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Harrison Campus #3
Better Be True: Harrison Campus
Two friends. One bed. A big Italian Wedding.
Nico Amato is in trouble.
He’s in love with his roommate. Who’s hung up on his ex. This so isn’t part of his summer plans. Luke’s an all-American jock, a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. The kind of guy who thinks Nico is too much.
That doesn’t stop Nico from pretending to be Luke’s boyfriend, once, twice, thrice . . . A friend does what a friend does to make an ex jealous.
Just . . . How many favors before Luke gives up on his ex?
Lucas DeRosa has a problem.
His roommate pushes every one of his buttons. Every. Damn. One. This so isn’t part of the script. Nico is flamboyant, a tight jeans/purple blazer kind of guy. The kind of guy who thinks Lucas is boring.
That doesn’t stop Luke from pretending to be Nico’s boyfriend again, and again, and again . . . A friend does what a friend does to repay a favor.
Just . . . How many favors before he wins Nico’s heart?
"Better Be True" is a roommates to lovers, fake-boyfriend, slow burn M/M romance with a HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite attract novel can be read as a standalone. The Harrison Campus series can be read in any order.
Nico Amato is in trouble.
He’s in love with his roommate. Who’s hung up on his ex. This so isn’t part of his summer plans. Luke’s an all-American jock, a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. The kind of guy who thinks Nico is too much.
That doesn’t stop Nico from pretending to be Luke’s boyfriend, once, twice, thrice . . . A friend does what a friend does to make an ex jealous.
Just . . . How many favors before Luke gives up on his ex?
Lucas DeRosa has a problem.
His roommate pushes every one of his buttons. Every. Damn. One. This so isn’t part of the script. Nico is flamboyant, a tight jeans/purple blazer kind of guy. The kind of guy who thinks Lucas is boring.
That doesn’t stop Luke from pretending to be Nico’s boyfriend again, and again, and again . . . A friend does what a friend does to repay a favor.
Just . . . How many favors before he wins Nico’s heart?
"Better Be True" is a roommates to lovers, fake-boyfriend, slow burn M/M romance with a HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite attract novel can be read as a standalone. The Harrison Campus series can be read in any order.
244 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2020
50 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
July 21, 2020
Sometimes, right out of the gate, a story just *works* for you on every level, which I'm thrilled to say was the case for me with this 3rd book of the "Harrison Campus" series. : )
[Nico...]
Nico and Luke met on the same day that both of their low-life boyfriends dumped them for someone else. For Nico, it was due to the fact that his ex thought he was too "extra", and for Luke, his long-distance beau found him too boring.
[Luke...]
Luke's breakup left him with a one-bedroom rental in Philadelphia that he couldn't pay for alone, but a snafu with Nico's sister's wedding also left him playing wedding planner in, you guessed it, Philly and in need of summer housing.
So win-win, right? Except for the fact that the apartment only has one bed! Add in two cases of attraction, and you can guess where this setup was headed, I'm sure.
I adored how Nico and Luke became good friends first, largely due to one or the other of them repeatedly needing a fake boyfriend "plus one" for various events during their time in Philly, keeping their simmering feelings at bay for a good portion of the story.
Another big draw for me was the inclusion of Nico's overly-involved, close, loving, Italian family, who immediately pulled Luke into their midst and made him truly feel like one of their own from their very first meeting. And Nico's "Nonna" (grandmother) was such spitfire of a treat to read.
Other than the guys' sheer inability to get out of their own goddamn way (repeatedly), the main angst in this story surrounded Luke's skeezy, cheating ex-boyfriend, Kent, continually trying to be a shit-stirrer, but thankfully, that asshole did eventually get his comeuppance.
As for steam, once it arrived, it was both flip-floppy and SMOKING HOT, without getting too over-the-too freaky.
If I had to find any fault with this near-perfect story, gun to my head and all of that, I'd say that I would have liked more on-page cameos from Isaiah and Darren, from book 2, because they were awesome MC's as well.
This book was, for sure, my favorite in the series and I'd rate it at around 4.5 stars, rounding up because it was such a fun, intriguing read and I'd strongly recommend it for fans of touching fake boyfriend stories.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the authors in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
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July 31, 2020DNF. No rating. There is something about the way that this series is written that doesn't work for me. Put down at 37%. I like Anyta Sunday too much to keep reading this.
August 13, 2020
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Yes, this was really good. I have not read the others in the series, and I didn't have to to enjoy this. Nick and Luck are like the perfect couple. Smart, sensitive, understanding, perceptive, and of course hot. 😉 I do like pretend boyfriend trope, and this was done sooooooo well. Yes, there is some drama and miscommunication, but it was handled maturely and logically. Not once did I even come close to an eye roll. I smiled a lot instead.
This is an excellent romance with a very satisfying ending. It is RARE that I find a book that completes me in every way. Usually I don't want to say goodbye to the characters, that I want just a little more to give me a more satisfying ending. Better Be True have me the perfect ending and I am beyond thrilled.
I do recommend this and give it 5 stars, not just because it was well written, or because of the ending. Because I felt a real connection with these characters. They felt real, and their circumstances while unusual (pretend boyfriends), played out as I think it would in real life. Well done!!
Yes, this was really good. I have not read the others in the series, and I didn't have to to enjoy this. Nick and Luck are like the perfect couple. Smart, sensitive, understanding, perceptive, and of course hot. 😉 I do like pretend boyfriend trope, and this was done sooooooo well. Yes, there is some drama and miscommunication, but it was handled maturely and logically. Not once did I even come close to an eye roll. I smiled a lot instead.
This is an excellent romance with a very satisfying ending. It is RARE that I find a book that completes me in every way. Usually I don't want to say goodbye to the characters, that I want just a little more to give me a more satisfying ending. Better Be True have me the perfect ending and I am beyond thrilled.
I do recommend this and give it 5 stars, not just because it was well written, or because of the ending. Because I felt a real connection with these characters. They felt real, and their circumstances while unusual (pretend boyfriends), played out as I think it would in real life. Well done!!
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July 21, 2020Fake boyfriends ✅
Scorching hot sex scenes ✅
Delicious Italian food ✅
Scorching hot sex scenes ✅
Delicious Italian food ✅
July 30, 2020
They both have some business to do in Philadelphia, Nico promised to plan his sisters' wedding and Luke follows an internship.
Two guys, both dumped by their ex-boyfriends, are willing to share a one-bedroom apartment, just for three months. Also, they do each other a favor by pitching in now and then, as fake boyfriends.
They get along very well. Nico doesn’t want to get involved with another jock and Luke can’t seem to block his ex’ Kent, who keeps popping in at unwanted moments. Ugh.
