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Metropolis #1
Faking It
There’s never a dull moment at Metropolis…the condominium known for having the hottest openly gay tenants in town. The boys of Metropolis are always on the prowl for a good time. They like their drinks heavy and their tricks easy.
Gary should be living it up in his South Tower unit of Metropolis, but he’s having a hard time adjusting to his newly single status. It’s not easy to walk away from five years with his ex, who he discovered was cheating on him with some North Tower twink. After a night out partying, licking his wounds, he goes to bed alone. When he wakes the next morning, there’s a naked guy in his bed. Not just any guy. A stud from North Tower. But hot as he is, what the hell is he doing in his room?
Travis Waller doesn’t get why Gary’s freaking out. So he went home with Gary’s roommate and accidentally crawled into the wrong bed. It’s not the first time he’s woken up in a strange place. Maybe Gary would loosen up a little if he gave it a try as well. Travis has more important things to deal with though…like his meeting with an investor who could give him the money to start his massage parlor.
They’re both sure that’s the last time they’ll have to deal with each other until a mix-up leads Gary’s ex and Travis’s investor to think they’re an item, which Gary and Travis use to their benefit by posing as a couple around town. Soon, they discover the chemistry between them is off the charts. Travis brings out a sexual confidence Gary didn’t know he had—one Travis enjoys exploring with him. But as the two keep up their boyfriend hoax, Gary realizes Travis isn’t as shallow as he thought. Gary’s starting to develop feelings for him. But Travis doesn’t do relationships, and Gary should know better, considering they’re just faking it…
Gary should be living it up in his South Tower unit of Metropolis, but he’s having a hard time adjusting to his newly single status. It’s not easy to walk away from five years with his ex, who he discovered was cheating on him with some North Tower twink. After a night out partying, licking his wounds, he goes to bed alone. When he wakes the next morning, there’s a naked guy in his bed. Not just any guy. A stud from North Tower. But hot as he is, what the hell is he doing in his room?
Travis Waller doesn’t get why Gary’s freaking out. So he went home with Gary’s roommate and accidentally crawled into the wrong bed. It’s not the first time he’s woken up in a strange place. Maybe Gary would loosen up a little if he gave it a try as well. Travis has more important things to deal with though…like his meeting with an investor who could give him the money to start his massage parlor.
They’re both sure that’s the last time they’ll have to deal with each other until a mix-up leads Gary’s ex and Travis’s investor to think they’re an item, which Gary and Travis use to their benefit by posing as a couple around town. Soon, they discover the chemistry between them is off the charts. Travis brings out a sexual confidence Gary didn’t know he had—one Travis enjoys exploring with him. But as the two keep up their boyfriend hoax, Gary realizes Travis isn’t as shallow as he thought. Gary’s starting to develop feelings for him. But Travis doesn’t do relationships, and Gary should know better, considering they’re just faking it…
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2017
543 people are currently reading
1915 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
116 books7,109 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews
February 7, 2017
Darlings, I'm sorry. I need the box of shame.
I just couldn't with this one. I tried so hard; I really, really did. But this book was too much Devon McCormack and not enough Riley Hart. I love Hart's work; McCormack's, not so much.
Weight of the World, their last collaboration, worked for me; it was heartfelt and sweet.
But Faking It read too much like Filthy Little Secret. In my review of that book, I complained that there were too many "rich, backstabbing bitches who steal boyfriends and drink massive amounts of booze."
Faking It isn't that bad, but it cuts close.
The book takes place in Atlanta at an apartment complex that houses an abundance of single gay men. All of them are hot with ripped abs. All of them gossip and fuck each other silly. The whole thing is kind of incestuous.
After finding out his older boyfriend was cheating on him for years, Gary is newly single. One morning he wakes up with a naked man in his bed, a man who was definitely not there when Gary went to sleep. The man is his neighbor, a really sexy (but of course) massage therapist named Travis.
Travis needs funding to open up his own massage studio. He ends up "rescuing" Gary from his ex-boyfriend and said ex's boy toy at a Speedo fundraiser and pretends to be Gary's NEW boyfriend.
There's a lot of sex, yes, but the emotional connection between Gary and Travis just wasn't there.
The MCs read really young (like immature frat boys), and the secondary characters were all too similar. Gary's friend Derek was adorable, but even his quips got old after a while.
The fuck, drink & make merry scene has just never been my thing. The present-tense, first-person POV didn't help either.
Most readers liked this book, so this seems to be a case of IT'S ME, NOT YOU. I must be in the middle of an existential crisis.
I just couldn't with this one. I tried so hard; I really, really did. But this book was too much Devon McCormack and not enough Riley Hart. I love Hart's work; McCormack's, not so much.
Weight of the World, their last collaboration, worked for me; it was heartfelt and sweet.
But Faking It read too much like Filthy Little Secret. In my review of that book, I complained that there were too many "rich, backstabbing bitches who steal boyfriends and drink massive amounts of booze."
Faking It isn't that bad, but it cuts close.
