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PCU Frat #2
A Very Merry Bah Humbug
Two grumps, one fake relationship—what could go wrong? With a series of painfully cliché holiday dates, they’ll soon discover that pretending to date might just lead to a holiday romance they never saw coming!
James
I’m grumpy, sue me. I focus on what I can servers, code, and keeping Delta Psi Omega's network running. Which mostly involves cleaning up after frat brothers who download from extremely questionable sites. They practice safe sex religiously, but can't be bothered to use an antivirus program!
Then Caleb Huntington III pledges. We are two grumps who want to be left alone, but when our Fraternity President decides everyone is going to enjoy the holidays, we take drastic measures.
Caleb
I'm the university loner who screwed up spectacularly. Now I'm stuck at every mandatory holiday event with James, the only person who hates forced cheer as much as I do.
Our solution? Fake date, and maybe they will leave us alone. Except it doesn't work. We've been on every holiday date ice skating, tree hunting, snowball fights, a hot chocolate tasting competition, and I like them. What the hell?
A Very Merry Bah Humbug is a grumpy x grumpy, fake dating MM romance where two emotionally constipated Grinches discover that sometimes the best relationships start with a detailed Excel spreadsheet. There are holiday dates Ice skating, Hay rides, and decadent hot chocolate galore! This is book two in the Pacific Coast University series. Each book follows a different couple and their hilariously hot frat brothr wingmen.
James
I’m grumpy, sue me. I focus on what I can servers, code, and keeping Delta Psi Omega's network running. Which mostly involves cleaning up after frat brothers who download from extremely questionable sites. They practice safe sex religiously, but can't be bothered to use an antivirus program!
Then Caleb Huntington III pledges. We are two grumps who want to be left alone, but when our Fraternity President decides everyone is going to enjoy the holidays, we take drastic measures.
Caleb
I'm the university loner who screwed up spectacularly. Now I'm stuck at every mandatory holiday event with James, the only person who hates forced cheer as much as I do.
Our solution? Fake date, and maybe they will leave us alone. Except it doesn't work. We've been on every holiday date ice skating, tree hunting, snowball fights, a hot chocolate tasting competition, and I like them. What the hell?
A Very Merry Bah Humbug is a grumpy x grumpy, fake dating MM romance where two emotionally constipated Grinches discover that sometimes the best relationships start with a detailed Excel spreadsheet. There are holiday dates Ice skating, Hay rides, and decadent hot chocolate galore! This is book two in the Pacific Coast University series. Each book follows a different couple and their hilariously hot frat brothr wingmen.
- GenresChristmasFake Dating
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2025
9 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 16, 2025
Enjoyment: 3.8 stars
Editing/finish: 2.8 stars
The first book in the series was sunshine x sunshine, and this book is grumpy x grumpy. I think I’ve very rarely read the latter, and have never read the former. Fun combos! Especially because even though both MCs had a lot of similarities, they were different people and written as such.
Overall this books had somewhat better editing, but felt like it slowed down more in a few parts. I really loved the couple but sometimes their scenes lacked a good hook for me. I am intrigued to see what happens with Gavin and his possible kidnapped victim next book, though.
Caleb is a cis white gay man of unknown college age. He’s pre-law. He has a slender build but has lean muscle, with long dark hair (which gets cut to signify him getting more confidence) and “cornflower” blue eyes (also described as having dark eyes), and is 5’11”. His family is homophobic but uses having a gay son to “round out” his father’s political image to present him as “tolerant” (apparently for not disowning or murdering his gay son?). His family insists if he must be gay, he should do so as heterosexually as possible. He’s also been hurt by being used to get closer to his family.