Even after some hot encounters that name still is spoken out loud. Nico is already too invested, he has to quit this, it hurts too much.
Pinpricks of hurt are palpable throughout this story. Hurt brought by others about who or what they are or shouldn’t be. It dimmed someone's sparkling personality or feel inferior.
I’m always amazed by stories with a lot of conversations, here we have a lot of enjoyable ones.
Nico his Italian family and their delicious family bakery business was a more than wonderful and entertaining addition to this story.
The storytelling was engaging, Nico and Luke were well-characterized, sweet, and lovable, the plot well thought out. Altogether a lovely story.
Two guys, both dumped by their ex-boyfriends, are willing to share a one-bedroom apartment, just for three months. Also, they do each other a favor by pitching in now and then, as fake boyfriends.
They get along very well. Nico doesn’t want to get involved with another jock and Luke can’t seem to block his ex’ Kent, who keeps popping in at unwanted moments. Ugh.
Even after some hot encounters that name still is spoken out loud. Nico is already too invested, he has to quit this, it hurts too much.
Pinpricks of hurt are palpable throughout this story. Hurt brought by others about who or what they are or shouldn’t be. It dimmed someone's sparkling personality or feel inferior.
I’m always amazed by stories with a lot of conversations, here we have a lot of enjoyable ones.
Nico his Italian family and their delicious family bakery business was a more than wonderful and entertaining addition to this story.
The storytelling was engaging, Nico and Luke were well-characterized, sweet, and lovable, the plot well thought out. Altogether a lovely story.
November 6, 2022
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August 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Fake boyfriends and only one bed!! Need I say more?!
I adored Nico and Luke. They are total opposites with amazing chemistry.
They hit it off right from the start. It's a great slow burn and I loved Nico's family, especially his sister. The only thing that irked me a bit was the misunderstanding near the end but overall it was a cute and fun read.
This is written in dual POV and can be read as a standalone. I love Anyta Sunday's works but Andy Gallo was a pleasant surprise. I definitely plan to check out the previous books in the series. Definitely recommend this one!
*ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
I adored Nico and Luke. They are total opposites with amazing chemistry.
They hit it off right from the start. It's a great slow burn and I loved Nico's family, especially his sister. The only thing that irked me a bit was the misunderstanding near the end but overall it was a cute and fun read.
This is written in dual POV and can be read as a standalone. I love Anyta Sunday's works but Andy Gallo was a pleasant surprise. I definitely plan to check out the previous books in the series. Definitely recommend this one!
*ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
September 5, 2020
fake dating??
ONE BED???
i'm so there
ONE BED???
i'm so there
August 6, 2020
I am seriously digging this series. The first one is still my favorite, but Nico and Luke definitely earned a spot way up high in my book. I liked this take on fake boyfriends, as it wasn’t an all out in a relationship all the time type of deal, so it was a new spin and that’s always refreshing. It had one of my favorite tropes (there’s only one bed!), and it had a really well done opposites attract theme. The dramatic are they gonna break it off scene was a little much for me, but given the insecurities of Nico it made sense and worked well. Overall, I just had a fun time reading it and will definitely continue with the series.
August 4, 2020
A joy to read. The trials and tribulations with the air bed were a scream. Both leads were relationship shy, resulting in a great fake boyfriends story.
I adored Luke and I'm so glad he stepped up for Nico. And I love that Nico got to be his true self.
Cute.
ETA: I do wish they gone to a drag brunch. That was hinted at early on but never happened :(
I adored Luke and I'm so glad he stepped up for Nico. And I love that Nico got to be his true self.
Cute.
ETA: I do wish they gone to a drag brunch. That was hinted at early on but never happened :(
August 26, 2020
I nearly always love this authors work and I'm interested to check out more from the coauthor. I'm a hard sell on M/M romance books by women but Anyta Sunday is one of the few females who does it for me. And the fact her coauthor is male makes me very happy
February 27, 2025
This is a fake relationship to roommates to more college romance, featuring Nico Amato and Lucas DeRosa, and is book two in the Harrison Campus series.
Nico and Lucas are both dealing big with their relationships ending. Lucas is now stuck with an expensive apartment to attend his internship with said ex, and Nico needs to escape campus and is searching for somewhere to stay. Nico and Lucas agree to help each other out but when they get to the apartment, there is just one problem, there is only one bed.
This is a sweet story. Nico is full of life but his ex made him feel like he couldn’t be himself. Lucas loved all of him and thought he was like the sun on a cloudy day. The fake relationship between them, originally started to save face with Lucas’s ex, but it didn’t feel fake for long. They were so well suited and I loved their HEA. I loved Nico’s family too, so supportive.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM college romance
Summer holidays
Slow burn
Baseball player & intern
Helping plan a wedding
Fake relationship
Roommates
Forced proximity
Only one bed
Flirting & dates
Bit of spice
Not so fake anymore
Annoying ex
Supportive family & friends
HEA
Nico and Lucas are both dealing big with their relationships ending. Lucas is now stuck with an expensive apartment to attend his internship with said ex, and Nico needs to escape campus and is searching for somewhere to stay. Nico and Lucas agree to help each other out but when they get to the apartment, there is just one problem, there is only one bed.
This is a sweet story. Nico is full of life but his ex made him feel like he couldn’t be himself. Lucas loved all of him and thought he was like the sun on a cloudy day. The fake relationship between them, originally started to save face with Lucas’s ex, but it didn’t feel fake for long. They were so well suited and I loved their HEA. I loved Nico’s family too, so supportive.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM college romance
Summer holidays
Slow burn
Baseball player & intern
Helping plan a wedding
Fake relationship
Roommates
Forced proximity
Only one bed
Flirting & dates
Bit of spice
Not so fake anymore
Annoying ex
Supportive family & friends
HEA
July 26, 2020
What a cute read.
Nico has lost his confidence after his ex tells him he’s “too much” and to make matters worse, he needs to find a roommate asap.
Luke was just dumped over email of all things and this situation leaves him with no way to afford the rent of the apartment he rented in Philly.
You see where this is going right?
After the two of them have a less than auspicious meeting, they have a do over and decided to be roommates for the summer. That way Nico can help his sister with the panning of her wedding and Luke can afford the apartment.
Sparks start to fly and everything gets more complicated once they start pretending they are in a committed relationship.
...
So, this is not the first Anyta Sunday book I read, but it is the first by Andy Gallo. I have to say that the book and the story surprised me in a very pleasant way and I’ll be checking out other books.
The only thing I had a problem with was the ending and the climax. I found the “problem” a little bit far fetched, but otherwise the story was a 4 stars read for me.
I recommend it to anyone wanting to read a fluffy romance with a little bit of angst.