The book takes place in Atlanta at an apartment complex that houses an abundance of single gay men. All of them are hot with ripped abs. All of them gossip and fuck each other silly. The whole thing is kind of incestuous.
After finding out his older boyfriend was cheating on him for years, Gary is newly single. One morning he wakes up with a naked man in his bed, a man who was definitely not there when Gary went to sleep. The man is his neighbor, a really sexy (but of course) massage therapist named Travis.
Travis needs funding to open up his own massage studio. He ends up "rescuing" Gary from his ex-boyfriend and said ex's boy toy at a Speedo fundraiser and pretends to be Gary's NEW boyfriend.
There's a lot of sex, yes, but the emotional connection between Gary and Travis just wasn't there.
The MCs read really young (like immature frat boys), and the secondary characters were all too similar. Gary's friend Derek was adorable, but even his quips got old after a while.
The fuck, drink & make merry scene has just never been my thing. The present-tense, first-person POV didn't help either.
Most readers liked this book, so this seems to be a case of IT'S ME, NOT YOU. I must be in the middle of an existential crisis.
April 26, 2018
Oh, how I loved this book.
This book was just a lot of fun. It was low on drama, funny, had two great MC's, plenty of sexiness, and likable side characters. It hit all my buttons just right. I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night reading it. So happy I picked this one up.
These two guys... so damn good together. So cute! They had me feeling all the feels.
Travis is the sexy cocky one. He doesn't believe in getting caught up in relationships. He likes waking up in strangers beds and being able to leave them behind without second thoughts. But when he wakes up in Gary's bed he's bit confused since Gary isn't the guy he went to bed with. Oh how fun that was to read. lol
Gary had been in a relationship for five years with his ex-Peter when he found out the man been getting his pole flagged by someone not only close by but also younger than him. Heartbreak ensues and his bestie, Derek (who is freaking hilarious) decides Gary needs to get his drink on and move on. So clubbing ensues and drinking gets done like it's a job. But Gary isn't ready and convinces Derek to head back to his place to crash. Crash they do and crash goes Gary outta his bed when he realizes he isn't alone in it. lol
Great chemistry with these two guys. I loved how the relationship developed and how they built each other up. It was such a great read. I highly recommend it.
This book was just a lot of fun. It was low on drama, funny, had two great MC's, plenty of sexiness, and likable side characters. It hit all my buttons just right. I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night reading it. So happy I picked this one up.
These two guys... so damn good together. So cute! They had me feeling all the feels.
Travis is the sexy cocky one. He doesn't believe in getting caught up in relationships. He likes waking up in strangers beds and being able to leave them behind without second thoughts. But when he wakes up in Gary's bed he's bit confused since Gary isn't the guy he went to bed with. Oh how fun that was to read. lol
Gary had been in a relationship for five years with his ex-Peter when he found out the man been getting his pole flagged by someone not only close by but also younger than him. Heartbreak ensues and his bestie, Derek (who is freaking hilarious) decides Gary needs to get his drink on and move on. So clubbing ensues and drinking gets done like it's a job. But Gary isn't ready and convinces Derek to head back to his place to crash. Crash they do and crash goes Gary outta his bed when he realizes he isn't alone in it. lol
Great chemistry with these two guys. I loved how the relationship developed and how they built each other up. It was such a great read. I highly recommend it.
February 7, 2017
~1.5 stars~
So, everybody loved this. Awkward...
Christ almighty. What happened here?
The characters are caricatures. Everyone is drop dead gorgeous, ripped, with a huge dick (except the bad guys. The bad guys have smaller dicks). They also gossip all the freaking time and spy each other using binoculars! The MC (I don't remember the name, never a good sign) spent the majority of the book crying or putting himself down or just playing the "you 're too hot to want me" game. Except in bed, where he transformed into a sex starved animal.
The writing. Oh man, the writing. I'm not Hart's biggest fan, but I remember that her writing is solid. Not here, so it must have something to do with this collaboration. The first person, present tense POV wasn't done well. It made the writing even more choppy than it already was and the characters even more annoying. The dialogue was super cheesy and kinda...awkward?
As for the plot...I won't even go there. That hissy fit from (enter MC's name that I don't remember) near the end of the book was so not needed.
You know what, I really am the minority so please don't mind this review. This year I decided to be pickier with my books, and not just read whatever comes my way, so it might be just that. Sorry, I really didn't like this:(
So, everybody loved this. Awkward...
Christ almighty. What happened here?
The characters are caricatures. Everyone is drop dead gorgeous, ripped, with a huge dick (except the bad guys. The bad guys have smaller dicks). They also gossip all the freaking time and spy each other using binoculars! The MC (I don't remember the name, never a good sign) spent the majority of the book crying or putting himself down or just playing the "you 're too hot to want me" game. Except in bed, where he transformed into a sex starved animal.
The writing. Oh man, the writing. I'm not Hart's biggest fan, but I remember that her writing is solid. Not here, so it must have something to do with this collaboration. The first person, present tense POV wasn't done well. It made the writing even more choppy than it already was and the characters even more annoying. The dialogue was super cheesy and kinda...awkward?
