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Accidental Love #1
Der Heiratsschwindel (Accidental Love German 1)
CHRISTIAN
Von meiner Cousine zu ihrer Hochzeit eingeladen zu werden sollte eigentlich keine große Sache sein – doch ich habe meine Familie seit zehn Jahren nicht mehr gesehen.
Meine Eltern haben sich von mir abgewandt, und seitdem habe ich alles dafür getan, erfolgreich zu werden und ihnen zu beweisen, was sie an mir verloren haben. Leider ist das gar nicht so einfach, wenn man eine wandelnde Katastrophe ist.
Also werde ich so tun als ob. Einen Typ mit so beeindruckender Onlinepräsenz engagieren, dass sie alles dafür tun werden, mich wieder in ihren elitären Zirkel aufzunehmen, und mit einem Selbstbewusstsein bei dieser Hochzeit aufschlagen, das ich noch nie in meinem Leben verspürt habe.
Der Plan ist unschlagbar.
Bis mein falsches Date Minuten vor der Zeremonie absagt.
ÉMILE
Ein Brief von meinem geliebten, kürzlich verstorbenen Großvater schickt mich plötzlich auf die Suche nach einem Ehemann.
Pa hat sein gesamtes Testament umgeschrieben, und jetzt erbe ich viel mehr als mir eigentlich zusteht, nur weil es sein Wunsch war, dass ich das Geld für »einen guten Zweck« verwenden soll.
Allerdings gibt es eine Bedingung für die Ich muss heiraten.
Trotz seiner Bitte bin ich versucht, bei meinem ursprünglichen Plan zu bleiben, meiner verkorksten Familie so weit wie möglich aus dem Weg zu gehen, und sie das unter sich ausfechten zu lassen.
Und dann läuft mir ein köstliches Stückchen Chaos über den Weg. Er sucht verzweifelt einen Begleiter für eine Hochzeit, und die Puzzleteile fügen sich zusammen.
Ich helfe ihm, er hilft mir.
Heiraten, zu Geld kommen, dann getrennte Wege gehen.
Einfach.
Jetzt muss ich nur noch vermeiden, mich in den Kerl zu verlieben.
Von meiner Cousine zu ihrer Hochzeit eingeladen zu werden sollte eigentlich keine große Sache sein – doch ich habe meine Familie seit zehn Jahren nicht mehr gesehen.
Meine Eltern haben sich von mir abgewandt, und seitdem habe ich alles dafür getan, erfolgreich zu werden und ihnen zu beweisen, was sie an mir verloren haben. Leider ist das gar nicht so einfach, wenn man eine wandelnde Katastrophe ist.
Also werde ich so tun als ob. Einen Typ mit so beeindruckender Onlinepräsenz engagieren, dass sie alles dafür tun werden, mich wieder in ihren elitären Zirkel aufzunehmen, und mit einem Selbstbewusstsein bei dieser Hochzeit aufschlagen, das ich noch nie in meinem Leben verspürt habe.
Der Plan ist unschlagbar.
Bis mein falsches Date Minuten vor der Zeremonie absagt.
ÉMILE
Ein Brief von meinem geliebten, kürzlich verstorbenen Großvater schickt mich plötzlich auf die Suche nach einem Ehemann.
Pa hat sein gesamtes Testament umgeschrieben, und jetzt erbe ich viel mehr als mir eigentlich zusteht, nur weil es sein Wunsch war, dass ich das Geld für »einen guten Zweck« verwenden soll.
Allerdings gibt es eine Bedingung für die Ich muss heiraten.
Trotz seiner Bitte bin ich versucht, bei meinem ursprünglichen Plan zu bleiben, meiner verkorksten Familie so weit wie möglich aus dem Weg zu gehen, und sie das unter sich ausfechten zu lassen.
Und dann läuft mir ein köstliches Stückchen Chaos über den Weg. Er sucht verzweifelt einen Begleiter für eine Hochzeit, und die Puzzleteile fügen sich zusammen.
Ich helfe ihm, er hilft mir.
Heiraten, zu Geld kommen, dann getrennte Wege gehen.
Einfach.
Jetzt muss ich nur noch vermeiden, mich in den Kerl zu verlieben.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2023
1650 people are currently reading
5207 people want to read
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February 18, 2023
The Husband Hoax is book one in the Accidental Love series by Saxon James.
Christian Kilpatrick is twenty seven years old. This man stole my heart. He’s a walking disaster. If he can trip over it, knock it over, bump into it, he will. Ten years prior when he told his well to do family that he was gay, they threw him out. Christian shares a big house with five other guys, all his best friends, his family, but he has never given up hope that he will find a way to impress his parents and win them back. It’s his cousin’s wedding and he has hired someone to pose as his very successful boyfriend but when his fake date cancels, he’s left floundering, until a very good looking man with a sexy British accent comes to his rescue.
Emile Cromwell is twenty six years old. He has returned to the States for his beloved’s grandfather’s funeral. His grandfather is the only person in his family that has ever bothered to show him any kind of love. His family is ridiculously rich and feels like they are above everyone else. Emile distances himself from them as much as possible. He wants nothing to do with them. When the will is read, there is a brand new stipulation in it, though. That in order to inherit his portion of his grandfather’s fortune and use it for “good,” he has to get married.
When Emile finds Christian in need of a date for the wedding, he doesn’t hesitate to offer. He finds Christian adorable and refreshing. But as they share their stories, with more in common than they could have imagined, they decide to help each other. Christian needs a date, Emile needs a husband. What could go wrong?
These two were so sweet together. They definitely had chemistry and neither could deny that they just fit. But their romance was supposed to be fake. Their engagement was supposed to be fake. It doesn’t take long, though, for the feelings to become all too real.
This was a sexy, fun, sweet romance which was surprisingly emotional as well. Both of these young men’s families were absolutely horrible. Christian’s roommates were crazy and wonderful. I loved how even Emile felt a kinship with them. I’m sure the future books in the series will focus on the rest of the roommates. I wonder who will be next?
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Christian Kilpatrick is twenty seven years old. This man stole my heart. He’s a walking disaster. If he can trip over it, knock it over, bump into it, he will. Ten years prior when he told his well to do family that he was gay, they threw him out. Christian shares a big house with five other guys, all his best friends, his family, but he has never given up hope that he will find a way to impress his parents and win them back. It’s his cousin’s wedding and he has hired someone to pose as his very successful boyfriend but when his fake date cancels, he’s left floundering, until a very good looking man with a sexy British accent comes to his rescue.
Emile Cromwell is twenty six years old. He has returned to the States for his beloved’s grandfather’s funeral. His grandfather is the only person in his family that has ever bothered to show him any kind of love. His family is ridiculously rich and feels like they are above everyone else. Emile distances himself from them as much as possible. He wants nothing to do with them. When the will is read, there is a brand new stipulation in it, though. That in order to inherit his portion of his grandfather’s fortune and use it for “good,” he has to get married.
When Emile finds Christian in need of a date for the wedding, he doesn’t hesitate to offer. He finds Christian adorable and refreshing. But as they share their stories, with more in common than they could have imagined, they decide to help each other. Christian needs a date, Emile needs a husband. What could go wrong?
These two were so sweet together. They definitely had chemistry and neither could deny that they just fit. But their romance was supposed to be fake. Their engagement was supposed to be fake. It doesn’t take long, though, for the feelings to become all too real.
This was a sexy, fun, sweet romance which was surprisingly emotional as well. Both of these young men’s families were absolutely horrible. Christian’s roommates were crazy and wonderful. I loved how even Emile felt a kinship with them. I’m sure the future books in the series will focus on the rest of the roommates. I wonder who will be next?
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
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February 17, 2023
The saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover, but not going to lie; I saw a handsome man and a beautiful cat....that was it. I didn't even check the blurb until after I got it.