Thanks to A novel take for the copy
Nico has lost his confidence after his ex tells him he’s “too much” and to make matters worse, he needs to find a roommate asap.
Luke was just dumped over email of all things and this situation leaves him with no way to afford the rent of the apartment he rented in Philly.
You see where this is going right?
After the two of them have a less than auspicious meeting, they have a do over and decided to be roommates for the summer. That way Nico can help his sister with the panning of her wedding and Luke can afford the apartment.
Sparks start to fly and everything gets more complicated once they start pretending they are in a committed relationship.
...
So, this is not the first Anyta Sunday book I read, but it is the first by Andy Gallo. I have to say that the book and the story surprised me in a very pleasant way and I’ll be checking out other books.
The only thing I had a problem with was the ending and the climax. I found the “problem” a little bit far fetched, but otherwise the story was a 4 stars read for me.
I recommend it to anyone wanting to read a fluffy romance with a little bit of angst.
Thanks to A novel take for the copy
July 28, 2020
These were new to me authors, and I’m really glad I picked this one up! I really enjoyed Nico and Luke’s story. I’m a sucker for the fake boyfriend theme and this definitely worked for me. It was a super slow burn, with such a great story that kept me up late to finish. I couldn’t wait to see how Nico and Luke’s story unfolded. I loved both these characters right away and I loved their different vulnerabilities they each had. I loved Nico’s devotion to his family, and how Like wanted to be able to provide for himself. I adored Nico’s family and they reminded so much of my Italian heritage. I loved the friendship these two built, and how neither of them realized things weren’t so “fake” anymore. While a slow burn, when things got steamy, they were hot!! If you like roommates to lovers, fake boyfriends, and an annoying ex that just won’t go away, then I definitely recommend giving this one a read!
May 14, 2022
Anche questo secondo libro della serie (che però sarebbe il terzo, in lingua originale) si è rivelato un’avventura piacevole e l’ho letto con gusto, anche perché ho un debole per la prossimità forzata e per i finti fidanzati che poi cedono all’amore. Luke e Nico sono davvero, davvero carini e il clan Amato è un punto bonus.
Avendo però letto “Meglio metterci il cuore” solo l’altro giorno, devo dire che nel confronto diretto la coppia Darren e Isaiah mi avevano conquistato di più, sia per chimica che per la trama. Questa resta comunque un 4 stelle piene e ve la consiglio se siete in cerca di coccole, fraintendimenti e dolcezza.
Avendo però letto “Meglio metterci il cuore” solo l’altro giorno, devo dire che nel confronto diretto la coppia Darren e Isaiah mi avevano conquistato di più, sia per chimica che per la trama. Questa resta comunque un 4 stelle piene e ve la consiglio se siete in cerca di coccole, fraintendimenti e dolcezza.
August 8, 2020
So the team of Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday strike again, and dependably. This is the third of the Harrison Campus novels that have been hard to put down for me and I have loved each. They are loosely connected so each can be read alone, but none should be missed. A fourth will be forthcoming.
(In an effort to rush this one to publication perhaps, the publishers may have leap-frogged over the copy-editing process. These writers deserve better.)
(In an effort to rush this one to publication perhaps, the publishers may have leap-frogged over the copy-editing process. These writers deserve better.)
August 8, 2020
So sweet!
May 24, 2022
Leggero, piacevole, scorrevole e dolce.
April 7, 2023
4.75 stars
I ate this up so fast the mutual pining and fake boyfriend tropes hIT the spOT
I ate this up so fast the mutual pining and fake boyfriend tropes hIT the spOT
April 20, 2021
3.75 stars - So, I generally review my AMZ lists for price drops every couple of days, and sometimes that leads to me reading something bc it hit my radar this way. This was something on my KU list, so I didn't buy it, but it was a nice, sweet story. It was a fake relationship story, but done with a bit of a twist, discrete favor for favor (yes, I used the 'discrete' I meant to.) The air mattress thing was adorably ridiculous and felt like an authorial wink. The epilogue was a bit pie in the sky, but I didn't mind it too much.
March 15, 2021
Book and Audio Review
🎧 narrated by Nick J Russo ❤
I loved the voiced narrative that Mr Russo uses for each of the characters to bring out thir personalities.
📘 A good start to the book as Nico's sister is in a mad panic about getting married. Its not a sercet I love this series everyone of them is fantastic.
I loved the texting messages to the build up meeting. There first actual meeting wasn't a good but and awkquid second meet was kinda funny for them both.
The next 3 months for them would be intresting. The bad case of the Ex's between then especially Kent kept showing up for Luke.
• fake boyfreind
• hot sexy scenes
• laugh-out-loud moments
• secrets or little white lies from Itailian family members.
A great ending for the finish. This one got the feelings going with charactors both good and bad.
Nico was with his boyfriend, Tomas of 3 months until the dreaded talk.. A favour to his sister to help with wedding plans he goes to Philly.
Lucas has broken up with boyfriend and was in a stumped situation with an appartment room.
🎧 narrated by Nick J Russo ❤
I loved the voiced narrative that Mr Russo uses for each of the characters to bring out thir personalities.
📘 A good start to the book as Nico's sister is in a mad panic about getting married. Its not a sercet I love this series everyone of them is fantastic.
I loved the texting messages to the build up meeting. There first actual meeting wasn't a good but and awkquid second meet was kinda funny for them both.
The next 3 months for them would be intresting. The bad case of the Ex's between then especially Kent kept showing up for Luke.
• fake boyfreind
• hot sexy scenes
• laugh-out-loud moments
• secrets or little white lies from Itailian family members.
A great ending for the finish. This one got the feelings going with charactors both good and bad.
Nico was with his boyfriend, Tomas of 3 months until the dreaded talk.. A favour to his sister to help with wedding plans he goes to Philly.
Lucas has broken up with boyfriend and was in a stumped situation with an appartment room.
March 10, 2024
4.5
"Il suo amico aveva ragione. Non stava più fingendo. Da un pezzo. Nico toccava ogni singola corda del suo cuore, una per una."
"«Mi ci è voluto parecchio per capire perché continuavi a indossare magliette così semplici, visto che quando ti ho conosciuto, eri un trionfo di colore. Avevi perso la tua sicurezza. Non ti fidavi di te, del mondo… non eri sicuro di poter essere te stesso.» «Mi dicono sempre che sono esagerato. Adoro i vestiti sgargianti e a volte sono un po’… ingombrante.» «Sei immenso.» Luke lo afferrò per la nuca e premette la fronte sulla sua. «È ciò che ti rende te, Nico. Non ti cambierei per niente al mondo.»"
Questa serie diventa sempre più adorabile e dolcissima... non vedo l'ora di leggere l'ultimo volume!