“What’s gotten into you?” he asks as I unlock my door.
“Don’t know, but I know I’m about to get in you.”
As for the plot...I won't even go there. That hissy fit from (enter MC's name that I don't remember) near the end of the book was so not needed.
You know what, I really am the minority so please don't mind this review. This year I decided to be pickier with my books, and not just read whatever comes my way, so it might be just that. Sorry, I really didn't like this:(
August 27, 2022
I enjoyed reading about Gary and Travis.. This book was funny at times and had me laughing so hard..
I actually loved their first encounter, that scene was hilarious
Travis and Gary had chemistry and the sex was hot once you get past the porn like dialogue
I actually loved their first encounter, that scene was hilarious
Travis and Gary had chemistry and the sex was hot once you get past the porn like dialogue
October 14, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Expected something more*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
It was alright. A pretend relationship that suddenly gets harder to pretend. The book is about massage therapist Travis ‘Trav’ Waller and Gary (what's his last name? (26). They both have their insecurities, which they handles differently, but being together they can somehow be themselves. Can they get over their insecurities, to finally be free? Overall, it was a alright read, but not the best I've read. I wanted more from it, but I didn't get it. I'm not sure if I'm gonna continue the series...
“You know that, right? No one has made me feel the way you do. You helped me realize it’s okay to be who I am.” It’s important to me that he knows that. I didn’t feel comfortable sexually before him, and I was insecure about my body and what people thought of me.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Travis ‘Trav’ Waller.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Nah.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
abandoned
February 20, 2017DNF at 20%.
Too oversexed, even the dialogues. The fake boyfriend theme is nice, but not original.
But what killed this for me is the general perception of gay men as sex obsessed superficial assh****.
I liked Gary, but when he too started thinking in pornographic terms, I decided to let this one rest...
I'm not rating it, perhaps it gets better than the 2 stars I'd award to the first 20%.
Too oversexed, even the dialogues. The fake boyfriend theme is nice, but not original.
But what killed this for me is the general perception of gay men as sex obsessed superficial assh****.
I liked Gary, but when he too started thinking in pornographic terms, I decided to let this one rest...
I'm not rating it, perhaps it gets better than the 2 stars I'd award to the first 20%.
September 28, 2017
4 Stars
I went into this one worried – like, seriously expecting to hate it, worried – because my trusty GR friends’ reactions went from one extreme to the other, with some hating it and some loving it, with even a handful smacking it in the face with their DNF stamps of doom.
I took all of this into consideration, and then stewed over it for roughly 9 months – what can I say, I take this shit seriously – but at the end of the day I had to give it a whirl for myself, because I couldn’t possibly imagine personally disliking something with Riley Hart’s name attached to it.
So I dived in…
…and I enjoyed it! BOOYAH!
I’ll be honest and admit that the synopsis had me expecting a story about bunch of immoral whores living it up in an apartment complex, not unlike the risqué bed-hopping of the inhabitants of Melrose Place, but it wasn’t as salacious as all that, thankfully.
Gary and Travis were total opposites in many ways, with Gary being a shy, level-headed, romantic, and Travis living life balls out, going at it hard, fast and loose (literally). In other ways they were completely the same, particularly where their deep-seated insecurities surrounding love and acceptance were concerned. Together they made an unexpectedly complementary couple, even if their relationship was “fake” for the majority of the story (which was half the fun).
I liked the twin apartment tower setting and I loved the other men who made up the cast of secondary characters in the form of Travis and Gary’s closest friends.
My only complaints revolve around some of the dialogue and language used throughout. Some of it came across as a little juvenile and sex-crazed, but then again that may have been purposeful in an attempt to make some of the characters appear younger, like Travis, who came across as a bit of a dude-bro – but a likeable dude-bro, so there’s that.
I, for one, also found this story super-hot! Gary and Travis began burning up the sheets early on and their steam-level didn’t dissipate for me throughout the story. If anything, they got hotter once feelings came into play.
Overall, this was a win for me and I will gladly read further with this series, especially seeing as Hayden sounds like a walking wet-dream in glasses. Gimme!
I went into this one worried – like, seriously expecting to hate it, worried – because my trusty GR friends’ reactions went from one extreme to the other, with some hating it and some loving it, with even a handful smacking it in the face with their DNF stamps of doom.
I took all of this into consideration, and then stewed over it for roughly 9 months – what can I say, I take this shit seriously – but at the end of the day I had to give it a whirl for myself, because I couldn’t possibly imagine personally disliking something with Riley Hart’s name attached to it.
So I dived in…
…and I enjoyed it! BOOYAH!
I’ll be honest and admit that the synopsis had me expecting a story about bunch of immoral whores living it up in an apartment complex, not unlike the risqué bed-hopping of the inhabitants of Melrose Place, but it wasn’t as salacious as all that, thankfully.