James is a cis white gay man of about 21 years old (he’s been with the frat and in college for about 3 years). He’s a computer science major. He’s the frat’s tech guy. His appearance isn’t really described but I assume he’s the blonde on the cover. He’s 6’2” per the book, and Caleb calls him a “gangly giant.” He wears glasses sometimes. He’s quiet and private and possibly semi-closeted (in the last book it said no one in the frat knows he’s gay, but he also doesn’t go out of his way to appear straight, though in this book it appears he’s out?). He was a foster child growing up and formed a lot of self-protections from it.
I felt bad for James being called Caleb’s “experiment” a couple of times, because he’s not rich and was a foster kid. He handled it well, though, because he’s not ashamed of his past and cares for Caleb. Still that’s a lot of pressure from the family and can’t be fun.
Didn’t love that everyone was really weird about Haru being from Japan.
I also loved that the fake dating
Still a lot of typos and other editing issues, but fewer than the first book. Nothing that makes it unreadable. Wrong words or misspelled words at times (mistyping PrEP was a first for me). A lot of small continuity issues (like how did James not know who Cher is when he’s a frat brother of Tyler and Cher is in their sister sorority???, Rebecca is a cousin but also his dad’s sister in law, Thomas is a cousin but also his brother, suddenly having two brothers halfway through the book that have never been mentioned before, etc). You sometimes aren’t completely sure who is talking in any given bit of dialogue, and many times the alternation doesn’t match up and it looks like the same person is talking to themselves. Whole chapters are sometimes from the wrong POV (like having James’s POV during a chapter denoted as being a Caleb POV chapter). Descriptions of the character are intermittently inconsistent with previous descriptions and the cover art. Some quickly-repeated sentences and phrasing that sounds clunky and repetitive on the same page or even in the same paragraph or sentence. How did Caleb know Alex was enby and preferred they/them pronouns???
Also once the third act misunderstanding happened I kind of lost interest for a while and skimmed like 50 pages.
Contains:
—gay MCs
—grumpy x grumpy
—similarities attract (instead of opposites attract)
—college
—frat house
—large SES disparity between MCs
—computer savvy MCs
—smart but dumb MCs
—slower burn
—dislike to fake friends to fake lovers to real lovers
—mild idiots to lovers vibes (just because their reasons for fake dating were veeeeery thin…which honestly is consistent for the genre)
—history of nonconsensual touching and attempted sexual assault of MC (talked about on page)
—history of family blaming MC for attempted sexual assault and also dismissing it as “nothing”
—James is probably the quieter of the two but extremely cocky in bed
—both MCs are sexually experienced and confident in what they like and want sexually (it’s so rare to have this combo, but I love it)
Other:
—first person dual POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no (though Caleb’s family think James is highly inappropriate and beneath him)
—break up: yes, third act, misunderstanding and miscommunication (honestly I skimmed a lot of it)
—kids: no
—sex: explicit open door sex scenes. Strict roles with James preferring to top and Caleb preferring to bottom.
—HEA: yes
"Fake friendship to avoid forced bonding activities." Caleb considers this, head tilting slightly. "That's... actually not terrible."
It's safer that way; people who don't get close can't leave you behind.
"You aren't exactly massive." The thought barely forms before it's out of my mouth. "I'm pretty sure even Emily could catch you."
His eyes narrow. "Are you calling me small, Hunter?"
"Compact." His reaction is entirely too satisfying. "Efficient. Travel-sized."
"I'm five-eleven, that's average height."
"Sure, if we're measuring in hobbit units."
My laugh has no humour in it. "I'm a fan of not being paraded around like my father's pet project. 'Look, everyone, I have a gay son and I love him anyway. See how progressive I am?'
"My glasses? Really?"
[Caleb] looks embarrassed for a split second before recovering. "Glasses, computer skills, the whole grumpy hot nerd aesthetic. Can we file the specifics of my attraction later and get to your room?"
"Stress relief. And I run. What's your excuse? You hiding this body under those hoodies on purpose?"
[Caleb] blushes. "Don't like attention."
"Could have fooled me." I help him with my belt, then start on his pants. "Given how loud you're about to be."