"Il suo amico aveva ragione. Non stava più fingendo. Da un pezzo. Nico toccava ogni singola corda del suo cuore, una per una."
"«Mi ci è voluto parecchio per capire perché continuavi a indossare magliette così semplici, visto che quando ti ho conosciuto, eri un trionfo di colore. Avevi perso la tua sicurezza. Non ti fidavi di te, del mondo… non eri sicuro di poter essere te stesso.» «Mi dicono sempre che sono esagerato. Adoro i vestiti sgargianti e a volte sono un po’… ingombrante.» «Sei immenso.» Luke lo afferrò per la nuca e premette la fronte sulla sua. «È ciò che ti rende te, Nico. Non ti cambierei per niente al mondo.»"
Questa serie diventa sempre più adorabile e dolcissima... non vedo l'ora di leggere l'ultimo volume!
July 25, 2020
This book was THE sweetest. I loved everything about it so it's no wonder I finished it literally in one sitting. I'm already sorry this series is over. I hope Anyta and Andy have more plans for collaborations in the future they work so beautifully together - Nico and Luke are a "living proof" of that. While this is not exactly friends to lovers as they haven't known each other for long, it's more of a close proximity to lovers, the easy friendship they established right from the start made the transition from "pretend" to real more than natural. Both men were after a very recent breakup so jumping into a new relationship wasn't the best bet, but I think as both haven't experienced THIS kind of a connection, it was easy to put aside the heartache to build something real.
We've met Nico Giacomo Amato in the previous installment. He's
Isaiah roommate and best friend. While he's definitely the guy who knows how to have fun he doesn't seem to be able to keep any guy long term. People consider him to be "too much" - too touchy-feely, too colorful and too loud. But that's just who he is, and being anything else is simply unacceptable so when Tomas dumps him for exactly these reasons it hurts. That's exactly the moment his sister Elisa asks him to take over arranging her wedding and he NEEDS the distraction. Only problem is, he has to find a place in Philly for the summer to be able to do that and while he generally has the means to do it, he would rather find something cheap. That's where Luke comes in.
Lucas "Luke" DeRosa had it all figured out. He's the man with the plan. Always. So this time it's not different. After 9 months together (mostly long distance) he and Kent are going to share an apartment in Philly and work together in the law firm both are doing their internship in. That's when he gets an Email - an Email (!) - from Kent ending their relationship. As he's already signed his lease with Mrs. Randazzo for a one bedroom apartment - he cannot afford on his own - he doesn't know what to do. Looking for someone to share freaks him out but with his best friend and roommate Coury's encouraging him he puts an ad and hopes for the best.
When Nico sees the ad of the "cozy" apartment in Philly he jumps right in, even after realizing the guy he bumped into a few days ago and gave him the stink eye is the same guy he will be sharing the apartment with. But aside from that encounter they had the best banter and so a bit worried and reluctant they still decide to give it a try.
Things go well right from the start. At least concerning them getting along and finding a routine together. Nico cooks them the best meals and doesn't have to deal with the dishes Luke is more than grateful to wash. They go running together, shopping for groceries Nico is high quality enough for Nico to use. Only awkward thing is the GIANT king size bed they need to share (as the air mattress doesn't want to arrive or function when it finally does). They are also great at pretending they are a couple and with every pretend it's getting harder to keep the act when both want this pretend game to be over and their relationship to be real.
Nico didn't want to disappoint his family by admitting Tomas has broken up with him, and since he never actually mentioned his name he asks Luke to play the part, especially now that he is closer to home (New York City) and everyone is focused on his sister's wedding. For Luke it's trying to play it "cool" at the social events at work - not knowing anyone except his cheating ex who keeps bringing his new boyfriend Sebastian Forsythe to every gathering.
With every touch, every innocent kiss on the cheek, they fall for each other. Each considerate thing Nico does for Luke, every time Luke compliments Nico for being his true self the lines get blurrier. Spending time together at the apartment but also with Nico's family and at the social events on Luke's work doesn't leave a lot of time to NOT pretend. It's all SO REAL. Yet both men needs to be SURE and that takes a bit more time. Time they need to "test the waters" for Nico to be sure Luke can accept his flamboyant self and be sure he isn't still in love with his ex, and for Luke to risk their beautiful friendship by asking more than Nico is willing to give when he clearly says he needs a break, a time to think and reflect on what he wants and needs his partner to be.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one. These are my favorite reads. The tender and sweet. With angst but not too much of it. With the kind of friendship we all want in our lives - accepting, seeing you for who you are, believing in you and when THAT turns to love it's the best kind.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
We've met Nico Giacomo Amato in the previous installment. He's
Isaiah roommate and best friend. While he's definitely the guy who knows how to have fun he doesn't seem to be able to keep any guy long term. People consider him to be "too much" - too touchy-feely, too colorful and too loud. But that's just who he is, and being anything else is simply unacceptable so when Tomas dumps him for exactly these reasons it hurts. That's exactly the moment his sister Elisa asks him to take over arranging her wedding and he NEEDS the distraction. Only problem is, he has to find a place in Philly for the summer to be able to do that and while he generally has the means to do it, he would rather find something cheap. That's where Luke comes in.
Lucas "Luke" DeRosa had it all figured out. He's the man with the plan. Always. So this time it's not different. After 9 months together (mostly long distance) he and Kent are going to share an apartment in Philly and work together in the law firm both are doing their internship in. That's when he gets an Email - an Email (!) - from Kent ending their relationship. As he's already signed his lease with Mrs. Randazzo for a one bedroom apartment - he cannot afford on his own - he doesn't know what to do. Looking for someone to share freaks him out but with his best friend and roommate Coury's encouraging him he puts an ad and hopes for the best.
When Nico sees the ad of the "cozy" apartment in Philly he jumps right in, even after realizing the guy he bumped into a few days ago and gave him the stink eye is the same guy he will be sharing the apartment with. But aside from that encounter they had the best banter and so a bit worried and reluctant they still decide to give it a try.
Things go well right from the start. At least concerning them getting along and finding a routine together. Nico cooks them the best meals and doesn't have to deal with the dishes Luke is more than grateful to wash. They go running together, shopping for groceries Nico is high quality enough for Nico to use. Only awkward thing is the GIANT king size bed they need to share (as the air mattress doesn't want to arrive or function when it finally does). They are also great at pretending they are a couple and with every pretend it's getting harder to keep the act when both want this pretend game to be over and their relationship to be real.
Nico didn't want to disappoint his family by admitting Tomas has broken up with him, and since he never actually mentioned his name he asks Luke to play the part, especially now that he is closer to home (New York City) and everyone is focused on his sister's wedding. For Luke it's trying to play it "cool" at the social events at work - not knowing anyone except his cheating ex who keeps bringing his new boyfriend Sebastian Forsythe to every gathering.
