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Just a Summer Deal
"You think you can go gay for the summer?" "I'm the bad egg in Team Gay." Gay romance author Aaron Douglas has almost everything going for a successful career, fun friends, and loving parents who live just far enough away. Unfortunately, he's earned a love 'em and leave 'em reputation, though. Finding a gorgeous gay romance author in this little Colorado town is a thrill, even if Conor says he's straight. When Aaron's landlord kicks him out, the solution is Aaron can stay with Conor, they can write and fix up Conor's cute farmhouse together, and they can pretend to date. That's all. Aaron won't fall for another straight guy again...even one as amazing as Conor. "What do I know about gay romance?" Conor Kennedy just wants to renovate and sell his old farmhouse, escape this small town, and find a nice girlfriend. His novels don't sell, though, and his repairs are taking forever. Everything feels broken until Aaron jokingly offers the perfect solution. Why not pose as a cute gay couple for the summer? Both of their careers will benefit and they'll both get the company of a great new friend... plus Hope, the stray golden retriever who's chosen to live with them. But all Conor can think about is the most illogical thing of he wants to do more with his gay co-author than write romance novels. "Will you sweep me under the rug again?" Living in tight quarters during the renovation while writing a book together challenges both men to stick to the terms of their deal. They're opposites in almost every way, and the tension is thick. As their fake relationship deadline approaches, questions loom over them were they only faking, or has something real blossomed between them? When the internet learns of Conor's past, will their love be strong enough to keep them together? Just a Summer Deal is a steamy, stand-alone GFY gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2016
40 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 27, 2017
I started out really loving this story, then the rains came...
I felt that one of Aaron's friends summed it up best when he said:
“I think the two of you are really shitty at communication.”The story was funny, light and extremely sweet, until they both just stopped talking, which left me feeling frustrated and brought my level of enjoyment way down.
I missed the lighter tone of the early parts of the story, as everything became much more angsty and a bit melodramatic for my tastes.
The sexier parts of the story were pretty hot and the guys did eventually get their HEA, but the completely avoidable drama soured the feel of the story for me, so I'd rate this one around 3 stars.
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October 21, 2016
*** Wonderful story of two men who are tired of being alone, who strike a deal, and discover a surprise !
A bit flamboyant, an energetic gay man, author Aaron,
with styled hair and brown eyes, is going to share a fixer-upper house with the owner for the summer. A strong, muscled, blonde and blue-eyed,
straight man, Conor, needs help with his writing and the renovations on his house, and makes the deal. These characters are really well structured and we like them each very much. It's fun to watch them forge a friendship. Conor is in need of marketing and writing his books because he's just not making enough money.
Sweet Aaron was evicted, so this helps him have a roof over his head and takes him away from the destructive partying and one-night-stand lifestyle he was tired of living. They both get a fresh kick start and shake up they were both overdue.
This is well written, fun, witty, and really reels us in.
Aaron is interested in Conor. Slowly the attraction Conor begins to feel for Aaron, makes him realize that he is drawn to the man. His first feeling toward a man. Their "fake" relationship is becoming a reality, but Conor has no idea what to do.
We get the front row seat to watch their progression, passion, sexy times and possessiveness. Plus we see the family stuff, the friends opinions, and a tag-a-log in the golden retriever that inserts himself in their space.
These authors are amazing together.
ENJOY !
=============
A bit flamboyant, an energetic gay man, author Aaron,
with styled hair and brown eyes, is going to share a fixer-upper house with the owner for the summer. A strong, muscled, blonde and blue-eyed,
straight man, Conor, needs help with his writing and the renovations on his house, and makes the deal. These characters are really well structured and we like them each very much. It's fun to watch them forge a friendship. Conor is in need of marketing and writing his books because he's just not making enough money.
Sweet Aaron was evicted, so this helps him have a roof over his head and takes him away from the destructive partying and one-night-stand lifestyle he was tired of living. They both get a fresh kick start and shake up they were both overdue.
This is well written, fun, witty, and really reels us in.
Aaron is interested in Conor. Slowly the attraction Conor begins to feel for Aaron, makes him realize that he is drawn to the man. His first feeling toward a man. Their "fake" relationship is becoming a reality, but Conor has no idea what to do.
We get the front row seat to watch their progression, passion, sexy times and possessiveness. Plus we see the family stuff, the friends opinions, and a tag-a-log in the golden retriever that inserts himself in their space.
These authors are amazing together.
ENJOY !
=============
September 28, 2016
DNF’d at 48% - I tried I really did. I wanted to finish since it was a buddy read but I cannot bring myself to do it. I wanted to find the humor in it. It’s tropey as fuck and extremely over the top but after someone suggested that maybe it was a tongue in cheek romantic comedy I figured I could finish. I lost it at the blow jobs…just no…no. Not for me. I’m actually pretty bummed because I’ve enjoyed Davies in the past but this was not good even as a joke.
October 10, 2016
I liked the start of this book! Two MM writers decide to meet and colaborate in a book when they discover they are now living pretty close... One of them is straight and not very lucky with the sales... So they decided to live together and fake a relationship to the Social media fans by the time they are writing the colaboration book . For marketing purposes.
First, I hate that they are LYING to the public.
Second, since they move together nothing has any sense! They didn't communicate at all ~ and we have some random sex scenes here and there still remembering that one of them wasn't gay. Yes ok. Ridiculous.
Btw, maybe I try to read the luke story. I liked his character. But please! Sense, fun and love!