Gary and Travis were total opposites in many ways, with Gary being a shy, level-headed, romantic, and Travis living life balls out, going at it hard, fast and loose (literally). In other ways they were completely the same, particularly where their deep-seated insecurities surrounding love and acceptance were concerned. Together they made an unexpectedly complementary couple, even if their relationship was “fake” for the majority of the story (which was half the fun).
I liked the twin apartment tower setting and I loved the other men who made up the cast of secondary characters in the form of Travis and Gary’s closest friends.
My only complaints revolve around some of the dialogue and language used throughout. Some of it came across as a little juvenile and sex-crazed, but then again that may have been purposeful in an attempt to make some of the characters appear younger, like Travis, who came across as a bit of a dude-bro – but a likeable dude-bro, so there’s that.
I, for one, also found this story super-hot! Gary and Travis began burning up the sheets early on and their steam-level didn’t dissipate for me throughout the story. If anything, they got hotter once feelings came into play.
Overall, this was a win for me and I will gladly read further with this series, especially seeing as Hayden sounds like a walking wet-dream in glasses. Gimme!
January 24, 2017
I was all excited when Faking It by Riley Hart and Devon McCormack was released. I love these two authors, and I'm a sucker for stories where the romance starts off as casual but grows into more. But I'm not, however, a big fan of the "fake boyfriend" trope.
I was worried.
But I shouldn't have been. I need to apologize to Ms. Hart and Mr. McCormark.
I shouldn't have doubted y'all. This is probably one of the best "fake boyfriend" stories I've read. Why?
Let me tell.
-I loved the characters. They were endearing and fleshed out.
-Relationship growth. Now here is where the story truly excelled. Yes, it was a fake relationship, but behind the scenes, they became friends- friends with benefits. It was nice to see those casual feelings grow into more.
-Banter. <---will always score extra points with me.
-The sexy times were yummy.
-The story had a feel-good vibe; I had a lot of fun reading it.
-Dual POV
-And the end was quite sweet.
My only niggle was making Peter's (Gary cheating ex) pecker small. Not because he grew on me- cause he never did- but it just seemed unnecessary.
Do I recommend it? Yes! It's a fun little story. You get some:
-Romance ✔
-Humor ✔
-Steam ✔
-A sprinkle of angst ✔
-Wrapped with a lovely HEA. ✔
4 Stars!
I was worried.
But I shouldn't have been. I need to apologize to Ms. Hart and Mr. McCormark.
I shouldn't have doubted y'all. This is probably one of the best "fake boyfriend" stories I've read. Why?
Let me tell.
-I loved the characters. They were endearing and fleshed out.
-Relationship growth. Now here is where the story truly excelled. Yes, it was a fake relationship, but behind the scenes, they became friends- friends with benefits. It was nice to see those casual feelings grow into more.
-Banter. <---will always score extra points with me.
-The sexy times were yummy.
-The story had a feel-good vibe; I had a lot of fun reading it.
-Dual POV
-And the end was quite sweet.
My only niggle was making Peter's (Gary cheating ex) pecker small. Not because he grew on me- cause he never did- but it just seemed unnecessary.
Do I recommend it? Yes! It's a fun little story. You get some:
-Romance ✔
-Humor ✔
-Steam ✔
-A sprinkle of angst ✔
-Wrapped with a lovely HEA. ✔
4 Stars!
June 11, 2018
4,5 stars
I knew I'll love this one because it's Riley Hart. I can't say I'm a big fan of Devon McCormack's writing, because the ones I've read only by him weren't spectacular, but him writing with Riley gave us an awesome story.
This was super HOT! And it was pretty amazing!
Even if I'm not a fan of fake boyfriend trope, I was pretty happy with what we got here.
Great writing, good back stories and some delicious scenes.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series!!
I knew I'll love this one because it's Riley Hart. I can't say I'm a big fan of Devon McCormack's writing, because the ones I've read only by him weren't spectacular, but him writing with Riley gave us an awesome story.
This was super HOT! And it was pretty amazing!
Even if I'm not a fan of fake boyfriend trope, I was pretty happy with what we got here.
Great writing, good back stories and some delicious scenes.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series!!
November 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
I really didn't know what to expect with this due to all the varying reviews, but what I got, I quite enjoyed.
This was a marked difference from Weight of the World, the last book I read from Hart and McCormack, and for me this was a refreshing change of pace from their usually heavy handed fare.
So, this starts off pretty quickly setting up a fake boyfriend scenario. Acquaintances, Gary and Travis, somehow find themselves boyfriends, each having their own reasons to carry on the charade. Gary, having just had a terrible breakup with a cheating boyfriend, wants to portray himself as having moved on and what better person to be his rebound guy but gorgeous man whore, Travis? Gary knows in reality he could never score such a catch, but why not have some sexy fun in the meantime, right?
Travis in turn, is desperately trying to get financing to open his own massage business, but it seems his potential investor wants to see if he’s a reliable, sure thing. What better way to show responsibility, caring, and maturity than being in a stable committed relationship? What Travis doesn’t bargain for is that the shy insecure Gary is hiding a wildcat underneath his timid facade.
