Boyfriend Without Benefits: Alternate Cover

The Jilted Exes' Club #3

by Riley Hart

Anthony

I’m the last single member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, and I have no plans to change that.

I’m fulfilled with my work at the club, dance classes, yoga, and the Exes. Plus, I’ve been extremely preoccupied with one Kason Maddox, the LA Rebels’ goalie. Let’s just say that since we’ve become friends, my eyes might drift in his general direction a little too much. But it’s only looking. And looking never harmed anyone....

Eventually, our texting sessions lead to dinners out and ending our nights watching our favorite shows. But when the paparazzi catch sight of us and the photos go viral, I suddenly find out I’ve had a boyfriend and didn’t know—a boyfriend without the benefits. And I’m thinking we should reconsider the benefits in this relationship if we are going to be in one.

Kason

So…I thought we were dating. Turns out, the guy I was dating had no idea that’s what we were doing. Friend-zoned without even knowing it. Cool. The equivalent of taking a puck to the face.

But due to an innocent little photo or two, now everyone thinks we’re together, so we have three

1- Stop hanging out to silence the rumors.
2- Hang out as friends and ignore the gossip blogs.
3- Start dating—and both of us are aware of said dating this time.

I know which one I’m rooting for. And if I have to use a little dirty talk and some praise to shift things in my favor, I’m game.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Sports, Hockey, Sports Romance, Audiobook

291 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2025

About the author

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.

Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.

Reviews

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader)]

genuinely boring🫶🏻
which is a damn shame because the blurb sounded nice

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly not my favourite, unfortunately! Possible mild spoilers ahead but I couldn't really give the reasons I didn't enjoy it without doing so?

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I think my biggest issue is that the realisation that one thinks they're dating and one thinks they're just friends happened way too early in the book. All the tension, build up and the 'will they wont they' was gone as soon as they cleared up the misunderstanding and it felt adrift after that point. I don't even think the book was at 30% when they figure out the miscommunication so everything that came after didn't really have anything driving the story to an end goal - they went all in pretty much immediately.

The relationship between Anthony and Kason just devolved into telling and not showing, with recapping multiple events and conversations but the hockey scenes were the opposite with a lot of detail, real-time events and actual emotions about the game. Then they were just having really lengthy sex scenes for multiple chapters at a time and the sexual compatability was never in question with them, so it was weird that it was such a heavy focus of their romance story. As someone who could happily leave the sex scenes entirely, there just wasn't enough emotional development to the relationship for me to be invested in them. I would much rather have seen their 'mundane' daily activities where they're learning to be in each others lives fully than another sex scene.

There are definitely some emotional moments when discussing Anthony's childhood and his trauma from the whole Malcolm situation, but Kason was so green flag and Anthony fell so fast for him that it felt like it got brushed over quite quickly? Even when Anthony reveals his big secret to his friends it was over pretty much straight away?

I think I definitely prefer the emotionally heavier, darker books like the Sins Of The Father series and the Swift Brothers because this was far too sweet and uncomplicated for me!

*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 2 out of 5]

What's the point if the hook that drew us in is resolved in the first quarter of the book lowkey?

Like, now why are we even here? I was hoping it would take a while for Kason to realize Anthony isn't aware they're dating. Or for Anthony to realize Kason thinks they're dating.

Then it happened too early and was resolved too easily and somehow the rest of it is just boring because now we have two guys who want to be together and know it so there's no story.

Just them working through any issues that pop up in healthy ways. Such as talking through things. Like adults.

Ew. Boring.

Thank God this was less than 6 hours because there really wasn't much to it.

Nothing to see here, folks. Go home to your families.

[Laura Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Boyfriend Without Benefits is book three in the Jilted Exes’ Club series. This MM romance story is about Anthony and Kason.

In the previous books we saw how Anthony became friends with Donovan and Hayes after discovering they had all been dating the same guy who cheated on them. In this story we learn how Anthony had a tough childhood and couldn’t count on anyone, so now he relies on his love of dancing, his work and his friends. Since Hayes and Rylan have gotten together, Anthony has become friendly with Kason, Rylan’s best friend and hockey teammate.