September 29, 2016
I'm probably too tired to write a coherent, thoughtful review but I'm pretty indifferent about this book, so I'm not sure I have much to say anyway.
Pros:
This book actually has some decent bi representation and messages.
Cons:
Everything else >.<
Ridiculous concept(s).
Weak delivery.
Endless, in your face stereotypes. Gay stereotypes. Straight stereotypes. Gender stereotypes. Tired, overdone, obnoxious, eye rolling stereotypes.
Bi MC calls himself bi but repeatedly refers to himself as gay.
To be honest, reading the way Aaron was such a pushy task master, endlessly badgering Conor to crank out his words and scenes, and knowing they planned to churn out 3 books in three months, I wonder if one of the authors or both is all about quantity over quality. The book didn't feel natural or organic, it felt forced and contrived, whenever anything started to flow, it was punctuated with something awkward or eyerolling. It's really unfortunate when quantity trumps quality, in this case, it shows.
Pros:
This book actually has some decent bi representation and messages.
Cons:
Everything else >.<
Ridiculous concept(s).
Weak delivery.
Endless, in your face stereotypes. Gay stereotypes. Straight stereotypes. Gender stereotypes. Tired, overdone, obnoxious, eye rolling stereotypes.
Bi MC calls himself bi but repeatedly refers to himself as gay.
To be honest, reading the way Aaron was such a pushy task master, endlessly badgering Conor to crank out his words and scenes, and knowing they planned to churn out 3 books in three months, I wonder if one of the authors or both is all about quantity over quality. The book didn't feel natural or organic, it felt forced and contrived, whenever anything started to flow, it was punctuated with something awkward or eyerolling. It's really unfortunate when quantity trumps quality, in this case, it shows.
September 28, 2016
Quit at 10%. It was 50% nonsensical, 50% bad tropes, and 100% boring.
September 17, 2016
.•´¸.•*´¨❆¸.•*¨.•´¸.•*´¨❆¸.•*¨•´¸.•*´¨❆¸.•*¨
✪¸.•´✶¸.•`Can their deal survive the summer?❆¸.•*¨
I am blown away by the sheer magnificence of E. Davies and Zach Jenkins and their ability to hash out such a good story. You always wonder what goes on in the minds of collaborators and this funny, wicked summer tale left me with a mindful. What happens when two gay romance writers met and there's a spark? How do they engineer their thinking when one turns out to be straight.
You're all the strength I'll ever need.
Finding out his crush was living right in the same town made Aaron bold and drawn to the orbit of Conor. Aaron found himself living and sharing Conor's old farmhouse for the summer when they struck a deal. Even though Aaron thought: He's just going to become the perfect unattainable man on me, he was left asking: You think you can go gay for the summer?
It was just a summer deal.
Conor had no idea when he met Aaron what fate had in store for him. All he wanted was to renovate his farmhouse, write a decent book and move on. Aaron made the difference. Having admired the man for not only his writing skills, but his ability to life out and proud, Conor now found himself living the life of his characters. Surprisingly, being with Aaron was easy and soon it was evident that their fake it or make it relationship was looking more real than not.
When is it time to come out?
The entire story wove around the affair and the collaboration and was well written. I loved, loved, loved Aaron's social media expert panel and Luke, the baker. They gave a voice to the feelings surrounding the MCs. I enjoyed the whole social media involvement and the conflicts and resolutions. And lest we forget the dog that made it all happen. Her name was fitting...Hope. I am doling out all my stars because this was a fantastic read and every reader of MM romance should get a chance to experience this. And I am excited to know that two secondary characters have their own story coming soon. Yay!!
ARC provided by the Authors in exchange for an honest review.
✪¸.•´✶¸.•`Can their deal survive the summer?❆¸.•*¨
I am blown away by the sheer magnificence of E. Davies and Zach Jenkins and their ability to hash out such a good story. You always wonder what goes on in the minds of collaborators and this funny, wicked summer tale left me with a mindful. What happens when two gay romance writers met and there's a spark? How do they engineer their thinking when one turns out to be straight.
You're all the strength I'll ever need.
Finding out his crush was living right in the same town made Aaron bold and drawn to the orbit of Conor. Aaron found himself living and sharing Conor's old farmhouse for the summer when they struck a deal. Even though Aaron thought: He's just going to become the perfect unattainable man on me, he was left asking: You think you can go gay for the summer?
It was just a summer deal.
Conor had no idea when he met Aaron what fate had in store for him. All he wanted was to renovate his farmhouse, write a decent book and move on. Aaron made the difference. Having admired the man for not only his writing skills, but his ability to life out and proud, Conor now found himself living the life of his characters. Surprisingly, being with Aaron was easy and soon it was evident that their fake it or make it relationship was looking more real than not.
When is it time to come out?
The entire story wove around the affair and the collaboration and was well written. I loved, loved, loved Aaron's social media expert panel and Luke, the baker. They gave a voice to the feelings surrounding the MCs. I enjoyed the whole social media involvement and the conflicts and resolutions. And lest we forget the dog that made it all happen. Her name was fitting...Hope. I am doling out all my stars because this was a fantastic read and every reader of MM romance should get a chance to experience this. And I am excited to know that two secondary characters have their own story coming soon. Yay!!
ARC provided by the Authors in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2016
Simply amazing... Yay!!!
I've read total 8 books so far by E. Davies and this is the 1st book of zach Jenkins with Mr. Davies that I've read and loved it.... I liked the way this story took turn.., the characters were well portrayed and emotion were well conveyed in the story.. there were moments where I laugher and there were moments when I was dabbing my eyes... Well written and simple to point... I want more books by these two authors... I'll give 4.5 stars...