Christian has been shunned by his parents after coming out and has been an outcast for almost a decade. However, he has found his people in a house he shares with other gay guys who have all lost touch with their families due to their sexualities. He is invited to his cousin's wedding but lies, stating he has a partner in order to show them that he is doing well in life. He wants to reconnect with his family, but his date for hire literally cancels just before the wedding starts. Émile finds him worried and offers to be his date.
Unbeknownst to Christian, Émile is the heir to a shipping magnate. Émile, just leaving his grandfather's funeral service, sees this as an opportunity to escape his own insufferable family. There is an instant spark and connection between them. However, things get a little complicated when they enter into a fake marriage in order to ensure that Émile receives his inheritance.
Overall this was a surprisingly fun and sweet read! I really enjoyed Christian and Émile as characters and a couple! They were perfect for one another. I also ended up smiling a lot at the clumsiness and some of the embarrassing situations that Christian got himself in. I did feel bad a times and could not help cringing, the second-hand embarrassment was strong.
I loved the roommates and I'm pretty excited for their stories! They were quite chaotic but loveable bunch! The found family aspect is sweet and delightful. While the story was not as spicy as I thought it would be, I did find the moments between Christian and Émile to be well-written!
Overall it was fun sweet read! This is my first time reading Saxon James (yes I know, very late to the party), and I really enjoyed myself! I don't normally read the fake marriage trope (I actually can't think of the last one). There are a couple of the roommates whose stories I'm particularly looking forward to, so I will keep an eye out for them!
Christian has been shunned by his parents after coming out and has been an outcast for almost a decade. However, he has found his people in a house he shares with other gay guys who have all lost touch with their families due to their sexualities. He is invited to his cousin's wedding but lies, stating he has a partner in order to show them that he is doing well in life. He wants to reconnect with his family, but his date for hire literally cancels just before the wedding starts. Émile finds him worried and offers to be his date.
Unbeknownst to Christian, Émile is the heir to a shipping magnate. Émile, just leaving his grandfather's funeral service, sees this as an opportunity to escape his own insufferable family. There is an instant spark and connection between them. However, things get a little complicated when they enter into a fake marriage in order to ensure that Émile receives his inheritance.
Overall this was a surprisingly fun and sweet read! I really enjoyed Christian and Émile as characters and a couple! They were perfect for one another. I also ended up smiling a lot at the clumsiness and some of the embarrassing situations that Christian got himself in. I did feel bad a times and could not help cringing, the second-hand embarrassment was strong.
I loved the roommates and I'm pretty excited for their stories! They were quite chaotic but loveable bunch! The found family aspect is sweet and delightful. While the story was not as spicy as I thought it would be, I did find the moments between Christian and Émile to be well-written!
Overall it was fun sweet read! This is my first time reading Saxon James (yes I know, very late to the party), and I really enjoyed myself! I don't normally read the fake marriage trope (I actually can't think of the last one). There are a couple of the roommates whose stories I'm particularly looking forward to, so I will keep an eye out for them!
March 23, 2024
4**** stars
haha, well… that was so much more entertaining than I thought it would be.
I guess not much new to invent when it comes to the fake-marriage trope and there wasn’t anything really surprising about this one, but as I said, I had a really good time reading this.
I liked Christian and Émile a lot as characters and even more so the bunch of guys Christian is rooming with —and I loved the funny banter a lot between all of them. As far as introductions to new series’ go, I’m fired up with this found family and looking forward to the next book.
I also very much liked the old hag Aunt Agatha who lives with the Lost Boys in Big Boned Bertha. I wanna be bratty and rude when I’m old, too! *lmaooo I hope we see a lot more of her.
side note: I’m a bit sad tho, that Gabe, Christian’s best friend, will not find his romance in this series but switches over to the "Puckboy" series I wasn’t a fan of so far.
***********
Accidental Love Series:
Book 1 - Husband Hoax - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Not Dating Material - dropped
Book 3 - The Revenge Agenda - 3.5 stars
haha, well… that was so much more entertaining than I thought it would be.
I guess not much new to invent when it comes to the fake-marriage trope and there wasn’t anything really surprising about this one, but as I said, I had a really good time reading this.
A laugh bubbles in my chest at his flailing and the fact that he was right. He’s a walking disaster. I think I’m in love.
I liked Christian and Émile a lot as characters and even more so the bunch of guys Christian is rooming with —and I loved the funny banter a lot between all of them. As far as introductions to new series’ go, I’m fired up with this found family and looking forward to the next book.
I also very much liked the old hag Aunt Agatha who lives with the Lost Boys in Big Boned Bertha. I wanna be bratty and rude when I’m old, too! *lmaooo I hope we see a lot more of her.
side note: I’m a bit sad tho, that Gabe, Christian’s best friend, will not find his romance in this series but switches over to the "Puckboy" series I wasn’t a fan of so far.
***********
Accidental Love Series:
Book 1 - Husband Hoax - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Not Dating Material - dropped
Book 3 - The Revenge Agenda - 3.5 stars
Read
March 18, 2023DNF @71%..but might skim to the end.
Well. Um. Idk what to say.
It started with promise, but I swear no one could honestly be that clumsy… and idk I felt as though this book was the same conversation/internal thoughts for pretty much the entire book.
I have not had luck with Saxon James’s books recently… 🤷🏽♀️
P.s. can we please, please, please stop using “cum gutters” as a “sexy” description. It’s not.
P.P.S. The audio is on Scribd and Teddy Hamilton and James Joseph narrate, and they couldn’t save me from boredom 🥱😑
Well. Um. Idk what to say.
It started with promise, but I swear no one could honestly be that clumsy… and idk I felt as though this book was the same conversation/internal thoughts for pretty much the entire book.
I have not had luck with Saxon James’s books recently… 🤷🏽♀️
P.s. can we please, please, please stop using “cum gutters” as a “sexy” description. It’s not.
P.P.S. The audio is on Scribd and Teddy Hamilton and James Joseph narrate, and they couldn’t save me from boredom 🥱😑
March 2, 2023
Émile is more than ready to break ties with his snob family after getting his heritage. He has big plans to use the money to do good, but everything goes to hell when he discovers he has to marry first. The only bright part of the day is the cute stranger outside the church who seems to need some help...
Christian might be good on stage, but going to a wedding acting like he has all his shit together and the hand he’s holding is not from a rented boyfriend in front of the family that kicked him out for being gay it’s too much even for him. Especially when said boyfriend doesn’t appear and he ends up going with a very kind, handsome stranger that seems to find his talent to trip on everything adorable.
His grip tightens around mine, then he boops me on the nose with his free hand. “Don’t worry, love. I’ve been preparing for this night my whole life.”
I adore Saxon James because her books always manage to make me laugh. Husband Hoax follows the light-hearted fun vibe she’s known for while adding some original elements to the plot. The best one was the found family made of art students living together, a cat and a fake Auntie that keeps threatening to cut them off. It was the source of very funny scenes and I have a feeling there will be a lot more yet to come in the sequels.
The main couple was extremely wholesome, but also very hot for each other, and I enjoyed every single scene. There was something about the way Émile wanted to protect Christian from the beginning, how he never got embarrassed for his clumsiness and even managed to make Christian laugh instead of crying.
“What’s something happy about you?”
“I escaped what would have been a hellish afternoon with my family to spend time with an incredibly good-looking man who doesn’t know how sweet he is.”
My main problem was that it felt a bit rushed. I wanted more scenes of them falling in love and sorting out their feelings. I’ve been having this feeling lately, not only with Husband Hoax but in general, that some authors are releasing so many books every year that they barely have time to make each one of them feel special. While I enjoyed the story, there weren’t a lot of things that made it stand out from other books I’ve read by the author. The characters were good, but you can’t see any development or struggle that lasted more than a couple of chapters. I just wanted to still feel the warmth when I finish the book and not have to run to read another one to give me another hit of ephemeral happiness.
Overall, I’d recommend Husband Hoax if you want a rom-com with the found family trope and lovely characters. It had everything a fluffy romance needs to bring you joy, but for me it lacked the depth that makes it unforgettable.
