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Once a Golden Boy
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26452 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
J.R. Barker
3 books19 followersJ.R. Barker writes contemporary M/M romances packed with humor, heart, and heat. He graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and a concentration in creative writing. And before you ask, no, every spicy scene is not about thick columns of basalt and volcanoes erupting.
J.R. spent two decades as a classroom teacher, and now he writes full-time from his home in Portland, Oregon. When J.R. is not writing romantic dramedies and dramatic comedies, he takes care of his daredevil son, saying things like, “No, I don’t think you should jump off that,” and hikes with his handsome dog, Orlando, who is a stereotypical chapter one romantic hero—cocky, willful, misunderstood, and, secretly, very sweet.
J.R. is an avid audiobook listener. Seriously, the guy puts his headphones on just to swap the laundry from the washer to the dryer. To find out more about J.R. and join his mailing list, head to jrbarkerbooks.com.
J.R. spent two decades as a classroom teacher, and now he writes full-time from his home in Portland, Oregon. When J.R. is not writing romantic dramedies and dramatic comedies, he takes care of his daredevil son, saying things like, “No, I don’t think you should jump off that,” and hikes with his handsome dog, Orlando, who is a stereotypical chapter one romantic hero—cocky, willful, misunderstood, and, secretly, very sweet.
J.R. is an avid audiobook listener. Seriously, the guy puts his headphones on just to swap the laundry from the washer to the dryer. To find out more about J.R. and join his mailing list, head to jrbarkerbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review — 4.5 ⭐
This book is both everything and nothing like you expect it to be... but in all of the best ways!
The "I tried to destroy you but fell in love instead" plot is one of my favorites, and it's what initially drew me into reading this. And while that part was just as good as I had hoped it'd be...holy crap, was I surprised with everything else that came with it. There is a lot of stuff happening in this book — like just to give you a small snapshot some of the tropes and plot lines included (but not limited to) are: secret identities, fake dating, parental trauma/neglect, the family wedding, movie filming/industry politics, crime/who dunnit, amnesia (sorta), meddling friends and even more meddlesome family members, betrayal, some people are sick— some people are dying— some people are already dead, people are trying to f*ck people and failing, people are trying to f*ck people and ...succeeding?? and that's not even all of it.....but yet, Barker handles it all so- freaking- well! It never felt convoluted, overwhelming, or like too much. Which takes skill.
And I was also invested in this entire cast of characters from start to finish, which is impressive in of itself because it's a HUGE cast. And that's typically something I'm usually critical of because not all authors are good at managing so many characters, but it works here. Every character is unique; some of them you hate, some of them you like, but they're all entertaining and feel like they matter to the story. And Barker walks a fine line with most of them; as many are definitely written a bit over the top, but never so much that they feel cartoonish or ridiculous. And as for our main couple — Will...my sweet baby boy. I was smitten with him from page one. The poor guy just can't catch a break, and as a reader you can't help but marvel at his resilience. James is also so amazing and so perfect for Will.... but like not perfect in general. He is what I like to call "deliciously flawed". As a reader, you know he's a good person and means well, but homie does make some poor decisions at times and that really had stressed me out in the latter half.
The only area I would say the book fell short for me (and what ultimately had me holding back that last half star) was the end; to put it bluntly...the ending felt rushed. The last three chapters cover a lot of ground, and they all had time jumps in between, which resulted in us just never really getting answers to some things. Such as: What happens to the villain? Did Will and his mom ever really talk out what happened? His mom is kind of b*tch most the book, so I wasn't thrilled with that speech at the end. As I didn't think she deserved it, but more context on their relationship might have changed that. What happens to Robert? What was the public's response to everything coming out about what happened that night. What really happened that night , we piece together most of it but the full picture would've been nice. Did Will and Derek ever talk about what happened and get closure wiht each other? Like I hate to say it... but I did feel a bit cheated because of how invested I was the entire book.
As a whole though, I still really enjoyed this book. It was probably one of the funnest reads I've had in a while. Like I sat down expecting to get the first few chapters read after dinner but ended up sitting on my couch till midnight finishing it. I really do implore others to check it out next month when it drops.
While all thoughts and opinions included in this review are my own; big thank you to Net Galley and J.R. Barker for the complimentary copy.
Also, Please Note : I did not read 'Love on the D-List' which is the old version of this book that was published in 2023; so this review is written from the prospective of someone who experiencing this story for the first time.
This book is both everything and nothing like you expect it to be... but in all of the best ways!