I've read total 8 books so far by E. Davies and this is the 1st book of zach Jenkins with Mr. Davies that I've read and loved it.... I liked the way this story took turn.., the characters were well portrayed and emotion were well conveyed in the story.. there were moments where I laugher and there were moments when I was dabbing my eyes... Well written and simple to point... I want more books by these two authors... I'll give 4.5 stars...
May 12, 2017
Let’s start this review by saying that we did finish this book, but it was a bit of a struggle. This is a gay-for-you romance, and the story idea has so much potential, but just didn’t come tighter in the end for us.
First off we meet Aaron, a successful, out, m/m romance author who is living a complete bachelor’s life; partying with friends, one night stand and living the good life. He does however have a crush on another m/m writer, Conor, who is straight, and reaches out to him to see if they can connect. They meet, and really like each other and decide to collaborate on a book tighter. Somehow that translates into a fake-relationship for media, and living tighter to fix up Conor’s farmhouse. But all this comes with a deadline, the end of summer.
See, sound like a cute premise, and we were SO SO SO hopeful. They meet, fireworks, write and renovate a house and fall in love, all in an idyllic country setting. That’s the first half. But man, it just has so many issues. First off, the gay-for-you is done so much, but it can still be done well. But, there isn’t real transition for Conor. One minute he is trying to set up a one-night-stand with his neighbor, and the next minute he is making out with Aaron to post on Social Media. Huh? Conor never really explores his sexuality, just *knows* he wants to be with Aaron. The between the sheets feels awkward, like they are kissing and then the next is full on.
We are also a bit confused about that too. There is no chemistry between Aaron and Conor, none, zip, zilch; they just don’t seem to mesh with each other. Other than both being romance authors, they have really no connection, nothing that keeps them coming back to each other. They bicker ALL THE TIME about the book, about writing schedules, process, what to write, leaving tools around the house, and on and on and on. Honestly, this is like after living with each other for like 2 weeks. If this was us, we would have moved out!
For 2 writers you think they would be better at communication, but nope, and the characters struggle with this internal angst “does he feel the same” “is he still faking this relationship” “what is going to happen at the need of the summer”. We honestly wanted to bang our head against the wall – for pete sake, just talk to each other! There is so much mis-communication, confusion and unnecessary angst and it takes up way too much time.
So, all in all, it is really hard for us to say this, but we weren’t really a fan of Just a Summer Deal. We tried so hard to like this cute idea of a book, but it never really came together for us.
http://confessionsofaromatic.blogspot...
First off we meet Aaron, a successful, out, m/m romance author who is living a complete bachelor’s life; partying with friends, one night stand and living the good life. He does however have a crush on another m/m writer, Conor, who is straight, and reaches out to him to see if they can connect. They meet, and really like each other and decide to collaborate on a book tighter. Somehow that translates into a fake-relationship for media, and living tighter to fix up Conor’s farmhouse. But all this comes with a deadline, the end of summer.
See, sound like a cute premise, and we were SO SO SO hopeful. They meet, fireworks, write and renovate a house and fall in love, all in an idyllic country setting. That’s the first half. But man, it just has so many issues. First off, the gay-for-you is done so much, but it can still be done well. But, there isn’t real transition for Conor. One minute he is trying to set up a one-night-stand with his neighbor, and the next minute he is making out with Aaron to post on Social Media. Huh? Conor never really explores his sexuality, just *knows* he wants to be with Aaron. The between the sheets feels awkward, like they are kissing and then the next is full on.
We are also a bit confused about that too. There is no chemistry between Aaron and Conor, none, zip, zilch; they just don’t seem to mesh with each other. Other than both being romance authors, they have really no connection, nothing that keeps them coming back to each other. They bicker ALL THE TIME about the book, about writing schedules, process, what to write, leaving tools around the house, and on and on and on. Honestly, this is like after living with each other for like 2 weeks. If this was us, we would have moved out!
For 2 writers you think they would be better at communication, but nope, and the characters struggle with this internal angst “does he feel the same” “is he still faking this relationship” “what is going to happen at the need of the summer”. We honestly wanted to bang our head against the wall – for pete sake, just talk to each other! There is so much mis-communication, confusion and unnecessary angst and it takes up way too much time.
So, all in all, it is really hard for us to say this, but we weren’t really a fan of Just a Summer Deal. We tried so hard to like this cute idea of a book, but it never really came together for us.
http://confessionsofaromatic.blogspot...
October 14, 2018
When I discovered E.Davies, it was thanks to the “Afterburn” series. I liked them (they were not perfect, but enjoyable. The writing style is good.)
I still think E.Davies writing style is good – but the more I read about it, the more I think something is lacking. Oftentimes the books feel rushed. The delivery is weak and I know it could be better, because... like I said, the writing style is not bad.
However, now I probably know why, since Aaron explains a lot about being a m/m author and commercialized series – an it's a bit sad, really. He's always forcing Connor to get out words, more words, 3 scenes, 4 scenes, 800 words in 20 minutes. Always quantity over quality plus dubious marketing with a fake relationship? Well, not the relationship, but it kinda reminds me of what some other m/m authors do – like "forcing" people to sign up to their newsletter so that they can read the "real" epilogue of a book for free. I mean, yeah, you still get it for free, but things like that should be IN the book... Then write little extra stories and don't call them epilogue when you want to bring people to follow you.