Of course, as all fake relationships go, the no frills sex is hella hot because having some fun when no promises are made and no games are needed to be played totally takes the pressure off. Feelings are desperately fought on both sides, but as familiarity and increased intimacy develop, it gets harder and harder to keep those lines drawn sharply. Duh.
This is not all light fluff and fun, as both Gary and Travis have plenty of personal issues to work through, all of which play a number on their own thoughts towards relationships and love. However, they both of course, come to realize that together they’re more than apart, and love is a risk but a damn good one.
So yes, overall I really enjoyed this light hearted look at a condominium that is gay and gay friendly. It’s rife with just enough titillating gossip and drama to keep things interesting, and I definitely look forward to seeing the other supporting characters get their own happy ending!
I really didn't know what to expect with this due to all the varying reviews, but what I got, I quite enjoyed.
This was a marked difference from Weight of the World, the last book I read from Hart and McCormack, and for me this was a refreshing change of pace from their usually heavy handed fare.
So, this starts off pretty quickly setting up a fake boyfriend scenario. Acquaintances, Gary and Travis, somehow find themselves boyfriends, each having their own reasons to carry on the charade. Gary, having just had a terrible breakup with a cheating boyfriend, wants to portray himself as having moved on and what better person to be his rebound guy but gorgeous man whore, Travis? Gary knows in reality he could never score such a catch, but why not have some sexy fun in the meantime, right?
Travis in turn, is desperately trying to get financing to open his own massage business, but it seems his potential investor wants to see if he’s a reliable, sure thing. What better way to show responsibility, caring, and maturity than being in a stable committed relationship? What Travis doesn’t bargain for is that the shy insecure Gary is hiding a wildcat underneath his timid facade.
Of course, as all fake relationships go, the no frills sex is hella hot because having some fun when no promises are made and no games are needed to be played totally takes the pressure off. Feelings are desperately fought on both sides, but as familiarity and increased intimacy develop, it gets harder and harder to keep those lines drawn sharply. Duh.
This is not all light fluff and fun, as both Gary and Travis have plenty of personal issues to work through, all of which play a number on their own thoughts towards relationships and love. However, they both of course, come to realize that together they’re more than apart, and love is a risk but a damn good one.
So yes, overall I really enjoyed this light hearted look at a condominium that is gay and gay friendly. It’s rife with just enough titillating gossip and drama to keep things interesting, and I definitely look forward to seeing the other supporting characters get their own happy ending!
March 1, 2017
1.5 stars
Welp...I think I knew I wasn't going to enjoy this book from the start.
I should have stayed away from this, because the one Devon McCormack book I've read I really didn't like that much, but with Riley Hart's name attached to it, I hoped beyond hope that she would save any...well, any fuck ups that McCormack would make.
But, that didn't happen.
This was like, a textbook rom-com book. The ONLY redeeming quality to this book was that Travis and Gary were sweet, good guys. But even they were pretty one dimensional, which just angered me because their characters had SO much potential.
But man, I love the next fake-relationship book like the next person - I adore that trope, honestly. But this book did it all wrong.
It was filled with cliché thoughts and dialogue, with phrases, and the situations were so cliché they were cringeworthy for me. The "drama" was extremely contrived, too.
It was annoying how many times the characters said "sure as shit" and "sure as fuck" and "sure as hell." There's a reason in my classes I'm always told not to be repetitive in my writing. Because repetitiveness is really fucking annoying.
And the amount of times Gary and Travis think such obvious fucking things. Like you do not need to tell the readers these things! It's easy enough to figure out for ourselves! Also, a TON of telling in this book. A TON. The book wasn't terribly long - there were times when they could have included or extended a scene to give us more, more with Gary and Travis and more about their lives. I didn't even know what Gary did for a living until well into the book.
Also, I didn't need to be told over and over about how Peter's such a jackass. We're told he's a jackass before we ever see him. And what a stock asshole character he was. He had absolutely no depth to him. Hell, basically all the characters in this book had no depth to them, no complexity. Peter was just the asshole cheating ex who is smarmy and hypocritical and loves to stand on his high horse when he never earned that. He was SO fucking easy to hate. Like, I would hate any cheating asshole, of course, but giving Peter complexity would be giving us a reason why he cheated, even if it was stupid and shallow, and giving him more than stupid ~twist my mustache because I'm an evil villain~ lines? Even cheating assholes are humans with complex emotions and wants and desires, even if they did the wrong thing, even if they aren't remorseful.
If Peter was such a big part of Gary's life, if Gary was so "heartbroken" (hint: he really really wasn't. He just seemed to think he was) of Peter, then why didn't we get a long speech from Peter, as horrible as it would be, about why he had a two-year affair (with a guy that lived in the same apartment complex as him and Gary and Gary didn't fucking know for two years? Uh HUH) and why he did what he did. Even if it was a "I got bored with you" which would definitely make me hate him, but at LEAST I would know WHY he did it. We never got a why from him, just the general picture painted by Gary that he cheated, so he's an asshole. But if we barely get anything in depth with Peter, even if it's to figure out we hate him, then he's just kinda...there, and he could have been replaced with a cardboard cut out of himself and it wouldn't have made a difference in the story. Peter was a prop to add some drama, to put Gary and Travis in the situation they were in, and it was obvious.