The "I tried to destroy you but fell in love instead" plot is one of my favorites, and it's what initially drew me into reading this. And while that part was just as good as I had hoped it'd be...holy crap, was I surprised with everything else that came with it. There is a lot of stuff happening in this book — like just to give you a small snapshot some of the tropes and plot lines included (but not limited to) are: secret identities, fake dating, parental trauma/neglect, the family wedding, movie filming/industry politics, crime/who dunnit, amnesia (sorta), meddling friends and even more meddlesome family members, betrayal, some people are sick— some people are dying— some people are already dead, people are trying to f*ck people and failing, people are trying to f*ck people and ...succeeding?? and that's not even all of it.....but yet, Barker handles it all so- freaking- well! It never felt convoluted, overwhelming, or like too much. Which takes skill.
And I was also invested in this entire cast of characters from start to finish, which is impressive in of itself because it's a HUGE cast. And that's typically something I'm usually critical of because not all authors are good at managing so many characters, but it works here. Every character is unique; some of them you hate, some of them you like, but they're all entertaining and feel like they matter to the story. And Barker walks a fine line with most of them; as many are definitely written a bit over the top, but never so much that they feel cartoonish or ridiculous. And as for our main couple — Will...my sweet baby boy. I was smitten with him from page one. The poor guy just can't catch a break, and as a reader you can't help but marvel at his resilience. James is also so amazing and so perfect for Will.... but like not perfect in general. He is what I like to call "deliciously flawed". As a reader, you know he's a good person and means well, but homie does make some poor decisions at times and that really had stressed me out in the latter half.
The only area I would say the book fell short for me (and what ultimately had me holding back that last half star) was the end; to put it bluntly...the ending felt rushed. The last three chapters cover a lot of ground, and they all had time jumps in between, which resulted in us just never really getting answers to some things. Such as: What happens to the villain? Did Will and his mom ever really talk out what happened? His mom is kind of b*tch most the book, so I wasn't thrilled with that speech at the end. As I didn't think she deserved it, but more context on their relationship might have changed that. What happens to Robert? What was the public's response to everything coming out about what happened that night. What really happened that night , we piece together most of it but the full picture would've been nice. Did Will and Derek ever talk about what happened and get closure wiht each other? Like I hate to say it... but I did feel a bit cheated because of how invested I was the entire book.
As a whole though, I still really enjoyed this book. It was probably one of the funnest reads I've had in a while. Like I sat down expecting to get the first few chapters read after dinner but ended up sitting on my couch till midnight finishing it. I really do implore others to check it out next month when it drops.
While all thoughts and opinions included in this review are my own; big thank you to Net Galley and J.R. Barker for the complimentary copy.
Also, Please Note : I did not read 'Love on the D-List' which is the old version of this book that was published in 2023; so this review is written from the prospective of someone who experiencing this story for the first time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for this book, and I tried to contact the author regarding it as it felt extremely similar to Love on the D-list.
I didn’t receive any response, so I went back and checked a few chapters, and they were the same. So I imagine the author has reimagined the story or wants to make it a series?
Anyway, I am just going to give my review for Love on the D-list here.
This is such an emotional roller coaster. The heartache I felt for Will from beginning to end!
The book has such a range of emotions that one minute your eyes are filling up, the next you’re blushing, and then you’re laughing at them. There’s never a dull moment.
The story is dark, light, and everything in between. Will and James’ story is not just your typical redemption story it’s about learning to love yourself and trust in the people who want you to see yourself the way they do. The author makes you feel Will’s pain as each person around him seems to take from him relentlessly, it feels like he has no one when in reality, everyone loves him. Their antics leave you angry, laughing, and in the end shocked (in a good way). James helps Will to relearn his worth and to live without validation from others.
This story is a slow burn romance but it’s worth it. Their love by the end has been hard won but is stronger for it. It’s a story that takes you on a journey one you can sort of predict the ending of but not how they’ll get there. That’s the beauty of this book though, it keeps you hooked, invested emotionally.
I loved the ending and I’m glad this hodgepodge of bonkers characters all came together to help take Will’s life back. It was so much fun.
*note* I have since received an update from the author and over 30% of the book has been changed hence the title change so I will go back and give this another shot when I get a chance!
………………………………………………..
I got an ARC from Book Sirens, and this is my honest review.
I didn’t receive any response, so I went back and checked a few chapters, and they were the same. So I imagine the author has reimagined the story or wants to make it a series?
Anyway, I am just going to give my review for Love on the D-list here.
This is such an emotional roller coaster. The heartache I felt for Will from beginning to end!