I understand that these authors need to make money and that it is of course also a question of commerce, but to be honest, sometimes I just need to read the summary and I already know that I'll just going to read that book if I can get it via Kindle unlimited, because I wouldn't want to spend my money on something I know is rushed, full of tropes, unnecessary angst, assumptions and stupid miscommunication between the characters. 80% of m/m novels is full of that, sadly. Some people just pull it off better, so that the stories are still very enjoyable.
Then there's the concept of series. This is a general remark now... but some series are pretty good and some really are just a way to commercialize – like writing a book about every letter in the alphabet or something like that.
That being said, I found that little sneak peak in the m/m writing scene interesting, but also sad.
I'm willed to spend money on books with good quality. With unique ideas. With solid stories that are different from your typical “Oh, there's a big misunderstanding and our inner thoughts and anxieties mess us up so there's constant miscommunication”...
With genres that don't contain m/m that often, like horror or a dystopia.
Okay, that has nothing to do with this book (or maybe it does...). But it's also a general observation. I still have some other E.Davies books on my list. I'm not sure if I want to read them, but I think I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and try them at least, since I'm sure he can do better.
I still think E.Davies writing style is good – but the more I read about it, the more I think something is lacking. Oftentimes the books feel rushed. The delivery is weak and I know it could be better, because... like I said, the writing style is not bad.
However, now I probably know why, since Aaron explains a lot about being a m/m author and commercialized series – an it's a bit sad, really. He's always forcing Connor to get out words, more words, 3 scenes, 4 scenes, 800 words in 20 minutes. Always quantity over quality plus dubious marketing with a fake relationship? Well, not the relationship, but it kinda reminds me of what some other m/m authors do – like "forcing" people to sign up to their newsletter so that they can read the "real" epilogue of a book for free. I mean, yeah, you still get it for free, but things like that should be IN the book... Then write little extra stories and don't call them epilogue when you want to bring people to follow you.
I understand that these authors need to make money and that it is of course also a question of commerce, but to be honest, sometimes I just need to read the summary and I already know that I'll just going to read that book if I can get it via Kindle unlimited, because I wouldn't want to spend my money on something I know is rushed, full of tropes, unnecessary angst, assumptions and stupid miscommunication between the characters. 80% of m/m novels is full of that, sadly. Some people just pull it off better, so that the stories are still very enjoyable.
Then there's the concept of series. This is a general remark now... but some series are pretty good and some really are just a way to commercialize – like writing a book about every letter in the alphabet or something like that.
That being said, I found that little sneak peak in the m/m writing scene interesting, but also sad.
I'm willed to spend money on books with good quality. With unique ideas. With solid stories that are different from your typical “Oh, there's a big misunderstanding and our inner thoughts and anxieties mess us up so there's constant miscommunication”...
With genres that don't contain m/m that often, like horror or a dystopia.
Okay, that has nothing to do with this book (or maybe it does...). But it's also a general observation. I still have some other E.Davies books on my list. I'm not sure if I want to read them, but I think I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and try them at least, since I'm sure he can do better.
May 4, 2017
Needed more time to develop the relation
2.5* The idea of this book unfortunately worked better than the execution. It felt a little immature, by that I don't mean childish, but that - like a good cheese or a fine wine - it needed time to develop.
I didn't really buy into Conor's gay for you, it's a trope that, imho, is difficult to get right and here there wasn't enough rationale behind why he suddenly started having feelings for Aaron.
However, having said that, I liked that once they did go for their fake relationship, it was mostly all on page, not fading to black. They were sweet together and the ending was lovely.
2.5* The idea of this book unfortunately worked better than the execution. It felt a little immature, by that I don't mean childish, but that - like a good cheese or a fine wine - it needed time to develop.
I didn't really buy into Conor's gay for you, it's a trope that, imho, is difficult to get right and here there wasn't enough rationale behind why he suddenly started having feelings for Aaron.
However, having said that, I liked that once they did go for their fake relationship, it was mostly all on page, not fading to black. They were sweet together and the ending was lovely.
September 19, 2018
Fun story about two writers of gay romance novels. Aaron has been living the party lifestyle, but wants to settle down. Conor is renovating his grandparent’s place to sell.
They meet and plan to write a series while living together and doing the renos on the farmhouse. As Conor begins to realize he’s bisexual and Aaron starts to want more commitment, they struggle with their emotions.
Good characters, premise, and supporters in the book. I didn’t enjoy their bickering, which seemed to show them disliking each other, when in fact, they were both struggling with some of their own demons.
Great book.
KU
They meet and plan to write a series while living together and doing the renos on the farmhouse. As Conor begins to realize he’s bisexual and Aaron starts to want more commitment, they struggle with their emotions.
Good characters, premise, and supporters in the book. I didn’t enjoy their bickering, which seemed to show them disliking each other, when in fact, they were both struggling with some of their own demons.
Great book.
KU
August 12, 2020
Excellent collaboration about a collaboration! I liked how honest the two of them were with being annoyed with each other -- it made me think of my aunt and uncle, married for decades, sniping at each other! Why did I wait so long to read this? I thought I'd dive into the book about their friends Luke and Julian, but on second check, I already read it two years ago...obviously, I didn't like it as much as I liked this one, since I really don't remember it.
December 11, 2017
This was a DNF for me. I tried to like it, thought it had good potential but I couldn't get past the writing. I didn't think there was good chemistry between the two main characters and they were constantly trying to figure out what the other person wanted when they weren't even honest with themselves. I made it to about 54% and now I have decided enough is enough.
February 15, 2017
LOVED THIS STORY!!!!