Not only were Gary and Travis not given enough depth, and they were the MC's (!!!!) but the secondary characters? Fuck, they all barely had their own autonomy. They were all basically props to forward Gary and Travis' story along. And that's not what you want your secondary characters to be. Yeah, they're there in romantic stories to mostly compliment the MC's, but they don't have to be there just to prop up the MC's, and be in the story FOR them. They should be in the story WITH them. UGH.
The book even had the tried and true line "we feel so far apart - even if it's only a few feet" like he's saying "there was an ocean between us even though we were standing two feet from each other" like...really???
And Gary's reasons for not telling his parents that he was gay were weak and stupid. And it was made into such a big thing throughout the whole book and his whole coming out scene with them lasted like a page, two pages? His parents were there to be "worried" a few times and be sad that their son never told them anything about himself - even though they never even really tried to get him to talk to them. Asking "so how's life?" won't get your son to open up. That's not addressing the problem.
And Travis was your typical "my family was horrible to me and I look at their example and their marriage sucks so why would I want love or marriage, blegh" like that is the oldest trope for characters in the book. Travis never wanted love even though he'd never even tried to have love. And it definitely wasn't a "wired differently" thing as Gary kept thinking. This wasn't because Travis just isn't into monogamous relationships, or relationships at all, for that matter. It was because he was scared of getting hurt. Gary was scared of being hurt. Everyone's scared of being hurt.
But Gary's a relationship guy and he couldn't handle casual sex. Gary wanted more, but the minute he has more, he...gets scared of having it? That felt a tad ridiculous to me.
And their little "fight" that "broke them up" near the end was so contrived I can't...I fucking can't. I knew from the beginning that since Peter cheated on Gary that some instance would be brought up where it made it seem like Travis could have cheated on him too. So predictable.
And I actually like when, if a character was cheated on, they're scared their new partner will cheat - in fact it bothers me sometimes when characters who were cheated on don't seem insecure and worried about that. I feel like it's natural to be scared of that. But to bring up Gary's insecurities on that in such a contrived way was so ridiculous it pissed me off.
And Gary was being completely unreasonable with Travis, but he barely took any responsibility for assuming with Travis? In the end it basically turned out that it was all Travis' fault for "giving up" and "walking away"
Again, this stuff, if written well, can be incredibly interesting. But when you rush through scenes and give cliché dialogue and thoughts and give perfunctory sex scenes that are rushed and barely stir anything in me while reading, it falls extremely flat.
Also, skipping ahead a few weeks, having stuff happen, then skipping a few more weeks annoyed the crap out of me. Like, give us a few scenes of them together, just getting to know each other, in the weeks where the big events aren't happening. Give us their build up. We're missing the foundation of their relationship and it's frustrating.
This book was like...those cheesy hetero rom-com blockbusters that have no substance and are only made to make some money. They don't care about the story, they care about the money, so they dole out the perfunctory rom-com story, compete with every romance trope their is.
That is this book.
After this long ass rant, I'm obviously giving this a big thumbs down. It's not worth the wasted time reading it. Sucks, because in the hands of maybe just Riley Hart alone, or even a better writer (I love Riley Hart, but I do think their are better writers out there) Travis and Gary could have been amazing characters with an awesome love story.
Instead, we got...whatever this book was.
Welp...I think I knew I wasn't going to enjoy this book from the start.
I should have stayed away from this, because the one Devon McCormack book I've read I really didn't like that much, but with Riley Hart's name attached to it, I hoped beyond hope that she would save any...well, any fuck ups that McCormack would make.
But, that didn't happen.
This was like, a textbook rom-com book. The ONLY redeeming quality to this book was that Travis and Gary were sweet, good guys. But even they were pretty one dimensional, which just angered me because their characters had SO much potential.
But man, I love the next fake-relationship book like the next person - I adore that trope, honestly. But this book did it all wrong.
It was filled with cliché thoughts and dialogue, with phrases, and the situations were so cliché they were cringeworthy for me. The "drama" was extremely contrived, too.
It was annoying how many times the characters said "sure as shit" and "sure as fuck" and "sure as hell." There's a reason in my classes I'm always told not to be repetitive in my writing. Because repetitiveness is really fucking annoying.
And the amount of times Gary and Travis think such obvious fucking things. Like you do not need to tell the readers these things! It's easy enough to figure out for ourselves! Also, a TON of telling in this book. A TON. The book wasn't terribly long - there were times when they could have included or extended a scene to give us more, more with Gary and Travis and more about their lives. I didn't even know what Gary did for a living until well into the book.
