and fun especially Blanch and Rhett!
Not to mention a sassy little missy Nia who definitely takes after her mother!
A sweet, funny and engaging read that will entertain and inspire!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
September 25, 2024
Text Me Like You Love Me by Rhys Everly was originally part of the Elite Connections anthology. I had not read the anthology but was intrigued by the blurb. Keaton is a billionaire who is struggling to make his app Prince Charming successful. The board is threatening to discontinue the app, so Keaton comes up with the brilliant plan to fake a relationship with an escort from Elite. He hires Milo, and the two begin a PDA filled public relationship. Both of them feel more but are unable to admit it to each other.
I did like Keaton and Milo together and I even liked the light Dom/sub kink that was introduced. I did not really care for the Daddy aspect because it felt a little forced. This was a very quick read and I enjoyed it. I am wondering if other characters will get their own story (i.e. Rhett and I would even love to read Sierra and Riley’s story). Maybe I should look in the anthology to see if their stories are there. I was very confused by Keaton’s sister though. Her whole storyline was very strange and if this is meant to be a standalone story then there was no resolution or explanation as to what was going on between her and her husband.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I did like Keaton and Milo together and I even liked the light Dom/sub kink that was introduced. I did not really care for the Daddy aspect because it felt a little forced. This was a very quick read and I enjoyed it. I am wondering if other characters will get their own story (i.e. Rhett and I would even love to read Sierra and Riley’s story). Maybe I should look in the anthology to see if their stories are there. I was very confused by Keaton’s sister though. Her whole storyline was very strange and if this is meant to be a standalone story then there was no resolution or explanation as to what was going on between her and her husband.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
September 28, 2024
This was a thoroughly delightful story full of humor, love, laughter, lots of texts with innuendo and fun back and forth, an adorable grandma, a scheme to increase the stock market price which backfires, a quirky cat, and oodles of feelings that creep up on our characters, Keaton and Milo. Eager to find a way to get the board of investors off his back and bolster the stock price of his prized gay dating app, Keaton has been unable to find a match on his app so resorts to hiring an escort for a year to manufacture a social media romance. Desperate to get the money to keep his grandmother in her care facility, Milo accepts the offer from this billionaire, sight unseen. Communicating by text, the flirting goes from teasing to real on both sides, but of course neither thinks the other feels the same so there is low angst on that front. When things spiral out of control as they obviously must, more creative, and heartfelt, measures are called for to reach a HEA. Story is told from dual POV as it evolves in typical romcom fashion. An entertaining read with unexpected feels, and smiles, giggles and out loud laughter as these two work toward their forever together.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
October 5, 2024
I read this as part of the Elite Connections anthology.
25 year-old Milo works for Elite Connections as an escort. He loves his work, but lately he's regretting signing a contract to only work with super wealthy clients, as they're becoming fewer and further between, and he needs to pay for his grandmother's round-the-clock care. 45 year-old Keaton created a dating site two decades ago, which then turned into an app, which is now struggling. Desperate to prove to the investors that the app is a success, he sets out on a very well-documented journey to find love himself, only to find it's harder than it looks. Elite Connections to the rescue...
Not gonna lie, the trigger warnings at the start of this story scared me a little. That being said, I ended up loving this story!! Told in first person, alternating between Keaton and Milo, I really felt for both men when they fell for each other, both thinking their relationship is "just a job" to the other. I loved how tender they were with each other. Milo's reaction and reassurance when Keston was being vulnerable was beautifully written and I loved that we also got to see a lot of their texts to each other in-between the chapters. Interesting narration style, and a very well written story!
25 year-old Milo works for Elite Connections as an escort. He loves his work, but lately he's regretting signing a contract to only work with super wealthy clients, as they're becoming fewer and further between, and he needs to pay for his grandmother's round-the-clock care. 45 year-old Keaton created a dating site two decades ago, which then turned into an app, which is now struggling. Desperate to prove to the investors that the app is a success, he sets out on a very well-documented journey to find love himself, only to find it's harder than it looks. Elite Connections to the rescue...
Not gonna lie, the trigger warnings at the start of this story scared me a little. That being said, I ended up loving this story!! Told in first person, alternating between Keaton and Milo, I really felt for both men when they fell for each other, both thinking their relationship is "just a job" to the other. I loved how tender they were with each other. Milo's reaction and reassurance when Keston was being vulnerable was beautifully written and I loved that we also got to see a lot of their texts to each other in-between the chapters. Interesting narration style, and a very well written story!