Aaron & Conor are just awesome! Grin, and Hope is adorable. I really enjoyed reading this book; especially the behind the scenes stuff about how authors write a book.
Aaron & Conor are just awesome! Grin, and Hope is adorable. I really enjoyed reading this book; especially the behind the scenes stuff about how authors write a book.
June 6, 2017
Wow!!! I loved it. Great job to both. Having both main characters be authors was a stroke of genius. I hope we get Luke's story. Maybe introduce him to Julian.
October 14, 2016
A great book by two of my favorite authors!
September 15, 2016
To be honest, this book started out a little bit slow for me but I’m glad I stuck with it.
Aaron Douglas is a successful author of gay romance stories and he’s out and proud. Conor Kennedy is a struggling writer of gay romance but he’s straight. Aaron has read some of Conor’s stories and he’s sure that he can help give his career a boost. He moves in with Conor for just the summer while he helps Conor with his writing.
After the first couple of chapters I finally settled into the story and really enjoyed it. This is a GFY or out for you story that some people avoid like the plague but I have to admit that I enjoy reading them most of the time.
Conor and Aaron don’t mesh really well at first and, like all couples, they have their disagreements. Conor isn’t as focused on his writing as Aaron thinks he should be. After they agree to write a book together they find that the way the approach writing differs quite a bit and they have to find a happy medium that they both can live with.
This story could be about any couple as they get to know each other and adjust to living together. I liked that it was about two authors who write gay romance – made me wonder a bit if it was kind of autobiographical.
This was a solid 4 star read for me and I would definitely read more books by these authors.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Aaron Douglas is a successful author of gay romance stories and he’s out and proud. Conor Kennedy is a struggling writer of gay romance but he’s straight. Aaron has read some of Conor’s stories and he’s sure that he can help give his career a boost. He moves in with Conor for just the summer while he helps Conor with his writing.
After the first couple of chapters I finally settled into the story and really enjoyed it. This is a GFY or out for you story that some people avoid like the plague but I have to admit that I enjoy reading them most of the time.
Conor and Aaron don’t mesh really well at first and, like all couples, they have their disagreements. Conor isn’t as focused on his writing as Aaron thinks he should be. After they agree to write a book together they find that the way the approach writing differs quite a bit and they have to find a happy medium that they both can live with.
This story could be about any couple as they get to know each other and adjust to living together. I liked that it was about two authors who write gay romance – made me wonder a bit if it was kind of autobiographical.
This was a solid 4 star read for me and I would definitely read more books by these authors.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2016
**Grammar**
The plot of this book was really simple and from the start we can understand how it's going to end, useless to say is a good end.
Meet Aaron a famous M/M romance writer with a big crush on another M/M writer, Connor.
Connor's writing is good but his books dont sell, he doesnt know how to advertise his works and being straight isnt helping him with the promotion of the books. No one knows he is writing gay books and he uses a pen name.
Aaron thinks that Connor's books are really good and he deserves some attention. When he finds out that they are living in the same city, he decides to contact him, with a plan for promoting his books and the idea of writing a series together. Connor is happy to accept.
During the time they spend together, they start posting photos on FB and other social media, and their fans, mostly Aaron's fans at start,love their photos so much that they start thinking the boys are a real couple and our guys dont deny it. They know this will be a good thing for them and Connor's books are getting more attention, all is going fine till real feelings enter the picture. Now is hard to fake it. Aaron knows that Connor is straight and that when the summer ends, their deal will end too, if only his heart would understand it.
Connor always thought he was straight, but now he is pretty sure he is Bisexual, no straight man would ask another man to research gay scenes with him and do Bjs and hand jobs with them. Connor knows that for him this isnt a deal anymore, but he doesnt know how to come out. He is scared and the fact that he believes Aaron doesnt feel the same for him, doesnt help. The fact that they had sex, all the way, only few days before only confuses him. Did they make love or just have fun? At the time it was clear, but now? he is starting to doubt it, both are. They are confused and scared of being hurt. They need to talk, to understand what they really wanna do after the summer, but this decision is postponed when some fans out Connor, telling on Fb that the guy is faking his relationship with Aaron bcs he has dated women before and he isnt gay.
It takes them a fight, some hours apart and then a big confession from Connor in a gay bar and infront of Aaron's friends, to finally make them understand their feelings are mutual and very much real.
In the end we see them one year later. Their series is selling well and they are going to a convention. They are living together, and still in love.
Like I said the book wasnt bad, but the plot was really simple. I liked the MCs but they were nothing special. I'm curious to read about Luke, Connor's best friend, and Julian, one of Aaron's friends.
The plot of this book was really simple and from the start we can understand how it's going to end, useless to say is a good end.
Meet Aaron a famous M/M romance writer with a big crush on another M/M writer, Connor.
Connor's writing is good but his books dont sell, he doesnt know how to advertise his works and being straight isnt helping him with the promotion of the books. No one knows he is writing gay books and he uses a pen name.
Aaron thinks that Connor's books are really good and he deserves some attention. When he finds out that they are living in the same city, he decides to contact him, with a plan for promoting his books and the idea of writing a series together. Connor is happy to accept.
During the time they spend together, they start posting photos on FB and other social media, and their fans, mostly Aaron's fans at start,love their photos so much that they start thinking the boys are a real couple and our guys dont deny it. They know this will be a good thing for them and Connor's books are getting more attention, all is going fine till real feelings enter the picture. Now is hard to fake it. Aaron knows that Connor is straight and that when the summer ends, their deal will end too, if only his heart would understand it.