With every touch, every innocent kiss on the cheek, they fall for each other. Each considerate thing Nico does for Luke, every time Luke compliments Nico for being his true self the lines get blurrier. Spending time together at the apartment but also with Nico's family and at the social events on Luke's work doesn't leave a lot of time to NOT pretend. It's all SO REAL. Yet both men needs to be SURE and that takes a bit more time. Time they need to "test the waters" for Nico to be sure Luke can accept his flamboyant self and be sure he isn't still in love with his ex, and for Luke to risk their beautiful friendship by asking more than Nico is willing to give when he clearly says he needs a break, a time to think and reflect on what he wants and needs his partner to be.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one. These are my favorite reads. The tender and sweet. With angst but not too much of it. With the kind of friendship we all want in our lives - accepting, seeing you for who you are, believing in you and when THAT turns to love it's the best kind.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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August 6, 2020Since I'm lazy ass, I hardly write reviews even tho I have been reading nothing but MxM books for like three years or so. Have spent whole summer holidays and terms break reading MxM books, and i have read lots of them by different authors but loved only few. I have always thought of writing at least one review for Ms Sunday's book coz I have read quite number of her books like ...SOL series, Rock, LAF series, LL etc and I always ended up having/facing ....same problem/issues in her books ....and that's...I NEVER felt the love between MCs. Most of the time MCs seem better as friends/best friends. I NEVER got that MCs are really in love with each other in Ms Sunday's book, well one seem to be in love but other seems confused and have no choice and that makes me sad coz I do believe Ms Sunday can write better books and I like her writing it's just that MCs love story does not seem like love story or romance...more like bromance with fucking. As much as I love and live for MCs hot dirty sex ....I want to read those with deep intimate love feelings involved not only during sex but other time as well once they realize they are in love with each other. But I hardly get any real feelings from one of the MC. So, i'm always like,,, Huh !!!?? So, that's it nothing more ???
!!!!??!!!!
Back to this book. The feeling is same. I do believe Nico deserves someone better. Like i felt Cooper, Taboo for you Luke, Ben , Ed , especially Brook and more deserved someone better than the guys they ended up with.
And I did not like Luke/Lucas DeRosa in this book at all. I don't believe his "so called" love for Nico. My poor baby Nico deserved someone better. There were many things that made me question Luke, like ...why is he desperately devouring every little crumbs thrown by his shitty cheating bastard ex kent?? I mean dude he cheated you left you for someone else ?? and you still hung up on him ?? I din't like WhyTF he shared things with Kent and came up with "I found it endearing " ?? excuse !!
I don't like books with ex shadows still hunting on and here Kent was present beginning to end Luke din't have balls to cancel or delete that cheater dickwad Kent. I din't like how Luke mentioned Kent when he was intimate with Nico when they were finally together ...after he confessed his so called love to Nico like that in shower .....looked like he still miss his ex and wish things were different ??,, Luke!! seriously dude ???? C'mon ?..I also din't like his..."I can't let Kent in our place coz i promised Nico that he wont be around " ??? AGAIN ???????DAMMIT WHY WAS LUKE LIKE THAT ??? He should say I won't allow Kent coz I'm done with his shit I wonder what I saw in him I don't want to do anything with him he was past mistake ....but no Luke simply said I can't let Kent coz Nico will not like it......It felt he still care about his asshole ex but since he's now with Nico and Nico is little better than Kent to him so he should stick with Nico for now ?? We never know bout future ??
I don't hate Luke but yeah I dislike him. I don't think he deserves Nico, Nico deserves someone better, who will love him wholeheartedly.
As always I question Ms Sunday's MCs love for each other , here was the same ....
I'm done with Harrison Campus series, will not read next books whatsoever. This was my second Andy Gallo books. I DNF ' better be sure' I hated Jack in that book. I guess Andy Gallo is not the author for me .....
!!!!??!!!!
Back to this book. The feeling is same. I do believe Nico deserves someone better. Like i felt Cooper, Taboo for you Luke, Ben , Ed , especially Brook and more deserved someone better than the guys they ended up with.
And I did not like Luke/Lucas DeRosa in this book at all. I don't believe his "so called" love for Nico. My poor baby Nico deserved someone better. There were many things that made me question Luke, like ...why is he desperately devouring every little crumbs thrown by his shitty cheating bastard ex kent?? I mean dude he cheated you left you for someone else ?? and you still hung up on him ?? I din't like WhyTF he shared things with Kent and came up with "I found it endearing " ?? excuse !!
I don't like books with ex shadows still hunting on and here Kent was present beginning to end Luke din't have balls to cancel or delete that cheater dickwad Kent. I din't like how Luke mentioned Kent when he was intimate with Nico when they were finally together ...after he confessed his so called love to Nico like that in shower .....looked like he still miss his ex and wish things were different ??,, Luke!! seriously dude ???? C'mon ?..I also din't like his..."I can't let Kent in our place coz i promised Nico that he wont be around " ??? AGAIN ???????DAMMIT WHY WAS LUKE LIKE THAT ??? He should say I won't allow Kent coz I'm done with his shit I wonder what I saw in him I don't want to do anything with him he was past mistake ....but no Luke simply said I can't let Kent coz Nico will not like it......It felt he still care about his asshole ex but since he's now with Nico and Nico is little better than Kent to him so he should stick with Nico for now ?? We never know bout future ??
I don't hate Luke but yeah I dislike him. I don't think he deserves Nico, Nico deserves someone better, who will love him wholeheartedly.
As always I question Ms Sunday's MCs love for each other , here was the same ....
I'm done with Harrison Campus series, will not read next books whatsoever. This was my second Andy Gallo books. I DNF ' better be sure' I hated Jack in that book. I guess Andy Gallo is not the author for me .....
August 4, 2020
Book three in the ‘Harrison Campus’ series is here and boy is it an incredible read. This book has got to be my favorite so far. It is a slow-burn read but man, there is so much chemistry between these two guys that the fire between them burns hot on the pages.
Nico thought this would be a summer to remember. He has a boyfriend and is hoping to spend the summer with him until he has to go to Philly to his sister’s upcoming wedding. Well best laid plans and all that mojo... you can guess that is not what happens. Instead his boyfriend dumps him unexpectedly and Nico’s sister calls him the same day, frantic because the wedding planner had to quit.
So with Nico’s summer in ruins he decides the best thing he can do is make his sister happy and make sure that her wedding is done the way she wants it done. So now he is scrambling to try and find a place to stay with a roommate to help with the bills.