Also, I didn't need to be told over and over about how Peter's such a jackass. We're told he's a jackass before we ever see him. And what a stock asshole character he was. He had absolutely no depth to him. Hell, basically all the characters in this book had no depth to them, no complexity. Peter was just the asshole cheating ex who is smarmy and hypocritical and loves to stand on his high horse when he never earned that. He was SO fucking easy to hate. Like, I would hate any cheating asshole, of course, but giving Peter complexity would be giving us a reason why he cheated, even if it was stupid and shallow, and giving him more than stupid ~twist my mustache because I'm an evil villain~ lines? Even cheating assholes are humans with complex emotions and wants and desires, even if they did the wrong thing, even if they aren't remorseful.
If Peter was such a big part of Gary's life, if Gary was so "heartbroken" (hint: he really really wasn't. He just seemed to think he was) of Peter, then why didn't we get a long speech from Peter, as horrible as it would be, about why he had a two-year affair (with a guy that lived in the same apartment complex as him and Gary and Gary didn't fucking know for two years? Uh HUH) and why he did what he did. Even if it was a "I got bored with you" which would definitely make me hate him, but at LEAST I would know WHY he did it. We never got a why from him, just the general picture painted by Gary that he cheated, so he's an asshole. But if we barely get anything in depth with Peter, even if it's to figure out we hate him, then he's just kinda...there, and he could have been replaced with a cardboard cut out of himself and it wouldn't have made a difference in the story. Peter was a prop to add some drama, to put Gary and Travis in the situation they were in, and it was obvious.
Not only were Gary and Travis not given enough depth, and they were the MC's (!!!!) but the secondary characters? Fuck, they all barely had their own autonomy. They were all basically props to forward Gary and Travis' story along. And that's not what you want your secondary characters to be. Yeah, they're there in romantic stories to mostly compliment the MC's, but they don't have to be there just to prop up the MC's, and be in the story FOR them. They should be in the story WITH them. UGH.
The book even had the tried and true line "we feel so far apart - even if it's only a few feet" like he's saying "there was an ocean between us even though we were standing two feet from each other" like...really???
And Gary's reasons for not telling his parents that he was gay were weak and stupid. And it was made into such a big thing throughout the whole book and his whole coming out scene with them lasted like a page, two pages? His parents were there to be "worried" a few times and be sad that their son never told them anything about himself - even though they never even really tried to get him to talk to them. Asking "so how's life?" won't get your son to open up. That's not addressing the problem.
And Travis was your typical "my family was horrible to me and I look at their example and their marriage sucks so why would I want love or marriage, blegh" like that is the oldest trope for characters in the book. Travis never wanted love even though he'd never even tried to have love. And it definitely wasn't a "wired differently" thing as Gary kept thinking. This wasn't because Travis just isn't into monogamous relationships, or relationships at all, for that matter. It was because he was scared of getting hurt. Gary was scared of being hurt. Everyone's scared of being hurt.
But Gary's a relationship guy and he couldn't handle casual sex. Gary wanted more, but the minute he has more, he...gets scared of having it? That felt a tad ridiculous to me.
And their little "fight" that "broke them up" near the end was so contrived I can't...I fucking can't. I knew from the beginning that since Peter cheated on Gary that some instance would be brought up where it made it seem like Travis could have cheated on him too. So predictable.
And I actually like when, if a character was cheated on, they're scared their new partner will cheat - in fact it bothers me sometimes when characters who were cheated on don't seem insecure and worried about that. I feel like it's natural to be scared of that. But to bring up Gary's insecurities on that in such a contrived way was so ridiculous it pissed me off.
And Gary was being completely unreasonable with Travis, but he barely took any responsibility for assuming with Travis? In the end it basically turned out that it was all Travis' fault for "giving up" and "walking away"
Again, this stuff, if written well, can be incredibly interesting. But when you rush through scenes and give cliché dialogue and thoughts and give perfunctory sex scenes that are rushed and barely stir anything in me while reading, it falls extremely flat.
Also, skipping ahead a few weeks, having stuff happen, then skipping a few more weeks annoyed the crap out of me. Like, give us a few scenes of them together, just getting to know each other, in the weeks where the big events aren't happening. Give us their build up. We're missing the foundation of their relationship and it's frustrating.
This book was like...those cheesy hetero rom-com blockbusters that have no substance and are only made to make some money. They don't care about the story, they care about the money, so they dole out the perfunctory rom-com story, compete with every romance trope their is.
That is this book.
After this long ass rant, I'm obviously giving this a big thumbs down. It's not worth the wasted time reading it. Sucks, because in the hands of maybe just Riley Hart alone, or even a better writer (I love Riley Hart, but I do think their are better writers out there) Travis and Gary could have been amazing characters with an awesome love story.
Instead, we got...whatever this book was.
November 7, 2021
* 4 stars *
This was a fun read! Ligh-hearted, with a fake-boyfriends trope that led the characters to real emotions and a HEA.
This was a fun read! Ligh-hearted, with a fake-boyfriends trope that led the characters to real emotions and a HEA.
