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Perfect Strangers
Ditched at the altar, hotshot lawyer Evander Westin flips tradition the middle finger and takes his honeymoon alone. The vendetta against his father can wait until after he spends two weeks relaxing in private island luxury.
Invited to an exclusive resort by the man of his dreams, ever-sensible bookworm Heath Lennox had plans of his own. Getting stood up and then having his entourage bully him into taking the trip anyway wasn’t among them. He caves to the pressure while refusing to enjoy a second of it.
It’s bristle-at-first sight when they meet in the not-so-friendly skies. Heath is a judgmental stick-in-the-mud, and Evan is everything he’s vowed to avoid—wealthy, brash, and most importantly, straight.
However, arrival at the resort reveals they have bigger problems than each Solo is a no-go at this couples-only retreat. Agreeing to pose as newlyweds, they’re shocked when an actual friendship develops, especially when a late-night baring of souls leads to a baring of… other things.
Evan and his daddy issues are the definition of red flag, and guys aren’t even his thing! Heath is not falling for another undependable man. No matter how gorgeous, sweet, or romantic… because everyone knows the vacation fantasy crumbles in post-paradise reality.
No matter how perfect.
Invited to an exclusive resort by the man of his dreams, ever-sensible bookworm Heath Lennox had plans of his own. Getting stood up and then having his entourage bully him into taking the trip anyway wasn’t among them. He caves to the pressure while refusing to enjoy a second of it.
It’s bristle-at-first sight when they meet in the not-so-friendly skies. Heath is a judgmental stick-in-the-mud, and Evan is everything he’s vowed to avoid—wealthy, brash, and most importantly, straight.
However, arrival at the resort reveals they have bigger problems than each Solo is a no-go at this couples-only retreat. Agreeing to pose as newlyweds, they’re shocked when an actual friendship develops, especially when a late-night baring of souls leads to a baring of… other things.
Evan and his daddy issues are the definition of red flag, and guys aren’t even his thing! Heath is not falling for another undependable man. No matter how gorgeous, sweet, or romantic… because everyone knows the vacation fantasy crumbles in post-paradise reality.
No matter how perfect.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2026
16 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
J. Rhys
1 book12 followersIn their previous life, J. Rhys was an over-the-hill cog in the capitalist machine. Now they craft verbose and delicious tales capturing the utter ridiculousness that is being human and in love—especially at the same time.
When not staring blankly at their laptop screen or sacrificing gummy bears to the muses, they can be found on a couch in Ontario, covered in Cheez-its and clutching an Xbox controller. The game will likely be an RPG, and there will certainly be a cat in their lap and dogs hippo-fighting at their feet.
When not staring blankly at their laptop screen or sacrificing gummy bears to the muses, they can be found on a couch in Ontario, covered in Cheez-its and clutching an Xbox controller. The game will likely be an RPG, and there will certainly be a cat in their lap and dogs hippo-fighting at their feet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 23, 2026
DNF @ 48%
Heath's first chapter was really well done. I liked him being characterized as a sympathetic, yet still not pushover, teacher willing to both impart wisdom to a teen while also ensuring that he was still sticking to the curriculum. The overly dramatic ending and cut to the realization that Heath's friend Christian wasn't dead was hilarious.
Was not a fan of Heath's friends nor their insistence that Christian wasn't at least bisexual. We hadn't gotten enough info about him to truly say one way or the other, but characters denying sexuality never truly feels right (especially in a queer book of all places).
Not a fan of the straight sex scene though 🤮. I wish that had just been implied rather than written out.
Heath and Evan starting off disliking each other was pretty well written. I liked how snippy they were with each other and how mutual the dislike was. I also liked the setup for them sharing a room, forcing proximity. Very novel and entertaining.
Didn't really like the long internal monologues, particularly when they happened in the middle of a scene and interrupted the flow too much (Heath thinking about his history with Christian, Evan thinking about his life and the people he surrounded himself with, Evan thinking back to a traumatic boating moment with his dad...) It was especially annoying when Heath and Evan would later talk about the things they expo dumped in their heads since it'd feel incredibly repetitive. I wish we'd just gotten the conversation version rather than the internal monologues.
Heath's admission that he liked Evan "too much to hate him" felt a bit too unjustified considering they hadn't actually done anything to significantly shift either of their opinions of each other to "like" territory. As far as I could remember, they'd only had like two dinners (where they were uncomfortable with each other) and a morning together in public (where they had fun kayaking) and Heath spent the rest of the time huddled away in their suite, separate from Evan. When exactly did Heath shift his perception of Evan from "rich guy used to using people" to "guy I can't hate". Was the kayaking enough to shift his opinion that much? Heath offering to help Evan with his sunburn was the first big shift from negative/neutral, so Heath already saying he liked Evan during that (when Evan hadn't done anything to explain that "like") felt premature.
Honestly, the writing was good but the pacing and content needed work. There was absolutely zero reason for either Heath or Evan to "like" each other beyond acquaintances considering how easily offended Heath was. Like Evan implying that Evan would never interact with the other people on the island again was a little rude, sure, but come on my guy, Evan clearly wasn't saying it to be insulting. Heath treating him coldly after that really soured my view of him as a character because it wasn't cute or endearing or justified, it was immature.
The following scene where Heath follows Evan to offer him sunscreen then they talk about Evan's bad memory with boating and his dad sort of highlighted two of my issues with this book:
1. If Heath was still angry at Evan, then he shouldn't have been the one to offer the olive branch. And if Heath did feel like he was being too sensitive, then the story should've made that clearer when they had the argument rather than writing it out to assign blame to Evan (aka Evan berating himself for being careless and nothing indicating that Heath was being overly sensitive)
2. If Heath and Evan were going to talk about Evan's bad experience with his dad, then we shouldn't have had that long ass internal monologue explaining it in detail while he was driving the boat. It got repetitive since we already got the gist earlier.
Idk why Evan spent so long trying to tell Heath about the horrors of divorce and arguing until one side caved when he was supposed to have an "airtight prenup" as per the first page of the book. I guess he could've been taking about divorces in general, but the topic had been how thankful Evan was that he avoided having one so it a little contradictory that he'd be complaining about it.
From Isabella's point of view, idk why she thought Heath and Evan were anything other than a badly matched couple considering how little they showed affection, how often they argued, AND how open Evan was with flirting. Felt like the author just wrote characters to think that they felt Heath and Evan were lovey-dovey when they'd done nearly nothing to even make that the tiniest bit believable.
I had to stop after that first kiss. Nothing had convinced me that Heath shook off his dislike of Evan enough to actually find himself kissing the straight guy AND I 100% did not believe that Evan had progressed enough in the sexual awakening department to have it be welcomed. The story spent way too long having Heath be mad at Evan and Evan worrying about how he made Heath mad rather than actually showing them develop feelings for one another. I needed more scenes like Heath offering to help Evan with his sunburn and more of Evan noticing (and showing escalating desire for) Heath's body before that kiss happened. Instead we got too many internal monologues expo dumping the characters' history, too many instances of the MCs separately stewing over Evan's missteps/Heath being offended, Heath randomly being the one to reach out the Evan even though he was the one that was supposedly offended, then like two conversations about their respective histories (which had already been expo dumped before so it felt repetitive).
TL;DR: Really really promising start that flubs in the middle due to lack of focus on any romancing. Heath was too sensitive, Evan's sexual awakening not developed enough, and the fake marriage thing was so transparent, it might as well not have been a plot point considering how little the two had done to make it believable.
Heath's first chapter was really well done. I liked him being characterized as a sympathetic, yet still not pushover, teacher willing to both impart wisdom to a teen while also ensuring that he was still sticking to the curriculum. The overly dramatic ending and cut to the realization that Heath's friend Christian wasn't dead was hilarious.