Kason and Anthony start hanging out more, and there ends up being a misunderstanding of what they are doing. Kason admits he thought they were dating and Anthony thought they were just friends. It was cute but also a little sad. Anthony didn’t want to believe someone like Kason would be interested in him, so I am glad that Anthony gives them a chance.

My heart hurt for Anthony, always thinking everyone was going to leave him. And then you add on more insecurities because of the Malcolm situation, and it made me feel so bad for him. It was wonderful to see Anthony finally let his guard down with Kason. These two were sweet and sometimes maybe even too cheesy with each other, but I liked how Kason wanted Anthony to know how he felt and gave him what he needed. Kason is a caretaker, especially taking care of those he loves, which now included Anthony.

Anthony loved being praised by Kason and Kason enjoyed it too, getting a rush from doing it. I will say there were a few times when they were being intimate where the praise and dirty talk got to be too much. Normally I eat that up, but it felt a bit over the top for me with Kason and Anthony.

Anthony has been through a lot with his family situation and with men. Kason could see Anthony’s worth, and I am glad in the end Anthony could see it too. Kason was just the most patient and understanding man, showing Anthony the love he deserved.

Anthony’s friendship with Hayes and Donovan was just so special. I also just adored Kason’s friendship with Rylan. Their found family was everything. And let me tell you I just loved that epilogue!

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Berry's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read: yes
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Synopsis in one sentence: The media thinks Anthony is dating his friend, hockey player Kason, leading Anthony to realize his "boyfriend without benefits" might be worth turning into the real thing.

Fav character: Kason Maddox -he is the ultimate cinnamon roll goalie who is completely smitten with Anthony and uses endless praise and charm to gently pull Anthony out of his shell and give him the confidence he needs.

Fav trope: Friends-to-Lovers - the irony of the media labeling them as boyfriends before Anthony even realizes he’s dating Kason provides a fantastic opportunity to explore their undeniable chemistry.

Fav part: My favorite part is the contrast between Anthony realizing he needs Kason’s support and Kason’s adorable, relentless effort to turn their friendship into romance.

Didnt like: nothing - I loved the fluff and joy

Recommend it: Absolutely -if you need a sweet, low-angst M/M romance featuring a hockey player who is soft on the inside, the best sunshine/grumpy dynamics, and sweet moments.

Unique: yes - the unique blend of the Jilted Exes’ Club background with the sports romance setting.

Cont. series?: This is the final book in The Jilted Exes' Club series, but it is an interconnected standalone.

Unforgettable: - yes - the heartwarming and incredibly sweet way Kason treats Anthony, building up his confidence with every text, date, and dirty-talk confession.

Kindle unlimited: Yes.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one, it’s my new favorite of the series. I love these two together so much, Kason might just be my favorite book boyfriend ever, his praise and dirty talk was next level HOT!! I’m sad this series is over but I loved all 3 books in it, I can’t wait for whatever Riley writes next!

[Sjoukje · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a let down. I really liked the first book in the series. I can’t remember the second one. But this third one was definitely not my favorite. I did like both MC’s a lot. Kason is adorable and Anthony just needs to be loved. The whole story I was - just like Anthony - waiting for the other shoe to drop. There was such a build up to that. And the whole book that didn’t happen. Also not a big thing to prove that it will never happen. It just goes on and on. We keep learning that Anthony is hard to love but we don’t know why. Malcolm liked him least, the paparazzi are extra mean to him. His family left him. Why? No clue and no answers.

It’s not a bad book, it’s just not very interesting either. And I feel a bit bad about that because Anthony deserved better.

Won’t reread and I guess I don’t really recommend either.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

I struggled with this one, which was a surprise, as on paper it was the one I thought I'd enjoy the most.

My biggest niggle with it was that the maim thrust of the plot element that the Blurb focuses on - the not knowing they were dating - only lasts for the first 30% or so of the book.

I would have loved to have seen more of Mads and Anthony going on what our delightful hockey goalie thought were dates and what our dancer believed was just friends hanging out.

Once it was cleared up that Kason wanted to actually date Anthony, a lot of the narrative fell a bit flat for me personally.

A big part of that was the praise kink, something just didn't work for me with it. It felt like it was there just to create a dynamic that wasn't straightforward.