Connor always thought he was straight, but now he is pretty sure he is Bisexual, no straight man would ask another man to research gay scenes with him and do Bjs and hand jobs with them. Connor knows that for him this isnt a deal anymore, but he doesnt know how to come out. He is scared and the fact that he believes Aaron doesnt feel the same for him, doesnt help. The fact that they had sex, all the way, only few days before only confuses him. Did they make love or just have fun? At the time it was clear, but now? he is starting to doubt it, both are. They are confused and scared of being hurt. They need to talk, to understand what they really wanna do after the summer, but this decision is postponed when some fans out Connor, telling on Fb that the guy is faking his relationship with Aaron bcs he has dated women before and he isnt gay.
It takes them a fight, some hours apart and then a big confession from Connor in a gay bar and infront of Aaron's friends, to finally make them understand their feelings are mutual and very much real.
In the end we see them one year later. Their series is selling well and they are going to a convention. They are living together, and still in love.
Like I said the book wasnt bad, but the plot was really simple. I liked the MCs but they were nothing special. I'm curious to read about Luke, Connor's best friend, and Julian, one of Aaron's friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2017
Loved it!
Ok, this one was definitely a fun story, loved it, the characters, both main and secondary. Am loving this author so far, A+++++.
Ok, this one was definitely a fun story, loved it, the characters, both main and secondary. Am loving this author so far, A+++++.
September 24, 2016
So meta
This story had me hooked. Absolutely loved the characters. Sweet, steamy, absolute perfection. I already loved both of these authors and they wrote this story perfectly together. Can't wait for the next!
This story had me hooked. Absolutely loved the characters. Sweet, steamy, absolute perfection. I already loved both of these authors and they wrote this story perfectly together. Can't wait for the next!
September 12, 2016
I was given this novel in exchange for a honest review so here it is. This was a great book...Enjoyed it and was hooked from the very start. Two MM romance writers come together to help each other out both in writing and restoring a old farmhouse that one had inherited. Aaron was successful in his writing career. He was gay, but not really happy in his love life. He sees another romance writer who he had been crushing on lived in the same city and decided to contact him. The two hit it off and ended up setting up a "fake" relationship online to hopefully booster sales and help Conor who was just starting out and was straight, at least he thought he was. They decided to do this fake relationship over the summer and work on a book together. Aaron moved in with Conor since he lost his apartment and Conor and Aaron wanted to act out some of the sexual scenes with blow jobs. This was all new to Conor, but it definitely blew his mind.....He really liked Aaron and the attraction between them only got stronger. But unfortunately their little fake relationship was blown up on the social media sites. Many felt it was a publicity stunt and they thought the two were lying to them since it was found on Conor's personal site that he was into women. This was a coming out that Conor was unsure of what he really wanted. He even told his mom that it was just a publicity stunt. Aaron overheard and it crushed him. He thought they had something real between them. This was their defining moment. This is their journey of decision. Conor was bi and he wanted the world to know who he really wanted....A great story that will keep you glued to it. The story line was strong. The characters were well developed and amazing....Highly recommend this one. Don't miss it.
September 17, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
In this book we meet Arron Douglas and Conor Kennedy. Arron is a gay romance writer who has been with his share of men but isn't satisfied with where his life is at. So one day while on facebook he sees a post from his author crush Conor. He realizes that Conor lives in the same city as he does and would like to meet him. Little did he know how much this meaning would mean in his life. When things start falling apart he finds that Conor is willing and able to help pick up the pieces. However Arron wonders what will happen when the summer ends will he loose the best man he has ever found or will life really give him a shot at that something more?
Conor doesn't know what to make of Arron at first. He does know that he is a successful author and he would love to sell books like he does. So when the opportunity comes about to work and learn from him Conor jumps on the chance. However things don't go as smoothly as either of them though and Conor isn't sure what to do with this. There is a part of him that never wants to let Arron go but the other part tells him he is looking for a woman and anyway Arron would never want a man like him. Can Conor put aside what he thinks he should do to possibly find that once in a lifetime love?
This is a great story about two men who have so many expectations put on them they aren't sure what they want at time and how to get it at others. There are a lot of ups and downs in this book, that will defiantly take you on an emotional roller-coaster for these characters. There is so much I want to tell you about this book but don't want to ruin it for any other readers. I will say this book will grab hold of you and not let you go to the very end. I would highly recommend this book.
In this book we meet Arron Douglas and Conor Kennedy. Arron is a gay romance writer who has been with his share of men but isn't satisfied with where his life is at. So one day while on facebook he sees a post from his author crush Conor. He realizes that Conor lives in the same city as he does and would like to meet him. Little did he know how much this meaning would mean in his life. When things start falling apart he finds that Conor is willing and able to help pick up the pieces. However Arron wonders what will happen when the summer ends will he loose the best man he has ever found or will life really give him a shot at that something more?
Conor doesn't know what to make of Arron at first. He does know that he is a successful author and he would love to sell books like he does. So when the opportunity comes about to work and learn from him Conor jumps on the chance. However things don't go as smoothly as either of them though and Conor isn't sure what to do with this. There is a part of him that never wants to let Arron go but the other part tells him he is looking for a woman and anyway Arron would never want a man like him. Can Conor put aside what he thinks he should do to possibly find that once in a lifetime love?
This is a great story about two men who have so many expectations put on them they aren't sure what they want at time and how to get it at others. There are a lot of ups and downs in this book, that will defiantly take you on an emotional roller-coaster for these characters. There is so much I want to tell you about this book but don't want to ruin it for any other readers. I will say this book will grab hold of you and not let you go to the very end. I would highly recommend this book.