I’ve never craved someone as much as I crave him. I’ve never had that need to show someone how perfect they are. () If he wanted to call me his and take my name and let me pick up all of his broken pieces and keep them safe until he was ready to fix them again, I’d do it. I’d everything he needed, and the only thing I’d want in return is him.
Christian might be good on stage, but going to a wedding acting like he has all his shit together and the hand he’s holding is not from a rented boyfriend in front of the family that kicked him out for being gay it’s too much even for him. Especially when said boyfriend doesn’t appear and he ends up going with a very kind, handsome stranger that seems to find his talent to trip on everything adorable.
His grip tightens around mine, then he boops me on the nose with his free hand. “Don’t worry, love. I’ve been preparing for this night my whole life.”
I adore Saxon James because her books always manage to make me laugh. Husband Hoax follows the light-hearted fun vibe she’s known for while adding some original elements to the plot. The best one was the found family made of art students living together, a cat and a fake Auntie that keeps threatening to cut them off. It was the source of very funny scenes and I have a feeling there will be a lot more yet to come in the sequels.
The main couple was extremely wholesome, but also very hot for each other, and I enjoyed every single scene. There was something about the way Émile wanted to protect Christian from the beginning, how he never got embarrassed for his clumsiness and even managed to make Christian laugh instead of crying.
“What’s something happy about you?”
“I escaped what would have been a hellish afternoon with my family to spend time with an incredibly good-looking man who doesn’t know how sweet he is.”
My main problem was that it felt a bit rushed. I wanted more scenes of them falling in love and sorting out their feelings. I’ve been having this feeling lately, not only with Husband Hoax but in general, that some authors are releasing so many books every year that they barely have time to make each one of them feel special. While I enjoyed the story, there weren’t a lot of things that made it stand out from other books I’ve read by the author. The characters were good, but you can’t see any development or struggle that lasted more than a couple of chapters. I just wanted to still feel the warmth when I finish the book and not have to run to read another one to give me another hit of ephemeral happiness.
Overall, I’d recommend Husband Hoax if you want a rom-com with the found family trope and lovely characters. It had everything a fluffy romance needs to bring you joy, but for me it lacked the depth that makes it unforgettable.
I’ve never craved someone as much as I crave him. I’ve never had that need to show someone how perfect they are. () If he wanted to call me his and take my name and let me pick up all of his broken pieces and keep them safe until he was ready to fix them again, I’d do it. I’d everything he needed, and the only thing I’d want in return is him.
June 16, 2023
5+++ stars for the audiobook and narrators
2 stars for the book.
Listen: I broke up with SM because frankly the quality of her books had been declining.
BUT
Teddy Hamilton and James Joseph narrate.
I was weak.
Do I regret my decision? Not entirely. Because these two together were 🔥
Was the story worth it? Nop!
It was silly and mediocre.
But.... Teddy and James. 😍
2 stars for the book.
Listen: I broke up with SM because frankly the quality of her books had been declining.
BUT
Teddy Hamilton and James Joseph narrate.
I was weak.
Do I regret my decision? Not entirely. Because these two together were 🔥
Was the story worth it? Nop!
It was silly and mediocre.
But.... Teddy and James. 😍
March 2, 2023
Like most books by this author, this one is light and bright, with moderate steam, fun MCs, and a sparkly HEA.
However, the story lacks depth and tension.
Both families are OTT evil. Could Christian's parents be any more stereotyped as the terrible, greedy, homophobic Christians? I know such people exist, but their manipulations were just so predictable.
Then there are Christian's friends/roommates. We get the whole future MCs dump, but I honestly could barely tell them apart. There are so many of them, and the weird names don't help.
Final criticism: Christian's clumsiness was too much. The cake thing at the wedding wasn't funny so much as cringey. The second-hand embarrassment was real.
However, the story lacks depth and tension.
Both families are OTT evil. Could Christian's parents be any more stereotyped as the terrible, greedy, homophobic Christians? I know such people exist, but their manipulations were just so predictable.
Then there are Christian's friends/roommates. We get the whole future MCs dump, but I honestly could barely tell them apart. There are so many of them, and the weird names don't help.
Final criticism: Christian's clumsiness was too much. The cake thing at the wedding wasn't funny so much as cringey. The second-hand embarrassment was real.
August 10, 2023
It was amusing, a bit ridiculous, but that's to be expected with the plot. I found myself well entertained, the chemistry between Christian and Émile is great. The sex scenes are interesting and hot. What ultimately ruined it, unfortunately, was the excessive melodrama near the end. You can see it coming a mile away and I was close to calling it off altogether. Fortunately, it didn't last long. Well and the end was pretty rushed.
In any case, my heart belongs to Christian and Émile, two truly beautiful characters.
“I’m obsessed. All night you’ve been this sweet, sexy man who’s needed rescuing, and now you’re completely owning me. You’re fucking with my head, and I’ve never loved anything more.” 😳
“Hey.”
“Hello, you.”
“You’re pretty.”
His whole face lights up with my compliment.
“What are you going to do about it?”
“Gaze at you in despair, torturously wasting away at all that man I get to look at and not touch.” 🥰
In any case, my heart belongs to Christian and Émile, two truly beautiful characters.
“I’m obsessed. All night you’ve been this sweet, sexy man who’s needed rescuing, and now you’re completely owning me. You’re fucking with my head, and I’ve never loved anything more.” 😳
“Hey.”
“Hello, you.”
“You’re pretty.”
His whole face lights up with my compliment.
“What are you going to do about it?”
“Gaze at you in despair, torturously wasting away at all that man I get to look at and not touch.” 🥰
January 16, 2023
Great start to the Accidental Love series!
Emile and Christian are just too cute and gave me all the warm feelings🥰. I absolutely love how Emile had Christian's back in every situation thrown at them, no question. Both their bio families, Elle excluded, were awful people, and Christian's decision about his parents was awesome 😂
Loved the intro to the found family of 'lost boys' and Aunt Aggy, too. I'm already excited to see who the next book is about, and I'm obsessed with Madden and his aversion to clothes already 😂 I'm also super intrigued about who Aleks love interest from the Puckboys series is going to be, I'm pretty sure it was mentioned he'd be introduced in this series - I do love a tie in with the rest of the Saxon/Edenverse!
Thanks to Saxon James and ForewordPR for the ARC!
Emile and Christian are just too cute and gave me all the warm feelings🥰. I absolutely love how Emile had Christian's back in every situation thrown at them, no question. Both their bio families, Elle excluded, were awful people, and Christian's decision about his parents was awesome 😂
Loved the intro to the found family of 'lost boys' and Aunt Aggy, too. I'm already excited to see who the next book is about, and I'm obsessed with Madden and his aversion to clothes already 😂 I'm also super intrigued about who Aleks love interest from the Puckboys series is going to be, I'm pretty sure it was mentioned he'd be introduced in this series - I do love a tie in with the rest of the Saxon/Edenverse!
Thanks to Saxon James and ForewordPR for the ARC!
January 22, 2023
This was such a sweet and easy read. Well kinda. It was easy to read when I wasn’t dying from the second-hand embarrassment. Christian, one of the MCs, was a hot mess. He got himself into some situations during this book. While they were extremely funny, I had to put my kindle down and take a breather. I am the queen of getting second-hand embarrassment, so I needed a few breaks while reading. Other than that, it was a super easy read. One of those books that you can just fly through and be surprised at how much you’ve read when you put it down for a break.
Christian and Émile were great. Absolutely perfect for each other. Christian has been shunned by his family for being gay, and he hasn’t seen them for the last 10 years. He was invited to his cousin’s wedding, so he hired a date off an app that would pretend to be his successful partner in hopes that it would impress his family and welcome him back into the fold. At the very last minute, his date cancels due to food poisoning. That’s how Émile finds Christian, pacing outside the building where the wedding is going to be held. Émile was attending his Grandpa’s funeral memorial next door, and he was feeling suffocated from everything, so he went outside and found Mr. Hot Mess. Christian filled Émile in on his problem, and Émile decided he would be his date. That’s what got everything started. Émile and Christian clicked so well with each other that eventually Christian and him decided that Christian would pretend to be Émile’s husband, so Émile could get his inheritance. And that’s where things got crazy. Quite frankly, Émile’s family sucked. They were so mean. Old money rich snobs. Christian’s family wasn’t any better. But, they had each other’s backs. I loved the way Émile stood up for Christian, and he encouraged Christian to stand up for himself, too.
The only winning family members was Émile’s sister and the residents of Big Boned Bertha. Christian shares a house with 5 other guys, and while none of them are blood related, they are still a family. Blood doesn’t define family anyway. Family are the people who are there for you, and that’s what they all are. Plus the cat, Kismet, and the old lady from next door (Aunt Agatha- and we love her). Any scenes that involved the men from Bertha were my favorite. I assume each book in the series will be about those men, and I cannot wait for them. They are all quirky, artistic types. It’s going to be a good series.
Believe it or not, there wasn’t much spice in this book. Don’t get me wrong, there was definitely spice, but it didn’t seem like a lot compared to this author’s previous books. The story was more focused on Christian’s clumsiness and trying to fight Émile’s family so they can get married. It was a wild ride. One of the reasons that has to do with the lack of spice is basically Christian didn’t want to blur lines. You’ll see when you read it. It was still yummy though.
This book was a great start to a great series. I am really looking forward to reading what her brain comes up with for the other characters. P.S. if you read this author’s Divorced Men Club Series, Molly from Budding Attraction is introduced at the end of this book. Dude was a little bit of a menace in Budding Attraction, but I am interested to see him get his happily ever after soon.
Christian and Émile were great. Absolutely perfect for each other. Christian has been shunned by his family for being gay, and he hasn’t seen them for the last 10 years. He was invited to his cousin’s wedding, so he hired a date off an app that would pretend to be his successful partner in hopes that it would impress his family and welcome him back into the fold. At the very last minute, his date cancels due to food poisoning. That’s how Émile finds Christian, pacing outside the building where the wedding is going to be held. Émile was attending his Grandpa’s funeral memorial next door, and he was feeling suffocated from everything, so he went outside and found Mr. Hot Mess. Christian filled Émile in on his problem, and Émile decided he would be his date. That’s what got everything started. Émile and Christian clicked so well with each other that eventually Christian and him decided that Christian would pretend to be Émile’s husband, so Émile could get his inheritance. And that’s where things got crazy. Quite frankly, Émile’s family sucked. They were so mean. Old money rich snobs. Christian’s family wasn’t any better. But, they had each other’s backs. I loved the way Émile stood up for Christian, and he encouraged Christian to stand up for himself, too.
The only winning family members was Émile’s sister and the residents of Big Boned Bertha. Christian shares a house with 5 other guys, and while none of them are blood related, they are still a family. Blood doesn’t define family anyway. Family are the people who are there for you, and that’s what they all are. Plus the cat, Kismet, and the old lady from next door (Aunt Agatha- and we love her). Any scenes that involved the men from Bertha were my favorite. I assume each book in the series will be about those men, and I cannot wait for them. They are all quirky, artistic types. It’s going to be a good series.
Believe it or not, there wasn’t much spice in this book. Don’t get me wrong, there was definitely spice, but it didn’t seem like a lot compared to this author’s previous books. The story was more focused on Christian’s clumsiness and trying to fight Émile’s family so they can get married. It was a wild ride. One of the reasons that has to do with the lack of spice is basically Christian didn’t want to blur lines. You’ll see when you read it. It was still yummy though.
This book was a great start to a great series. I am really looking forward to reading what her brain comes up with for the other characters. P.S. if you read this author’s Divorced Men Club Series, Molly from Budding Attraction is introduced at the end of this book. Dude was a little bit of a menace in Budding Attraction, but I am interested to see him get his happily ever after soon.
February 7, 2023
Oh this book is utterly brilliant, ridiculous in all the best ways, and has a plot which could come straight out of a Hallmark movie script - but it just works beautifully.
I had the biggest smile on my face from start to finish as this story unfolded. It has a wonderful found family at the heart of it.
Christian and his friends live in a shared house they call Big-Boned Bertha, all misfits and rejects with an artistic streak, they've come together to create a wonderfully solid group of people who support and love each other without expectation.
When Christian gets an invite to his cousin's wedding, he's anxious about seeing his parents, a decade after they threw him out for being gay, and so he hires someone to pretend to be his partner, a successful man with an active social media presence.
Unfortunately, the guy doesn't show because of illness and Christian's floundering until a Prince Charming steps in.
Émile has escaped from a memorial event for his late grandfather, his family giving new meaning to the definition of toxic, and he's overheard Christian's anguished cries and thinks that helping him out would not only be a bit of a lark, but it would also be a great way to annoy his family.
What follows next is a delightfully madcap scheme in which Christian agrees to play the part of Émile's fiancé - so he can inherit an astronomical amount of money from his late grandfather and use it to do good deeds - in return for his debts being paid off.
Of course, what actually happens is these two goobers fall madly in love without even realising it as they go through the motions of setting up their fake marriage.
What I loved the most about this was the relationship at the heart of all the crazy. Christian and Émile just click from the off, they take the time to listen to each other, they're supportive and caring, they want to spend time together.
There's tension caused by external events, these two never get in each other's way or have stupid petty arguments, the pacing is excellent and Saxon drives up the need to reach the end through carefully moving on the narrative with little stepping stones of plot that all join together to make a pathway to a really satisfying conclusion.
Along the way we find out more about the guys who share the house with Christian and we meet the only decent member of his family, his sister Elle.
I couldn't put this book down, it was just such a fun read from start to finish and now I'm dying to find out who the next book will be about!
#ARC kindly received from the author via ForewordPR, I am voluntarily leaving a review
I had the biggest smile on my face from start to finish as this story unfolded. It has a wonderful found family at the heart of it.
Christian and his friends live in a shared house they call Big-Boned Bertha, all misfits and rejects with an artistic streak, they've come together to create a wonderfully solid group of people who support and love each other without expectation.
When Christian gets an invite to his cousin's wedding, he's anxious about seeing his parents, a decade after they threw him out for being gay, and so he hires someone to pretend to be his partner, a successful man with an active social media presence.
Unfortunately, the guy doesn't show because of illness and Christian's floundering until a Prince Charming steps in.
Émile has escaped from a memorial event for his late grandfather, his family giving new meaning to the definition of toxic, and he's overheard Christian's anguished cries and thinks that helping him out would not only be a bit of a lark, but it would also be a great way to annoy his family.
What follows next is a delightfully madcap scheme in which Christian agrees to play the part of Émile's fiancé - so he can inherit an astronomical amount of money from his late grandfather and use it to do good deeds - in return for his debts being paid off.
Of course, what actually happens is these two goobers fall madly in love without even realising it as they go through the motions of setting up their fake marriage.
What I loved the most about this was the relationship at the heart of all the crazy. Christian and Émile just click from the off, they take the time to listen to each other, they're supportive and caring, they want to spend time together.
There's tension caused by external events, these two never get in each other's way or have stupid petty arguments, the pacing is excellent and Saxon drives up the need to reach the end through carefully moving on the narrative with little stepping stones of plot that all join together to make a pathway to a really satisfying conclusion.
Along the way we find out more about the guys who share the house with Christian and we meet the only decent member of his family, his sister Elle.
I couldn't put this book down, it was just such a fun read from start to finish and now I'm dying to find out who the next book will be about!
#ARC kindly received from the author via ForewordPR, I am voluntarily leaving a review
October 29, 2024
5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
Love, love, love. Absolutely no notes.
Actually, a few. Firstly, Teddy Hamilton and James Joseph were a deliciously diabolical pair. Almost as good as Teddy and Shane East. Pretty damn close.
The premise. The meet-cute. Émile. Christian. Christian’s clumsiness and Émile’s suaveness and just their entire dynamic together.
Low angst doesn’t always work for me and I get bored easily but I adored this entire book and this couple. They were just so non-toxic and sweet. And their chemistry was great. I loved every single second.
I can’t believe they beat Rush and Hunter, but they did just slightly. As with the other books in this series, the found family aspects were amazing. Loved seeing snippets of Seven and Rush! Sans Molly and Hunter though. That’s what I get for always reading the Sadenverse books out of order but what can you do?
Excited to eventually get to Madden and Penn. Eventually.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
Love, love, love. Absolutely no notes.
Actually, a few. Firstly, Teddy Hamilton and James Joseph were a deliciously diabolical pair. Almost as good as Teddy and Shane East. Pretty damn close.
The premise. The meet-cute. Émile. Christian. Christian’s clumsiness and Émile’s suaveness and just their entire dynamic together.
Low angst doesn’t always work for me and I get bored easily but I adored this entire book and this couple. They were just so non-toxic and sweet. And their chemistry was great. I loved every single second.
I can’t believe they beat Rush and Hunter, but they did just slightly. As with the other books in this series, the found family aspects were amazing. Loved seeing snippets of Seven and Rush! Sans Molly and Hunter though. That’s what I get for always reading the Sadenverse books out of order but what can you do?
Excited to eventually get to Madden and Penn. Eventually.
Read
February 9, 2023DNF @ 57% - lots of cute stuff here but started to feel repetitive and I lost interest
February 23, 2023
Not bad, but I skimmed a lot.
A shame really, because I used to love everything Saxon James write, but this… I guess it just didn’t work for me.
Émile is the heir to a huge fortune, left to him by his late grandfather on the condition he marries. Problem is: his family isn’t just filthy rich, but snobby and bitchy, probably inspired by how Saxon imagined “old money Europeans” are. Firstly: for the life of me, I can’t imagine stipulations like these would be legal nowadays, but I’ll let it slide. What annoyed me: absolutely every single person in his family is portrayed as snobbish, manipulative or plain evil (his grandmother). Only his sister turned out nice, but even she is a bit… weird? Shaving off her hair for the funeral just to shock her parents?
But I digress. This isn’t the only “evil family” -Christian’s relatives (especially his parents) may be “new money”, but they’re snobbish AND homophobic (again, with one exception, Christian’s cousin), so Christian decides that he needs to pretend he’s not only successful and well off, but has a good liking boyfriend, too.
That’s how he ends up with Émile, who loves nothing more than help out this awkward (and attractive) man he just met.
To pay him back, Christian agrees to marry Émile to help him get his inheritance (a narrative they intend to terminate afterwards).
We all know how it goes: they fall in love, and suddenly their temporary arrangement isn’t so temporary after all.
What I loved: the secondary characters (Christian’s friends and Aunt Agatha), and the sweet moments between Christian and Émile.
The rest was… ok. A bit predictable and soap-opera-ish. But it’s mostly entertaining, that’s why I’ll give it 3 stars.
A shame really, because I used to love everything Saxon James write, but this… I guess it just didn’t work for me.
Émile is the heir to a huge fortune, left to him by his late grandfather on the condition he marries. Problem is: his family isn’t just filthy rich, but snobby and bitchy, probably inspired by how Saxon imagined “old money Europeans” are. Firstly: for the life of me, I can’t imagine stipulations like these would be legal nowadays, but I’ll let it slide. What annoyed me: absolutely every single person in his family is portrayed as snobbish, manipulative or plain evil (his grandmother). Only his sister turned out nice, but even she is a bit… weird? Shaving off her hair for the funeral just to shock her parents?
But I digress. This isn’t the only “evil family” -Christian’s relatives (especially his parents) may be “new money”, but they’re snobbish AND homophobic (again, with one exception, Christian’s cousin), so Christian decides that he needs to pretend he’s not only successful and well off, but has a good liking boyfriend, too.
That’s how he ends up with Émile, who loves nothing more than help out this awkward (and attractive) man he just met.
To pay him back, Christian agrees to marry Émile to help him get his inheritance (a narrative they intend to terminate afterwards).
We all know how it goes: they fall in love, and suddenly their temporary arrangement isn’t so temporary after all.
What I loved: the secondary characters (Christian’s friends and Aunt Agatha), and the sweet moments between Christian and Émile.
The rest was… ok. A bit predictable and soap-opera-ish. But it’s mostly entertaining, that’s why I’ll give it 3 stars.
April 4, 2024
Tropes:
- fake relationship
- marriage of convenience
- found family
After a decade Christian plans on seeing his homophobic family at a cousin's wedding, unfortunately the person he hired to be his date/fake bf bails on the last second and he's not sure he can handle going to the wedding alone.
Emile bumps into the adorable Christian mid meltdown, and after learning of his situation strikes up a deal with the adorable walking disaster that could benefit the both of them. Emile cannot touch his inheritance without being married and that wasn't happening any time soon, and Christian needs a date... It's win-win.
I really loved Emile and Christian's story for the most part, although I found myself cringing from second hand embarrassment a lot and I hate that lol, but the banter, tension, and chemistry between them was *chef's kiss*. I loved Christian's found family so much, and can't wait to see more of those characters in other books, AND I loved seeing Molly from DMC too.
Seriously can't wait for more of this series!
- fake relationship
- marriage of convenience
- found family
After a decade Christian plans on seeing his homophobic family at a cousin's wedding, unfortunately the person he hired to be his date/fake bf bails on the last second and he's not sure he can handle going to the wedding alone.
Emile bumps into the adorable Christian mid meltdown, and after learning of his situation strikes up a deal with the adorable walking disaster that could benefit the both of them. Emile cannot touch his inheritance without being married and that wasn't happening any time soon, and Christian needs a date... It's win-win.
I really loved Emile and Christian's story for the most part, although I found myself cringing from second hand embarrassment a lot and I hate that lol, but the banter, tension, and chemistry between them was *chef's kiss*. I loved Christian's found family so much, and can't wait to see more of those characters in other books, AND I loved seeing Molly from DMC too.
Seriously can't wait for more of this series!
Read
February 28, 2023dnf @ 58%
its cute, warm, and cozy but not for me unfortunately.
its cute, warm, and cozy but not for me unfortunately.
March 9, 2024
Love the friendship part of this so much
September 18, 2023
reread 09/2023 to get into the family dynamics before starting Seven's book.
Still enjoyed it, 4 stars.
-----------------
02/2023
My first book by Saxon James, and I enjoyed it very much.
Although it started with insta-attraction (and I'm usually not a fan of it), was silly and a bit ridiculous and unbelievable, the whole package was awesome!
The main and secondary characters were the best part of the book. They talked things through, had their own distinct personalities, never hesitated to show their feelings, I loved it.
Even the problem the MCs had to overcome before their hea, and how they handled it, made sense and wasn't some stupid/illogical construction like in many other books.
I really appreciated that.
I loved Christian and Èmile... they were not perfect but perfect for each other.
The side characters were loving, fun and silly and contributed a lot to the story.
I'm intrigued how the series will continue, because there's a lot of interesting potential with Christian's friends.
4,5 stars.
Still enjoyed it, 4 stars.
-----------------
02/2023
My first book by Saxon James, and I enjoyed it very much.
Although it started with insta-attraction (and I'm usually not a fan of it), was silly and a bit ridiculous and unbelievable, the whole package was awesome!
The main and secondary characters were the best part of the book. They talked things through, had their own distinct personalities, never hesitated to show their feelings, I loved it.
Even the problem the MCs had to overcome before their hea, and how they handled it, made sense and wasn't some stupid/illogical construction like in many other books.
I really appreciated that.
I loved Christian and Èmile... they were not perfect but perfect for each other.
The side characters were loving, fun and silly and contributed a lot to the story.
I'm intrigued how the series will continue, because there's a lot of interesting potential with Christian's friends.
4,5 stars.
February 12, 2023
⭐︎
4.25 Stars Rounded Down!
⭐︎
I enjoyed the start to this new series by Saxon James a lot.
Christian has basically been a starving artist for years. An actor, he hasn't had much luck in getting his career off the ground.
He lives with 5 other guys, his best friend Gage, and 4 others who are like family as well. Xander, Seven, Madden, and Rush. All 6 have their own distinct personalities and quirks.
Christian is a sweet, blushing, klutz, who grabs the attention of Emile right away.
Emile is from a very rich family, but they're stuck up assholes who care only about their image and how much money someone has or can make them than anything else. They aren't loving, and instead are cold and distant.
Emile's only real family he had within that family was his grandfather and also his sister, Elle.
At the start of this, his grandfather just recently passed away, and he's at the memorial for him at a hotel.
Also at the hotel, a wedding is taking place. Specifically, Christian's cousin's wedding.
See, Christian has been estranged from his family for 10 years since he came out to his parents at 17. They're homophobic pricks who kicked him out onto the streets, though.
But Christian has always had a hope that they might come to their senses and reach out to them, and when his cousin, who seems to be the only decent person in his family, invites him to her wedding, he agrees to go.
But he wants his family to think he's doing well, that he's gotten by without their help, and so he sets up a date online with a guy to be his pretend boyfriend.
But when the guy can't show up because of food poisoning, he and Emile run into each other, and Emile offers to be his fake boyfriend for the evening instead.
There's an instant connection between the two, and Emile finds Christian's clumsiness endearing. They have sex soon after meeting, but when it comes up that Emile needs to marry someone in order to get the money from his grandfather's will - he wants the money so he can actually do good with all the money his family has, not just waste it away like the rest of them - Christian offers to be his fake fiance, then husband, in order to get the money.
But I didn't tag this as pretend-relationship, because they were into each other from the beginning, and it didn't take long into their "hoax" for them to give into their feelings, so it never felt very pretend to me, at all.
I enjoyed these two a lot, I loved their chemistry, and they just fit so well together.
My reason for .75 off is that it wasn't clear if they had their first time penetratively during the night they spent together or not, and that frustrated me. We did get a detailed sex scene later on, but it wasn't clear if that was their first time penetratively or not, and it annoyed me that I had to guess.
Also, the ending felt a tad rushed to me. I know they had to get married for Emile to get the money, but with his family not able to do anything to contest the will, could they have not have waited at least a few months while they dated for real before they got married? It just happened to quickly for me. I know they were in love by the end, but still. I kinda wanted some real time to go by before they were sure they wanted to be married to each other.
Like it could have happened in the epilogue or something, no? With Emile's shitty family neutralized, why not wait a little bit to see if they really wanted to be married?
But anyway, aside from those niggles, I really enjoyed this a lot. A strong start for this new series from this author. I'll also have to catch up on the Puckboy series, as Gage is set to be a LI in the 4th book, and I really liked Gage in this, so I want to see his story too.
I wonder what roommate will be next in this series, though. Xander, the twink? Madden, the nudist (for real)? Rush, the perpetually late fashion designer? Or Seven, the big tatted up guy? Guess we'll see! And I can't wait.
Onto the next! 🥰
I enjoyed the start to this new series by Saxon James a lot.
Christian has basically been a starving artist for years. An actor, he hasn't had much luck in getting his career off the ground.
He lives with 5 other guys, his best friend Gage, and 4 others who are like family as well. Xander, Seven, Madden, and Rush. All 6 have their own distinct personalities and quirks.
Christian is a sweet, blushing, klutz, who grabs the attention of Emile right away.
Emile is from a very rich family, but they're stuck up assholes who care only about their image and how much money someone has or can make them than anything else. They aren't loving, and instead are cold and distant.
Emile's only real family he had within that family was his grandfather and also his sister, Elle.
At the start of this, his grandfather just recently passed away, and he's at the memorial for him at a hotel.
Also at the hotel, a wedding is taking place. Specifically, Christian's cousin's wedding.
See, Christian has been estranged from his family for 10 years since he came out to his parents at 17. They're homophobic pricks who kicked him out onto the streets, though.
But Christian has always had a hope that they might come to their senses and reach out to them, and when his cousin, who seems to be the only decent person in his family, invites him to her wedding, he agrees to go.
But he wants his family to think he's doing well, that he's gotten by without their help, and so he sets up a date online with a guy to be his pretend boyfriend.
But when the guy can't show up because of food poisoning, he and Emile run into each other, and Emile offers to be his fake boyfriend for the evening instead.
There's an instant connection between the two, and Emile finds Christian's clumsiness endearing. They have sex soon after meeting, but when it comes up that Emile needs to marry someone in order to get the money from his grandfather's will - he wants the money so he can actually do good with all the money his family has, not just waste it away like the rest of them - Christian offers to be his fake fiance, then husband, in order to get the money.
But I didn't tag this as pretend-relationship, because they were into each other from the beginning, and it didn't take long into their "hoax" for them to give into their feelings, so it never felt very pretend to me, at all.
I enjoyed these two a lot, I loved their chemistry, and they just fit so well together.
My reason for .75 off is that it wasn't clear if they had their first time penetratively during the night they spent together or not, and that frustrated me. We did get a detailed sex scene later on, but it wasn't clear if that was their first time penetratively or not, and it annoyed me that I had to guess.
Also, the ending felt a tad rushed to me. I know they had to get married for Emile to get the money, but with his family not able to do anything to contest the will, could they have not have waited at least a few months while they dated for real before they got married? It just happened to quickly for me. I know they were in love by the end, but still. I kinda wanted some real time to go by before they were sure they wanted to be married to each other.
Like it could have happened in the epilogue or something, no? With Emile's shitty family neutralized, why not wait a little bit to see if they really wanted to be married?
But anyway, aside from those niggles, I really enjoyed this a lot. A strong start for this new series from this author. I'll also have to catch up on the Puckboy series, as Gage is set to be a LI in the 4th book, and I really liked Gage in this, so I want to see his story too.
I wonder what roommate will be next in this series, though. Xander, the twink? Madden, the nudist (for real)? Rush, the perpetually late fashion designer? Or Seven, the big tatted up guy? Guess we'll see! And I can't wait.
Onto the next! 🥰
January 22, 2025
Did I start reading this because of the cat on the cover? I sure did!!!
But wow, I was not expecting to love this as much as I did!
I'm always a huge fan of fake relationship storylines, and this one definitely didn't disappoint.
I absolutely loved both of the MMCs, but also all of the side characters too.
Now I'm so excited to read all of their stories.
But wow, I was not expecting to love this as much as I did!
I'm always a huge fan of fake relationship storylines, and this one definitely didn't disappoint.
I absolutely loved both of the MMCs, but also all of the side characters too.
Now I'm so excited to read all of their stories.
February 10, 2023
Nope
I feel uncomfortable. Like, something isn’t okay. I’m not sure what the protocol is, because I know I’m going to get murdered for this, but this book is awful. I love this author just as much as the next fan, but this? Fail. Not even sorry.
The editing, for one thing, was not it. It varied from nonexistent to shoddy at best. It made it clunky and difficult to read, especially when all I wanted to do was sit there and correct everything. Not exactly fun to read, but at the same time I almost appreciated the distraction from the cringe.
Speaking of the cringe… Christian sounds like a disgusting, helpless, willfully ignorant, incompetent dudebro. If the way his inner dialogue plays out is anything to go by, I couldn’t see a realistic HEA for him with ANYONE. Could you really just not help writing the phrase “c*m gutters” over and over?
And just like that, I figured out why I’m uncomfortable and like something isn’t okay. It took writing a review to get here, but yeah. I have the words now.
This book feels like a bunch of straight women got together and upended a box of all the queer stereotypes and just.. mixed a book together based off of whatever made them feel something. This feels like I want to cry and rage, but first I need a shower.
I honestly have nothing to say. If this is what we’re going with, it makes me scared to see the other books I’m waiting on from this author. This one? This one put me off. And that sucks, because I’m not sure what happened or if this is just a new direction I can’t get behind.
