Tan Lines

Beachside Bromances #2

by Alex Winters

Ian Chambers has a his new roommate is the hottest guy he’s ever met. He’s also, quite possibly, the straightest guy on earth. He also insists on wearing boxer shorts a size too big, perpetually sagging down his perfectly-sculpted waist and showing off his miraculous tan lines. When a friend suggests maybe he’s doing it on purpose, Ian can’t get the thought out of his mind. But he can’t hit on a straight guy, can he?

Beau Collins has never lived with a gay man before, but he certainly can’t deny his attraction to his sexy new roommate. Ian is small, pale, slight, and beguiling, but Beau must admit he has a huge boy crush. He just isn’t sure what to do with it or how to propose doing something about it.

When he finally does, Ian takes it wrong and the whole thing goes astray. Or does it? Will two boys with broken hearts, trust issues and a boat load of baggage finally find a home in each other? Or will their burgeoning love story fade faster than a summer tan?

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2025

About the author

Alex Winters is an Amazon bestselling romance author with a passion for holiday music, junk food, cheesy 80s horror movies and Epcot. His series feature a variety of romantic pairings (M/F, M/M, F/F AND MMF) and include Campus Crush (Evernight), Slightly Sinful (Siren Publishing), Good Sports (Ninestar Press), High-Stakes Heroines (JMS Books) and more. His stories tend to be sizzling and sweet, with a whole lot of laughs – and spice – along the way!

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

At only a hundred pages, this was a quick, spicy little read. There was no angst or drama, nothing complicated, just a fun little fling turned “more” for two college guys—one who had always considered himself straight, the other out but each had recently experienced breakups and were excited but a little nervous about being hurt again.

This was a really sweet read with tons of steam and a little unexpected tenderness—the kind of book that’ll get you out of a reading slump and ready to tackle the next book in your TBR. 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[leanna billings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level: 🔥🔥
Tropes: MM,⚔️, HFN,

I’m always in awe when we get so much packed into 100 pages!

Both Ian and Beau coming into this with their own issues of cheating and insecurities. I love Beau standing up for himself when Ian tried to practically gay shame him. And I bet a lot of men have had that same situation when trying to be their authentic self.

I was kicking my feet squealing in that epilogue 🤭🤭

This would have been a five star read for me but there’s a few errors that kept tripping me up. Other than that it was a great read between my dark pages I’m usually deep diving.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER QUICK SWEET STEAMY READ!💕👨‍❤️‍👨

The second Book of the Beachside Bromances series brings us two College guys who have both been cheated on so both have trust issues, needs a roommate and both on the rebound but one is straight or so he is portrayed at first…

Ian Chamber’s new roommate Beau Collins is a walking wet dream who wears low-lying, tan line showing boxer shorts around the flat… both hardly talk to each other until a swim is suggested by Beau…

“Where have you been all my life?”

“Waiting for you to wise up and join the winning team, I suppose?”

This is their short, sweet and steamy love story about learning trust, self acceptance, family neglect and sexual identity in a college setting!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short fun read.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two young men, both on the rebound, one definitely gay, the other seemingly straight, becoming roommates. And dancing around each other, feelings of attraction hidden behind insecure behavior. Tentative openings, not understood by the other until trust grows to reveal their ultimate truth.
Lovely love story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Winters writes with a certain style, one that I love. He gives his characters a touch of innocence, in word, deed and actions, it makes for an intrigued reader, in me at least, wondering where the potential romance that I can feel brewing, will lead, how it will unfold.

In the case of Tan Lines, another bromance for the beachside and the ideal beach read, roommates could become lovers but one is innocent, the other a little hurt. Can that be overcome, can the innocent, shy Beau, who is living with another man (as a roommate) and a gay one at that, for the first time, find a way to overcome his shyness, admit why his boxers are always so saggy and prove to Ian that he has no intention of doing anything other than falling for him? He might be able to if Ian can get his head back in the game...

Ian has a broken heart and trust issues as a result but there is something about Beau that he cannot deny intrigues him. Does he have the courage to speak up, to ask about those baggy boxers? Will some time spent in the pool where messing around is obligatory, in the fun, swimming sort of way, of course, help? Can two young men, who know they are interested in the other, find their way into one another's arms, beds, hearts and be the healing balm the other needs?

Alex Winters writes with a sense of humour, a sneaky habit of making us guess and filling us with hope, giving us plenty of foreplay in his writing style and then the steam begins to fill the room. Honestly, I am sure it comes straight off the pages, luckily this one has a pool, the perfect place for cooling off...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyfully Jay]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

This was a cute little “will they/won’t they” story of temptation, yearning, and overcoming your fears in the name of love. I like that even though both Ian and Beau were reeling from breakups, their situations felt distinct and it gave insight into their respective personalities. Ian allowed himself to be strung along by a man who didn’t love him in hopes that the love might grow later, so now he fears getting involved with someone who isn’t looking for anything serious. Meanwhile, Beau’s partners only cared about his appearance and grew distant after the novelty wore off, so he’s concerned that if he flaunts his body to entice Ian, it’ll end up the same way, but he doesn’t know how else to get Ian’s attention.

Though the story was decently paced, there was some heavy word repetition that interrupted the flow in places where it was most obvious.