September 14, 2016
Kind of found this book adorable about two M/M authors writing together and hitting it off. The turmoil from creating a fake relationship for marketing purposes to dealing with the real life consequences was interesting to see how the two would react. Too often social media in real life has too much drama and it was like reading an event that could happen tomorrow. I can't wait to read about Julian and Luke.
September 20, 2016
Conor and Aaron are both M/M romance writers. That's the only thing they have in common, it seems, other than both living in the little town of Durango. Because Aaron is an out and proud gay man and Conor has always considered himself to be straight, having only dated women. Aaron sees Conor's posts on FB, but notices that there are never any photos of himself, only places and objects. When Aaron sees a sign in one of Conor's FB posts and realizes that Conor is in the same small town that he is in, he sends him a message on FB to meet up in person, thinking that the odds of 2 M/M writers in the same small town was pretty small. He also wondered if Conor was gay, or just what his story was. Conor and Aaron were both extremely loveable characters and were written very well. Their interaction with one another was so enjoyable to read as they both learned things about each other and themselves in their journey towards love.
The rest of the story gets a bit convoluted at times, and there are a good many supporting characters, all of which I ended up liking very much. But the characters I loved the most was Hope, the beautiful Golden Retriever stray that wound up as part of Conor's (and eventually Aaron's) family and Mandy, the irresistibly sarcastic young woman who lived next door to Conor's farmhouse.
The book is well worth the time and money and I am looking forward to the next one in this series. And it will be a series, I am betting, since there are waaaaay too many great single gay men in this book to be left without a story of their own!!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The rest of the story gets a bit convoluted at times, and there are a good many supporting characters, all of which I ended up liking very much. But the characters I loved the most was Hope, the beautiful Golden Retriever stray that wound up as part of Conor's (and eventually Aaron's) family and Mandy, the irresistibly sarcastic young woman who lived next door to Conor's farmhouse.
The book is well worth the time and money and I am looking forward to the next one in this series. And it will be a series, I am betting, since there are waaaaay too many great single gay men in this book to be left without a story of their own!!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 9, 2016
“We’ve become our own characters. I just don’t know if we’re strong enough for our own happy ending.”
Where's my extra half a star when I need it? I loved Conor and Aaron so much, both individually and together, that their love story completely absorbed me. Brought together for the summer with a plan to peak social curiosity about their careers while restoring Conor’s farmhouse and writing a new book, Conor and Aaron have a natural chemistry that’s evident from their very first meeting and only escalates from there. Polar opposites in so many ways, their differences balance each other so well that I was ready to intervene with a pep talk whenever they hit a bump in the road. From the playful banter and friendly comradery as they get to know each other, the impossible to ignore sexual tension between them as they realize their affection doesn’t end when the camera is off, and ultimately to their growing awareness of how much work goes into building a solid relationship, these two characters lived one of the stories that they write about.
There was something so compelling about reading about the romance that develops between two romance novelists and the very real influence that social media has in their lives that I couldn’t resist a single page of this. With just a hint of what’s to come for this circle of friends, I’m already impatient for more from this dynamic pair of authors.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Where's my extra half a star when I need it? I loved Conor and Aaron so much, both individually and together, that their love story completely absorbed me. Brought together for the summer with a plan to peak social curiosity about their careers while restoring Conor’s farmhouse and writing a new book, Conor and Aaron have a natural chemistry that’s evident from their very first meeting and only escalates from there. Polar opposites in so many ways, their differences balance each other so well that I was ready to intervene with a pep talk whenever they hit a bump in the road. From the playful banter and friendly comradery as they get to know each other, the impossible to ignore sexual tension between them as they realize their affection doesn’t end when the camera is off, and ultimately to their growing awareness of how much work goes into building a solid relationship, these two characters lived one of the stories that they write about.
There was something so compelling about reading about the romance that develops between two romance novelists and the very real influence that social media has in their lives that I couldn’t resist a single page of this. With just a hint of what’s to come for this circle of friends, I’m already impatient for more from this dynamic pair of authors.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 9, 2016
makes me giddy
made me feel like a squealing school girl when i read this.
Aaron is a successful author with good friends and loving parents, but he has a reputation of a heart breaker. He is totally taken by surprise when he finds out that there is another gay romance author living in little Colorado by the name of Conor, he is more surprised that Conor is straight. When Aaron's landlord kicked him out and Conor offered him a place to stay in the farm house he is thrilled, cause since they are working together on a book being in the same house can help. Conor plans to renovate and sell the farm house he was given, he just wants to leave Colorado and find himself a nice girl. Things are taking a lot longer than he expected on repairing the house. Conor is a big fan of Aaron and when he finds out that they both live in the same town he is totally thrilled to met Aaron. Since they already plan to work together on a book ad living in the same house having a summer fake relationship cant be that bad can it, both their careers can benefit from the relationship and they have Hope who moved in the same day Aaron did. However if word got out that the relationship is fake both their careers will be ruined. What started out as a fake relationship quickly change when they both acknowledge their feelings for each other.
i received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
made me feel like a squealing school girl when i read this.