I’m giving it a 1.5/5. It’s really disheartening, and I feel like maybe the readers being blinded by adoration led to this. When we stop holding folx accountable, this is what happens.
I feel uncomfortable. Like, something isn’t okay. I’m not sure what the protocol is, because I know I’m going to get murdered for this, but this book is awful. I love this author just as much as the next fan, but this? Fail. Not even sorry.
The editing, for one thing, was not it. It varied from nonexistent to shoddy at best. It made it clunky and difficult to read, especially when all I wanted to do was sit there and correct everything. Not exactly fun to read, but at the same time I almost appreciated the distraction from the cringe.
Speaking of the cringe… Christian sounds like a disgusting, helpless, willfully ignorant, incompetent dudebro. If the way his inner dialogue plays out is anything to go by, I couldn’t see a realistic HEA for him with ANYONE. Could you really just not help writing the phrase “c*m gutters” over and over?
And just like that, I figured out why I’m uncomfortable and like something isn’t okay. It took writing a review to get here, but yeah. I have the words now.
This book feels like a bunch of straight women got together and upended a box of all the queer stereotypes and just.. mixed a book together based off of whatever made them feel something. This feels like I want to cry and rage, but first I need a shower.
I honestly have nothing to say. If this is what we’re going with, it makes me scared to see the other books I’m waiting on from this author. This one? This one put me off. And that sucks, because I’m not sure what happened or if this is just a new direction I can’t get behind.
I’m giving it a 1.5/5. It’s really disheartening, and I feel like maybe the readers being blinded by adoration led to this. When we stop holding folx accountable, this is what happens.
November 10, 2024
"I’m curious to see if your embarrassment extends to the bedroom or if I’ll be able to make you scream.” “Jesus …” “Forget Him. The only thing you’ll be worshiping tonight is my cock.”
4.75 ⭐
I have had this book on my tbr for ever, but for some reason I read the 2nd book 1st. I am happy to say I liked this way more than Not Dating Material. Ive also read Clueless Puckboy so having characters I already know, I think made it even better. Reading a book series in order is not always my style, I just pick and choose, so maybe doing that has skewed my view on this book, but fuck it. I enjoyed this a hell of lot. I loved Christian, he reminds me of myself, a hot fucking mess and Émile is a hot suave caring man and they both just complement each other well. This is a book about filling like youre worth the risk, knowing you deserve better and remember family isnt always those related to us by blood but the people we choose to love and those who choose to keep us. It was great, I even cried a little so I cant really ask for me. Well I can, that it was longer and I got Christian and Émile in more books to see their journey through life. A fantastic, funny, sexy, cute, heartwarming book.
4.75 ⭐
I have had this book on my tbr for ever, but for some reason I read the 2nd book 1st. I am happy to say I liked this way more than Not Dating Material. Ive also read Clueless Puckboy so having characters I already know, I think made it even better. Reading a book series in order is not always my style, I just pick and choose, so maybe doing that has skewed my view on this book, but fuck it. I enjoyed this a hell of lot. I loved Christian, he reminds me of myself, a hot fucking mess and Émile is a hot suave caring man and they both just complement each other well. This is a book about filling like youre worth the risk, knowing you deserve better and remember family isnt always those related to us by blood but the people we choose to love and those who choose to keep us. It was great, I even cried a little so I cant really ask for me. Well I can, that it was longer and I got Christian and Émile in more books to see their journey through life. A fantastic, funny, sexy, cute, heartwarming book.
April 14, 2023
3.5
I overall liked this book it was a funny and sweet story.
The third act conflict in this book is one of my most hated tropes. So many better things authors could do instead of this! The end was cute though so I guess that made up for it.
Also felt this book could have devoted a bit less page time to all the family drama. I wanted more of the found family and relationship.
I overall liked this book it was a funny and sweet story.
The third act conflict in this book is one of my most hated tropes. So many better things authors could do instead of this! The end was cute though so I guess that made up for it.
Also felt this book could have devoted a bit less page time to all the family drama. I wanted more of the found family and relationship.
April 22, 2024
3.5⭐
It's all for Christian, Saxon James knows how to write a sweet vulnerable MMC and it's so cute!
Many people would see him as an idiot but not me, I loved him so much.
The story tho was just okay, I was expecting them to be married at the beginning of the book not at the last chapters.. because I thought it was a marriage for convenience with actual marriage not just fake engagement.
Over all I enjoyed it, The two MMC were cute together, The friends group was halirous and I'm excited to read all of their books.
“In a choice between screwing up my performance for Josie, or for him, I’m glad it happened the way it did, because … I think I care more about his opinion than any of my so-called family.”
★★★
Saxon James books are my new addiction now.🤌🏻
It's all for Christian, Saxon James knows how to write a sweet vulnerable MMC and it's so cute!
Many people would see him as an idiot but not me, I loved him so much.
The story tho was just okay, I was expecting them to be married at the beginning of the book not at the last chapters.. because I thought it was a marriage for convenience with actual marriage not just fake engagement.
Over all I enjoyed it, The two MMC were cute together, The friends group was halirous and I'm excited to read all of their books.
“In a choice between screwing up my performance for Josie, or for him, I’m glad it happened the way it did, because … I think I care more about his opinion than any of my so-called family.”
★★★
Saxon James books are my new addiction now.🤌🏻
January 17, 2026
UPDATED: Seriously crucial update below...literally titled crucial.
I loved this soooo much. A short, adorable fluff read with amazing MCs, a super cute story, hilarity, and perfect audio.
Christian Kilpatrick. (26, actor) is an aspiring actor, struggling to make ends meet as he strives for his dreams. Even though he’s estranged from his family, he has the support of his five BFF/roommates to keep him going. When his cousin invites him to her wedding, he hires a date, hoping to show his homophobic family how happy and successful he is.
Émile Cromwell (27, generational billionaire) is attending his grandfather’s memorial when he decides to take a breather outside. He’s immediately drawn to the cute guy who is obviously in distress. Circumstances are explained and Émile agrees to fill in as Christian’s date.
Unable to resist each other, they head back to Christian’s place for some booty bumping. Émile discusses the stipulations of his grandfather’s will, his inheritance, and a plan is formed.
Ice sculptures, accidents, cum hair, snark and banter, adorableness, falling in love, nose booping, taco hunts, so many swoons, blackmail, a temporary park, and an HEA.
SEX: Seriously, Saxon James is a real bitch for depriving us of their first time. What the actual fuck was she thinking?!?! There’s a BJ at 24% and then they’re waking up from a night of amazing sex THAT WE DON’T GET TO PARTICIPATE IN!!!! I nearly lost my mind. They don’t get naked again until the 63% mark, and they use condoms. They do it one more time without a condom, thank jesus! Their times together are very sexy, except for this one line delivered by Christian, “Nest of pubes at the base, and right above them is a pair of sexy fucking cum gutters”. It was hard to recover from that one!!! LOL
FRIENDS: I usually hate roommates, but these guys were so amazing. I can’t wait to read their books, and I hope like hell they deliver as much as this one did. As Émile says:
CRUCIAL: YOU GUYS..... sometimes, when an audio book is really good, it's hard to tell if I really love the book because it's just that good, or if it's partially influenced by the audio. I'M HERE TO TELL YOU, the books really are just that good..... with the exception of Book 4 - Just Bromantically Invested. Our sweet stud-muffin Teddy Hamilton narrates them all. I've loved all of them and they've made me laugh... so I bought Book 4. Teddy narrates, so it should be a slam dunk, right? WRONG. I did not like the book at all. So, I'm excited to inform you that the books are awesome and it's not influenced by Teddy's sexy voice!
AUDIO: I can’t imagine a more perfect narration for this book. Teddy Hamilton narratees for Christian and we all know how freaking fabulous he is. A new one to me, James Joseph narrates for Émile and holy hell – he’s spectacular! He nails the accent and wittiness. You MUST listen to the audio.