October 2, 2024
Arc review
Fake boyfriend
Age gap -20 years
Billionaire/escort in desperate need of quick money
Dom/sub
Extreme dirty talk
Life in the tabloids
This was a quick read and the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it made it easy to read this in one read at around 3.5 hours. It was entertaining from start to finish and didn't lag at all. It also didn't feel rushed though. I loved the main characters especially Milo who was adorably sweet and I love that he was just trying to make cash to take care of his grandma with alzheimers. I also loved that despite being a billionaire Keaton was a pretty down to earth and sweet guy. They had great chemisty and there were lots of very steamy scenes. I really enjoyed the plot and especially the ending. I will say that I saw the chain of events coming from the very start and knew exactly what would happen but I still enjoyed it. The degradation and name calling in the steamy scenes aren't my thing and skimmed over them but they are listed in the warning and knew they were coming so that didn't affect my rating. As that is the only thing that would have taken off a star for me personally in my overall enjoyment of the story.
Fake boyfriend
Age gap -20 years
Billionaire/escort in desperate need of quick money
Dom/sub
Extreme dirty talk
Life in the tabloids
This was a quick read and the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it made it easy to read this in one read at around 3.5 hours. It was entertaining from start to finish and didn't lag at all. It also didn't feel rushed though. I loved the main characters especially Milo who was adorably sweet and I love that he was just trying to make cash to take care of his grandma with alzheimers. I also loved that despite being a billionaire Keaton was a pretty down to earth and sweet guy. They had great chemisty and there were lots of very steamy scenes. I really enjoyed the plot and especially the ending. I will say that I saw the chain of events coming from the very start and knew exactly what would happen but I still enjoyed it. The degradation and name calling in the steamy scenes aren't my thing and skimmed over them but they are listed in the warning and knew they were coming so that didn't affect my rating. As that is the only thing that would have taken off a star for me personally in my overall enjoyment of the story.
September 23, 2024
I guess trying to save your business is a good a reason as any to fake a relationship for the public eye. What Keaton doesn't bank on is just how much he will like the man he hires to be his boyfriend from Elite Connections. Milo has some views on Keaton, from what he's seen in the press and generally about rich people but, after meeting his fake partner for the next year, those thoughts swiftly change from the negative to "I'm in trouble of losing my heart".
It's a good story with two men from very different backgrounds meeting for strangest of business reasons. Milo is a sweetheart who works to give his grandma a home and the care she needs as we!l as being a fabulous uncle to his best friend's daughter. Keaton seems all about work but getting to know him with Milo, we see a softer side when it comes to passion projects like Cinderfella.
Whilst we all know what's coming, it's a very enjoyable read and I loved all of the characters. Though, I would have liked to have known what happened to Marjorie......
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
It's a good story with two men from very different backgrounds meeting for strangest of business reasons. Milo is a sweetheart who works to give his grandma a home and the care she needs as we!l as being a fabulous uncle to his best friend's daughter. Keaton seems all about work but getting to know him with Milo, we see a softer side when it comes to passion projects like Cinderfella.
Whilst we all know what's coming, it's a very enjoyable read and I loved all of the characters. Though, I would have liked to have known what happened to Marjorie......
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 27, 2024
This was a quick, fun read with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy! Keaton, the 45-year-old CEO of Cinderfella, is struggling as his hookup app drifts away from the "happily ever after" purpose he intended. With stockholders ready to push him out, he devises a plan to save both his company and love life by using his own app to publicly search for love. After months without success, he turns to Elite Connections and meets Milo, a 25-year-old escort who needs money for his grandmother’s care. They embark on a very public fake-dating scheme, but from their first text, the chemistry between them is undeniable.
Their banter is sexy and fun, quickly turning physical with some unexpected Daddy kink that adds extra heat to their dynamic. Of course, the truth behind their arrangement eventually comes out, leading to honest communication and a well-deserved happy ending.
Despite its shorter length, the story felt well-developed with great connection between the characters. I highly recommend this low-angst, enjoyable read and can’t wait to explore more from this author!
Their banter is sexy and fun, quickly turning physical with some unexpected Daddy kink that adds extra heat to their dynamic. Of course, the truth behind their arrangement eventually comes out, leading to honest communication and a well-deserved happy ending.
Despite its shorter length, the story felt well-developed with great connection between the characters. I highly recommend this low-angst, enjoyable read and can’t wait to explore more from this author!
September 15, 2024
This is a fast paced, fun story with likeable characters who get the HEA neither thought they'd have.
Milo is desperate for money to pay for the care facility for his grandmother.
Keaton is desperate to make the stock value for his app go up.
Their arrangement seems to give them what they each need, and unexpectedly, something neither thought would happen. Milo really didn't think he'd fall for Keaton, a man he thinks of as fake, but it doesn't take long for his initial impression to change once he begins to see the real Keaton. Once they start heating up the sheets and exploring some kinky aspects to their relationship, the line between fake and real blends even more.