Read Nishan's review in its entirety here.

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian Chambers, a gay man, and Beau Collins, a seemingly straight man, are new roommates and both recently out of a relationship. Beau has never been with a man but is finding himself drawn to Ian. Meanwhile, they both tippy toed around each other, checking each other out. Realizing he is bi, Beau’s friend Sophie encouraged him to make a move on Ian, and it didn’t go over well due to old insecurities.

The story is a steamy, emotionally charged romance with humor, drama, and the adventure of discovering your true self. I enjoyed the characters and getting to know more about them. I liked Ian’s friend Archie, and Beau’s friend Sophie, who tried to support the guys in their own ways. It was a short story, but the author packed a lot into those pages. Alex Winters’ writing is excellent, and he makes the readers feel the sexual tension that simmers throughout the book. Tan Lines was well-written with a solid plot and great spice. I definitely recommend this book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read
Ian is a gay man who has just broken up with his boyfriend/roommate who basically strung him along. He now has a new roommate in a guy called Beau. And he is a very good looking man but he himself is suffering a break up. The thing that these two having common is their exes cheated on them repeatedly. Both men are a bit guarded. But that doesn’t stop Ian from noticing how good looking Beau is. Especially as he walks around the house half naked. Beau has had feelings for Ian since moving in but isn’t sure what to do about it because he’s always come across as a straight man so what will happen when these two really talk??

It’s a nice read, it is a short story. it’s nice for an afternoon in the garden with a nice cup of tea.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of the Beachside Bromances series. Each book is a standalone read. This is the story of Ian Chambers and Beau Collins. Ian is a gay man who just ended his relationship and thew out his ex from the apartment. Needing a roommate, Beau answers his ad. Beau has just ended his relationship as his ex cheated on him as well. Even though she was the cheater, she tried to destroy his world. Both of them are guarded and disappointed with romance. As they grow to trust one another, they also begin to notice one another. This is their story. It is a great read for a rainy afternoon. A short and fun story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun addition to the series! I loved how both Ian and Beau brought their insecurities to the table yet slowly found their way to each other. As roommate, one openly gay, the other seemingly straight! their dynamic was full of tension, especially as Ian wrestled with his feelings and tried (unsuccessfully) to shame Beau for his preferences. I adored how Beau stood his ground and how trust gradually blossomed between them. The epilogue was a perfect touch, giving a glimpse of their future, which promises to be just as sweet—and steamy—as their journey together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fun romance for the series and I really like how both Ian and Beau had insecurities but managed to tentatively find their way together. These two are roommates and while one is gay, the other was seemingly straight. Yeah, the man crush didn't keep that running too long, despite Ian trying to shame Beau for his preferences. I do love that Beau stood up for himself and that trust eventually bloomed between them. The author also gave us a lovely epilogue to see more of their future and that it was going to be awesome...and hot ;D

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tan Lines by Alex Winters is pure sunshine, sass, and slow-burn heat. Ian and Beau’s roommate-to-lovers tension crackles from page one—equal parts funny, flirty, and heart-squeezing sweet. It’s got all the charm of a beach romance with a touch of awkward honesty and a whole lot of chemistry. A perfect summer read that’ll leave you smiling (and maybe a little flushed).

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Janssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tan Lines" by Alex Winters is a very good, quick read. I enjoyed the story and the characters. Ian and Beau both have insecurities but as they begin to trust each other they come together. It is mild heat and pretty low angst.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Beau, Ian's new roommate wears is low slung boxer briefs. Ian is gay, Beau has always been straight but both guys feel the hunger for each other. Their apartment becomes the perfect place to experiment, get over their exes and prove they should be more than roommates. Short and steamy. I received a copy of this through BookSprout and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and loved both Beau and Ian. Both characters were relatable with their own issues and insecurities. After dating only women, Beau found himself attracted to his male roommate. The chemistry between them sizzled and I like the way their relationship developed- neither of them very experienced, and one never with men. I also liked the supporting characters. 4 stars

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short read full of steamy hot chemistry between these two men. I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the development of Beau's realization that he isn't as straight as he thought, he has never been with a man before and Ian isn't very experienced either but they have fun exploring.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a good awakening story. Beau has never acted on his urges but has a crush on Ian. I liked how despite a bit of a rough start, Beau and Ian become a couple and fall in love.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed read this book I couldn’t put it down turning the pages. I thought the story was interesting and was well written that kept you reading. I can’t wait to read from this Alex Winters. I recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian & Beau

This is another quick but cute story with the right mix of sweet and spicy. Ian and Beau's story was entertaining and fun to read. I enjoyed it.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy and erotic quick read with Ian and Beau. Both nursing sore hearts from cheating ex's they find their mutual attraction alongside some firsts too.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tan Lines is the second book in the Beachside Bromances series and is a standalone. This is a roommates to lovers, sexual awakening, sweet, steamy, short read about Ian and Beau. Really enjoyed the story and the characters.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another good addition to the Beachside Bromances series all the books can be read as standalones and this is new roommates Ian and Beau’s story and it is a good short read.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sweet story. A lot of angsty moments but all in all a a sweet beginning of a possible grand love story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.