Fluff isn’t usually my jam, but this one is! Highly recommend.
I loved this soooo much. A short, adorable fluff read with amazing MCs, a super cute story, hilarity, and perfect audio.
“I don’t want you to feel like you’re a guarantee or a contingency or a clause in a contract. Because you’ve become so much more than that to me....You’re so messy and real and sometimes broken, but always, always the very best version of yourself.”
Christian Kilpatrick. (26, actor) is an aspiring actor, struggling to make ends meet as he strives for his dreams. Even though he’s estranged from his family, he has the support of his five BFF/roommates to keep him going. When his cousin invites him to her wedding, he hires a date, hoping to show his homophobic family how happy and successful he is.
Émile Cromwell (27, generational billionaire) is attending his grandfather’s memorial when he decides to take a breather outside. He’s immediately drawn to the cute guy who is obviously in distress. Circumstances are explained and Émile agrees to fill in as Christian’s date.
I’ve never craved someone as much as I crave him. I’ve never had that need to show someone how perfect they are. Never felt that burst of pride and satisfaction over them finally glimpsing some self-worth. And, frankly, never wanted to bounce on one cock as desperately as I want his.
Unable to resist each other, they head back to Christian’s place for some booty bumping. Émile discusses the stipulations of his grandfather’s will, his inheritance, and a plan is formed.
The man who proved to me that I can be loved wholly, unconditionally…. I don’t care if things are early. I don’t care if we’ve done everything the wrong way. Because all of those wrongs gave me the biggest right of my life. Him. And I’ll hold on to him forever.
Ice sculptures, accidents, cum hair, snark and banter, adorableness, falling in love, nose booping, taco hunts, so many swoons, blackmail, a temporary park, and an HEA.
SEX: Seriously, Saxon James is a real bitch for depriving us of their first time. What the actual fuck was she thinking?!?! There’s a BJ at 24% and then they’re waking up from a night of amazing sex THAT WE DON’T GET TO PARTICIPATE IN!!!! I nearly lost my mind. They don’t get naked again until the 63% mark, and they use condoms. They do it one more time without a condom, thank jesus! Their times together are very sexy, except for this one line delivered by Christian, “Nest of pubes at the base, and right above them is a pair of sexy fucking cum gutters”. It was hard to recover from that one!!! LOL
FRIENDS: I usually hate roommates, but these guys were so amazing. I can’t wait to read their books, and I hope like hell they deliver as much as this one did. As Émile says:
I can’t deny that a bunch of grown men who live together being sweet and loving toward each other without it being anything sexual or romantic is … amazing.
CRUCIAL: YOU GUYS..... sometimes, when an audio book is really good, it's hard to tell if I really love the book because it's just that good, or if it's partially influenced by the audio. I'M HERE TO TELL YOU, the books really are just that good..... with the exception of Book 4 - Just Bromantically Invested. Our sweet stud-muffin Teddy Hamilton narrates them all. I've loved all of them and they've made me laugh... so I bought Book 4. Teddy narrates, so it should be a slam dunk, right? WRONG. I did not like the book at all. So, I'm excited to inform you that the books are awesome and it's not influenced by Teddy's sexy voice!
AUDIO: I can’t imagine a more perfect narration for this book. Teddy Hamilton narratees for Christian and we all know how freaking fabulous he is. A new one to me, James Joseph narrates for Émile and holy hell – he’s spectacular! He nails the accent and wittiness. You MUST listen to the audio.
Fluff isn’t usually my jam, but this one is! Highly recommend.
January 18, 2023
"If he wanted to call me his and take my name and let me pick up all of his broken pieces and keep them safe until he was ready to fix them again, I'll do it"
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
This was a fun easy read that I forgot the world around me and go lost in. With this new series, we are introduced to a group of best friends who (hopefully) will each get their own story, and this one was Christian's love story with Émile. This was a beautiful story between two people who have been hurt by their families, both with big loving hearts and unfortunate situations. Christian is a clumsy actor who is weighed down by a lack of self-confidence, and Émile is a charming man who choses to ignore his stuck up family until his much loved Pa passes. Both are stuck in tricky situations til they meet the other, and come up with a plan, as long as feelings don't get involved. They both try their hardest to be friends, and then FWBs but along the way it develops into more, and as it does, left me feeling all gooey inside with the love and spice and support these two have, and they could not be a better match. Once again, Saxon has given us a beautiful story with the most wonderful characters and cannot wait to see who is next to fall in love!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Fake Marriage
❣️ Found Family
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ FWB to Lovers
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Financial abuse from parent, emotional abuse from parent.
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
This was a fun easy read that I forgot the world around me and go lost in. With this new series, we are introduced to a group of best friends who (hopefully) will each get their own story, and this one was Christian's love story with Émile. This was a beautiful story between two people who have been hurt by their families, both with big loving hearts and unfortunate situations. Christian is a clumsy actor who is weighed down by a lack of self-confidence, and Émile is a charming man who choses to ignore his stuck up family until his much loved Pa passes. Both are stuck in tricky situations til they meet the other, and come up with a plan, as long as feelings don't get involved. They both try their hardest to be friends, and then FWBs but along the way it develops into more, and as it does, left me feeling all gooey inside with the love and spice and support these two have, and they could not be a better match. Once again, Saxon has given us a beautiful story with the most wonderful characters and cannot wait to see who is next to fall in love!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Fake Marriage
❣️ Found Family
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ FWB to Lovers
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Financial abuse from parent, emotional abuse from parent.
July 3, 2024
4.5 stars on both first and second read. Second time, I listened to the audiobook and it was delightful! I did have to change over to the e-book during the third act break up so I could manage my stress, but that doesn't last very long before they are united again.
This was super sweet. And smutty.
These two happen to meet when Christian is about to attend a wedding and his date stands him up. Emile steps in and acts as a super supportive fake boyfriend. Afterwards, they have a sex-a-thon.
But they are so sweet to each other. There’s an almost 3rd act breakup but it lasts like a page and it’s not that they are fighting anything with each other. It’s related to outside forces.
Christian’s roommates/found family are absolutely delightful. I love men who can tell each other they love each other and it’s platonic. Super sweet.
Both of their families are pretty toxic except for a few folks.
No OM.
This was super sweet. And smutty.
These two happen to meet when Christian is about to attend a wedding and his date stands him up. Emile steps in and acts as a super supportive fake boyfriend. Afterwards, they have a sex-a-thon.
But they are so sweet to each other. There’s an almost 3rd act breakup but it lasts like a page and it’s not that they are fighting anything with each other. It’s related to outside forces.
Christian’s roommates/found family are absolutely delightful. I love men who can tell each other they love each other and it’s platonic. Super sweet.
Both of their families are pretty toxic except for a few folks.
No OM.
July 9, 2023
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 2.5 stars
Story - 2.5 stars
June 8, 2025
what a sweet story
sweet and spicy, actually
loved their meet cute, and how their relationship evolved
what sad families they both had; Christian's litte circle of friends were adorable, plus I neeeeeed a book for Emile's sister
I actually loved Christian's clumsiness because, sadly, I'm the same, haha. So I could relate so much with his little accidents and also his reactions 😅😭.
what to expect
- MM, marriage of convenience that turns into the real deal
- spicy
- found family
- the caaaat, that needed more "screen" time
- love the cover, very accurate for how Christian is described, 👏
- no real 3rd act breakup, some angst because of Emile's family
- HEA
sweet and spicy, actually
loved their meet cute, and how their relationship evolved
what sad families they both had; Christian's litte circle of friends were adorable, plus I neeeeeed a book for Emile's sister
I actually loved Christian's clumsiness because, sadly, I'm the same, haha. So I could relate so much with his little accidents and also his reactions 😅😭.
what to expect
- MM, marriage of convenience that turns into the real deal
- spicy
- found family
- the caaaat, that needed more "screen" time
- love the cover, very accurate for how Christian is described, 👏
- no real 3rd act breakup, some angst because of Emile's family
- HEA
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