To me, their kink felt more like they were trying to figure out what worked for them, rather than them being two people who already knew what they liked and needed.
Some parts were too repetitive, but overall, this is an entertaining and enjoyable book.
Milo is desperate for money to pay for the care facility for his grandmother.
Keaton is desperate to make the stock value for his app go up.
Their arrangement seems to give them what they each need, and unexpectedly, something neither thought would happen. Milo really didn't think he'd fall for Keaton, a man he thinks of as fake, but it doesn't take long for his initial impression to change once he begins to see the real Keaton. Once they start heating up the sheets and exploring some kinky aspects to their relationship, the line between fake and real blends even more.
To me, their kink felt more like they were trying to figure out what worked for them, rather than them being two people who already knew what they liked and needed.
Some parts were too repetitive, but overall, this is an entertaining and enjoyable book.
September 20, 2024
Grumpy bunny, wheat & foam, 50 billionty dollars, polish the scissors, MilTon, Mr. Tummy
*S*T*E*A*M*Y* with some light Dom/sub scenes! I can't believe I read this book in six hours. Rhys Everly outdid himself with this book! The story is riveting and delightfully enjoyable. It's sublimely satisfying too.
Keaton and Milo are a lovely, sweet, adorable, and loveable couple. They fit each other so well and their chemistry is undeniable. The trope isn't novel, it's so "Pretty Woman" - the billionaire and the escort. I like that Keaton doesn't try to change Milo to be someone he isn't; he accepts Milo as he is. Keaton surprises Milo often. Keaton doesn't always conform to Milo's perception of insanely rich people.
The imagery is vividly spectacular; the book easily comes to life. All the characters are wonderful and extremely likeable, especially queen Blanche. Well, Madelyn is contemptible (there's always one). The storyline is skillfully and seamlessly written. I recommend it.
*S*T*E*A*M*Y* with some light Dom/sub scenes! I can't believe I read this book in six hours. Rhys Everly outdid himself with this book! The story is riveting and delightfully enjoyable. It's sublimely satisfying too.
Keaton and Milo are a lovely, sweet, adorable, and loveable couple. They fit each other so well and their chemistry is undeniable. The trope isn't novel, it's so "Pretty Woman" - the billionaire and the escort. I like that Keaton doesn't try to change Milo to be someone he isn't; he accepts Milo as he is. Keaton surprises Milo often. Keaton doesn't always conform to Milo's perception of insanely rich people.
The imagery is vividly spectacular; the book easily comes to life. All the characters are wonderful and extremely likeable, especially queen Blanche. Well, Madelyn is contemptible (there's always one). The storyline is skillfully and seamlessly written. I recommend it.
September 25, 2024
Keaton & Milo
Another fantastic reread from the Elite Connections Anthology!
I love being able to remember these stories that I read several months ago (April) because they're so wonderfully memorable.
I've always been a fan of silly online connections between characters, even if it's not the characters that fall in love. Text Me Like You Love Me has the added element of the first interactions being planned ahead (timing wise, not content). Keaton & Milo fall into almost immediate friendship as is clear early on how well their personalities match. I loved watching them fall in love all over again!
The age gap in the story--while significant-- is barely mentioned and has really no bearing on their relationship.
I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Another fantastic reread from the Elite Connections Anthology!
I love being able to remember these stories that I read several months ago (April) because they're so wonderfully memorable.
I've always been a fan of silly online connections between characters, even if it's not the characters that fall in love. Text Me Like You Love Me has the added element of the first interactions being planned ahead (timing wise, not content). Keaton & Milo fall into almost immediate friendship as is clear early on how well their personalities match. I loved watching them fall in love all over again!
The age gap in the story--while significant-- is barely mentioned and has really no bearing on their relationship.
I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
September 27, 2024
Independent reviewer for GRR. I was gifted my copy of this book.
For the most part, I liked this book. LIKED, but I cannot love it.
Why?
Couple things, really.
First person, present tense, AND multi point of view is really my kind of personal hell. I've been known to dump books like this, but I've also loved some. This one? Not so much.
I didn't get the D/s vibes from either Milo or Keaton till it just came out when they were first getting down and dirty. There was literally NOTHING til that part. And to me, the dirty talk was a little . . . .stilted.
Keaton is paying Milo to be his one true love for the year, at least; paying a HUGE amount of money. And you can see what's gonna happen, you can almost SEE it happening right there on the page. I felt that freight train coming at ya came way too quickly.
I liked it, I did. Just didn't quite work for me.