I think I'd have liked that element more if I'd believed that Anthony, a guy who's literally pulled himself up from a pretty traumatic past with lots of 'abandonment issues', would need to be repeatedly praised for being 'a good boy' during sex.

His sexuality, and his love of sex, was one of the things he didn't hide away, unlike his past, so it always felt slightly out of place.

I know it was meant to show how Kason wanted to put Anthony first and show him how important he was to him, unlike those who'd turned their backs but I didn't get that vibe.

Still, that's my only real minus in what's otherwise a very sweet romance that ends the Jilted Exes series.

There's plenty of appearances from the rest of the Exes and their partners, there's lots of humour and fun times, the sexual tension builds nicely and I adored Kason's family and how they welcomed Anthony with open arms.

#ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boyfriend Without Benefits is the third and final book in The Jilted Exes' Club series of linked standalones by Riley Hart. This is Kason and Anthony's story and I do recommend that you read the first two books for continuity and character cross-overs.

What To Expect:

❣️MM romance
❣️Friends to lovers
❣️Opposites attract
❣️Hockey player/dancer
❣️Found family
❣️Spicy times
❣️Miscommunication
❣️HEA

Not my fave of the series, but cute enough if you're a fan of the "friends to lovers oops are we dating" trope.

3.5 stars

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: friends to lovers, found family, hurt / comfort

Boyfriends Without Benefits was a very sweet and swoony romance!

Mads was so patient and sweet with Anthony, and they were really cute together. It was easy to see how they ended up on different pages though, with Mads being sure they were dating while Anthony assumed they were just being friends. It made things both entertaining and awkward to see them going on 'dates', knowing they had very different ideas about what was going on.

They had a lot of chemistry, and there were a bunch of steamy scenes in this one. Anthony didn't have the best experience with relationships, but Mads was great with him, letting Anthony set the pace and spoiling him every chance he got.

I struggled a little though, as the story ended up feeling dragged out. I honestly thought the whole 'accidental dating' would last longer and create some tension in the story, but as it was they kind of figured it out and talked about it pretty early on. I think I would have preferred for it to go on for longer and use it to keep the intrigue up.

Overall it was a super sweet and swoony romance, with a few emotional moments to it. Sadly this story fell a little flat for me in the last half, but it was just a small complaint for this otherwise sweet and fun romance series. I loved that karma finally caught up with Malcolm, and seeing his three exes living their best lives with their men made me very happy!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Jane (whatjanereads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had so much potential but sadly didn’t deliver for me. I loved the two MCs, but I don’t get why authors don’t write actual dating scenes anymore. I’m not only here for the smut. I want the romance and I want to care for the characters and their personalities and you don’t get that from me“we went in three dates“.
I was also surprised by the pacing of this one when they very quickly figured out they were actually dating and not only friends. After that there was only lots of smut with very porny dirty talk.
Not my favourite in the series.

[Shezzwah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly Good Pucking Luck should have just been a standalone.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝙸 𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜, 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚘. 𝙱𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛."

This was the sweetest freaking thing!! I loved the whole beginning. We know based on the blurb that Anthony has zero clue that all the fun dinners and events he's been enjoying with Kason are dates. At first I thought, no way. How the heck could he not know!? But as we learn more about Anthony and his past, I understood. Then I felt sorrow because how sad is it that Anthony has no idea what proper and respectful dating should be like?

I also felt bad for Kason. I mean, imagine thinking you've been dating a man you really like and then you find out he had no idea? Thankfully this conversation ends on a good note, but I was a little worried for them both when they discovered that neither of them were on the same page, hell not even the same book with one another! I was thrilled it didn't stay that way for long.

"𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚊 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘 𝚋𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚖𝚎. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎."

Seeing Anthony finally open up to Kason, and then the Jilted Exes was a highlight in Anthony's character growth. The people in Anthony's past failed him immensely, so I was happy to see that his future was not going to be taking the same path. Both Donovan and Hayes were loyal friends and I think the bond these three formed is one that is going to last a lifetime. It also helps that their little group all seem to be dating/married to friends. Makes group hang outs that much more fun!

"𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝. 𝙼𝚊𝚕𝚌𝚘𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚍𝚘, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕.
𝙷𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚗.
𝙳𝚘𝚗𝚘𝚟𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚗.
𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚗."

[kamrynreadsbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I should have stopped at book one in this series. Which is saying something because I was not a fan but it was the best of the 3.

Sometimes when I read Riley hart, I am convinced she doesn’t read her own books. Her dialogue is awkward and stunted and it is not enjoyable. It feels like fake people talking, like I would never overhear a normal conversation resembling this.

And all the smut scenes in these books are so cringy and awkward and I had to skim because I kept cackling at how much I disliked it. She has an obsession with balls and nuts and “creamy loads” and I just cannot do it.

Every time these characters spoke they would be like “so tell me about this” or “what made you like this.” Which can be fine when getting to know each other. But None of their conversations felt organic. She chooses like one thing about the character or the relationship and that becomes the entires books personality. Which gets boring extremely fast.

I think all the characters are sweet and the pairings are cute but honestly I kept hoping they would get better and they never did. I skimmed about 60% of this book. I wish I had nicer things to say. I find that I either love her books or hate them, and there is truly no in between.

[DMATMOOBILforever · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished. Like 2.25 stars, rounded to 2? lol oof. ||Yeah I didn’t care for this one. As I said before… too much tell, didn’t love the writing. I guess I only really like Riley Hart when she’s cowriting with someone else or I’m rating her on a novella scale lol. I thought their flirting was cringe. Also kinda got annoyed with how much reassurance and praise there was during sex… I normally don’t, but it was just so much???? I feel bad saying that, like I should be more sympathetic to Anthony lol but oh well.

Idk why I was expecting something way more fun like 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders… but this wasn’t it. Womp womp. I probably would’ve DNFed if it wasn’t so short. Oh well, on to the next. ||


Also including one of my earlier comments:

9
||>>> Let me feel you milk my nuts dry.

I considered DNFing here ngl. Also the use of “creamy” is really is not my thing <:inc_catPuke:1254427816221737000><:inc_catPuke:1254427816221737000><:inc_catPuke:1254427816221737000><:inc_catPuke:1254427816221737000> ||

[Bryoni Jayde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3⭐️
Spice 3🌶️
Emotion 1🥹

It was a struggle to finish Boyfriend Without Benefits. I kept zoning out, and I never really connected with the story or the characters.

It’s a light, cute read with a simple plot, hockey, flirty banter and plenty of spicy scenes, but not much beyond that.

If you want something easy and low-stakes (a palette cleanser) it might work for you. But if you’re after depth, emotion, or real angst (think The Swift Brothers), this isn’t it.

[Gabs (gaybism)]

Kason Maddox is a good man in the streets and a filthy talker in the sheets. Love me a green flag😌

[DeniReadsMostlyMM · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is the third book in the Jilted Exes’ Club series. Anthony and Kason start out as friends, and then become something more…or so Kason thinks. It’s a cute moment when Anthony realizes he’s been dating someone without realizing it. Once Kason and Anthony go from boyfriends without benefits to boyfriends with benefits, it’s a lovely journey of acceptance, growth, healing, and learning to love yourself for Ant. Kason is the greenest of flags and helps bolster Anthony’s sense of worth and self-esteem. Kason is genuinely kind and the most supportive person. Anthony is really sweet, even though he tries to hide it.

The genuine respect and affection between these two is delightful. I love how effortlessly both men are good people who do good things for others. It’s clear Kason is smitten from the start. Anthony has some fear and insecurities to overcome - due to a traumatic past, (including his terrible ex, Malcolm), but manages to do so with grace. It’s amazing seeing Rylan, Hayes, Donovan, Eric, and Ana in this story as well. The friendships in this series are just as important as the romantic connections. Kason’s family is absolutely adorable and loving. They’re great in this book.

This is a fantastic ending to the series. Anthony and Kason are the real deal. They complement one another beautifully. I love the love between Kason and Anthony. Their HEA is endearing and well-deserved. The epilogue is really sweet. Every member of the Jilted Exes and their beaus deserve every good thing that comes their way. Boyfriend Without Benefits is a lovely read. It will warm your heart in the best way possible.