His eyebrows shoot up. "Cocky."
"You have no idea. But I promise, it's justified."
His eyebrows shoot up at that, but whatever smartass response he's preparing dies the moment my boxers hit the floor. Caleb's eyes widen as his gaze travels down my body and stops. "Fuck." He's staring. "That's… you're… holy shit."
"Cocky enough for you?" My grin grows. I’m going to wreck him in the best way. Make him feel so damn good he forgets his own name.
"So yeah," I murmur against James's shoulder. "That's how I knew. When the thought of playing straight for the rest of my life felt like a death sentence in Italian leather shoes."
Editing/finish: 2.8 stars
The first book in the series was sunshine x sunshine, and this book is grumpy x grumpy. I think I’ve very rarely read the latter, and have never read the former. Fun combos! Especially because even though both MCs had a lot of similarities, they were different people and written as such.
Overall this books had somewhat better editing, but felt like it slowed down more in a few parts. I really loved the couple but sometimes their scenes lacked a good hook for me. I am intrigued to see what happens with Gavin and his possible kidnapped victim next book, though.
Caleb is a cis white gay man of unknown college age. He’s pre-law. He has a slender build but has lean muscle, with long dark hair (which gets cut to signify him getting more confidence) and “cornflower” blue eyes (also described as having dark eyes), and is 5’11”. His family is homophobic but uses having a gay son to “round out” his father’s political image to present him as “tolerant” (apparently for not disowning or murdering his gay son?). His family insists if he must be gay, he should do so as heterosexually as possible. He’s also been hurt by being used to get closer to his family.
James is a cis white gay man of about 21 years old (he’s been with the frat and in college for about 3 years). He’s a computer science major. He’s the frat’s tech guy. His appearance isn’t really described but I assume he’s the blonde on the cover. He’s 6’2” per the book, and Caleb calls him a “gangly giant.” He wears glasses sometimes. He’s quiet and private and possibly semi-closeted (in the last book it said no one in the frat knows he’s gay, but he also doesn’t go out of his way to appear straight, though in this book it appears he’s out?). He was a foster child growing up and formed a lot of self-protections from it.
I felt bad for James being called Caleb’s “experiment” a couple of times, because he’s not rich and was a foster kid. He handled it well, though, because he’s not ashamed of his past and cares for Caleb. Still that’s a lot of pressure from the family and can’t be fun.
Didn’t love that everyone was really weird about Haru being from Japan.
I also loved that the fake dating
Still a lot of typos and other editing issues, but fewer than the first book. Nothing that makes it unreadable. Wrong words or misspelled words at times (mistyping PrEP was a first for me). A lot of small continuity issues (like how did James not know who Cher is when he’s a frat brother of Tyler and Cher is in their sister sorority???, Rebecca is a cousin but also his dad’s sister in law, Thomas is a cousin but also his brother, suddenly having two brothers halfway through the book that have never been mentioned before, etc). You sometimes aren’t completely sure who is talking in any given bit of dialogue, and many times the alternation doesn’t match up and it looks like the same person is talking to themselves. Whole chapters are sometimes from the wrong POV (like having James’s POV during a chapter denoted as being a Caleb POV chapter). Descriptions of the character are intermittently inconsistent with previous descriptions and the cover art. Some quickly-repeated sentences and phrasing that sounds clunky and repetitive on the same page or even in the same paragraph or sentence. How did Caleb know Alex was enby and preferred they/them pronouns???
Also once the third act misunderstanding happened I kind of lost interest for a while and skimmed like 50 pages.