3 good, but not quite for me stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
For the most part, I liked this book. LIKED, but I cannot love it.
Why?
Couple things, really.
First person, present tense, AND multi point of view is really my kind of personal hell. I've been known to dump books like this, but I've also loved some. This one? Not so much.
I didn't get the D/s vibes from either Milo or Keaton till it just came out when they were first getting down and dirty. There was literally NOTHING til that part. And to me, the dirty talk was a little . . . .stilted.
Keaton is paying Milo to be his one true love for the year, at least; paying a HUGE amount of money. And you can see what's gonna happen, you can almost SEE it happening right there on the page. I felt that freight train coming at ya came way too quickly.
I liked it, I did. Just didn't quite work for me.
3 good, but not quite for me stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
September 27, 2024
A quick and easy read
Keaton and Milo's story was originally part of the Elite Connections Anthology, where I read first and enjoyed it. Reading it again reinforced how much I liked their texts, which were funny and sweet too, and Keaton's live posts, which were about their developing 'relationship'.
I liked them together, watching them both fall in love while not realising the other was also falling too. They really did make a good couple.
I'm not one to kink-shame at all and I love a good kink as much as the next MM reader, but the degradation kink here didn't work so well for me. It sort of came out of nowhere and it didn't quite ring true, .
I loved Milo's friends and his grandmother and I would love to see Rhett get his own book (and maybe his 'hunky siblings' as well!).
Keaton and Milo's story was originally part of the Elite Connections Anthology, where I read first and enjoyed it. Reading it again reinforced how much I liked their texts, which were funny and sweet too, and Keaton's live posts, which were about their developing 'relationship'.
I liked them together, watching them both fall in love while not realising the other was also falling too. They really did make a good couple.
I'm not one to kink-shame at all and I love a good kink as much as the next MM reader, but the degradation kink here didn't work so well for me. It sort of came out of nowhere and it didn't quite ring true, .
I loved Milo's friends and his grandmother and I would love to see Rhett get his own book (and maybe his 'hunky siblings' as well!).
September 27, 2024
This was an interesting setup, a year long fake relationship to save a tech billionaire’s dating app. Fun idea, even if I thought the reason for the fake relationship is pretty flimsy. Yes, the possibility of losing his company is legit, but that feels very low stakes for such an extreme plan, Keaton is still a billionaire with or without the app. I liked the Elite Connections, and using the agency to find a willing fake boyfriend made perfect sense. Milo works for Elite to cover his grandmother care expenses and the offer Keaton makes is impossible to pass up. I liked these characters and they are clearly a match, so it’s easy to see real feelings will complicate this fake relationship. I didn’t connect with the steamy side of Keaton and Milo’s dynamic but this was a light and enjoyable read overall.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 27, 2024
Text Me Like You Love Me is written with Rhys Everly's usual flair. There's light bantering dialogue, this time in text form. It's a quick, usually fun read.
I liked the sexting. I didn't like the angst. Keaton was a bit whiny. Milo was a bit judgmental. Keaton falls for the younger man, but Milo just believes he's doing it for the publicity. But then he's miffed that Keaton was a gentleman on their first date when Keaton didn't jump right into his bed. They do have an attraction, but their chemistry didn't melt my kindle.
I really liked the title. And I usually love the fake/hired boyfriend trope. But these characters left me a little cold. Not even throwing in daddy/boy fun could save this for me. But the sexting was good. And it was a very quick, lite read.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
I liked the sexting. I didn't like the angst. Keaton was a bit whiny. Milo was a bit judgmental. Keaton falls for the younger man, but Milo just believes he's doing it for the publicity. But then he's miffed that Keaton was a gentleman on their first date when Keaton didn't jump right into his bed. They do have an attraction, but their chemistry didn't melt my kindle.
I really liked the title. And I usually love the fake/hired boyfriend trope. But these characters left me a little cold. Not even throwing in daddy/boy fun could save this for me. But the sexting was good. And it was a very quick, lite read.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
September 28, 2024
Well this was intriguing. Milo, works an extra job for an elite escort service that pays well. He works to keep his Grandma diagnosed with Alzheimer's in a nice assisted living facility. Very few know of his second job and that's just the way he likes it. Keaton owns a dating app that is less successful than when it rolled out and his Board is expecting to kick him off unless he can turn things around. He decides to hire Milo as the fake boyfriend he finds through his app #Cinderfella. They click, they fit and it's all supposed to be fake. This is a fun story of unexpected kinks, a fun fake online courtship and two men discovering that they don't know what they don't know. Good flow, fun external characters and interesting solution to their problems. Funny and sweet, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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