At the same time that Nico is being dumped, across campus Luke had his summer planned out with his boyfriend as well. Luke and Kent have already leased an apartment and both have an internship with the same company. The last thing that Luke expected was to receive an email from Kent explaining he met someone else and now are together. So now Luke is having to scramble to find someone to help him with the bills and the rent since he doesn’t have much money.
The last thing either Nico or Luke expected was to have someone else on campus who is going to the same town and needing a roomie. It is not ideal since they do not know each other but it might work for them.
After texting back and forth they decide to meet. Both agree on being roommates and decide to travel together. Neither man thought they would enjoy the company of the other but they do. After arriving and getting settled in they decide to hit a up a bakery. Of course Nico cannot help to compare to his family bakery but it was good. What neither man sees coming is running into Kent.
Immediately it is obvious that Kent is jealous of Nico. When Kent starts to show off in front of Luke, Nico steps in and plays it off that the two of them are dating.
This leads both Nico and Luke down the path of playing pretend boyfriends for both the people in Luke’s life as well as those in Nico’s life. But what happens when pretending is not what either man is doing any longer? What happens when Nico feels that Luke is not over his ex and starts to push him away?
This was such a great read! My favorite in this series so far. I cannot wait for more books in this series to come out!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author via A Novel Take for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Nico thought this would be a summer to remember. He has a boyfriend and is hoping to spend the summer with him until he has to go to Philly to his sister’s upcoming wedding. Well best laid plans and all that mojo... you can guess that is not what happens. Instead his boyfriend dumps him unexpectedly and Nico’s sister calls him the same day, frantic because the wedding planner had to quit.
So with Nico’s summer in ruins he decides the best thing he can do is make his sister happy and make sure that her wedding is done the way she wants it done. So now he is scrambling to try and find a place to stay with a roommate to help with the bills.
At the same time that Nico is being dumped, across campus Luke had his summer planned out with his boyfriend as well. Luke and Kent have already leased an apartment and both have an internship with the same company. The last thing that Luke expected was to receive an email from Kent explaining he met someone else and now are together. So now Luke is having to scramble to find someone to help him with the bills and the rent since he doesn’t have much money.
The last thing either Nico or Luke expected was to have someone else on campus who is going to the same town and needing a roomie. It is not ideal since they do not know each other but it might work for them.
After texting back and forth they decide to meet. Both agree on being roommates and decide to travel together. Neither man thought they would enjoy the company of the other but they do. After arriving and getting settled in they decide to hit a up a bakery. Of course Nico cannot help to compare to his family bakery but it was good. What neither man sees coming is running into Kent.
Immediately it is obvious that Kent is jealous of Nico. When Kent starts to show off in front of Luke, Nico steps in and plays it off that the two of them are dating.
This leads both Nico and Luke down the path of playing pretend boyfriends for both the people in Luke’s life as well as those in Nico’s life. But what happens when pretending is not what either man is doing any longer? What happens when Nico feels that Luke is not over his ex and starts to push him away?
This was such a great read! My favorite in this series so far. I cannot wait for more books in this series to come out!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author via A Novel Take for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 5, 2020

5 Sugary Stars
What an absolute treat this story was. I am loving the teamwork of Gallo and Sunday as their joined chemistry results in a perfect book. Book 3 of the Harrison Campus series can be read as a stand-alone.
Nico is so full of life. It’s a shame that sometimes life can’t appreciate him for what he is, an outgoing young man that up until now has never hidden what makes him feel good. His unique and bold clothing choices have always felt right until a guy he was serious about dumped him because he didn’t dress like a jock! Nico is not exactly sports’ literate. Now he is second-guessing himself as this last rejection really stung.
Luke accepted an internship in Philly to be near his boyfriend. Kent has a lot in common with Nico’s ex. He is also a selfish idiot. Poor Luke also finds himself freshly dumped as Kent found someone new. This cheater also made Luke feel insecure, claiming he had to find a new love interest because Luke was so boring. Now Luke is desperate to find a replacement roommate. He can’t swing this place by himself (thanks, Kent) and puts out an ad, hoping to find the right person to share the rent.
Nico has agreed to help his sister plan her wedding due to last-minute problems with the wedding planner she originally hired. This is a great solution as he can retreat from bad memories and help his family he adores. Nico is from a big tightly-knit Italian clan. Oh my gosh did the Italian slang names for food bring back a rush of memories for me. I haven’t heard most of them since I was a kid so this book quickly endeared itself to me. Nico’s family owns a very successful bakery and I loved all the tempting descriptions of these artisan confections.
The men decide to room together and yes, the sparks fly but both have been badly hurt. Nico still feels self-conscious about his old boyfriend’s cutting assessment of his clothes and he dresses more conservatively around Luke. Luke may be a jock but he is light years more advanced in human kindness than Nico’s ex. Nico just hasn’t realized this yet. Luke and Nico help each other out by being a convenient date for each other’s functions. At first, I didn’t realize this was a fake boyfriend theme and I must say it was one of the more believable stories in this topic I have read.
Both men were so amazing together and the story had the perfect blend of realistic angst and a nice slow burn romance. I strongly recommend this delicious story and hope you will indulge. Happy Reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
5 Sugary Stars
What an absolute treat this story was. I am loving the teamwork of Gallo and Sunday as their joined chemistry results in a perfect book. Book 3 of the Harrison Campus series can be read as a stand-alone.
Nico is so full of life. It’s a shame that sometimes life can’t appreciate him for what he is, an outgoing young man that up until now has never hidden what makes him feel good. His unique and bold clothing choices have always felt right until a guy he was serious about dumped him because he didn’t dress like a jock! Nico is not exactly sports’ literate. Now he is second-guessing himself as this last rejection really stung.
Luke accepted an internship in Philly to be near his boyfriend. Kent has a lot in common with Nico’s ex. He is also a selfish idiot. Poor Luke also finds himself freshly dumped as Kent found someone new. This cheater also made Luke feel insecure, claiming he had to find a new love interest because Luke was so boring. Now Luke is desperate to find a replacement roommate. He can’t swing this place by himself (thanks, Kent) and puts out an ad, hoping to find the right person to share the rent.
Nico has agreed to help his sister plan her wedding due to last-minute problems with the wedding planner she originally hired. This is a great solution as he can retreat from bad memories and help his family he adores. Nico is from a big tightly-knit Italian clan. Oh my gosh did the Italian slang names for food bring back a rush of memories for me. I haven’t heard most of them since I was a kid so this book quickly endeared itself to me. Nico’s family owns a very successful bakery and I loved all the tempting descriptions of these artisan confections.
The men decide to room together and yes, the sparks fly but both have been badly hurt. Nico still feels self-conscious about his old boyfriend’s cutting assessment of his clothes and he dresses more conservatively around Luke. Luke may be a jock but he is light years more advanced in human kindness than Nico’s ex. Nico just hasn’t realized this yet. Luke and Nico help each other out by being a convenient date for each other’s functions. At first, I didn’t realize this was a fake boyfriend theme and I must say it was one of the more believable stories in this topic I have read.
Both men were so amazing together and the story had the perfect blend of realistic angst and a nice slow burn romance. I strongly recommend this delicious story and hope you will indulge. Happy Reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
August 2, 2020
This book pressed all the right buttons for me. Slow burn? Check. Roommates to lovers? Check. Fake boyfriends? Check!
Better Be True was such a fun, sweet and endearing book, and the principal characters, Nico and Luke, were totally lovable. Both men have just gone through a horrible breakup: Luke’s boyfriend broke up with him (via text!) because Luke was to “boring,” whereas Nico’s boyfriend broke up with him because he’s too “colorful” and “dramatic.”
Luke, who was planning on moving in with his boyfriend, is now saddled with a one-bedroom apartment that he can’t afford. The solution? Find a roommate. Nico, who needs to remain in Philadelphia because he’s planning his sister’s large Italian wedding and needs a place to say, answers Luke’s ad. But there’s one teeny, tiny problem: there’s ONLY ONE BED. But the guys can work around that, right?
Things become even more interesting when both guys need a “fake boyfriend” for several events, so they each agree to play the role. And we can guess what happens from there….
I thought the authors did a phenomenal job with character development here, and I found our two protagonists to be vivid, dynamic, and brilliantly rendered. These irresistible and wonderfully complex characters came to life for me and felt that they both thrived in their depth and complexity. Both characters come with past heartache, self-esteem issues, and baggage, all of which added an extra intriguing element to the storytelling.
But what really worked for me was the slow burn romance between Luke and Nico, as we move from strangers, to roommates, to fake boyfriends and finally to lovers. And though we had to wait until the last quarter of the book for them to hook up, when the guys finally did get together, it was HOT!
All in all, I loved this book, through and through. I found it impossible not to fall in love with the world and characters that the authors created here. It’s a delightful heart-tugger of a love story. Snappy dialog, stellar world-building, a lovable Italian family, and a slow-burn romance make this novel standout.
This is the second book in a series, and though they can stand alone, I believe there is some crossover with the characters. This one definitely makes me want to read the rest of the books in the series. I’ve read many other Anyta Sunday books, and they’ve never disappointed, but this is my first experience with Andy Gallo. I hope to read a lot more from this duo.
A huge thank you to Anyta Sunday, Andy Gallo and A Novel Take PR for providing me with a review copy of this book.
Better Be True was such a fun, sweet and endearing book, and the principal characters, Nico and Luke, were totally lovable. Both men have just gone through a horrible breakup: Luke’s boyfriend broke up with him (via text!) because Luke was to “boring,” whereas Nico’s boyfriend broke up with him because he’s too “colorful” and “dramatic.”
Luke, who was planning on moving in with his boyfriend, is now saddled with a one-bedroom apartment that he can’t afford. The solution? Find a roommate. Nico, who needs to remain in Philadelphia because he’s planning his sister’s large Italian wedding and needs a place to say, answers Luke’s ad. But there’s one teeny, tiny problem: there’s ONLY ONE BED. But the guys can work around that, right?
Things become even more interesting when both guys need a “fake boyfriend” for several events, so they each agree to play the role. And we can guess what happens from there….
I thought the authors did a phenomenal job with character development here, and I found our two protagonists to be vivid, dynamic, and brilliantly rendered. These irresistible and wonderfully complex characters came to life for me and felt that they both thrived in their depth and complexity. Both characters come with past heartache, self-esteem issues, and baggage, all of which added an extra intriguing element to the storytelling.
But what really worked for me was the slow burn romance between Luke and Nico, as we move from strangers, to roommates, to fake boyfriends and finally to lovers. And though we had to wait until the last quarter of the book for them to hook up, when the guys finally did get together, it was HOT!
All in all, I loved this book, through and through. I found it impossible not to fall in love with the world and characters that the authors created here. It’s a delightful heart-tugger of a love story. Snappy dialog, stellar world-building, a lovable Italian family, and a slow-burn romance make this novel standout.
This is the second book in a series, and though they can stand alone, I believe there is some crossover with the characters. This one definitely makes me want to read the rest of the books in the series. I’ve read many other Anyta Sunday books, and they’ve never disappointed, but this is my first experience with Andy Gallo. I hope to read a lot more from this duo.
A huge thank you to Anyta Sunday, Andy Gallo and A Novel Take PR for providing me with a review copy of this book.
August 1, 2020
Better Be True is the third installment in the Harrison Campus Series. This book just worked for me from the very first page. Nico and Luke are developed into multi-dimensional characters as individuals, and together? … they are everything. Adorable. Off-the-charts chemistry. Respectful. Caring. Selfless. Family oriented. Full of integrity. Everything about this couple worked for me and I was so invested in their journey to their HEA, I read the whole thing in one sitting.
The book is aptly titled not just because the premise is “fake boyfriends”, but because the underlying message of the story is being true to your partner and true to yourself. Nico is repeatedly rejected by prior boyfriends because he is “too dramatic” and outlandish with his dressing. When his last boyfriend, Tomas, unceremoniously dumps him in a very harsh way, Nico starts to question whether he needs to change himself if he ever wants to find love. Luke is also harshly dumped by his boyfriend, Kent, because he’s too “boring”, and is left with an apartment he can’t afford to live in alone, with an unpaid internship in Philadelphia that he took so he could be with Kent over the summer. Luke's decisions were all made from a place of integrity and trust and he is wounded beyond measure when these admirable character traits are used against him and leave him in a vulnerable position with self-doubt about his ability to ever find someone to love him for who he is.
The development of the relationship between Nico and Luke is authentic, and the focus on family and family values is used as grounding for the MCs to get back to basics, to what's really at the core of their hearts. They are opposites but also mirrors for each other, not only accepting but encouraging each other to be themselves and not try to be something different. And when they finally get together, explosive chemistry and some seriously steamy scenes. Definitely read this one; it’s adorable, feel-good, opposites attract, slow-burn romance done right.
The book is aptly titled not just because the premise is “fake boyfriends”, but because the underlying message of the story is being true to your partner and true to yourself. Nico is repeatedly rejected by prior boyfriends because he is “too dramatic” and outlandish with his dressing. When his last boyfriend, Tomas, unceremoniously dumps him in a very harsh way, Nico starts to question whether he needs to change himself if he ever wants to find love. Luke is also harshly dumped by his boyfriend, Kent, because he’s too “boring”, and is left with an apartment he can’t afford to live in alone, with an unpaid internship in Philadelphia that he took so he could be with Kent over the summer. Luke's decisions were all made from a place of integrity and trust and he is wounded beyond measure when these admirable character traits are used against him and leave him in a vulnerable position with self-doubt about his ability to ever find someone to love him for who he is.