The book has such a range of emotions that one minute your eyes are filling up, the next you’re blushing, and then you’re laughing at them. There’s never a dull moment.
The story is dark, light, and everything in between. Will and James’ story is not just your typical redemption story it’s about learning to love yourself and trust in the people who want you to see yourself the way they do. The author makes you feel Will’s pain as each person around him seems to take from him relentlessly, it feels like he has no one when in reality, everyone loves him. Their antics leave you angry, laughing, and in the end shocked (in a good way). James helps Will to relearn his worth and to live without validation from others.
This story is a slow burn romance but it’s worth it. Their love by the end has been hard won but is stronger for it. It’s a story that takes you on a journey one you can sort of predict the ending of but not how they’ll get there. That’s the beauty of this book though, it keeps you hooked, invested emotionally.
I loved the ending and I’m glad this hodgepodge of bonkers characters all came together to help take Will’s life back. It was so much fun.
*note* I have since received an update from the author and over 30% of the book has been changed hence the title change so I will go back and give this another shot when I get a chance!
………………………………………………..
I got an ARC from Book Sirens, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
what an ARC! i adored will with my entire heart. my sweet baby suffered basically the entire book, but he was still SO likeable??? i also didn't hate james (jimmy?) either. i thought i'd immediately dislike him (and i did) BUT he, too, was SO LIKEABLE that i was rooting for him and will by chapter 4.
okay now that we all know that i was in LOVE with both will and james, let's get to the other characters. first, theo. 10/10 no notes, no rewrites! he complimented the plot really well BUT i did sometimes forget that he is genuinely a teenager. will's parents. also, oddly complementary to the plot. also, oddly likeable people dispite every new piece of info that should make you hate them. the side characters had enough individual personality that I could differentiate between them all, which is always nice. and my antagonist????? perfect. because i hated him the entire time.
plot. i was entertained the entire time. sat. ingrossed. could not look away from my kindle if i tried. the description said soapy and it MEANT it. but in the best way possible. i felt like i was watching a 2000s drama and i LOVED IT.
my only real issue with this book is quite minor. and it's truly a personal issue. i, for the life of me, could not follow the conflict in this book. i probably had to reread the scenes where they talked about the night everything happened minimum 3 times. is this the author's fault? probably not. but it kept changing so often and i got lost so much that it took aware from my experience a TINY bit. but all love.
okay now that we all know that i was in LOVE with both will and james, let's get to the other characters. first, theo. 10/10 no notes, no rewrites! he complimented the plot really well BUT i did sometimes forget that he is genuinely a teenager. will's parents. also, oddly complementary to the plot. also, oddly likeable people dispite every new piece of info that should make you hate them. the side characters had enough individual personality that I could differentiate between them all, which is always nice. and my antagonist????? perfect. because i hated him the entire time.
plot. i was entertained the entire time. sat. ingrossed. could not look away from my kindle if i tried. the description said soapy and it MEANT it. but in the best way possible. i felt like i was watching a 2000s drama and i LOVED IT.
my only real issue with this book is quite minor. and it's truly a personal issue. i, for the life of me, could not follow the conflict in this book. i probably had to reread the scenes where they talked about the night everything happened minimum 3 times. is this the author's fault? probably not. but it kept changing so often and i got lost so much that it took aware from my experience a TINY bit. but all love.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Early on, I almost DNF’ed this book and I am so glad I didn't!
It started off with all the bones of a great romcom, but it felt a little chaotic and all over the place in its execution. I struggled to stay engaged and it started to feel like a bit of a trudge… And then suddenly everything changed.
It was like it found its footing and it was off and away. The characters’ voices became confident and the emotions really landed. I was completely sucked in, emotionally invested and I did not want to put the book down.
It didn't just become good, it became great and I was so glad I had pushed through my earlier doubts. It proceeded to move like a whirlwind mixing combining character development with a plot that was hard to look away from. Moments of quiet emotional intensity blended perfectly with fast paced action.
The narrators and their relationships with their families weaved perfectly through the gripping plot and grounded it in emotion that really resonated and will stay with me a long time after I close the pages.
The romance didn't always have the easiest or most aspirational journey, and yet it was surprisingly easy to root for. The chemistry was apparent and the characters— flawed, nuanced and complex as they were— were deeply loveable. The intimate scenes were incredibly well written.
Worth sticking with. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series.
It started off with all the bones of a great romcom, but it felt a little chaotic and all over the place in its execution. I struggled to stay engaged and it started to feel like a bit of a trudge… And then suddenly everything changed.
It was like it found its footing and it was off and away. The characters’ voices became confident and the emotions really landed. I was completely sucked in, emotionally invested and I did not want to put the book down.