[Bethany Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @theauthor.agency and @rileyhartwrites for the advanced copy to review!

My third entry to the Jilted Exes Club and it was just as much fun as the last two books! Kason and Anthony are SO incredibly sweet and loving and also a little dirty and a lot hot. This checked all of my boxes!

I adore idiots in love and these two just…. Ah they were so cute. From Kason asking Anthony on a date to Anthony not realizing it to becoming the sweetest boyfriends. You just love to see it!!! Kason inviting Anthony to meet his family did me in. Also, I loved how they tackled every challenge together. Paparazzi, negativity, Malcolm … they weren’t alone.

I loved seeing Anthony grow in his friendships and trust of others, but especially Kason. How he slowly opened up over the book truly warmed my heart. I loved his dancing background and meeting some of the kids he dances with. It was so precious and inviting Kason in?? 🥹

Kason going ALL IN on Anthony was one of the best parts of the book. Constant words of affirmation, physical affection, praise, and just being the ultimate cinnamon roll were *chef’s kiss.*

Their s*x scenes were so hot and fun and a little filthy and full of good boys and YESSSSS.

This one is out on 12/3 and I highly recommend it!!

[Naz.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75/5 stars 3.5/5 spice

This was my favourite book from the series. Anthony and Kason’s story was incredibly sweet and swoony. Both characters were amazing guys, one just so unaware of how amazing he was. But he figured it out with the help of Kason.

Kason was book boyfriend goals, a walking green flag. He gave Anthony what he needed and built his self worth back up which was chipped away by his ex Malcolm. The praising worked so well for their dynamic and story. Anthony really let down his walls and faced his fears letting Kason in and opening himself up to all of those he cared about.

I loved the bond Anthony and the jilted exes had but also the bond between Kason and Rylan. This group really supported and loved each other. Anthony also gained a family with the Maddox’s. They accepted him right away and clicked so well.

I’m sad that the series is over but it ended with an amazing story.

- Dancer X hockey goalie
- Found family
- No third act breakup
- Charming, flirty MMC
- Minimal dating experience
- Past trauma

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of The Jilted Ex's club brings us Anthony and Kasen. I love it. Love. This book is so sweet and swoony. Anthony is a dancer at Lush. He was one of the guys that Malcolm really ran through, taking advantage of him and stripping all of the little confidence that he had left. Anthony thinks he is unworthy and the only good thing for him is the club and the other exes and their now partners: Eric, Donovan, Rylan and Hayes.

Rylan's best friend and hockey teammate, Kasen, has been hanging around. He may have a little crush on Anthony. His mission is to convince Anthony that yes, they are dating and yes, Anthony is worth it.

The sweet talk, care, adorable interaction between these two left me swooning. Kasen is SUCH a smooth talker and he makes it so Anthony knows without a doubt that he's his and they belong together.

Anthony has a great story arc and so much growth. He's adorable.

This was a good one and the perfect way to end the series.

Story: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ .💫
Characters: 5/5 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
Spice: 5/5 🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆
Flirting and sweet talk: 5/5 😍😍😍😍😍

[costitanza (onetoomanybooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect ending for this cute standalone trilogy 🥹✨

I loved that there was no third-act breakup — honestly, more of this please. This was probably the sweetest book of the three, and Kason and Anthony were just so adorable together.

Even though they didn’t quite surpass my love for the other two couples, this book absolutely earns its 4 stars. It felt like the cherry on top of the series — a satisfying, cozy, feel-good conclusion that wrapped everything up beautifully.

And yes… I said sweet, but let’s be clear: they were also filthy hot. 🔥
I don’t know if I’m misremembering the spice level of the previous books, but I’m pretty sure this one was spicier, steamier, and hotter. Kason may be soft and gentle, but wow — that man definitely has a mouth on him 🙈

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen. Anthony was one more trauma away from spontaneously combusting, and honestly? Valid.
The man grew up treated like an afterthought and then dated a narcissist who deserved to step on a Lego barefoot every day for the rest of eternity.

Enter: Kason Fucking Maddox.

He saw Anthony, went “mine,” and then proceeded to prove it every five seconds. No mixed signals. No hesitation. Man dove headfirst into commitment like it was an Olympic sport.