Contains:
—gay MCs
—grumpy x grumpy
—similarities attract (instead of opposites attract)
—college
—frat house
—large SES disparity between MCs
—computer savvy MCs
—smart but dumb MCs
—slower burn
—dislike to fake friends to fake lovers to real lovers
—mild idiots to lovers vibes (just because their reasons for fake dating were veeeeery thin…which honestly is consistent for the genre)
—history of nonconsensual touching and attempted sexual assault of MC (talked about on page)
—history of family blaming MC for attempted sexual assault and also dismissing it as “nothing”
—James is probably the quieter of the two but extremely cocky in bed
—both MCs are sexually experienced and confident in what they like and want sexually (it’s so rare to have this combo, but I love it)
Other:
—first person dual POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no (though Caleb’s family think James is highly inappropriate and beneath him)
—break up: yes, third act, misunderstanding and miscommunication (honestly I skimmed a lot of it)
—kids: no
—sex: explicit open door sex scenes. Strict roles with James preferring to top and Caleb preferring to bottom.
—HEA: yes
"Fake friendship to avoid forced bonding activities." Caleb considers this, head tilting slightly. "That's... actually not terrible."
It's safer that way; people who don't get close can't leave you behind.
"You aren't exactly massive." The thought barely forms before it's out of my mouth. "I'm pretty sure even Emily could catch you."
His eyes narrow. "Are you calling me small, Hunter?"
"Compact." His reaction is entirely too satisfying. "Efficient. Travel-sized."
"I'm five-eleven, that's average height."
"Sure, if we're measuring in hobbit units."
My laugh has no humour in it. "I'm a fan of not being paraded around like my father's pet project. 'Look, everyone, I have a gay son and I love him anyway. See how progressive I am?'
"My glasses? Really?"
[Caleb] looks embarrassed for a split second before recovering. "Glasses, computer skills, the whole grumpy hot nerd aesthetic. Can we file the specifics of my attraction later and get to your room?"
"Stress relief. And I run. What's your excuse? You hiding this body under those hoodies on purpose?"
[Caleb] blushes. "Don't like attention."
"Could have fooled me." I help him with my belt, then start on his pants. "Given how loud you're about to be."
His eyebrows shoot up. "Cocky."
"You have no idea. But I promise, it's justified."
His eyebrows shoot up at that, but whatever smartass response he's preparing dies the moment my boxers hit the floor. Caleb's eyes widen as his gaze travels down my body and stops. "Fuck." He's staring. "That's… you're… holy shit."
"Cocky enough for you?" My grin grows. I’m going to wreck him in the best way. Make him feel so damn good he forgets his own name.
"So yeah," I murmur against James's shoulder. "That's how I knew. When the thought of playing straight for the rest of my life felt like a death sentence in Italian leather shoes."
December 25, 2025
This was surprisingly good. The usual tropes are missing, with a grumpy x grumpy pairing that makes it more believable. And both are antisocial computer geeks, and they can bond over code. It’s really cute, a fun read, and even though James is a tough nut to crack, it’s really worth it. I liked seeing Caleb through other people’s eyes, and his interactions with others are fascinating, with the constant background of his father’s disapproval made me like him more than I thought, faster than I imagined. And Drew… too much for me, it was good to know I wasn’t the only person who thought he was a bit much at times. I liked how it developed, not the fake relationship for obscure reasons, just fake friendship and then more, to get the overwhelming socializing lovers off their backs. I had fun, and it’s worth a read, holidays or not.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
dnf
December 30, 2025TOD: 20% (page 73/362)
1st person, present tense, dual PoV
Caleb Huntington the third, pre law, Delta Psi Omega pledge
James Hunter, Delta Psi Omega webmaster
This story begins on the heels of the previous book, Trick or Treat, Nurse at My Feet, which I have not read, and it feels like you're dropped into the climax of that book from an outside perspective, making this book less enjoyable to read as a standalone since so much context is missing.
I was super excited for a grumpy x grumpy pairing, but this teetered a little too close to grumpy x asshole for my liking. There was also a huge cast of pushy frat boys that kind of blend together, likely because I haven't read the previous book. This is a bit of a longer read and I'm just not feeling it.