It didn't just become good, it became great and I was so glad I had pushed through my earlier doubts. It proceeded to move like a whirlwind mixing combining character development with a plot that was hard to look away from. Moments of quiet emotional intensity blended perfectly with fast paced action.
The narrators and their relationships with their families weaved perfectly through the gripping plot and grounded it in emotion that really resonated and will stay with me a long time after I close the pages.
The romance didn't always have the easiest or most aspirational journey, and yet it was surprisingly easy to root for. The chemistry was apparent and the characters— flawed, nuanced and complex as they were— were deeply loveable. The intimate scenes were incredibly well written.
Worth sticking with. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great story which I devoured in less than 48 hours. It has laugh-out-loud banter, tear-jerking moments as well as a slow-burn romance. I’m always a fan of a New York/Hollywood vibe and this delivered, with the extra rustic addition of rural Vermont charm. Will was a such likeable character, so hard on himself yet he’s got it all going for him: talented actor, amazing singer, a loving son and brother, great teacher (well, his pupils love him anyway!), witty, and let’s not forget the insanely fit body; I really felt awful for the injustices that had happened to him and was rooting for his redemption from early on in the book. James was less likeable initially but grows on you as his motivation becomes clearer (and maybe the moustache also helped, who knows?) - by the end you really, really want him to get his HEA with Will. There’s a whole cast of interesting, funny supporting characters (Miles, Enrique, ‘the Dad’, the School Principal) but James’ nephew Theo was the other standout – I HAVE to know how his story continues so hopefully the sequel is not too far off!
I read an advanced ARC copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I read an advanced ARC copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is A LOT going on in this book! It has the potential to be a five-star read, but I thought it left too many loose threads sticking out, leading me to my all-too-frequent review comment: needed a stronger developmental edit.
I was immediately drawn into the story and cared about the MCs. The dialogue and narrative were believable and compelling. I had a hard time making sense of Will's parents—which may have been intentional (people are complex), but I'd have liked more clarity/closure there. I also questioned the way the progression of Will's father's illness was portrayed. Those are issues that could have been handled with, again, some strong edits and rewrites. Similarly, the degree of alcohol abuse bothered me and, I think, could have been better addressed.
Despite my reservations, I enjoyed the story a lot, and this is an author I'll gladly read more from, though I'll hope to see some of those rough edges sanded down in future books.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
I was immediately drawn into the story and cared about the MCs. The dialogue and narrative were believable and compelling. I had a hard time making sense of Will's parents—which may have been intentional (people are complex), but I'd have liked more clarity/closure there. I also questioned the way the progression of Will's father's illness was portrayed. Those are issues that could have been handled with, again, some strong edits and rewrites. Similarly, the degree of alcohol abuse bothered me and, I think, could have been better addressed.
Despite my reservations, I enjoyed the story a lot, and this is an author I'll gladly read more from, though I'll hope to see some of those rough edges sanded down in future books.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy
This is one of those books that will stick with me and be on my reread list.
This story broke my heart all the way through. Both main characters have histories so different.
Will the rich kid who grew up in a totally dysfunctional family. Situations that happen to him, that cause him to have a total lack of self worth and make his interactions with people difficult.
James came from a poor background and family and that forced him to try many different careers just to pay the bills. He is guardian of his nephew and the interaction between James and Theo brought laughs to the story.
I love the Theo character even though he is a secondary character he adds so much to the story.
As the mystery part of the story is played out and James's real background comes out I could not set the book down. The twisty part of the story made me wonder why I had not figured it out sooner.
I really enjoyed this story and will read more by this author.
This story broke my heart all the way through. Both main characters have histories so different.
Will the rich kid who grew up in a totally dysfunctional family. Situations that happen to him, that cause him to have a total lack of self worth and make his interactions with people difficult.
James came from a poor background and family and that forced him to try many different careers just to pay the bills. He is guardian of his nephew and the interaction between James and Theo brought laughs to the story.
I love the Theo character even though he is a secondary character he adds so much to the story.
As the mystery part of the story is played out and James's real background comes out I could not set the book down. The twisty part of the story made me wonder why I had not figured it out sooner.
I really enjoyed this story and will read more by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced reader copy of this book!
• 4.5 stars •
Holy cow, where do I begin?? I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, but it had me hooked from the very beginning. It was emotional, gripping, dramatic in the best way, incredibly well written, and had me gasping at plot twists and turns multiple times.
All of the characters were beautifully flawed in their own ways (even the side characters) and it really made the story feel more authentic. It was definitely a slow burn and a hard fought HEA!