And the spice?
They were animals.
These two could not keep their hands (or mouths) off each other and frankly, I respect that level of dedication.

The found family vibes? Chef’s kiss. Anthony deserved every ounce of love he finally got, and seeing Kason’s family scoop him up like a precious stray was adorable.

Final verdict:
Kason Maddox has officially ruined all other men.
And Anthony deserved every second of that love and every inch of that man.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

This book is the last in Riley Hart’s The Jilted Exes’ Club series. If you are okay not knowing the entire viral background of the jilted exes and the relationships that have already been formed, then you could read this as a standalone.

There is no angst in this book and most of the tension comes from Anthony thinking he’s not good enough. If you are looking for an inviting and sexy book with two men finding happiness, this is one you should read.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[anna_79_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!! It's a sweet, low angst story that still gave me all the feels.

I loved Kason and Anthony together. Kason is the perfect book boyfriend, all the praise and his dirty talk is so hot. He really saw Anthony for who he is beneath the humor and confidence. Anthony's life haven't been easy and he don't think anyone can love him for all he is underneath the persona he shows the world. Kason is so patient and caring with Anthony, how can he not fall for that sweet, loyal and honest man.

I adore the friendship between the men in the Jilted Exes' Club and the found family they all have.

Thank you for the arc! My review is honest and voluntary.

[Ami (Amireadsitall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an absolute sucker for a goalie and the second a book gives me one, I am front and centre like it is my own personal stadium. This one was worth every minute of the wait. It was pure swoon fuel, the kind that wraps you up like a warm blanket straight out of the dryer.

Sure, it has the goalie goodness I live for, and a dancer with a broken boy energy but it also has heart and a story that makes you feel warm and fuzzy in all the best ways. The banter hits like a perfectly timed one liner straight to the heart, the love is loud, and the patience woven through the pages is stunning. Watching someone rise from trauma, stronger and unwilling to give up, was beautiful. This story was everything soft and steady and absolutely wonderful.

[Sasha [latenightswithabook] · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, short little story but I just don’t think it was for me. The plot kind of hinges on a specific miscommunication but it’s cleared up well before the 50% mark. Usually I would be grateful for that because I really hate unnecessary drama but there just wasn’t that much left after that plot point was over.

I did really like Anthony and Kason as characters and thought their HEA was cute, I just wish there was a bit more to the story.

⭐ 3/5
🌶️ 3/5

[Laura Acelecia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf 58%. Terrible no puedo más horrible que malo por dios ojalá desleerlo

[Toddles · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOYFRIEND WITHOUT BENEFITS
By Riley Hart
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I received an E-book ARC edition of this novella in exchange for an honest review. It Is available December 3rd on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0F4RGVVB9

This is a 230-page Fast Paced, Friends-to-Lovers, Cinnamon Roll Hockey Player & Oblivious Dancer, Accidental Dating MM Romance. This is book three and the last of The Jilted Exes Club series. This novel has its own plot but characters from the previous two books appear and take part in Anthony and Kason’s story.

--I dance to music that’s only inside my head, lose myself to the movement, to this one and only thing in my life that I love. The only thing that loves me back.--

Written in alternating chapters, dual 1st person POV, the novel starts when Anthony is in middle school to give some background on his past then jumps to the middle of book two in a scene we already experienced but from Anthony’s perspective to add to his anguish. He went through something no child should ever have had to experience and on top of that later in life being Jilted when he already had trust and self-esteem issues really pushed him over the edge. Kason, a hockey player that is a caring and positive person, sees Anthony’s inner torture and with the patience of a saint, just wants to get to know him better and to take care of him. Anthony is a dancer at a club with secrets that he thinks he needs to protect to protect himself. Event though he uses dance as a therapeutic expression, his secret reasons behind it all hold him back from really living. When Kason asks Anthony out to dinner to get to know him better, communication doesn’t quite connect. Kason thinks they are dating, Anthony thinks they are just friends. When the paparazzi catch them out together multiple times, the truth and past come to light while honest feelings battle for attention.

--”Emotions are confusing and don’t always tell us the truth. They’re good at making us believe things that aren’t real and ignoring things that are.”--

Their story was written with no filler and straight to the point but with purpose. Anthony and his past have been teased since the very beginning in book one, so his story has been a long time coming. Riley Hart wrote it with some angst, but it could have used a bit more to it. His past as a child of not being wanted and having self-confidence and trust issues with other people as an adult could have been fleshed out more with added content. Even though this book was really enjoyable and written with Riley Hart’s normal flair, it does seem a little like an afterthought in-between other projects. However, even with the feeling of it being lost in the shuffle, her writing still hit the mark of the point she wanted to make. She made the reader fall ALL IN with them like Kason did right off the bat.

--“If you want something more physical, I want that too, but only if you understand that it’s not the only reason I’m here. The sex isn’t important to me. You are…. I want to tell you how sexy you are, how hard you get me, how your body is like a wet dream, and even back on that first night at Lush when I watched you dance, I wanted you. But not just your body. As delicious as it is, I’ve been trying to date you this whole time.”--

The spice was hot!!! 4.5/5 🌶. With someone that is sex positive and another that uses it to connect, there was so much emotion and passion. And let’s not forget the PRAISE and how it can change the outcome of one’s mindset and heart during the act of love making. Riley Hart showed that connection not only physically but also with positivity can change someone from within and for the better. I also always enjoy when stereotypical bedroom positions are switched or thrown to the side. It makes the scenes more expressive and spontaneously impulsive. And to be honest, WAY MORE FUN!

--My brain is wired to understand good things for others but not myself. Why is it so much easier to accept others than it is to accept myself?--

The ensemble was its own beast. The rest of the Jilted and their partners were heavily used in this addition to the series, and I love it! When the author created all the characters in such an addictive way, you want them there all the time. Anthony, Donovan, and Hayes, the three Jilted guys’ friendship is so special. The way they protect and are there for each other when their antagonist comes around or they are still struggling with what happened is the most loving relationship friends could have. This book is more directly linked to book one since both partners are hockey players from the same team and we get to see Kason and Rylan’s friendship as well. Donovan’s Husband, Eric is more there as cameo content but still showed that their friends-to-lovers is strong. There was also two characters that dropped out of nowhere and written in a way that could be picked up in the future as a LUSH Spin-off which I would be all for. We spent so much time in Anthony’s Nightclub that getting more Lush plotline centric stories would be a lot of fun, especially since it would open up additional cameos and updates on our three couples.

--I’ll carry these memories of him with me to remember what it felt like to have someone I wanted to stay.--

This was a fun concept to explore. One of those straight from the Social Media Headlines where someone is caught cheating and in secret relationships with multiple people, but in this case, it shows from the victim’s POV, made even better when they band together to support each other putting the antagonist in his place, even though he keeps coming back like a roach that won’t die. This was the book I was waiting for the most though after all the little teases about Anthony and Kason’s humorous personality in the ensemble of the other books. His was the perfect way to wrap up the series and put Malcom to bed once and for all.

💜Happy Reading🫶

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Last installment in the Jilted Exes series and finally it’s time for Anthony to get his happy ending too.
During the time spent with the other Jilted Exes and their friends and partner, Anthony got closer to Kason Maddox, "Mads", Rylen’s teammate.
In this book they start spending more and more time together and they hit it off great, their friendship is solid and there’s a good banter between them. They also feel a strong attraction towards each other, but at first they just joke about that. Until Kason feels pretty determined and asks Anthony on a date.

What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I liked very much the misunderstanding of dating/being just friends, it was entertaining to see how both of them were seeing things differently and I would have liked for that to last more, to build up a little more tension. Instead they found out about their miscommunication pretty early in the story and they went from friends to boyfriends too fast.
Unfortunately the story went on pretty flat from that moment.
Another thing I didn’t particularly enjoy: the sex scenes are very very long and I kept zoning out while reading.

I liked a lot how the author described Anthony’s insecurities and how badly the toxic relationship with Malcolm impacted him.
I adored Kason’s family, they were amazing with Anthony and they made him feel comfortable and safe and welcomed him with open arms.

I look forward to reading more from Riley Hart, I can’t wait to see what she has in store next.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.