1st person, present tense, dual PoV
Caleb Huntington the third, pre law, Delta Psi Omega pledge
James Hunter, Delta Psi Omega webmaster
This story begins on the heels of the previous book, Trick or Treat, Nurse at My Feet, which I have not read, and it feels like you're dropped into the climax of that book from an outside perspective, making this book less enjoyable to read as a standalone since so much context is missing.
I was super excited for a grumpy x grumpy pairing, but this teetered a little too close to grumpy x asshole for my liking. There was also a huge cast of pushy frat boys that kind of blend together, likely because I haven't read the previous book. This is a bit of a longer read and I'm just not feeling it.
December 13, 2025
The story itself is a good one and the characters are great. However, the flow sometimes becomes interrupted. Some times because of editing errors like repeating sentences and other times for in the writing itself. Example every time James meets Caleb's family the ask about his family as if they didn't already know from the last 3 times they asked. There are some jumps or gaps in the writing that make things a little disjointed while reading it. I can understand people who might DNF for these reasons as I almost did. I stayed for the over all story which is also why I was able to give it 3 stars.
December 2, 2025
The Perfect Holiday Read!!
I loved this book so much!! This is the second in her PCU series and I’ve already bought the third. I love this world and all characters in it. James is so closed off and grumpy and Caleb is so closed off and grumpy. They are perfect for each other! It was sweet, fun and a little spicy. The banter had me smiling through the whole book. It’s a wonderful feel-good holiday read! Also Gavin, my absolute favorite. I cannot wait to read his story. This author is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Rating 5⭐️. 3 🌶️
I loved this book so much!! This is the second in her PCU series and I’ve already bought the third. I love this world and all characters in it. James is so closed off and grumpy and Caleb is so closed off and grumpy. They are perfect for each other! It was sweet, fun and a little spicy. The banter had me smiling through the whole book. It’s a wonderful feel-good holiday read! Also Gavin, my absolute favorite. I cannot wait to read his story. This author is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Rating 5⭐️. 3 🌶️
December 31, 2025
Fun and sweet. A lot of Christmas feelings. I liked the stereo grumpy grinch. Great friendships at the frat. Perhaps a bit predictable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
problematic-and-or-ai
November 11, 2025🚩 AI cover
(probably will have AI 'virtual voice' audiobook too like book 1 🙂↕️🥰🫠🤡)
(probably will have AI 'virtual voice' audiobook too like book 1 🙂↕️🥰🫠🤡)
dnf
December 8, 2025“My cousins Rebecca and Thomas” but then a few paragraphs later it says Rebecca is dad’s sister in law and Thomas is his brother. Neither of those are cousins!! Ugh. Dnf at 47% just for that
December 28, 2025
3.5⭐3🌶️ Dual POV First Person
James and Caleb
Loved that they were both grumpy introverts, yet they were very different men, with very different backgrounds.
I liked the story itself, but it could have used more editing.
James and Caleb
Loved that they were both grumpy introverts, yet they were very different men, with very different backgrounds.
I liked the story itself, but it could have used more editing.
December 31, 2025
This was cute and super grinchy. I loved it. James and Caleb were adorable together. I loved how they were both grumps!
December 27, 2025
Disappointed because I loved book one. The concept was great but the execution was flawed. There were factual errors, repeated lines and actions, sometimes from one sentence to the next.
Overall I liked the story and characters but it needs edited.
I feel like Gavin got way to much page time in this story. He went to an event with Caleb and James stealing the spotlight. James was treated like shit by Calebs family while Gavin was praised. He even kissed Caleb at the event(as a joke) in front of Caleb's father and James. ***No thanks*** By that point James was already falling for Caleb.
Overall I liked the story and characters but it needs edited.
I feel like Gavin got way to much page time in this story. He went to an event with Caleb and James stealing the spotlight. James was treated like shit by Calebs family while Gavin was praised. He even kissed Caleb at the event(as a joke) in front of Caleb's father and James. ***No thanks*** By that point James was already falling for Caleb.
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