My only “negative” comment is I wish we’d gotten more story after the big scene at the end. It happened and then… we didn’t actually learn what happened after? How did it all get wrapped up after that?
This was a fantastic read regardless and everyone who enjoys a bit of a mystery/thriller with fake dating, a sprinkle of spice, and great dialogue all around should absolutely have this on their TBR!
• 4.5 stars •
Holy cow, where do I begin?? I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, but it had me hooked from the very beginning. It was emotional, gripping, dramatic in the best way, incredibly well written, and had me gasping at plot twists and turns multiple times.
All of the characters were beautifully flawed in their own ways (even the side characters) and it really made the story feel more authentic. It was definitely a slow burn and a hard fought HEA!
My only “negative” comment is I wish we’d gotten more story after the big scene at the end. It happened and then… we didn’t actually learn what happened after? How did it all get wrapped up after that?
This was a fantastic read regardless and everyone who enjoys a bit of a mystery/thriller with fake dating, a sprinkle of spice, and great dialogue all around should absolutely have this on their TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was probably one of the best fake dating books I've read.
Both men, Will and James were so likeable i was rooting for them the moment they met each other. Yes, James did some questionable things but it was all in the name of love. Moments of the book were emotional, mainly the parts of Will's back story with Derek and what transpired years prior to the book, but also James and his dead brother.
The plot twists and turns in this book was so good! And im super glad the villian got his comeuppance!
Will and James love story was absolutely fantastic and im glad they got their happy ending.
Big shout out to Theo for being one of the best side characters ever 😂
Both men, Will and James were so likeable i was rooting for them the moment they met each other. Yes, James did some questionable things but it was all in the name of love. Moments of the book were emotional, mainly the parts of Will's back story with Derek and what transpired years prior to the book, but also James and his dead brother.
The plot twists and turns in this book was so good! And im super glad the villian got his comeuppance!
Will and James love story was absolutely fantastic and im glad they got their happy ending.
Big shout out to Theo for being one of the best side characters ever 😂
Review of advance copy
I really wanted to like this one. The premise was intriguing and the plot stayed gripping throughout, but the characters just couldn't carry the weight. With no distinct voice between the dual perspectives, I kept having to flick back to see whose chapter I was even on. It’s a compelling story on paper, but the characters were too flat and blurred together to truly stick the landing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well written and fun MM story. Very engaging and enjoyable read. I will definitely be looking for more Green Mountain Boys books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5
This book has a little bit of everything. Barker weaves together humor, tension, and heart to masterfully create an engaging ride filled with flawed but lovable characters.
4.5
This book has a little bit of everything. Barker weaves together humor, tension, and heart to masterfully create an engaging ride filled with flawed but lovable characters.
Review of advance copy
4.5*
I am a fan of the good old fake relationship, so naturally I wanted to read this. But the description also described the book as "soapy," which made me ask myself if I really wanted to read this. That being said, this book had me hooked from the beginning. The first couple of chapters had me kicking my feet because I had that feeling you get when you start a book and you just know you'll like it.
This book was indeed soapy (complimentary). So much drama, so many secrets, and a very beautiful romance. I was entertained; I laughed (Will and James (Jimmy?) together were fun as hell), and I cried because some scenes were very emotional. I think the best way to describe this book is to say it made me forget that I exist. I picked it up, and I fell into this world full of unrelatable (to me), lovable, and unlovable characters, and I put it down and remembered that I was a person and that tomorrow was Monday and I had to keep existing.
Also, I have to say the secrets did not bother me in this. The book had this underlying current of secrecy, but I think that's what made it so good. I hope there will be more books in this universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
I am a fan of the good old fake relationship, so naturally I wanted to read this. But the description also described the book as "soapy," which made me ask myself if I really wanted to read this. That being said, this book had me hooked from the beginning. The first couple of chapters had me kicking my feet because I had that feeling you get when you start a book and you just know you'll like it.
This book was indeed soapy (complimentary). So much drama, so many secrets, and a very beautiful romance. I was entertained; I laughed (Will and James (Jimmy?) together were fun as hell), and I cried because some scenes were very emotional. I think the best way to describe this book is to say it made me forget that I exist. I picked it up, and I fell into this world full of unrelatable (to me), lovable, and unlovable characters, and I put it down and remembered that I was a person and that tomorrow was Monday and I had to keep existing.
Also, I have to say the secrets did not bother me in this. The book had this underlying current of secrecy, but I think that's what made it so good. I hope there will be more books in this universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews