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At Last, The Beloved #1
Be True
"When we're in public, you're mine."
Outspoken, outgoing, and outrageously out, Trevor Rogers isn't one to say no when opportunity comes knocking. And jetting off to New York City to play the part of reclusive billionaire Logan Carter's boyfriend for a Valentine's Day publicity campaign? That's not just a yes, but oh hell yes.
When Logan Carter's business partner, the founder of the popular dating app bLoved, starts receiving death threats and has to stay out of the public eye, Logan is thrust into the limelight. The only problem? Logan doesn't do public. He also learned the hard way never to mix business with pleasure... no matter how tempting someone like Trevor might make it.
Trevor doesn't want to be tied down, and Logan isn't interested in opening up… but if falling in love is all just an act, why does saying “I love you” start to feel so real?
Be True is a gay romance novel of approximately 93,000 words that contains a bossy billionaire, a failed attempt at an utterly impossible sex position, and two men who are destined to discover that the love neither wanted is exactly what each of them needs. It has a Happily Ever After ending, no pesky cliffhangers, and can be read as a standalone… but if you enjoy Trevor and Logan’s story, be sure to keep an eye out for the other two books in the series! Enjoy!
Outspoken, outgoing, and outrageously out, Trevor Rogers isn't one to say no when opportunity comes knocking. And jetting off to New York City to play the part of reclusive billionaire Logan Carter's boyfriend for a Valentine's Day publicity campaign? That's not just a yes, but oh hell yes.
When Logan Carter's business partner, the founder of the popular dating app bLoved, starts receiving death threats and has to stay out of the public eye, Logan is thrust into the limelight. The only problem? Logan doesn't do public. He also learned the hard way never to mix business with pleasure... no matter how tempting someone like Trevor might make it.
Trevor doesn't want to be tied down, and Logan isn't interested in opening up… but if falling in love is all just an act, why does saying “I love you” start to feel so real?
Be True is a gay romance novel of approximately 93,000 words that contains a bossy billionaire, a failed attempt at an utterly impossible sex position, and two men who are destined to discover that the love neither wanted is exactly what each of them needs. It has a Happily Ever After ending, no pesky cliffhangers, and can be read as a standalone… but if you enjoy Trevor and Logan’s story, be sure to keep an eye out for the other two books in the series! Enjoy!
406 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2017
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454 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
February 7, 2017
I really liked Stella Starling's Christmas story, All I Want. In that book, Trevor was a secondary character, a truly memorable one, and I was very glad to hear he was going to be one of the MCs in the first book of Starling's new series, At Last, The Beloved.
Trevor is charming and flamboyant. He loves fashion, and he loves people. It's what makes him so good at his job in men's wear at Ashby's, an upscale department store. Trevor is a big flirt and has fun dating, but he's not one to settle down.
Logan wears only black and gray. He's been betrayed by a boyfriend in the past and has kept his heart under lock and key. He believes in business, not love, which is ironic since he's one of the owners of bLoved, a dating app for gay men that uses a special algorithm to help every guy find true love.
Logan is Trevor's client at Ashby's; he never misses his monthly shopping expedition, even though he could care less about clothes. Trevor is the one man who sees right through Logan's cold, detached exterior.
When Logan is roped into doing PR for bLoved, he impulsively hires Trevor to be his "personality coach." Trevor tells Logan he'll help him act like a person, not a robot. The two pretend to be boyfriends who found a love match on bLoved. They are so adorable together, #Tregan begins to trend
The rub, of course, is that neither man is pretending. Behind closed doors, Trevor and Logan get down and dirty, but also cuddly and cozy.
I enjoyed this book so much! It's the perfect blend of naughty & sweet.
While there is miscommunication (neither man is willing to acknowledge that the relationship is anything but fake), the angst level is fairly low. In the end, Logan stands up for his man in a rather dramatic way.
Cuteness quotient? Sky high.
Insta Love? No doubt.
Realistic? Not entirely.
Do I care? Not even a little bit.
Be True is a steamy, romantic read with a cheer-worthy HEA. I can't wait for the second book (I'm already invested in Kelly's story!).
Trevor is charming and flamboyant. He loves fashion, and he loves people. It's what makes him so good at his job in men's wear at Ashby's, an upscale department store. Trevor is a big flirt and has fun dating, but he's not one to settle down.
Logan wears only black and gray. He's been betrayed by a boyfriend in the past and has kept his heart under lock and key. He believes in business, not love, which is ironic since he's one of the owners of bLoved, a dating app for gay men that uses a special algorithm to help every guy find true love.
Logan is Trevor's client at Ashby's; he never misses his monthly shopping expedition, even though he could care less about clothes. Trevor is the one man who sees right through Logan's cold, detached exterior.
When Logan is roped into doing PR for bLoved, he impulsively hires Trevor to be his "personality coach." Trevor tells Logan he'll help him act like a person, not a robot. The two pretend to be boyfriends who found a love match on bLoved. They are so adorable together, #Tregan begins to trend
The rub, of course, is that neither man is pretending. Behind closed doors, Trevor and Logan get down and dirty, but also cuddly and cozy.
I enjoyed this book so much! It's the perfect blend of naughty & sweet.
While there is miscommunication (neither man is willing to acknowledge that the relationship is anything but fake), the angst level is fairly low. In the end, Logan stands up for his man in a rather dramatic way.
Cuteness quotient? Sky high.
Insta Love? No doubt.
Realistic? Not entirely.
Do I care? Not even a little bit.
Be True is a steamy, romantic read with a cheer-worthy HEA. I can't wait for the second book (I'm already invested in Kelly's story!).
May 29, 2017
Wow!!!!!
This book was so great, I feel like reading it again right away! I immediately fell in love with Logan and understood his default mechanism of resorting into an expressionless voice so as not to give away anything.
Trevor just made me trip and laugh and grin like crazy from the first appearance on page! He was such a vibrant, exuberant character that I got swept along with Logan under the powerful waves of his awesomeness!
The storyline was very touching. One of the things that I really liked was how Logan knew it almost from the beginning that his monthly visits to Ashby's for his standing appointment with Trevor was just an excuse to have some shine and brightness in his life.
Their stance on not ruining the remaining time they had of being pretend boyfriends by revealing their true emotions was one of the hardest times of the book's journey. I was so frustrated with seeing them apart and yet wanting but not trying to come closer, I wanted to go there and shake some sense into them! But the only thing that kept me going was how Trevor had garnered from the little sweet things that Logan did that Logan must return his feelings, too.
I was super excited to read when they were going to leave for their last dinner, only to have my blossoming hope doused in icy water by a certain idiot! But the outcome of it was shocking and grand enough that I ended up enjoying the book even more!
This is a great book for all those romance readers who like some angst in their book yet having some funny moments to take the edge of anxiety off!
An amazing job by the author, one which I will definitely reread soon! Logan!!! ❤️
This book was so great, I feel like reading it again right away! I immediately fell in love with Logan and understood his default mechanism of resorting into an expressionless voice so as not to give away anything.
Trevor just made me trip and laugh and grin like crazy from the first appearance on page! He was such a vibrant, exuberant character that I got swept along with Logan under the powerful waves of his awesomeness!
The storyline was very touching. One of the things that I really liked was how Logan knew it almost from the beginning that his monthly visits to Ashby's for his standing appointment with Trevor was just an excuse to have some shine and brightness in his life.
Their stance on not ruining the remaining time they had of being pretend boyfriends by revealing their true emotions was one of the hardest times of the book's journey. I was so frustrated with seeing them apart and yet wanting but not trying to come closer, I wanted to go there and shake some sense into them! But the only thing that kept me going was how Trevor had garnered from the little sweet things that Logan did that Logan must return his feelings, too.
I was super excited to read when they were going to leave for their last dinner, only to have my blossoming hope doused in icy water by a certain idiot! But the outcome of it was shocking and grand enough that I ended up enjoying the book even more!
This is a great book for all those romance readers who like some angst in their book yet having some funny moments to take the edge of anxiety off!
An amazing job by the author, one which I will definitely reread soon! Logan!!! ❤️
March 17, 2017
3.5 fluffy stars.
This was a great little book. I adored Logan and Trevor grew on me after awhile. The book was bogged down with lots of inner monologue which I hate until about the 50% mark and then it picked up a bit when the guys finally have sex...which was HAWT. But when the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING happens I was pissed because Trevor ran off based on other people's words and never once stopped to talk to Logan even though he wasn't completely honest with Logan about his feelings himself. Though it led to the greatest groveling I've seen in a long time, I kinda felt like they both were in the wrong not just Logan but I was glad it wasn't dragged out for a long period of time, either. What follows is a fucking epic proposal that I adored and since it came during the epilogue which takes place a year later I thought it was perfect.
This book had a lot going for it...sexy af handjob (Logan is pent up and grumpy and he let loose and fucked his hand like a BOSS), hot sex, sweetness, epic groveling and a truly awesome HEA.
Recommended for lovers of fluff with a side of sexy.
This was a great little book. I adored Logan and Trevor grew on me after awhile. The book was bogged down with lots of inner monologue which I hate until about the 50% mark and then it picked up a bit when the guys finally have sex...which was HAWT. But when the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING happens I was pissed because Trevor ran off based on other people's words and never once stopped to talk to Logan even though he wasn't completely honest with Logan about his feelings himself. Though it led to the greatest groveling I've seen in a long time, I kinda felt like they both were in the wrong not just Logan but I was glad it wasn't dragged out for a long period of time, either. What follows is a fucking epic proposal that I adored and since it came during the epilogue which takes place a year later I thought it was perfect.
This book had a lot going for it...sexy af handjob (Logan is pent up and grumpy and he let loose and fucked his hand like a BOSS), hot sex, sweetness, epic groveling and a truly awesome HEA.
Recommended for lovers of fluff with a side of sexy.
February 6, 2017
This is a spin-off from All I Want, but it's not really necessary to read that first. Although since it's a great book, you should read it anyway.
I really liked this pretend-boyfriend story. The writing was engaging and there was a natural flow to the dialogues.
Logan is a wealthy businessman, who doesn’t do personal relationships. He comes across as stiff and cold, since he never smiles. But he is also sweet and quite insecure inside.
Logan goes to Chicago once a month for his business, and he always sneaks in an appointment at Ashby’s to get fitted for new clothes. He keeps telling himself he just needs more dress shirts, but it could also have something to do with Ashby’s sales person, Trevor.
Trevor is outgoing, flirty, and in his own words, simply fabulous. When Logan asks him to be his PR person for the next 6 weeks, he says yes immediately. Who wouldn’t want to work together with a hot guy, fly to New York, and earn money at the same time.
But at the first business meeting Logan’s employees are not too happy with Trevor, because he is not the professional PR person they wanted. They need someone to make Logan look more human, and they doubt Trevor can pull that off. That’s when the idea is born that Logan needs a boyfriend. Someone who can make him smile. Of course Trevor is just the guy, since they so obviously have great chemistry..
What I loved most about this is how natural it felt when Trevor and Logan were interacting with each other. Trevor said anything that came to mind, and Logan needed that.
“Do you like to top or bottom?” Logan’s throat tightened, and his heart skipped a beat. “Why is that important?” he ground out.
“Because,” Trevor said after a moment, his gaze settling on Logan’s lips for a lingering moment before moving up to meet his eyes again. “If we’re going to be appearing in public together, I need to know if I should be limping or not.”
Of course this is a fake boyfriend story where the fake boyfriend is being paid to do a job, so you can smell the angst a mile away. I don’t care much for this kind of relationship angst and resulting ‘break-up’, but it did fit the story.
Overall, I had a really good time reading this. Although I still can’t figure out which two authors are Stella Starling…
Thanks to Meags and R for the BR!
I really liked this pretend-boyfriend story. The writing was engaging and there was a natural flow to the dialogues.
Logan is a wealthy businessman, who doesn’t do personal relationships. He comes across as stiff and cold, since he never smiles. But he is also sweet and quite insecure inside.
Logan goes to Chicago once a month for his business, and he always sneaks in an appointment at Ashby’s to get fitted for new clothes. He keeps telling himself he just needs more dress shirts, but it could also have something to do with Ashby’s sales person, Trevor.
Trevor is outgoing, flirty, and in his own words, simply fabulous. When Logan asks him to be his PR person for the next 6 weeks, he says yes immediately. Who wouldn’t want to work together with a hot guy, fly to New York, and earn money at the same time.
But at the first business meeting Logan’s employees are not too happy with Trevor, because he is not the professional PR person they wanted. They need someone to make Logan look more human, and they doubt Trevor can pull that off. That’s when the idea is born that Logan needs a boyfriend. Someone who can make him smile. Of course Trevor is just the guy, since they so obviously have great chemistry..
What I loved most about this is how natural it felt when Trevor and Logan were interacting with each other. Trevor said anything that came to mind, and Logan needed that.
“Do you like to top or bottom?” Logan’s throat tightened, and his heart skipped a beat. “Why is that important?” he ground out.
“Because,” Trevor said after a moment, his gaze settling on Logan’s lips for a lingering moment before moving up to meet his eyes again. “If we’re going to be appearing in public together, I need to know if I should be limping or not.”
Of course this is a fake boyfriend story where the fake boyfriend is being paid to do a job, so you can smell the angst a mile away. I don’t care much for this kind of relationship angst and resulting ‘break-up’, but it did fit the story.
Overall, I had a really good time reading this. Although I still can’t figure out which two authors are Stella Starling…
Thanks to Meags and R for the BR!
February 11, 2017
3.5 Stars!
Take note - this is pure schmaltz, but be reassured, it’s good schmaltz.
If you liked this author’s holiday predecessor All I Want, then this is a no brainier, as this spin off follows the same vein in being very sweet and feel good.
Logan is driven, rich, and successful, and he’s eschewed any emotional attachments or vulnerability, especially since he was totally screwed in the love department several years ago. So now, he never mixes business with pleasure and truly believes he’s incapable of loving and being loved, swearing off any situations or feelings coming close to such sentimentality. When his latest investment dictates he must be the new face of bLoved, a gay dating app purported to find love for even the strongest skeptic, his stiff, icy demeanor needs a complete overhaul for him to sell it. The problem is, he’s kinda a cold bastard who doesn’t believe in such nonsense.
Enter Trevor. He’s Logan’s personal tailor/stylist who’s easy to be with and easy to like. He’s fun, vivacious and importantly, genuine. Trevor jumps at the chance of a lifetime to visit NYC and earn a good chunk of change to coach Logan into being more personable. He's also confident, though he scoffs at the notion of love as well, that he might be able to finagle some "action" with his hot boss. It’s a total win-win situation.
Circumstances however, manipulate these two into pretending they’re real boyfriends. As they fake their way through social media and public appearances, their easy connection makes them an instant hit. Surely they can keep things professional and their feelings separate! Riiiiight. As expected, it gets harder and harder to delineate the lines between what’s real and what’s not.
So yes, there is a bit of miscommunication, where each thinks the other surely doesn't want the same but both hoping and hedging their bets that they're wrong. This had some nice insecurity and doubt, as well as some good sexy times (though never enough). I admit, this was a bit long winded for me personally at a whopping 400+ pages, but both Logan and Trevor are such likable characters that I wasn’t too bothered by the overabundance of exposition. The writing definitely wins you over - an enjoyable read that was again, really feel good with a nice dose of heat.
Take note - this is pure schmaltz, but be reassured, it’s good schmaltz.
If you liked this author’s holiday predecessor All I Want, then this is a no brainier, as this spin off follows the same vein in being very sweet and feel good.
Logan is driven, rich, and successful, and he’s eschewed any emotional attachments or vulnerability, especially since he was totally screwed in the love department several years ago. So now, he never mixes business with pleasure and truly believes he’s incapable of loving and being loved, swearing off any situations or feelings coming close to such sentimentality. When his latest investment dictates he must be the new face of bLoved, a gay dating app purported to find love for even the strongest skeptic, his stiff, icy demeanor needs a complete overhaul for him to sell it. The problem is, he’s kinda a cold bastard who doesn’t believe in such nonsense.
Enter Trevor. He’s Logan’s personal tailor/stylist who’s easy to be with and easy to like. He’s fun, vivacious and importantly, genuine. Trevor jumps at the chance of a lifetime to visit NYC and earn a good chunk of change to coach Logan into being more personable. He's also confident, though he scoffs at the notion of love as well, that he might be able to finagle some "action" with his hot boss. It’s a total win-win situation.
Circumstances however, manipulate these two into pretending they’re real boyfriends. As they fake their way through social media and public appearances, their easy connection makes them an instant hit. Surely they can keep things professional and their feelings separate! Riiiiight. As expected, it gets harder and harder to delineate the lines between what’s real and what’s not.
So yes, there is a bit of miscommunication, where each thinks the other surely doesn't want the same but both hoping and hedging their bets that they're wrong. This had some nice insecurity and doubt, as well as some good sexy times (though never enough). I admit, this was a bit long winded for me personally at a whopping 400+ pages, but both Logan and Trevor are such likable characters that I wasn’t too bothered by the overabundance of exposition. The writing definitely wins you over - an enjoyable read that was again, really feel good with a nice dose of heat.
February 28, 2017
I was glad when I saw that Trevor was getting his own book. He was one of the characters that stood out for me in the Christmas story,
All I Want
.
I love the fake relationship trope so this really worked for me. Which is why I think I enjoyed this more than I did the Christmas book.
Logan was an interesting character. He's very Johnny Cash'esq with his dark suits. Gray and Black are his colors and he refuses to wear anything bright that will draw more attention to himself. He's been betrayed by a past lover and decided that love/relationships aren't for him so he throws himself into business relationships instead. So him investing in a gay dating app that helps men find their true love is quite ironic, dontcha think? Lol Had to say it. Alanis is awesome.
Trevor is flirtatiously flamboyant and loves fashion. He's a people person and has a loud personality. He is the COMPLETE opposite of Logan. Which made them so perfect for each other.
They were extremely adorable together. I loved how Trevor could bring out a laugh or smile from Logan when the man was so stiff and stone faced. I loved how Logan made Trevor feel safe and cherished. The chemistry between them was strong. Which is much needed to make any relationship in a book and life work.
This is a tale of a love that neither MC's was looking for, nor wanted, but in the end couldn't fight.
I love the fake relationship trope so this really worked for me. Which is why I think I enjoyed this more than I did the Christmas book.
Logan was an interesting character. He's very Johnny Cash'esq with his dark suits. Gray and Black are his colors and he refuses to wear anything bright that will draw more attention to himself. He's been betrayed by a past lover and decided that love/relationships aren't for him so he throws himself into business relationships instead. So him investing in a gay dating app that helps men find their true love is quite ironic, dontcha think? Lol Had to say it. Alanis is awesome.
Trevor is flirtatiously flamboyant and loves fashion. He's a people person and has a loud personality. He is the COMPLETE opposite of Logan. Which made them so perfect for each other.
They were extremely adorable together. I loved how Trevor could bring out a laugh or smile from Logan when the man was so stiff and stone faced. I loved how Logan made Trevor feel safe and cherished. The chemistry between them was strong. Which is much needed to make any relationship in a book and life work.
This is a tale of a love that neither MC's was looking for, nor wanted, but in the end couldn't fight.
February 7, 2017
When I finished All I Want I was very excited to see that we were getting a series spin-off. All I Want was one of my favorite Christmas reads of 2016 after all.
This was not a disappointment. It was super cute. Super fluffy and super hot.
My only issue was that these boys spent so much time in their own heads! I found myself skimming a bit when the thoughts would just go on and on for page after page.
I think I needed just a tad bit more conversation.
I still really enjoyed the book and can not wait for the next one! Kelly :)
This was not a disappointment. It was super cute. Super fluffy and super hot.
My only issue was that these boys spent so much time in their own heads! I found myself skimming a bit when the thoughts would just go on and on for page after page.
I think I needed just a tad bit more conversation.
I still really enjoyed the book and can not wait for the next one! Kelly :)
February 10, 2017
I admit, I had a tough time finishing this one. It wasn't the writing, that was solid. It wasn't the characters, I liked them both. It wasn't the editing, I didn't see any glaring issues.
No, my problem with this one is my own issue with the tropes as they played out in this book. I'm just SO tired of the "we both agreed to sex only, no relationship, but now we both want more, but neither of us are willing to say it out loud, because they had a deal, and the other person won't want what I want."
I'm sorry, I'm just sick of this kind of story, so maybe I shouldn't have started this in the first place. But, I'm also a sucker for fake dating that becomes real, so I gave this one a shot. It didn't suck, I'm just tired of guys who won't talk, I hate communication issues.
Another thing that's wearing on me is "I loved this person, but they broke my heart, and so I shall never open myself to love again", which perfectly describes Logan here. His college boyfriend cheated on him, then blamed it all on his workaholic, robotic personality, and so Logan swore of love forever. Who does that? Do people really do that? Suffer a broken heart and just, that's it, never again? I got dumped when I was younger, and I brooded and cried for a few weeks/months, whatever, but then I moved on, and dated and yes, loved again. That's just life, and so I'm also tired of broken hearted sad sacks who swear off love and relationships completely, just because of one bad romance.
But as I said, the writing was solid, I liked the characters (talking to each other aside), and the editing was good. A person who isn't sick of the things that bugged me will probably love this book.
Fair warning, characters from a previous book by this author, All I Want, make an appearance here, even though it's not listed as part of this series. This book stands alone on it's own fine, but I might have liked Ash's character better if I'd known and read that book first. As it was, I found him kinda judgy and rude here, in regards to Logan. I'd have read the other book first, if I'd realized they were linked.
No, my problem with this one is my own issue with the tropes as they played out in this book. I'm just SO tired of the "we both agreed to sex only, no relationship, but now we both want more, but neither of us are willing to say it out loud, because they had a deal, and the other person won't want what I want."
I'm sorry, I'm just sick of this kind of story, so maybe I shouldn't have started this in the first place. But, I'm also a sucker for fake dating that becomes real, so I gave this one a shot. It didn't suck, I'm just tired of guys who won't talk, I hate communication issues.
Another thing that's wearing on me is "I loved this person, but they broke my heart, and so I shall never open myself to love again", which perfectly describes Logan here. His college boyfriend cheated on him, then blamed it all on his workaholic, robotic personality, and so Logan swore of love forever. Who does that? Do people really do that? Suffer a broken heart and just, that's it, never again? I got dumped when I was younger, and I brooded and cried for a few weeks/months, whatever, but then I moved on, and dated and yes, loved again. That's just life, and so I'm also tired of broken hearted sad sacks who swear off love and relationships completely, just because of one bad romance.
But as I said, the writing was solid, I liked the characters (talking to each other aside), and the editing was good. A person who isn't sick of the things that bugged me will probably love this book.
Fair warning, characters from a previous book by this author, All I Want, make an appearance here, even though it's not listed as part of this series. This book stands alone on it's own fine, but I might have liked Ash's character better if I'd known and read that book first. As it was, I found him kinda judgy and rude here, in regards to Logan. I'd have read the other book first, if I'd realized they were linked.
February 7, 2017
4 Stars
It’s been a little over two months since Stella Starling burst onto the scene with the fabulous Christmas story All I Want, but already this team of M/M authors has quickly impressed and wooed me into making them an immediate auto-buy.
Be True gives us Trevor Roger’s story – a charming character originally introduced in All I Want, which can technically be classified as a prequel to this series, but which doesn’t need to be read prior to this for full comprehension (although I highly recommend you do!).
Here, confident and charismatic Trevor is still working at Chicago’s renowned Ashby’s department store, while building his tailoring business on the side via word of mouth. Once a month, Trevor looks forward to a visit from stoic businessman, Logan Carter, who makes an appointment at Ashby’s to update his wardrobe whenever he is in town for business. Logan’s one non-negotiable request each month is that Trevor is the employee to tend to his needs and Trevor is more than keen to comply.
Meanwhile, Logan has always worked behind-the-scenes in his various business endeavors, preferring to stay out of the spotlight, but when his business partner, Kelly, who is the face of their co-ventured gay dating website (bLoved), is unable to attend a string of promotional events, Logan is forced to step into the limelight to pimp out their company.
The problem is Logan has long since shut his heart off from all things love, after being deeply heartbroken in the past. His entire lifestyle now focuses on work, and his demeanor always presents a serious, unaffected man, who doesn’t get attached to anything or anyone. Logan realises this is a problem considering what he needs to convey in his upcoming interviews and appearances, so he propositions Trevor to be his personality guru for the duration of the promotional tour.
The prospect of jetting off to New York for six weeks is a dream come true for Trevor, not to mention the perks of spending so much time with his enigmatic and gorgeous client. But when the initial strategy meeting results in the decision to have Trevor play Logan’s boyfriend instead of his personality coach, Trevor is daunted by this turnaround, but up to the task. Now, they just need to convince everyone else of their love and ensure that Logan shine’s in the spotlight. No big deal, right?!
The whole pretend-boyfriend trope is always a favourite of mine and it worked wonderfully here. It also helped that I really enjoyed both Logan and Trevor as characters and as a couple. They were extremely likeable and I found myself rooting for their happiness and success from the very early stages of this quite long novel.
There is something really effortless about the writing style of this author duo; it just works for me. They’ve created great, lovable characters and told simple, yet engaging, romantic stories, and I for one can’t wait to see what comes next.
It’s been a little over two months since Stella Starling burst onto the scene with the fabulous Christmas story All I Want, but already this team of M/M authors has quickly impressed and wooed me into making them an immediate auto-buy.
Be True gives us Trevor Roger’s story – a charming character originally introduced in All I Want, which can technically be classified as a prequel to this series, but which doesn’t need to be read prior to this for full comprehension (although I highly recommend you do!).
Here, confident and charismatic Trevor is still working at Chicago’s renowned Ashby’s department store, while building his tailoring business on the side via word of mouth. Once a month, Trevor looks forward to a visit from stoic businessman, Logan Carter, who makes an appointment at Ashby’s to update his wardrobe whenever he is in town for business. Logan’s one non-negotiable request each month is that Trevor is the employee to tend to his needs and Trevor is more than keen to comply.
Meanwhile, Logan has always worked behind-the-scenes in his various business endeavors, preferring to stay out of the spotlight, but when his business partner, Kelly, who is the face of their co-ventured gay dating website (bLoved), is unable to attend a string of promotional events, Logan is forced to step into the limelight to pimp out their company.
The problem is Logan has long since shut his heart off from all things love, after being deeply heartbroken in the past. His entire lifestyle now focuses on work, and his demeanor always presents a serious, unaffected man, who doesn’t get attached to anything or anyone. Logan realises this is a problem considering what he needs to convey in his upcoming interviews and appearances, so he propositions Trevor to be his personality guru for the duration of the promotional tour.
The prospect of jetting off to New York for six weeks is a dream come true for Trevor, not to mention the perks of spending so much time with his enigmatic and gorgeous client. But when the initial strategy meeting results in the decision to have Trevor play Logan’s boyfriend instead of his personality coach, Trevor is daunted by this turnaround, but up to the task. Now, they just need to convince everyone else of their love and ensure that Logan shine’s in the spotlight. No big deal, right?!
The whole pretend-boyfriend trope is always a favourite of mine and it worked wonderfully here. It also helped that I really enjoyed both Logan and Trevor as characters and as a couple. They were extremely likeable and I found myself rooting for their happiness and success from the very early stages of this quite long novel.
There is something really effortless about the writing style of this author duo; it just works for me. They’ve created great, lovable characters and told simple, yet engaging, romantic stories, and I for one can’t wait to see what comes next.
Did not finish
February 28, 2017I'm going to pass since I didn't enjoy the first book in the series.
May 14, 2017
4.5 stars
Sweet and tender and very very enjoyable, this was exactly what I needed right now: something light and easy, but not ridiculous or completely lacking emotions. I loved both MCs, found their chemistry really amazing and if there was a bit more of angst, this would end up in my keepers shelf.
However, this book reminded me of a plot device that I have been noticing lately in way too many romances and it drives me crazy: the interference of well meaning friends who more often than not want to help the hero from getting hurt -as if there's any kind of relationship that comes with 'no-hurt' guarantees- and end up pointing all things that could go wrong, or how the other hero probably doesn't love him back and generally urge the MC to hold back and either leave the relationship completely or don't give his 100%. While this bothers me anyway, in this story where the hero's sister urges him to be extra cautious because she sees her brother falling in love with a handsome millionaire who obviously has strong feelings for him as well, her concerns was so ridiculous and unfounded (except if she secretly was jealous of her brother) that it made me mad. But the "be careful because I see you trully care for him, and he for you" is so stupid a line, that I'd be very happy if I never saw it again.
Rant aside, it was a very enjoyable book, perfectly fluffy without being completely lacking in essence and feelings; an excellent companion for a stressful week or a relaxing weekend.
Sweet and tender and very very enjoyable, this was exactly what I needed right now: something light and easy, but not ridiculous or completely lacking emotions. I loved both MCs, found their chemistry really amazing and if there was a bit more of angst, this would end up in my keepers shelf.
However, this book reminded me of a plot device that I have been noticing lately in way too many romances and it drives me crazy: the interference of well meaning friends who more often than not want to help the hero from getting hurt -as if there's any kind of relationship that comes with 'no-hurt' guarantees- and end up pointing all things that could go wrong, or how the other hero probably doesn't love him back and generally urge the MC to hold back and either leave the relationship completely or don't give his 100%. While this bothers me anyway, in this story where the hero's sister urges him to be extra cautious because she sees her brother falling in love with a handsome millionaire who obviously has strong feelings for him as well, her concerns was so ridiculous and unfounded (except if she secretly was jealous of her brother) that it made me mad. But the "be careful because I see you trully care for him, and he for you" is so stupid a line, that I'd be very happy if I never saw it again.
Rant aside, it was a very enjoyable book, perfectly fluffy without being completely lacking in essence and feelings; an excellent companion for a stressful week or a relaxing weekend.
February 6, 2017
So I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I thought I would after the start of the book. It was fairly slow and I had to take a break and come back to it a few times. But once I got past the 20% mark, I started to get really into it and the story really started to pick up and I ended up loving Logan and Trevor a lot!
Was there a little of manufactured drama near the end? Eh, maybe. It felt a little manufactured. But, I loved how communication happened afterward, that there was only one day, actually less than a day, of the angst that came from miscommunication, and that it didn't go on and on and on. See, I don't mind miscommunication as much when it doesn't drag out the miscommunication forevvverrr. Which this book didn't do, which I was grateful for.
Sometimes both Logan and Trevor's thoughts were fairly repetitive, but it was easy to get past, especially when things started to really pick up between them.
The ending was a tad shmoopy and cheesy, but it was also just so damn adorable that I couldn't dislike it. It had me grinning so hard my face hurt.
Ultimately this was a great read and these two were adorable together and had an amazing connection and really hot chemistry. Super recommend this :D
Was there a little of manufactured drama near the end? Eh, maybe. It felt a little manufactured. But, I loved how communication happened afterward, that there was only one day, actually less than a day, of the angst that came from miscommunication, and that it didn't go on and on and on. See, I don't mind miscommunication as much when it doesn't drag out the miscommunication forevvverrr. Which this book didn't do, which I was grateful for.
Sometimes both Logan and Trevor's thoughts were fairly repetitive, but it was easy to get past, especially when things started to really pick up between them.
The ending was a tad shmoopy and cheesy, but it was also just so damn adorable that I couldn't dislike it. It had me grinning so hard my face hurt.
Ultimately this was a great read and these two were adorable together and had an amazing connection and really hot chemistry. Super recommend this :D
July 16, 2017
4.5 stars for this amazing, fluffy , cinder-fella story. Logan and Trevor fit perfectly together even though they are complete opposites.
Logan is a successful businessman with an icy exterior, once burned by love and now completely closed off focused only on business and meaningless hookups until he meets Trevor. I fell in love with Trevor from the beginning, he is a flamboyant unapologetic store clerk who lives life to the fullest and he is also Logan’s tailor. When these two meet the chemistry off the charts. Trevor brings out the best in Logan.
“You can call him Logan,” Trevor said to the hostess with a wink, doing his best to ignore his own reaction to Logan’s comment. “He only gets to be Mr. Carter between ten and eleven at night , and only if he’s been a good boy that day.”
I loved how Logan was so possessive with Trevor, even though their relationship started off as fake I didn’t feel it, the chemistry was there and it did not feel forced.
Now the sex was so hooooooot!
“I’m plenty flexible,” Logan argued, sitting upright.
“Then hurry up and wrap your dick and get those legs back as far as they go,” Trevor retaliated, shoving a condom into Logan’s hand. “I’m going to get lubed up, and then I’m going to fuck you like the star I am.”
March 1, 2017
1.5 Stars.
This had one of my biggest pet peeves in books: Agnst because the MCs just wouldn't communicate. Not couldn't (that's okay) but WOULD NOT.
They both tip toed around themselves till the end when Logan did a frankly unnecessary thing to win Trevor back. I know he's a billionaire and all but that was stupid. It didn't make sense and all in the hopes that someone MIGHT love you back? *eyeroll*
Also, if they had just talked about it, this book would've been 50% shorter. But because they didn't, I had to plough through page upon page of the old "No I don't believe in love but I'm feeling his guy and IF ONLY he felt the same , it'd be perfect" in different shapes and sizes, while not saying a damn thing! Ugh.
I almost DNF'd it a couple of times but sheeeer will has brought me thus far.
I'm going to go to the next book in the series because at least one book MUST be good in the series right? Right?! *nervous laughter*
This had one of my biggest pet peeves in books: Agnst because the MCs just wouldn't communicate. Not couldn't (that's okay) but WOULD NOT.
They both tip toed around themselves till the end when Logan did a frankly unnecessary thing to win Trevor back. I know he's a billionaire and all but that was stupid. It didn't make sense and all in the hopes that someone MIGHT love you back? *eyeroll*
Also, if they had just talked about it, this book would've been 50% shorter. But because they didn't, I had to plough through page upon page of the old "No I don't believe in love but I'm feeling his guy and IF ONLY he felt the same , it'd be perfect" in different shapes and sizes, while not saying a damn thing! Ugh.
I almost DNF'd it a couple of times but sheeeer will has brought me thus far.
I'm going to go to the next book in the series because at least one book MUST be good in the series right? Right?! *nervous laughter*
February 5, 2017
Bueno... sinceramente, no se si seguiré leyendo esta serie, he visto muchas review que lo ponen por las nubes, pero la verdad, igual es un caso de "no eres tú, soy yo", he encontrado ambos libros bastante tediosos, no he conseguido empatizar con los personajes y su drama interior, ya que exterior no hay y los diálogos, sobre todo los que se producen durante las escenas de sexo me han parecido una transcripción de cockyboys.com. No son para mi, y la verdad es una pena porque adoro las novela románticas.
February 9, 2017
Sweet, highly emotional, and overall adorable in a way similar to the previous story in this setting. Feeling a vague, non-hooker-y Pretty Woman-urban-fairy-tale vibe, and it works beautifully.
Trevor was a great choice to carry over to this story as an MC, and Logan had his own unique charm despite being set up as a convenient Demeanor-of-Stone/Heart-of-Mush archetype.
Loved the sexual and romantic tension and the light casual kink. Fun stuff :)
Trevor was a great choice to carry over to this story as an MC, and Logan had his own unique charm despite being set up as a convenient Demeanor-of-Stone/Heart-of-Mush archetype.
Loved the sexual and romantic tension and the light casual kink. Fun stuff :)
April 22, 2017
**3.5 stars**
One of those I-got-hurt-so-I'm-not-going-to-love-again stories. Book was pretty slow for the first half. I enjoyed Trevor's character. Logan was dull, but he was written that way to show the difference in his personality "before Trevor" and "after Trevor". It was effective, but still dull. As I said, the second half of the book got more interesting and I found myself getting into it.
It had some very sweet moments:
"...in that moment, [Logan] needed to kiss Trevor, the way he needed air."
"[The way Trevor] submitted so hungrily to the force of Logan's passion had stirred something in Logan that he hadn't known was there. Something he'd never felt with anyone else."
It was a good book, but not great. I didn't get the "feels" or feel a connection with the characters. I don't think I'll be reading the next in this series.
One of those I-got-hurt-so-I'm-not-going-to-love-again stories. Book was pretty slow for the first half. I enjoyed Trevor's character. Logan was dull, but he was written that way to show the difference in his personality "before Trevor" and "after Trevor". It was effective, but still dull. As I said, the second half of the book got more interesting and I found myself getting into it.
It had some very sweet moments:
"...in that moment, [Logan] needed to kiss Trevor, the way he needed air."
"[The way Trevor] submitted so hungrily to the force of Logan's passion had stirred something in Logan that he hadn't known was there. Something he'd never felt with anyone else."
It was a good book, but not great. I didn't get the "feels" or feel a connection with the characters. I don't think I'll be reading the next in this series.
October 5, 2018
Another Stella Starling read I liked. The fake boyfriend trope is one of my faves, and Trevor [from All I Want] and Logan played it to perfection...until it wasn't fake anymore 😍. Nice to catch up with Elliott and Ash, and the rest of the gang from the Ashby's store in Chicago.
May 12, 2023
I hate hate hate hate the miscommunication plot. I know the trope is fake dating but both mcs did not act according to their age. Also hate the stereotypical top bottom dominant submissive shit that is going on in here. The power imbalance no matter how the other mc denies it.
February 1, 2017
This was cute.
I didn't read Ash and Elliott's Christmas book and I'm thinking maybe I should have. While this was a Standalone, Ash and Elliott made quite a few appearances in this and talk about their relationship. I kind of wished I had that backstory so I knew what they were talking about.
Trevor and Logan though were great. I loved how Trevor brought Logan back to life. I love how he just jumped right in feet first. I loved how he stood up for Logan every time. I loved how Logan stood up for Trevor. I hated Frank. I even hated Grace.
I loved Trevor's outgoing, spunky personality. Logan really needed that and watching them two together was Aww worthy. Too sweet.
Will probably pick up Kelly's story, but not sure when.
I didn't read Ash and Elliott's Christmas book and I'm thinking maybe I should have. While this was a Standalone, Ash and Elliott made quite a few appearances in this and talk about their relationship. I kind of wished I had that backstory so I knew what they were talking about.
Trevor and Logan though were great. I loved how Trevor brought Logan back to life. I love how he just jumped right in feet first. I loved how he stood up for Logan every time. I loved how Logan stood up for Trevor. I hated Frank. I even hated Grace.
I loved Trevor's outgoing, spunky personality. Logan really needed that and watching them two together was Aww worthy. Too sweet.
Will probably pick up Kelly's story, but not sure when.
January 24, 2017
2.5 rounded up. The fake boyfriend thing went on too long between the two of them. Also the resolution to prove his love was true was over the top. Just having a conversation probably would have made more sense. I would read Kelly's story though.
July 5, 2019
3.5 Stars. A funny, cute story. I squealed and swooned at the light drama and sexual tension. Typical HEA but a lovey read nonetheless. Light spanking occurs.
October 31, 2020
I just can’t keep reading this. I love the story, but all the inner monologue is driving me crazy. I’ve tried skimming past it , but it’s 75% of the book. It’s just so boring. I want to know what the characters think, but it needs to be about 10% of the book.
February 25, 2017
This was SO good! I loved both Logan and Trevor. Slow burn and not too much of a wait after the misunderstanding. The end was perfect.
May 1, 2017
Lovely fake boyfriend story. I like the switching view points, e.g. each chapter presents someone else's view point. This really helped to understand some of the reasons for why Trevor and Logan thought and behaved the way the did. On the other hand I wonder if perhaps the climax might have been more poignant if we'd had only one person's point of view. Nevertheless, lovely story.
March 12, 2017
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Review
*~.PROS.~*
This book made my world stop when I first started reading, making me fall in love with another author: Stella. The chemistry between the characters was masterfully done, the settings, the relationships, the EVERYTHING was perfect, haha! Seriously, 5 stars without blinking.
*~.CONS.~*
This cover. Seriously, the story had everything for me, but this cover… Ugh.
*~.COVER ANALYSIS.~*
Sorry for the spoiler in the first line, haha! I don’t like this cover. While it has a fresh and fun look to it, I don’t think the models represent AT. ALL. The characters and, as I said before, this is a big issue with me. Also, I don’t usually like then the book covers are so obviously branded in the element positioning. Just look this cover and the next. For the non-observant reader, they could be the same book. #justsaying
*~.QUOTES.~*
Trevor was one of the bubbliest characters I’ve ever met and Logan was practically a rock (he’s just not good with spontaneity or social situations outside business, poor rich thing), so Trevor is the main star on these quotes:
And those killer dialogues (you know, then Logan spoke at all, haha!):
*~.RECOMMENDED FOR.~*
Fans of M/M, contemporary romance, fake-relationships, billionaires getting their way, Cinderella-like plotlines and fun books!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Review
*~.PROS.~*
This book made my world stop when I first started reading, making me fall in love with another author: Stella. The chemistry between the characters was masterfully done, the settings, the relationships, the EVERYTHING was perfect, haha! Seriously, 5 stars without blinking.
*~.CONS.~*
This cover. Seriously, the story had everything for me, but this cover… Ugh.
*~.COVER ANALYSIS.~*
Sorry for the spoiler in the first line, haha! I don’t like this cover. While it has a fresh and fun look to it, I don’t think the models represent AT. ALL. The characters and, as I said before, this is a big issue with me. Also, I don’t usually like then the book covers are so obviously branded in the element positioning. Just look this cover and the next. For the non-observant reader, they could be the same book. #justsaying
*~.QUOTES.~*
Trevor was one of the bubbliest characters I’ve ever met and Logan was practically a rock (he’s just not good with spontaneity or social situations outside business, poor rich thing), so Trevor is the main star on these quotes:
Feelings of fashion inadequacy were just nerves. – Trevor’s thoughts
He’d listened. He’d remembered. Most importantly, he’d cared enough to act. – Trevor’s thoughts
Logan put the man in romantic. – Trevor’s thoughts
And those killer dialogues (you know, then Logan spoke at all, haha!):
Kelly: I hope this coach you’ve got coming in is worth his salt. What are his qualifications?
Logan: He made me laugh.
Kelly: Holy fucking shit. Put him on the permanent payroll. Done.
Trevor: You scared me.
Logan: It’s my house. I’m allowed to be wherever I want to be in it.
*~.RECOMMENDED FOR.~*
Fans of M/M, contemporary romance, fake-relationships, billionaires getting their way, Cinderella-like plotlines and fun books!
February 11, 2017
Lovely romantic addition to this extension of the All I Want setting
We met Trevor in the Christmas special which introduced this world setting from new duo Stella Starling. He was wonderfully flamboyant and out going, with a bit of a bite to his witty tongue.
In this book we get his story as he moves on with his tailoring sideline while still working at Ashby's department store. For 12 months he's been fitting the clothes of businessman Logan, a somewhat dour and closed off man but one who Trevor thinks has more than meets the surface.
When Logan has to become the public face of his gay dating app company, he realises he's going to need help to put across a different face than the by the book, snappy and cut off personality he's adopted since he was betrayed by his former lover and business partner Ryan seven years before.
He's given up on love, he can't trust anyone outside of a business transaction but in Trevor, he's come closer than ever before to letting his walls down.
In New York for six weeks of shows and personal appearances, Trevor is persuaded to become his fake boyfriend, allegedly brought together by the dating app, so he can coach Logan into being more human.
But it's when pretending starts to take place in private that these two truly come into their own. There was the typical lack of communication to cause an angsty dramatic moment but the play off from it was superb and the epilogue was so wonderfully over the top in its romantic happy ever after that it made up for all the tropes.
As I mentioned on a friend's review of the Christmas story, this is a Hallmark film in print, just with two guys.
We met Trevor in the Christmas special which introduced this world setting from new duo Stella Starling. He was wonderfully flamboyant and out going, with a bit of a bite to his witty tongue.
In this book we get his story as he moves on with his tailoring sideline while still working at Ashby's department store. For 12 months he's been fitting the clothes of businessman Logan, a somewhat dour and closed off man but one who Trevor thinks has more than meets the surface.
When Logan has to become the public face of his gay dating app company, he realises he's going to need help to put across a different face than the by the book, snappy and cut off personality he's adopted since he was betrayed by his former lover and business partner Ryan seven years before.
He's given up on love, he can't trust anyone outside of a business transaction but in Trevor, he's come closer than ever before to letting his walls down.
In New York for six weeks of shows and personal appearances, Trevor is persuaded to become his fake boyfriend, allegedly brought together by the dating app, so he can coach Logan into being more human.
But it's when pretending starts to take place in private that these two truly come into their own. There was the typical lack of communication to cause an angsty dramatic moment but the play off from it was superb and the epilogue was so wonderfully over the top in its romantic happy ever after that it made up for all the tropes.
As I mentioned on a friend's review of the Christmas story, this is a Hallmark film in print, just with two guys.
April 9, 2017
Logan and Trevor relationship is fake to start with.
Every month Logan travels to a business meeting in Chicago where he goes to Trevor's stor to buy clothes. When Logan's partner receives death threats , Logan is asked to stand in for him with 6 weeks of PR events. Logan decides to offer Trevor the job of making him more personable, and for 6 weeks they agree to be fake boyfriends.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved Trevor and his personality and how he bought out Logan's fun loving side.
It was great to see Trevor's first trip to NYC and how he was like a kid in a candy store.
I was in hysterics at Logan and Trevor's attempt at porn sex.
A great start to the series. I can't wait to read book 2 as I hope that will finish the plot with Kelly's stalker.
Every month Logan travels to a business meeting in Chicago where he goes to Trevor's stor to buy clothes. When Logan's partner receives death threats , Logan is asked to stand in for him with 6 weeks of PR events. Logan decides to offer Trevor the job of making him more personable, and for 6 weeks they agree to be fake boyfriends.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved Trevor and his personality and how he bought out Logan's fun loving side.
It was great to see Trevor's first trip to NYC and how he was like a kid in a candy store.
I was in hysterics at Logan and Trevor's attempt at porn sex.
A great start to the series. I can't wait to read book 2 as I hope that will finish the plot with Kelly's stalker.
February 11, 2017
4.5 stars rounded up to 5....Loved these two together. I thought they were so sweet and sexy.
January 22, 2017
2.5 stars round down to 2 because of over the top sappy ending.
The first half of the book was so good but second half just dragged. If the author wasn't so repetitive, this book could have shorter and not have felt like such a drag.
The first half of the book was so good but second half just dragged. If the author wasn't so repetitive, this book could have shorter and not have felt like such a drag.
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