Aaron is a successful author with good friends and loving parents, but he has a reputation of a heart breaker. He is totally taken by surprise when he finds out that there is another gay romance author living in little Colorado by the name of Conor, he is more surprised that Conor is straight. When Aaron's landlord kicked him out and Conor offered him a place to stay in the farm house he is thrilled, cause since they are working together on a book being in the same house can help. Conor plans to renovate and sell the farm house he was given, he just wants to leave Colorado and find himself a nice girl. Things are taking a lot longer than he expected on repairing the house. Conor is a big fan of Aaron and when he finds out that they both live in the same town he is totally thrilled to met Aaron. Since they already plan to work together on a book ad living in the same house having a summer fake relationship cant be that bad can it, both their careers can benefit from the relationship and they have Hope who moved in the same day Aaron did. However if word got out that the relationship is fake both their careers will be ruined. What started out as a fake relationship quickly change when they both acknowledge their feelings for each other.
i received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 18, 2016
Aaron Douglas is an out and pride author of MM romance. He's living up life and has a new guy on his arm when he's doing so. When he find out his favorite MM author is living in the same town as him. He jumps at the chance to message him and invite him to meet up.
Conor Kennedy is in a small town in Colorado to do a fixer upper project on a farm house so he can sell it possibly add to his much needed income. He's also a "straight guy" writing MM romances. When he sees a message from fellow author Aaron to meet up and talk shop. He's more than willing to meet up and get advice from a veteran in the industry.
The hit it off and even decided to co-author a series together. A summer deal is struck.
It was a bit slow in portions of the story and in those parts it felt like the story was dragging. The way the two met and got along was good to see and mimicked what most RL couples would experience. I didn't enjoy reading the two nitpicking/nagging at each other. I also felt that Aaron kind of forced Conor to come out. His immaturity towards the end really turned me off. But it was interesting to see how these two came together, worked together and built their relationship.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Conor Kennedy is in a small town in Colorado to do a fixer upper project on a farm house so he can sell it possibly add to his much needed income. He's also a "straight guy" writing MM romances. When he sees a message from fellow author Aaron to meet up and talk shop. He's more than willing to meet up and get advice from a veteran in the industry.
The hit it off and even decided to co-author a series together. A summer deal is struck.
It was a bit slow in portions of the story and in those parts it felt like the story was dragging. The way the two met and got along was good to see and mimicked what most RL couples would experience. I didn't enjoy reading the two nitpicking/nagging at each other. I also felt that Aaron kind of forced Conor to come out. His immaturity towards the end really turned me off. But it was interesting to see how these two came together, worked together and built their relationship.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2016
I tried to read this for the lols, but it's not even funny enough to be so-bad-it's-good. It's just meh, and I have better things to do than spend my time on meh. DNF at 26%
There are a number of things I didn't like as I read through this. For starters, it's way too meta. You have two gay male MM Romance writers writing about two gay male MM Romance writers. Or rather, one of them is a Straight Man™ and acts like there's a gun pointed to his head to write explicit sex scenes.
The thoughtlessness to the details is also a bummer, almost like it's a game of Mad Libs. Conor struggling to pay bills as a writer while trying to flip a house, BUT the potential income of house flipping is never mentioned ever. I'm not even sure whether this is his first project. Then when the MCs begin talk about co-writing three books in three months, my suspicions were confirmed: quantity over quality. It's about filling in details for the sake of creating the illusion of a cohesive story.
I didn't even get to the parts where Straight Man™ begins questioning his sexuality. All I know is there's too much emphasis in the beginning of being outed as straight, and, no, that's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.
There are a number of things I didn't like as I read through this. For starters, it's way too meta. You have two gay male MM Romance writers writing about two gay male MM Romance writers. Or rather, one of them is a Straight Man™ and acts like there's a gun pointed to his head to write explicit sex scenes.
The thoughtlessness to the details is also a bummer, almost like it's a game of Mad Libs. Conor struggling to pay bills as a writer while trying to flip a house, BUT the potential income of house flipping is never mentioned ever. I'm not even sure whether this is his first project. Then when the MCs begin talk about co-writing three books in three months, my suspicions were confirmed: quantity over quality. It's about filling in details for the sake of creating the illusion of a cohesive story.
I didn't even get to the parts where Straight Man™ begins questioning his sexuality. All I know is there's too much emphasis in the beginning of being outed as straight, and, no, that's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.
September 12, 2016
I received this book free for an honest review.
This story was a sweet romance about two m/m authors coming together to write a book. The story started off with Conor being straight and Aaron being an out and proud gay man.
This book then went from fake relationship to real relationship. But through social media Conor had to come out before he was ready to.
This book was seamless you couldn't tell which part was written by which author. There was everything that makes a good book in this book. There was humour, friendship, hot action, love, mis communication, non communication, 2 hot Mcs, a storyline that's not been done and an adorable dog.
The book was well paced and you really wanted to sit both guys down in a room and say talk to each other. I loved Aaron's guys they really contributed to the story without taking over. And in the back of my head I'm thinking these guys would be good in a story too I wonder whether the authors have thought this??
I have read both authors before and enjoyed their books. And now on reading this book I would read more by them when writing together.
This story was a sweet romance about two m/m authors coming together to write a book. The story started off with Conor being straight and Aaron being an out and proud gay man.
This book then went from fake relationship to real relationship. But through social media Conor had to come out before he was ready to.
This book was seamless you couldn't tell which part was written by which author. There was everything that makes a good book in this book. There was humour, friendship, hot action, love, mis communication, non communication, 2 hot Mcs, a storyline that's not been done and an adorable dog.
The book was well paced and you really wanted to sit both guys down in a room and say talk to each other. I loved Aaron's guys they really contributed to the story without taking over. And in the back of my head I'm thinking these guys would be good in a story too I wonder whether the authors have thought this??
I have read both authors before and enjoyed their books. And now on reading this book I would read more by them when writing together.
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