Was not a fan of Heath's friends nor their insistence that Christian wasn't at least bisexual. We hadn't gotten enough info about him to truly say one way or the other, but characters denying sexuality never truly feels right (especially in a queer book of all places).
Not a fan of the straight sex scene though 🤮. I wish that had just been implied rather than written out.
Heath and Evan starting off disliking each other was pretty well written. I liked how snippy they were with each other and how mutual the dislike was. I also liked the setup for them sharing a room, forcing proximity. Very novel and entertaining.
Didn't really like the long internal monologues, particularly when they happened in the middle of a scene and interrupted the flow too much (Heath thinking about his history with Christian, Evan thinking about his life and the people he surrounded himself with, Evan thinking back to a traumatic boating moment with his dad...) It was especially annoying when Heath and Evan would later talk about the things they expo dumped in their heads since it'd feel incredibly repetitive. I wish we'd just gotten the conversation version rather than the internal monologues.
Heath's admission that he liked Evan "too much to hate him" felt a bit too unjustified considering they hadn't actually done anything to significantly shift either of their opinions of each other to "like" territory. As far as I could remember, they'd only had like two dinners (where they were uncomfortable with each other) and a morning together in public (where they had fun kayaking) and Heath spent the rest of the time huddled away in their suite, separate from Evan. When exactly did Heath shift his perception of Evan from "rich guy used to using people" to "guy I can't hate". Was the kayaking enough to shift his opinion that much? Heath offering to help Evan with his sunburn was the first big shift from negative/neutral, so Heath already saying he liked Evan during that (when Evan hadn't done anything to explain that "like") felt premature.
Honestly, the writing was good but the pacing and content needed work. There was absolutely zero reason for either Heath or Evan to "like" each other beyond acquaintances considering how easily offended Heath was. Like Evan implying that Evan would never interact with the other people on the island again was a little rude, sure, but come on my guy, Evan clearly wasn't saying it to be insulting. Heath treating him coldly after that really soured my view of him as a character because it wasn't cute or endearing or justified, it was immature.
The following scene where Heath follows Evan to offer him sunscreen then they talk about Evan's bad memory with boating and his dad sort of highlighted two of my issues with this book:
1. If Heath was still angry at Evan, then he shouldn't have been the one to offer the olive branch. And if Heath did feel like he was being too sensitive, then the story should've made that clearer when they had the argument rather than writing it out to assign blame to Evan (aka Evan berating himself for being careless and nothing indicating that Heath was being overly sensitive)
2. If Heath and Evan were going to talk about Evan's bad experience with his dad, then we shouldn't have had that long ass internal monologue explaining it in detail while he was driving the boat. It got repetitive since we already got the gist earlier.
Idk why Evan spent so long trying to tell Heath about the horrors of divorce and arguing until one side caved when he was supposed to have an "airtight prenup" as per the first page of the book. I guess he could've been taking about divorces in general, but the topic had been how thankful Evan was that he avoided having one so it a little contradictory that he'd be complaining about it.
From Isabella's point of view, idk why she thought Heath and Evan were anything other than a badly matched couple considering how little they showed affection, how often they argued, AND how open Evan was with flirting. Felt like the author just wrote characters to think that they felt Heath and Evan were lovey-dovey when they'd done nearly nothing to even make that the tiniest bit believable.
I had to stop after that first kiss. Nothing had convinced me that Heath shook off his dislike of Evan enough to actually find himself kissing the straight guy AND I 100% did not believe that Evan had progressed enough in the sexual awakening department to have it be welcomed. The story spent way too long having Heath be mad at Evan and Evan worrying about how he made Heath mad rather than actually showing them develop feelings for one another. I needed more scenes like Heath offering to help Evan with his sunburn and more of Evan noticing (and showing escalating desire for) Heath's body before that kiss happened. Instead we got too many internal monologues expo dumping the characters' history, too many instances of the MCs separately stewing over Evan's missteps/Heath being offended, Heath randomly being the one to reach out the Evan even though he was the one that was supposedly offended, then like two conversations about their respective histories (which had already been expo dumped before so it felt repetitive).
TL;DR: Really really promising start that flubs in the middle due to lack of focus on any romancing. Heath was too sensitive, Evan's sexual awakening not developed enough, and the fake marriage thing was so transparent, it might as well not have been a plot point considering how little the two had done to make it believable.
February 6, 2026
This is author : J. Rhys debut novel and it did not miss. The banter, the humor, the yearning, and the emotional turmoil just chefs kiss 💋!! Heath and Evan are couple goals !! Oh , and the twist when you find out who Christian really is , oh boy 😂!! There are many more twist and turns at the end and the book just keep me gasping !! Definitely would recommend
March 27, 2026
A semi slow-burn with forced proximity that had the tension absolutely thriving. The banter was spot on, balanced with just the right amount of sweet moments. The end was one hell of a twist. Made me rethink a lot of my feelings. If you read this book we need to talk about it please.
- Forced proximity
- Fake marriage
- Miscommunication
- Bi-awakening
- Opposites attract
- Forced proximity
- Fake marriage
- Miscommunication
- Bi-awakening
- Opposites attract
February 12, 2026
*** ARC Review ***
Rating 4.5/5 ⭐
Spice 3/5 🌶️
Thank you to J. Rhys and their team for selecting me as an ARC reviewer.
The TL;DR is this book was a delight! What rom-coms should be. I think this is the fastest I’ve read a non-audio book, and I’m a slow reader.
The witty banter that both main characters bring is top notch. They don’t stoop low, and when they recognize they went too far, they bring it back. The language used in the book really reflected the fact that this was an English lit. teacher and a suave Lawyer verbally sparring. They often used obscure references and the way Heath describes himself as a deliberately difficult sesquipedalian… they both are! Both the main characters and the side characters were so well developed, none felt one-dimensional.
I usually hate the fake-dating/marriage trope, but this one was believable, and dare I say it, doable in real life. Gaming the system for a vacay, I’m here for it!
4.5 instead of 5 stars because of the resolution of the third act conflict, it was a little too far fetched. I would have believed one or the other but both ex-lovers being behind this moment seemed too much. In addition, the book was written in third person, but from 2 POVs, this made it difficult to figure out who was talking, and sent me back pages to see if I missed the transition (I did).
Bonus points and internal thoughts:
In this universe, Sierra Simone exists, and as an obsessed Sierra Lamb, I HIGHLY approve.
Bi representation! “He wouldn't have to go gay for me, because he’s bi and that’s what bisexual means”
Koala grapple, I feel you!
The beautiful vulnerability seeded inside “I don't know how to do this”
The schoolmarm is a top! Maybe a verse, but definitely top-leaning
The Spot (™)
Consent & check-ins while intertwined
Evan being adventurous in bed even though this was his bi-awakening. I absolutely loved the way he explained his previous experiences.
I still cannot stand Heath's friend, Andres. I don't think real friends would do that.
As someone with friends and partners that like to shower me with “pebbles” it made me SO HAPPY that Evan managed to wiggle to get Heath that book.
This is, outside of Sierraverse, one of my most highlighted books. I have a list of quotes a mile long. Some of my faves in no particular order:
The man's attractiveness quotient already existed beyond measurable limits and was about to grow exponentially.
F** stars, he saw entire constellations. The birth of a god*** galaxy.
His superhero name would be The Romantic Dumbass
This isn't the fun sort of masochism
Smooth the wrinkles of Heath’s brain into glass
Was it any wonder the Orcas had unionized
That’s because this isn't a plane, it's a sardine can with wings
There are newborns less weak than you, you…weakling
What in the Days of Our LIves was happening
It was mid-march. That in-between, where winter lingered and spring played coy temptress from the shadows
Your personal hatred for your father blinds you to everyone else’s experience
I haven't made it to the forgiveness part of therapy yet
Also the iguana under the lounger on the cover, 10/10 no notes.
Rating 4.5/5 ⭐
Spice 3/5 🌶️
Thank you to J. Rhys and their team for selecting me as an ARC reviewer.
The TL;DR is this book was a delight! What rom-coms should be. I think this is the fastest I’ve read a non-audio book, and I’m a slow reader.
The witty banter that both main characters bring is top notch. They don’t stoop low, and when they recognize they went too far, they bring it back. The language used in the book really reflected the fact that this was an English lit. teacher and a suave Lawyer verbally sparring. They often used obscure references and the way Heath describes himself as a deliberately difficult sesquipedalian… they both are! Both the main characters and the side characters were so well developed, none felt one-dimensional.
I usually hate the fake-dating/marriage trope, but this one was believable, and dare I say it, doable in real life. Gaming the system for a vacay, I’m here for it!
4.5 instead of 5 stars because of the resolution of the third act conflict, it was a little too far fetched. I would have believed one or the other but both ex-lovers being behind this moment seemed too much. In addition, the book was written in third person, but from 2 POVs, this made it difficult to figure out who was talking, and sent me back pages to see if I missed the transition (I did).
Bonus points and internal thoughts:
In this universe, Sierra Simone exists, and as an obsessed Sierra Lamb, I HIGHLY approve.
Bi representation! “He wouldn't have to go gay for me, because he’s bi and that’s what bisexual means”
Koala grapple, I feel you!
The beautiful vulnerability seeded inside “I don't know how to do this”
The schoolmarm is a top! Maybe a verse, but definitely top-leaning
The Spot (™)
Consent & check-ins while intertwined
Evan being adventurous in bed even though this was his bi-awakening. I absolutely loved the way he explained his previous experiences.
I still cannot stand Heath's friend, Andres. I don't think real friends would do that.
As someone with friends and partners that like to shower me with “pebbles” it made me SO HAPPY that Evan managed to wiggle to get Heath that book.
This is, outside of Sierraverse, one of my most highlighted books. I have a list of quotes a mile long. Some of my faves in no particular order:
The man's attractiveness quotient already existed beyond measurable limits and was about to grow exponentially.
F** stars, he saw entire constellations. The birth of a god*** galaxy.
His superhero name would be The Romantic Dumbass
This isn't the fun sort of masochism
Smooth the wrinkles of Heath’s brain into glass
Was it any wonder the Orcas had unionized
That’s because this isn't a plane, it's a sardine can with wings
There are newborns less weak than you, you…weakling
What in the Days of Our LIves was happening
It was mid-march. That in-between, where winter lingered and spring played coy temptress from the shadows
Your personal hatred for your father blinds you to everyone else’s experience
I haven't made it to the forgiveness part of therapy yet
Also the iguana under the lounger on the cover, 10/10 no notes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to J. Rhys, Hayling Bookstorm, and Foggy Doggy Print Haus for the opportunity to get this book as an ARC!
This is one of the few fake-relationship books where the explanation for what's going on didn't immediately annoy me. Lying to your closest friends and family to save face is one thing, but lying to complete strangers and the management of a couples-only private retreat so you can enjoy a tropical vacation without being sent to the families-only retreat when all you want is a peaceful vacation is genuinely much more understandable (game respects game).
This book has tons of things that I typically read (MM, bi-awakening, opposites attract) and a lot of things that often send me flying into a rage to spite finish (aggravation to lovers, fake relationships, miscommunication) BUT this book and J. Rhys managed to navigate them without the pitfalls that often come with those tropes.
Heath and Evan get on each other's nerves constantly, but they both can't resist the urge to keep poking--not out off malice, but out of an almost immediate curiosity and the occasional failure to read a room correctly. It's a fake relationship, but not one with the goal of fooling those they're closest with. There's frequent miscommunication--but not because the plot needs a monkey wrench, it's because they DO NOT KNOW EACH OTHER. Blatant miscommunication when they've only known each other for two weeks and half that time they were actively avoiding each other makes far more sense than a second act break up because someone has a friend with a deceptively gender-neutral name or whatever.
There were times where I actively laughed out loud, I felt like I could understand and empathize with both of the main characters, the supporting characters felt pretty well flushed out (even if I wanted to throttle some of them for spoiler-y reasons), and I felt like the third act didn't feel like 20 pages meant to just resolve loose ends and tie everything up with a neat little bow.
Normal people might see tying the knot as the ultimate endgame in the evolution of a relationship, but Evander Westin wasn't normal. Hell, depending on who you asked, he barely qualified as a person.
This is one of the few fake-relationship books where the explanation for what's going on didn't immediately annoy me. Lying to your closest friends and family to save face is one thing, but lying to complete strangers and the management of a couples-only private retreat so you can enjoy a tropical vacation without being sent to the families-only retreat when all you want is a peaceful vacation is genuinely much more understandable (game respects game).
This book has tons of things that I typically read (MM, bi-awakening, opposites attract) and a lot of things that often send me flying into a rage to spite finish (aggravation to lovers, fake relationships, miscommunication) BUT this book and J. Rhys managed to navigate them without the pitfalls that often come with those tropes.
Heath and Evan get on each other's nerves constantly, but they both can't resist the urge to keep poking--not out off malice, but out of an almost immediate curiosity and the occasional failure to read a room correctly. It's a fake relationship, but not one with the goal of fooling those they're closest with. There's frequent miscommunication--but not because the plot needs a monkey wrench, it's because they DO NOT KNOW EACH OTHER. Blatant miscommunication when they've only known each other for two weeks and half that time they were actively avoiding each other makes far more sense than a second act break up because someone has a friend with a deceptively gender-neutral name or whatever.
There were times where I actively laughed out loud, I felt like I could understand and empathize with both of the main characters, the supporting characters felt pretty well flushed out (even if I wanted to throttle some of them for spoiler-y reasons), and I felt like the third act didn't feel like 20 pages meant to just resolve loose ends and tie everything up with a neat little bow.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review* Thank you to J. Rhys for sending me a copy!
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Heath, a teacher strung along by a friend and Evan, a lawyer recently left at the altar still looking to take his honeymoon trip.
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door Spice
-Opposites Attract
-Fake Marriage
-Bi-Awakening
-Forced Proximity
-Slow Burn
-Lawyer/Teacher
-Aggravation to Lovers
-HEA
Likes:
-Sweet/mischievous, well meaning friends
-Wrong assumptions that one character has about another are my favorite mini trope
-Perfect pacing
-Great character development
-Evan is so soft at his core
-Love the plot twists, didn't see them coming
-Such good banter/teasing
-Their first kiss, omg!
-Cute adventures
-Very spicy
-This cover!!
Neutrals/Criticisms:
-The very beginning was a little hard for me to get through, but it was so worth it
Quotes:
-"God, pissing him off was addicting. If Evan wasn't careful, he'd form a new habit"
-"You trying to make it two apologies?"
-"Heath's eyes met his, and the processing of Evan's thoughts came to a grinding halt. They were so goddamn blue"
-"He hadn't quite earned his PhD in The Moods of Lennox, but he knew despair intimately, and it was all over Heath's face"
-"Fuck stars, he saw entire constellations. The birth of a goddamn galaxy"
-"I know my ass is a masterpiece but we're going to starve to death if you don't stop staring and get moving"
-"His superhero name would be The Romantic Dumbass"
-It's you Heath. You're the person who turns me inside out. You make me feral. Think just anyone could send me to my fucking knees?"
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was amazing! The cover grabbed my attention immediately, but I stayed for the juicy drama and lovable characters. Heath and Evan butt heads immediately upon meeting, but they form the purest connection in the end. I loved everything about their journey and all the emotional turmoil it took to reach the end. I highly recommend reading this story, especially if you are looking for two hurt men trying to reconcile how they feel about each other while trying to protect themselves from being hurt again.
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Heath, a teacher strung along by a friend and Evan, a lawyer recently left at the altar still looking to take his honeymoon trip.
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door Spice
-Opposites Attract
-Fake Marriage
-Bi-Awakening
-Forced Proximity
-Slow Burn
-Lawyer/Teacher
-Aggravation to Lovers
-HEA
Likes:
-Sweet/mischievous, well meaning friends
-Wrong assumptions that one character has about another are my favorite mini trope
-Perfect pacing
-Great character development
-Evan is so soft at his core
-Love the plot twists, didn't see them coming
-Such good banter/teasing
-Their first kiss, omg!
-Cute adventures
-Very spicy
-This cover!!
Neutrals/Criticisms:
-The very beginning was a little hard for me to get through, but it was so worth it
Quotes:
-"God, pissing him off was addicting. If Evan wasn't careful, he'd form a new habit"
-"You trying to make it two apologies?"
-"Heath's eyes met his, and the processing of Evan's thoughts came to a grinding halt. They were so goddamn blue"
-"He hadn't quite earned his PhD in The Moods of Lennox, but he knew despair intimately, and it was all over Heath's face"
-"Fuck stars, he saw entire constellations. The birth of a goddamn galaxy"
-"I know my ass is a masterpiece but we're going to starve to death if you don't stop staring and get moving"
-"His superhero name would be The Romantic Dumbass"
-It's you Heath. You're the person who turns me inside out. You make me feral. Think just anyone could send me to my fucking knees?"
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was amazing! The cover grabbed my attention immediately, but I stayed for the juicy drama and lovable characters. Heath and Evan butt heads immediately upon meeting, but they form the purest connection in the end. I loved everything about their journey and all the emotional turmoil it took to reach the end. I highly recommend reading this story, especially if you are looking for two hurt men trying to reconcile how they feel about each other while trying to protect themselves from being hurt again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
"Perfect Strangers"
by J. Rhys
Middle of January and my 2026 list of favorite books just keeps growing.
I think I start by saying it is impossible Perfect Strangers is a debut novel. J. Rhys must be an alias for a well-known author, with dozens of published books. That is the only reasonable explanation for the quality, the perfection this book is.
The way of writing is so abundantly exquisite.
The characters (main and side) are so real, so defined, so human.
The descriptions are so vivid.
The colors are so bright.
And my words are so underrated for the quality this book is made of.
I will never be able not to remember some of the frames - oh, yes, this is a movie you are reading, trust me - I read.
I will never be able not to feel the feelings.
I will never be able not to dream awake.
FAVORITE. Caps deserved. This is what MM books are made of.
An immense thank you to the author and to my dearest Hayling Bookstorm team for this unforgettable ARC.
---
some of my favorite quotes:
"The heart asks pleasure first," Heath answered. Miss Dickinson was always there for him during bouts of melancholy.
"You always play it so safe."
"I do not!"
"Of course you do! What's safer than a straight man?"
Illusory butterflies dancing across the sliver of space separating him from the veritable goddamn Adonis in seat 2B.
So he was less of a prude than Evan had first thought. A pleasant surprise.
It wasn't like he'd been quietly fantasizing about counting the man's freckles (...)
The man's attractiveness quotient already existed beyond measurable limits and was about to grow exponentially.
"Just how many books do you have?"
"I don't flip and tell."
God, but this marriage of convenience was proving to be incredibly inconvenient for him.
"Getting old is a real bitch sometimes."
"Do you always talk like a character out of a classic novel?"
Lust - for another fucking guy - and he wanted more.
"I don't know how to do this."
"Do you want to do this?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Thank fucking God."
Fuck stars, he saw entire constellations. The birth of a goddamn galaxy.
"Perfect Strangers"
by J. Rhys
Middle of January and my 2026 list of favorite books just keeps growing.
I think I start by saying it is impossible Perfect Strangers is a debut novel. J. Rhys must be an alias for a well-known author, with dozens of published books. That is the only reasonable explanation for the quality, the perfection this book is.
The way of writing is so abundantly exquisite.
The characters (main and side) are so real, so defined, so human.
The descriptions are so vivid.
The colors are so bright.
And my words are so underrated for the quality this book is made of.
I will never be able not to remember some of the frames - oh, yes, this is a movie you are reading, trust me - I read.
I will never be able not to feel the feelings.
I will never be able not to dream awake.
FAVORITE. Caps deserved. This is what MM books are made of.
An immense thank you to the author and to my dearest Hayling Bookstorm team for this unforgettable ARC.
---
some of my favorite quotes:
"The heart asks pleasure first," Heath answered. Miss Dickinson was always there for him during bouts of melancholy.
"You always play it so safe."
"I do not!"
"Of course you do! What's safer than a straight man?"
Illusory butterflies dancing across the sliver of space separating him from the veritable goddamn Adonis in seat 2B.
So he was less of a prude than Evan had first thought. A pleasant surprise.
It wasn't like he'd been quietly fantasizing about counting the man's freckles (...)
The man's attractiveness quotient already existed beyond measurable limits and was about to grow exponentially.
"Just how many books do you have?"
"I don't flip and tell."
God, but this marriage of convenience was proving to be incredibly inconvenient for him.
"Getting old is a real bitch sometimes."
"Do you always talk like a character out of a classic novel?"
Lust - for another fucking guy - and he wanted more.
"I don't know how to do this."
"Do you want to do this?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Thank fucking God."
Fuck stars, he saw entire constellations. The birth of a goddamn galaxy.
January 21, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
full review here: https://literarystitchsociety.blogspo...
Perfect Strangers is a delightful vacation romance packed with banter, emotional depth, and plenty of feel-good moments. Going in, I expected a light rom-com with strong bi-awakening vibes—and while that element is definitely there, the story ended up being much richer than I anticipated.
Both Evan and Heath are surprisingly well-rounded characters, each carrying real baggage, deeply rooted insecurities, and very human flaws. Evan’s daddy issues and reckless confidence clash beautifully with Heath’s guarded, judgmental nature, and watching their dynamic evolve—from who even is this guy to let’s fake it to please take me as I am—was incredibly satisfying.
What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t rush toward a neat, comforting ending. Instead of slapping a perfect bow on everything, it allows the characters the time and space to confront their issues and recognize that what they’re building is precious—but also fragile. This isn’t a relationship that magically works just because feelings are involved; it needs growth, honesty, and a bit of distance before it can truly thrive.
It was refreshing to see a romance acknowledge that sometimes love isn’t enough yet, and that personal growth outside the relationship can be just as important as the connection itself. Sweet, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded, Perfect Strangers offers more depth than your typical vacation fling—and that’s exactly what made it stand out for me.
My only small critique is related to clarity: at times, transitions between scenes or into flashbacks weren’t immediately obvious, and I occasionally had to read ahead to orient myself. It’s a minor issue, but enough for me to land at a solid 4.5 stars.
Overall, I really loved this story. Perfect Strangers balances humor and emotional depth in a way that feels genuine, never rushed, and deeply satisfying. If you enjoy romances that go beyond the surface—where flawed characters are allowed the time and space to grow—this is absolutely one I’d recommend.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
full review here: https://literarystitchsociety.blogspo...
Perfect Strangers is a delightful vacation romance packed with banter, emotional depth, and plenty of feel-good moments. Going in, I expected a light rom-com with strong bi-awakening vibes—and while that element is definitely there, the story ended up being much richer than I anticipated.
Both Evan and Heath are surprisingly well-rounded characters, each carrying real baggage, deeply rooted insecurities, and very human flaws. Evan’s daddy issues and reckless confidence clash beautifully with Heath’s guarded, judgmental nature, and watching their dynamic evolve—from who even is this guy to let’s fake it to please take me as I am—was incredibly satisfying.
What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t rush toward a neat, comforting ending. Instead of slapping a perfect bow on everything, it allows the characters the time and space to confront their issues and recognize that what they’re building is precious—but also fragile. This isn’t a relationship that magically works just because feelings are involved; it needs growth, honesty, and a bit of distance before it can truly thrive.
It was refreshing to see a romance acknowledge that sometimes love isn’t enough yet, and that personal growth outside the relationship can be just as important as the connection itself. Sweet, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded, Perfect Strangers offers more depth than your typical vacation fling—and that’s exactly what made it stand out for me.
My only small critique is related to clarity: at times, transitions between scenes or into flashbacks weren’t immediately obvious, and I occasionally had to read ahead to orient myself. It’s a minor issue, but enough for me to land at a solid 4.5 stars.
Overall, I really loved this story. Perfect Strangers balances humor and emotional depth in a way that feels genuine, never rushed, and deeply satisfying. If you enjoy romances that go beyond the surface—where flawed characters are allowed the time and space to grow—this is absolutely one I’d recommend.
January 25, 2026
*ARC REVIEW* Thanks to J. Rhys for sending me a copy to read!
Just from the summary, I knew that I did not want to miss out on this book, and J. Rhys did not disappoint! Heath and Evan were, at times, frustrating but also real. Their issues, their dreams, and what they craved for made this such a good read that gripped me tight. The plot was the right amount of funny shenanigans between the two, while also being tender in showing the relationship between Heath and Evan change, especially with their first impressions of each other. And ultimately, the effect they have on each other is enough to make anyone swoon.
It was heartwarming, especially with the help of the secondary characters like Olivia and Isabella, who remind us that it is okay to ask for help.
I highly recommend this book!
It's bristle-at-first sight when they meet in the not-so-friendly skies. Heath is a judgmental stick-in-the-mud, and Evan is everything he's vowed to avoid- wealthy, brash, and most importantly, straight.
However, arrival at the resort reveals they have bigger problems than each Solo is a no-go at this couples-only retreat. Agreeing to pose as newlyweds, they're shocked when an actual friendship develops, especially when a late-night baring of souls leads to a baring of ... other things.
Just from the summary, I knew that I did not want to miss out on this book, and J. Rhys did not disappoint! Heath and Evan were, at times, frustrating but also real. Their issues, their dreams, and what they craved for made this such a good read that gripped me tight. The plot was the right amount of funny shenanigans between the two, while also being tender in showing the relationship between Heath and Evan change, especially with their first impressions of each other. And ultimately, the effect they have on each other is enough to make anyone swoon.
It was heartwarming, especially with the help of the secondary characters like Olivia and Isabella, who remind us that it is okay to ask for help.
I highly recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4.5 stars
I did not want to put this down. I felt captivated by these sweethearts.
TROPES:
> Bi-awakening
> Opposites Attract
> Forced Proximity
> Fake Marriage
> low Burn
> Banter
> Grumpy sunshine.
THOUGHTS:
❤️ Invested and on-board from chapter one. I enjoyed the tension added from the characters first interaction and Lennox’s uncertainty... and it only grows as the story progresses.
❤️ Regardless of the situation and his sexuality history, Westin naturally and comfortably leaned into his fake relationship with Lennox. He was quick to accept the concept of loving Lennox as a person (vs gender) and the physicality that came with it.
❤️ The grumpy sunshine banter was lovely. Westin’s playfulness kept me smiling.
❤️ Despite both characters being romantically hurt when their paths cross, they both respond differently to their potential relationship. Lennox is more reserved and fights to overcome his personal biases built on past experiences. Westin is more happy go lucky and open but his life goals are built on revenge and overshadow everything else in his life.
❤️ Third act twist reveal took away some of the magic. I’m sure some readers will love it. I liked Christian’s reveal piece but everything beyond it felt a little too “puppet master.” Sorry I can’t say more without it becoming a spoiler
❤️ The third person head hopping was sometimes confusing. I think a couple more dialogue tags would help clear up some of the confusion of who is talking.
❤️ I genuinely enjoyed majority of this story and how a relationship comes into fruition between the MMCs. I loved that others behaviors played into the characters false beliefs and created hefty barriers for the characters to overcome.
I recommend! Deff going in the reread pile!
Thank you Haylingbookstorm PR for the gifted eARC.
I did not want to put this down. I felt captivated by these sweethearts.
TROPES:
> Bi-awakening
> Opposites Attract
> Forced Proximity
> Fake Marriage
> low Burn
> Banter
> Grumpy sunshine.
THOUGHTS:
❤️ Invested and on-board from chapter one. I enjoyed the tension added from the characters first interaction and Lennox’s uncertainty... and it only grows as the story progresses.
❤️ Regardless of the situation and his sexuality history, Westin naturally and comfortably leaned into his fake relationship with Lennox. He was quick to accept the concept of loving Lennox as a person (vs gender) and the physicality that came with it.
❤️ The grumpy sunshine banter was lovely. Westin’s playfulness kept me smiling.
❤️ Despite both characters being romantically hurt when their paths cross, they both respond differently to their potential relationship. Lennox is more reserved and fights to overcome his personal biases built on past experiences. Westin is more happy go lucky and open but his life goals are built on revenge and overshadow everything else in his life.
❤️ Third act twist reveal took away some of the magic. I’m sure some readers will love it. I liked Christian’s reveal piece but everything beyond it felt a little too “puppet master.” Sorry I can’t say more without it becoming a spoiler
❤️ The third person head hopping was sometimes confusing. I think a couple more dialogue tags would help clear up some of the confusion of who is talking.
❤️ I genuinely enjoyed majority of this story and how a relationship comes into fruition between the MMCs. I loved that others behaviors played into the characters false beliefs and created hefty barriers for the characters to overcome.
I recommend! Deff going in the reread pile!
Thank you Haylingbookstorm PR for the gifted eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If only there were a way to give this book more than five stars!!
Perfect Strangers is a beautifully written MM romance that will have your heart aching in the best way possible! I absolutely loved the slow burn that developed between the two main characters, Evan and Heath. The push and pull between them throughout the book was simply *chef's kiss*. Not to mention, the concept of throwing two complete strangers together on a couples-only retreat after their original partners bailed on them was such a fun idea! There's nothing quite like a bit of sexual tension, forced proximity, and a fake marriage!
Despite being written in third person, I found myself deeply invested in the story and the many relatable characters within it. I even found myself giving Heath and Evan the mental ship name of "Hea-van" (heaven). It made me laugh at times and seemed to suit them quite nicely. I devoured this book in a single afternoon and firmly believe it deserves all the love it can get! I can't wait to recommend Perfect Strangers to anyone who will listen and I hope I get a chance to read more from this author in the future!
I'm super thankful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review! :)
Perfect Strangers is a beautifully written MM romance that will have your heart aching in the best way possible! I absolutely loved the slow burn that developed between the two main characters, Evan and Heath. The push and pull between them throughout the book was simply *chef's kiss*. Not to mention, the concept of throwing two complete strangers together on a couples-only retreat after their original partners bailed on them was such a fun idea! There's nothing quite like a bit of sexual tension, forced proximity, and a fake marriage!
Despite being written in third person, I found myself deeply invested in the story and the many relatable characters within it. I even found myself giving Heath and Evan the mental ship name of "Hea-van" (heaven). It made me laugh at times and seemed to suit them quite nicely. I devoured this book in a single afternoon and firmly believe it deserves all the love it can get! I can't wait to recommend Perfect Strangers to anyone who will listen and I hope I get a chance to read more from this author in the future!
I'm super thankful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review! :)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Perfect Strangers by J. Rhys is a charming, trope-filled romance that proves sometimes the most unexpected connections happen at 30,000 feet. When Heath and Evan—complete strangers—meet on a plane and discover they’re both headed to the same couples-only resort, fate seems to be having a little fun. Things take a turn when one of their reservations is mysteriously canceled, leaving them with only one option if they want to stay: pretend to be married.
The fake marriage trope is done especially well here, blending humor, simmering chemistry, and just the right amount of forced proximity. Watching Heath and Evan navigate shared rooms, lingering touches, and the blurred lines between “pretend” and “real” makes the honeymoon portion of the story deliciously addictive. Their banter feels natural, and the emotional connection builds in a way that keeps you rooting for them from the start.
What truly sets Perfect Strangers apart, though, is the plot twist that unfolds once the honeymoon is over and they return to their individual lives. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, J. Rhys pulls the rug out from under you. The twist—one that hits across all ages and stages of life—took me completely by surprise and added a deeper, more emotional layer to the story.
Overall, Perfect Strangers is a feel-good romance with heart, heat, and a twist you won’t see coming. If you love fake marriages, vacation romances, and stories that explore what happens after the fantasy ends, this book is absolutely worth the read.
The fake marriage trope is done especially well here, blending humor, simmering chemistry, and just the right amount of forced proximity. Watching Heath and Evan navigate shared rooms, lingering touches, and the blurred lines between “pretend” and “real” makes the honeymoon portion of the story deliciously addictive. Their banter feels natural, and the emotional connection builds in a way that keeps you rooting for them from the start.
What truly sets Perfect Strangers apart, though, is the plot twist that unfolds once the honeymoon is over and they return to their individual lives. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, J. Rhys pulls the rug out from under you. The twist—one that hits across all ages and stages of life—took me completely by surprise and added a deeper, more emotional layer to the story.
Overall, Perfect Strangers is a feel-good romance with heart, heat, and a twist you won’t see coming. If you love fake marriages, vacation romances, and stories that explore what happens after the fantasy ends, this book is absolutely worth the read.
February 26, 2026
To say that I loved this book would be a SERIOUS understatement. The tone and voice Rhys carries throughout the story is so fluid and compelling, I had a really hard time stepping away. I would have finished it in one night if I didn't have other obligations like sleep (I guess. Haha.). I'm absolutely serious.
I adored Evan and Heath - so much. The chemistry between them is insane right from the get-go and the yearning and discovery (and frustrations) are all so palpable throughout - and don't feel forced when it's a forced proximity kind of romance. And the SPICE? A perfect balance of sexy and emotional. It felt very natural, and this is the kind of love story LGBTQIA+ folks deserve.
I cried, I yelled, I giggled, I gasped. I curled up on my couch with my phone so close to my face as I cruised through it. I immediately bought a physical copy at like 3 am. I yelled to my friends about it.
I. Loved. This.
The TL:DR here is: it's immaculate. For Rhys' first published work - they knock it right out of the park.
I adored Evan and Heath - so much. The chemistry between them is insane right from the get-go and the yearning and discovery (and frustrations) are all so palpable throughout - and don't feel forced when it's a forced proximity kind of romance. And the SPICE? A perfect balance of sexy and emotional. It felt very natural, and this is the kind of love story LGBTQIA+ folks deserve.
I cried, I yelled, I giggled, I gasped. I curled up on my couch with my phone so close to my face as I cruised through it. I immediately bought a physical copy at like 3 am. I yelled to my friends about it.
I. Loved. This.
The TL:DR here is: it's immaculate. For Rhys' first published work - they knock it right out of the park.
January 9, 2026
Perfect Strangers was an absolute delight — the perfect little rom-com that had me hooked from the very first moment Evan and Heath met.
Their banter and witty back-and-forth were so much fun, and I completely swooned over their softer, heartfelt moments. Both men carry difficult pasts and unresolved issues, and I loved watching them slowly realise what it feels like to truly have someone there — someone you can lean on, confide in, and trust not to run away when things get hard.
This story had so much heart. I’ll admit, I shed a few tears toward the end, feeling genuinely heartbroken for both Evan and Heath. And just when I thought I knew where things were heading… those little twists at the end completely caught me off guard. I loved it.
An adorable, emotional MM romance from J. Rhys that left me smiling, teary, and very satisfied.
Tropes:
⭐️ Bi-Awakening
⭐️ Opposites Attract
⭐️ Forced Proximity
⭐️ Fake Marriage
⭐️ Slow Burn
⭐️ Aggravation to Lovers
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Their banter and witty back-and-forth were so much fun, and I completely swooned over their softer, heartfelt moments. Both men carry difficult pasts and unresolved issues, and I loved watching them slowly realise what it feels like to truly have someone there — someone you can lean on, confide in, and trust not to run away when things get hard.
This story had so much heart. I’ll admit, I shed a few tears toward the end, feeling genuinely heartbroken for both Evan and Heath. And just when I thought I knew where things were heading… those little twists at the end completely caught me off guard. I loved it.
An adorable, emotional MM romance from J. Rhys that left me smiling, teary, and very satisfied.
Tropes:
⭐️ Bi-Awakening
⭐️ Opposites Attract
⭐️ Forced Proximity
⭐️ Fake Marriage
⭐️ Slow Burn
⭐️ Aggravation to Lovers
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 22, 2026
Thanks for the ARC of Perfect strangers J. Rhys and Hayling Bookstorm ♥️
rating ⭐⭐⭐.5
spice: 🌶️🌶️
The first 1/3 of the book was honestly a bit confusing at times and hard to follow but once I got into it and caught the flow it was hard to put down. Fair warning the book is in third person which usually is not my forte but I think it suited this story.
I loved the tropes the tropical get away and the TENSION between Heath and Evan.. omg! 🥵 They push each other's buttons like they're DeeDee from Dexter's laboratory so trust me the banter is top notch ✨
I loved Evan and Heath they are perfectly imperfect and just right for each other.
I cried with them I laughed with them this book is full of emotions.
And excuse me but the plot twist in this book??? I didn't see that coming.
If you want to escape reality into a tropical paradise with a good time you should definitely give this book a try 🌴✨♥️
rating ⭐⭐⭐.5
spice: 🌶️🌶️
The first 1/3 of the book was honestly a bit confusing at times and hard to follow but once I got into it and caught the flow it was hard to put down. Fair warning the book is in third person which usually is not my forte but I think it suited this story.
I loved the tropes the tropical get away and the TENSION between Heath and Evan.. omg! 🥵 They push each other's buttons like they're DeeDee from Dexter's laboratory so trust me the banter is top notch ✨
I loved Evan and Heath they are perfectly imperfect and just right for each other.
I cried with them I laughed with them this book is full of emotions.
And excuse me but the plot twist in this book??? I didn't see that coming.
If you want to escape reality into a tropical paradise with a good time you should definitely give this book a try 🌴✨♥️
January 28, 2026
Perfect Strangers was such a pleasant surprise and my first read from J. Rhys. The cover pulled me in, but the drama, banter, and characters made me stay.
Heath (teacher, soft-hearted, a little bruised) and Evan (lawyer, freshly left at the altar) get thrown together on a couples-only retreat and end up fake-married out of pure chaos. They clash immediately, but the slow burn that follows is so good. The push and pull, the forced proximity, the bi-awakening...it all just works.
I loved watching these two hurt men circle each other, catching feelings while trying not to get hurt again. Their connection builds beautifully, the banter is fun, the tension is delicious, and the payoff is completely worth it. I devoured this in one sitting and didn’t want to let them go.
If you love opposites attract, fake marriage, grumpy/sunshine vibes, and a heartfelt HEA, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Heath (teacher, soft-hearted, a little bruised) and Evan (lawyer, freshly left at the altar) get thrown together on a couples-only retreat and end up fake-married out of pure chaos. They clash immediately, but the slow burn that follows is so good. The push and pull, the forced proximity, the bi-awakening...it all just works.
I loved watching these two hurt men circle each other, catching feelings while trying not to get hurt again. Their connection builds beautifully, the banter is fun, the tension is delicious, and the payoff is completely worth it. I devoured this in one sitting and didn’t want to let them go.
If you love opposites attract, fake marriage, grumpy/sunshine vibes, and a heartfelt HEA, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️, 3.5 🌶️
Perfect Strangers follows Evan (a hotshot lawyer) and Heath (an English teacher) as they find themselves entering into a fake marriage agreement while on vacation at a couples only resort. The writing is witty and engaging. I devoured this book in one sitting. I thouroughly enjoyed the rom-com style of writing and the found family aspect of the story. Evan and Heath’s progression from strangers to lovers felt believable despite the wild situation that they found themselves in.
The spice was well written, but I found myself wanting more.
I also wished that it was written in 1st person. The 3rd person limited POV, while offering a closeness to the characters, still made me feel like I was watching it all unfold instead of experiencing it.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and I highly recommend that add it to your TBR!
Perfect Strangers follows Evan (a hotshot lawyer) and Heath (an English teacher) as they find themselves entering into a fake marriage agreement while on vacation at a couples only resort. The writing is witty and engaging. I devoured this book in one sitting. I thouroughly enjoyed the rom-com style of writing and the found family aspect of the story. Evan and Heath’s progression from strangers to lovers felt believable despite the wild situation that they found themselves in.
The spice was well written, but I found myself wanting more.
I also wished that it was written in 1st person. The 3rd person limited POV, while offering a closeness to the characters, still made me feel like I was watching it all unfold instead of experiencing it.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and I highly recommend that add it to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Perfect Pair!!
Evan and Heath find themselves sitting together on a plane. Sitting next to a stranger is already terrible, but something tells me that these are the perfect strangers.
Evan needed to get away from life after being left at the altar.
Heath, a workaholic that doesn't know how to take a break, finds himself on a plane next to an attractive play boy.
Fortunately, for them, they have the same destination.
And unfortunately, for them, this is a couple's retreat type of vacation, and they have no one to call their other half.
Instead of packing up their bags and giving up on this vacation, they decide to be fake newlyweds and enjoy 2 weeks together.....separately.
What could possibly go wrong, or right?
Will feelings develop?
Please, read and see where this goes! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
Evan and Heath find themselves sitting together on a plane. Sitting next to a stranger is already terrible, but something tells me that these are the perfect strangers.
Evan needed to get away from life after being left at the altar.
Heath, a workaholic that doesn't know how to take a break, finds himself on a plane next to an attractive play boy.
Fortunately, for them, they have the same destination.
And unfortunately, for them, this is a couple's retreat type of vacation, and they have no one to call their other half.
Instead of packing up their bags and giving up on this vacation, they decide to be fake newlyweds and enjoy 2 weeks together.....separately.
What could possibly go wrong, or right?
Will feelings develop?
Please, read and see where this goes! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
January 20, 2026
I truly can’t recommend this book enough!! Everything about it was p e r f e c t !! The characters, the setting, the banter… chef's kiss. The balance between humor and heartfelt moments was also a solid 10/10.
The main characters had amazing chemistry. Nothing felt forced or rushed, and I loved that they didn’t start off all sweet and friendly. The teasing and the way they got on each other’s nerves made everything even more fun to read. Their conversations had me genuinely laughing out loud, and the writing was just sooo good and natural!
Another thing I adored was how vividly the author painted the world of this story. The atmosphere, the colors, the overall vibe... perfection. Reading it genuinely felt like watching your favorite romcom 🏝️🧡
I'm gonna miss these pooks! I need more of them🥹🩷
The main characters had amazing chemistry. Nothing felt forced or rushed, and I loved that they didn’t start off all sweet and friendly. The teasing and the way they got on each other’s nerves made everything even more fun to read. Their conversations had me genuinely laughing out loud, and the writing was just sooo good and natural!
Another thing I adored was how vividly the author painted the world of this story. The atmosphere, the colors, the overall vibe... perfection. Reading it genuinely felt like watching your favorite romcom 🏝️🧡
I'm gonna miss these pooks! I need more of them🥹🩷
January 31, 2026
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book.
I honestly wish that I could give it more than 5 stars. I read this book in one afternoon. I will say that maybe the first couple of chapters I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get into this one, but boy was I wrong.
This book was written perfectly! A perfect rom com feel the main characters Evander and Heath who have both been let down by their significant others meet on an airplane and are heading to the same place. Then the reservation has been cancelled for one of the rooms, and they do the only thing they can do....pretend to be married. The banter between the two is AMAZING! How everything else works up to the thin line of pretend and real start disappearing all together.
Everyone should read this book I mean EVERYONE needs to read it! It really is a fantastic read!
I honestly wish that I could give it more than 5 stars. I read this book in one afternoon. I will say that maybe the first couple of chapters I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get into this one, but boy was I wrong.
This book was written perfectly! A perfect rom com feel the main characters Evander and Heath who have both been let down by their significant others meet on an airplane and are heading to the same place. Then the reservation has been cancelled for one of the rooms, and they do the only thing they can do....pretend to be married. The banter between the two is AMAZING! How everything else works up to the thin line of pretend and real start disappearing all together.
Everyone should read this book I mean EVERYONE needs to read it! It really is a fantastic read!
January 21, 2026
✨️ARC Review ✨️
🌶 Rating: 2.75/5
Release date: January 20, 2025
Perfect Strangers definitely loved up to its name. It did take me a bit to get through the beginning of the book, but once Heath and Evan were on that vacation, Ive never consumed anything faster ever!
Perfect Strangers had the perfect amount of banter and funny moments. I loved the teasing that was being done (and the meddling by Liv and Izzy 😏). Heath and Evan definitely needed that push. And push they got, because it was so entertaining to see them push each others buttons 🤣. They just needed a challenge and they definitely found it with themselves, and I haven't stopped smiling for them 😊. Their story is definitely worth the read 💕
🌶 Rating: 2.75/5
Release date: January 20, 2025
Perfect Strangers definitely loved up to its name. It did take me a bit to get through the beginning of the book, but once Heath and Evan were on that vacation, Ive never consumed anything faster ever!
Perfect Strangers had the perfect amount of banter and funny moments. I loved the teasing that was being done (and the meddling by Liv and Izzy 😏). Heath and Evan definitely needed that push. And push they got, because it was so entertaining to see them push each others buttons 🤣. They just needed a challenge and they definitely found it with themselves, and I haven't stopped smiling for them 😊. Their story is definitely worth the read 💕
January 24, 2026
So is this really a debut book for this Author? It would be unbelievable to imagine the writing that is produced. In this MM book, all the characters are completely realistic, and they feel like friends. The spice level is NEXT LEVEL! It is HOTT! It is a beautiful story of love and finding oneself, even when you think you know who you are. Even better are the twists and turns that come toward the end. It was a book I didn’t want to put down, and I was both happy and sad when it was over. It was a quick read because it was so engrossing, and it will definitely be on my reread list multiple times over.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
January 12, 2026
Thank you to J Rhys for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Perfect Strangers was such a fun and easy rom-com read. Heath and Evan end up at a couples-only resort with no plus ones and decide to fake being newlyweds so they can stay, which leads to two weeks of forced proximity, great banter, and plenty of swoony moments. I really enjoyed watching Evan’s bi awakening unfold as he comes to terms with his growing attraction to Heath. Their opposites-attract dynamic was adorable, and the banter between them was top notch.