The development of the relationship between Nico and Luke is authentic, and the focus on family and family values is used as grounding for the MCs to get back to basics, to what's really at the core of their hearts. They are opposites but also mirrors for each other, not only accepting but encouraging each other to be themselves and not try to be something different. And when they finally get together, explosive chemistry and some seriously steamy scenes. Definitely read this one; it’s adorable, feel-good, opposites attract, slow-burn romance done right.
August 3, 2020
Better Be True is the third book in the Harrison Campus series but it can be read as a stand-alone.
Nico Amato has just been dumped by his boyfriend for being "too much", too "in your face" gay. Fortunately, his sister's wedding planner picks that exact moment to quit. Nico agrees to go to Philly for the summer... he just needs a place to stay.
Lucas DeRosa got a breakup email after nine months of dating his boyfriend, Kent. Not only is he hurt, but he also has a lease on an apartment that Kent was supposed to share with him. When he realizes he's stuck as he needs to stick with his internship, he uses an app to find himself a short term roommate.
The meeting of these two goes great online but when they meet in person, they aren't sure they can make the roommate thing work. As time goes on, they realize they are good as roommates. They're also good as friends. And then they realize they're great as each other's pretend boyfriends.
This is a trope that people love, and Gallo and Sunday pull this novel together well. The "pretend" boyfriend situation isn't quite as obvious as usual. Luke and Nico genuinely like each other's company and they get along well. It seems a natural progression for them to act as each other's "plus one".
One of my favorite things in this book is Nicol's family. His grandfather started a well-known Italian bakery and it's a family business through and through. For once though, Nico is a character who wants to be a part of that family business. I loved that Nico embraced his family, his heritage, and actually wanted to take over at the bakery. His family is a huge part of his world and that endeared him to me.
I feel as though I connected less to Luke, but he was a quieter. more introverted character. He was certainly sweet when it came to Nico.
If you're been reading this series, you'll recognize some of the supporting characters who pop in. That's always a treat in a book that can be read as a standalone.
A great summer read about how, sometimes, the good guys can win if they stumble across one another.
Nico Amato has just been dumped by his boyfriend for being "too much", too "in your face" gay. Fortunately, his sister's wedding planner picks that exact moment to quit. Nico agrees to go to Philly for the summer... he just needs a place to stay.
Lucas DeRosa got a breakup email after nine months of dating his boyfriend, Kent. Not only is he hurt, but he also has a lease on an apartment that Kent was supposed to share with him. When he realizes he's stuck as he needs to stick with his internship, he uses an app to find himself a short term roommate.
The meeting of these two goes great online but when they meet in person, they aren't sure they can make the roommate thing work. As time goes on, they realize they are good as roommates. They're also good as friends. And then they realize they're great as each other's pretend boyfriends.
This is a trope that people love, and Gallo and Sunday pull this novel together well. The "pretend" boyfriend situation isn't quite as obvious as usual. Luke and Nico genuinely like each other's company and they get along well. It seems a natural progression for them to act as each other's "plus one".
One of my favorite things in this book is Nicol's family. His grandfather started a well-known Italian bakery and it's a family business through and through. For once though, Nico is a character who wants to be a part of that family business. I loved that Nico embraced his family, his heritage, and actually wanted to take over at the bakery. His family is a huge part of his world and that endeared him to me.
I feel as though I connected less to Luke, but he was a quieter. more introverted character. He was certainly sweet when it came to Nico.
If you're been reading this series, you'll recognize some of the supporting characters who pop in. That's always a treat in a book that can be read as a standalone.
A great summer read about how, sometimes, the good guys can win if they stumble across one another.
July 30, 2020
Adored this book and Nico and Luke! This is the second book in the series for me. I still have to go back and read book one. Each of the books stand alone but the characters do cross over and I always have FOMO when I haven’t read all the books in order! Plus, they are wonderful books so what is there to lose?
Nico and Luke are students at Hampton College. Nico is the roommate of the MC from book two, Isaiah, so we got to know him a little bit in that book. Both Nico and Luke are dumped by their boyfriends as the book begins and Luke finds himself in desperate need of a roommate for his summer internship in Philadelphia. Nico gets a desperate call from his sister who just so happens to be getting married in Philly and whose wedding planner has quit. She wants Nico to take over and Nico doesn’t want to go home to NY and face his family after the breakup so he says he’ll do it. Now he needs a place to stay. Cue the set up…
I was on board with these MCs right off the bat. Nico just pulls at your heartstrings and Luke makes you want to wrap him up in a warm hug. The fake boyfriend trope is one I almost always enjoy, especially when it quickly becomes apparent how NOT fake it is. I love the way the authors did the gradual build, not quite a slow burn but close. The antagonist was appropriately douchey and you really pull hard for his downfall.
As readers we can predict the crisis situation from the moment the wheels are set in motion and you just want to scream at the page. The resolution is sweet and then, one of the most satisfying comeuppance moments I’ve read in a while. I went back and re-read it just for the joy it gave me. The epilogue is wonderful and I have such great visions of Nico and Luke’s HEA.
This was a terrific read that I nearly did in one sitting except I forced myself to go to bed at 4:30 am! Highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
Nico and Luke are students at Hampton College. Nico is the roommate of the MC from book two, Isaiah, so we got to know him a little bit in that book. Both Nico and Luke are dumped by their boyfriends as the book begins and Luke finds himself in desperate need of a roommate for his summer internship in Philadelphia. Nico gets a desperate call from his sister who just so happens to be getting married in Philly and whose wedding planner has quit. She wants Nico to take over and Nico doesn’t want to go home to NY and face his family after the breakup so he says he’ll do it. Now he needs a place to stay. Cue the set up…
I was on board with these MCs right off the bat. Nico just pulls at your heartstrings and Luke makes you want to wrap him up in a warm hug. The fake boyfriend trope is one I almost always enjoy, especially when it quickly becomes apparent how NOT fake it is. I love the way the authors did the gradual build, not quite a slow burn but close. The antagonist was appropriately douchey and you really pull hard for his downfall.
As readers we can predict the crisis situation from the moment the wheels are set in motion and you just want to scream at the page. The resolution is sweet and then, one of the most satisfying comeuppance moments I’ve read in a while. I went back and re-read it just for the joy it gave me. The epilogue is wonderful and I have such great visions of Nico and Luke’s HEA.
This was a terrific read that I nearly did in one sitting except I forced myself to go to bed at 4:30 am! Highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
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