The only thing that tripped me up a bit was the perspective, as the POV shifts sometimes made it hard to tell whose head we were in. Overall though, this was a really cute, feel-good MM romance that I flew through and genuinely enjoyed.
Perfect Strangers was such a fun and easy rom-com read. Heath and Evan end up at a couples-only resort with no plus ones and decide to fake being newlyweds so they can stay, which leads to two weeks of forced proximity, great banter, and plenty of swoony moments. I really enjoyed watching Evan’s bi awakening unfold as he comes to terms with his growing attraction to Heath. Their opposites-attract dynamic was adorable, and the banter between them was top notch.
The only thing that tripped me up a bit was the perspective, as the POV shifts sometimes made it hard to tell whose head we were in. Overall though, this was a really cute, feel-good MM romance that I flew through and genuinely enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I urge you to pick up this book, for it’s such an entertaining read. The banter is impeccable. I kept highlighting lines left and right. The MCs verbal sparring got me giggling many times.
The annoyance-to-lovers / fake marriage tropes are done so well. One can really feel the subtle shift between the characters as the story unfolds. The progress of the relationship never felt rushed, which isn’t an easy feat to get right in my opinion.
I would totally be down to read much more about Heath and Evan.
They are just so adorable and such entertaining characters.
But I’m also excited about what else the author has to offer because of this awesome debut.
The annoyance-to-lovers / fake marriage tropes are done so well. One can really feel the subtle shift between the characters as the story unfolds. The progress of the relationship never felt rushed, which isn’t an easy feat to get right in my opinion.
I would totally be down to read much more about Heath and Evan.
They are just so adorable and such entertaining characters.
But I’m also excited about what else the author has to offer because of this awesome debut.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is what MM is all about! The cover pulled me in to want to read it. The story made me stay and the plot and characters made me finish it.
For fans of slow burn, Bi-awakening, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity
and a fake relationship, this is definitely for you!
The mmc’s are so real and you can feel all the emotions with them. The form a beautiful connection. You take the journey with them as they navigate through their hurt, through their curiosity and into a true love.
Favorite quotes
- It's you Heath. You're the person who turns me inside out. You make me feral. Think just anyone could send me to my fucking knees?"
For fans of slow burn, Bi-awakening, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity
and a fake relationship, this is definitely for you!
The mmc’s are so real and you can feel all the emotions with them. The form a beautiful connection. You take the journey with them as they navigate through their hurt, through their curiosity and into a true love.
Favorite quotes
- It's you Heath. You're the person who turns me inside out. You make me feral. Think just anyone could send me to my fucking knees?"
February 2, 2026
Perfect Strangers was a solid story. I really enjoyed a lot of aspects of the book and plot.
The characters were all believable and even the side characters were well written. Probably Isabella was my favourite side character. She is very blunt but in the most endearing way and I loved her banter with both MCs.
Plot wise I thought it was a good story: two men from different backgrounds end up needing to share a romantic village on a private island (and fake a marriage) due to some seriously sideways situations in their personal lives. The pacing of the story is consistent and didnt feel like it lagged at all.
My issues lie within the writing itself. Some of the dialogue was confusing because I couldn't tell who was speaking. There are time skips without any indication on page that it occured (admittedly this is a formatting error and I recieved an ARC so this may not be an issue in the publicized version). It is written in third person POV but it really could have benefitted from first person with dual POVs for each character. I think that would have solved some of the issue I had with following which character's internal thoughts and feelings we were receiving at any given moment on page.
The setting descriptions were well done and didnt leave me cooking my head teying to picture anything which I always appreciate. It definitely made me wish the island existed so I could experience its wonder and beauty.
The characters were all believable and even the side characters were well written. Probably Isabella was my favourite side character. She is very blunt but in the most endearing way and I loved her banter with both MCs.
Plot wise I thought it was a good story: two men from different backgrounds end up needing to share a romantic village on a private island (and fake a marriage) due to some seriously sideways situations in their personal lives. The pacing of the story is consistent and didnt feel like it lagged at all.
My issues lie within the writing itself. Some of the dialogue was confusing because I couldn't tell who was speaking. There are time skips without any indication on page that it occured (admittedly this is a formatting error and I recieved an ARC so this may not be an issue in the publicized version). It is written in third person POV but it really could have benefitted from first person with dual POVs for each character. I think that would have solved some of the issue I had with following which character's internal thoughts and feelings we were receiving at any given moment on page.
The setting descriptions were well done and didnt leave me cooking my head teying to picture anything which I always appreciate. It definitely made me wish the island existed so I could experience its wonder and beauty.
February 4, 2026
ARC Review – Perfect Strangers by J. Rhys
Perfect Strangers is a slow-burn fever dream in the best way. The fake marriage and forced proximity create nonstop tension, and every shared glance and almost-touch feels intentional and loaded. The chemistry simmers for so long it’s practically taunting you, making the payoff that much hotter. Add in a beautifully handled bi-awakening, sharp banter, and emotional vulnerability, and this story becomes impossible to put down. Sensual, angsty, and deeply satisfying—this one crawls under your skin and stays there.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Slow burn | Fake marriage | Forced proximity | Bi-awakening
Perfect Strangers is a slow-burn fever dream in the best way. The fake marriage and forced proximity create nonstop tension, and every shared glance and almost-touch feels intentional and loaded. The chemistry simmers for so long it’s practically taunting you, making the payoff that much hotter. Add in a beautifully handled bi-awakening, sharp banter, and emotional vulnerability, and this story becomes impossible to put down. Sensual, angsty, and deeply satisfying—this one crawls under your skin and stays there.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Slow burn | Fake marriage | Forced proximity | Bi-awakening
February 8, 2026
This book has the most bantering of meet cutes and I'm here for it. Initially the beginning got a little confusing when they switched between using first, last and pet names as well as with the dual POV, the chapters are not labeled. Initially I got a little confused.
The twist of events at the end of the book was completely not what I was expecting. I thought this book was going to be a little bit more predictable and I wanted to hate a couple of the characters for things that they did and then I more or less couldn't by the end of the book.
Recommended for anybody who likes a fake marriage trope and MM romance or bi awakening.
The twist of events at the end of the book was completely not what I was expecting. I thought this book was going to be a little bit more predictable and I wanted to hate a couple of the characters for things that they did and then I more or less couldn't by the end of the book.
Recommended for anybody who likes a fake marriage trope and MM romance or bi awakening.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such a quick witted fun story to read. Starts with heartbreak for both of our MMC's. Evan was left at the altar from his fiancee Lucy while Heath realizes Christopher never wanted him. They are forced to share a room at a couples only resort while Evan starts to realize he was doing life all wrong.. Heath realizes letting loose and having fun can be a good thing. Such a great variety of supporting characters make this a great read
January 20, 2026
Thank you for the chance to ARC read this book.
If you love tropes, love fake relationships, and surprises, then this book will do you well. I enjoyed not entirely knowing where the story was heading, as it wasn't a clear-cut path, as we see in other vacation romances. The characters are likable, and the explanation for them is just believable enough to not distract from the book. I enjoyed it. It took me a little longer to get into it than normal, but I was hooked by the end.
If you love tropes, love fake relationships, and surprises, then this book will do you well. I enjoyed not entirely knowing where the story was heading, as it wasn't a clear-cut path, as we see in other vacation romances. The characters are likable, and the explanation for them is just believable enough to not distract from the book. I enjoyed it. It took me a little longer to get into it than normal, but I was hooked by the end.
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