February 7, 2017
*Copy provided by the author for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
What, another surprise release from Riley Hart and Devon McCormack?!?! Yes! Faking It is Book 1 in a new, surprise series called Metropolis and it's going to be full of men, fun and love if this first book is anything to go by!
Faking It introduces us to the Metropolis condo complex set in Atlanta, Georgia. Gary, one of the residents of Metropolis, is going on with his life after his long-term relationship has ended. While he'd be working away in the condo, his boyfriend would be in one of the other towers with someone younger and hotter, until Gary caught on. When Gary kicks him out, Peter moves in with his new boyfriend Evan. Everyone in the towers know that Peter's been cheating on Gary and that Gary is now alone. Gary tries to save face by blending in and not drawing attention to himself. That's what he's done his entire life, just tried to fade to the background. He just wants to go on with his life and forget the embarrassment. Gary's confidence is gone, and he has low-self esteem but his friend Derek isn't going to allow him to wallow. Derek insists they go out to the nearby club, Flirt. Gary goes but it isn't where he wants to be, no matter how many hot guys Derek tries to force his way. He takes Derek home with him to sleep the alcohol off on his couch and when Gary wakes up in the morning he isn't surprised that Derek ended up in bed with him. Except that's not Derek who's ended up in his bed. Travis is woken up by Gary's shock and is surprised to see that he's not in bed with Jacob, Gary's roommate.
Travis also lives in the Metropolis and has no interest in relationships. He comes from a wealthy family, who want nothing to do with him because he's chosen to be gay. He's spent his whole life being an outsider in his family and this is just one more thing to make him different. Travis is a massage therapist and is hoping to get an investor to help him open his own practice so he no longer has to travel between client's houses. Travis is sexy and known throughout the condos for sleeping with other men. Travis meets with the investor at a pool party, and is surprised to see Gary at the party. After his meeting finishes, he heads to Gary who is now faced with his ex and his ex's new boyfriend. He tries to help Gary out by pretending that they're more than acquaintances but that backfires when his potential investor finds him with Gary and assumes they're together. To help each other out, Gary and Travis begin to have a fake relationship, only they're going to get more than either expected.
I loved Riley and Devon's previous collaboration, they both bring a lot to the story telling world, but I would never use the words light-hearted and fun to describe it. Light-hearted and fun is exactly what Faking It is, but don't think that means it's light on the story-telling or hot sex because, uh, hello, Riley Hart and Devon McCormack!! Gary and Travis have to work for their HEA but it's a delicious ride to the end! I love when writer's take care of their characters! There's a scene in this book that takes place during a fundraiser (and as much as I want to give more of it away, you have to read it!!) and I was nervous about what was going to happen with Gary. Was it going to be awkward? Would he be embarrassed and humiliated? No! Gary owned his scene and it made me love them even more for giving that to him!
I love everything about this new series and all the stories we can look forward to reading. And, listen, if you follow Devon on social media, you may recognize the set-up we have in these stories and can look at it as a little voyeurism into his life... I mean, not that I'm suggesting that you do that or anything! This is a must read book and will definitely be one I read over and over again. I can not wait to read what these two author's next create next!!
Rating: 5++++ stars!
What, another surprise release from Riley Hart and Devon McCormack?!?! Yes! Faking It is Book 1 in a new, surprise series called Metropolis and it's going to be full of men, fun and love if this first book is anything to go by!
Faking It introduces us to the Metropolis condo complex set in Atlanta, Georgia. Gary, one of the residents of Metropolis, is going on with his life after his long-term relationship has ended. While he'd be working away in the condo, his boyfriend would be in one of the other towers with someone younger and hotter, until Gary caught on. When Gary kicks him out, Peter moves in with his new boyfriend Evan. Everyone in the towers know that Peter's been cheating on Gary and that Gary is now alone. Gary tries to save face by blending in and not drawing attention to himself. That's what he's done his entire life, just tried to fade to the background. He just wants to go on with his life and forget the embarrassment. Gary's confidence is gone, and he has low-self esteem but his friend Derek isn't going to allow him to wallow. Derek insists they go out to the nearby club, Flirt. Gary goes but it isn't where he wants to be, no matter how many hot guys Derek tries to force his way. He takes Derek home with him to sleep the alcohol off on his couch and when Gary wakes up in the morning he isn't surprised that Derek ended up in bed with him. Except that's not Derek who's ended up in his bed. Travis is woken up by Gary's shock and is surprised to see that he's not in bed with Jacob, Gary's roommate.
Travis also lives in the Metropolis and has no interest in relationships. He comes from a wealthy family, who want nothing to do with him because he's chosen to be gay. He's spent his whole life being an outsider in his family and this is just one more thing to make him different. Travis is a massage therapist and is hoping to get an investor to help him open his own practice so he no longer has to travel between client's houses. Travis is sexy and known throughout the condos for sleeping with other men. Travis meets with the investor at a pool party, and is surprised to see Gary at the party. After his meeting finishes, he heads to Gary who is now faced with his ex and his ex's new boyfriend. He tries to help Gary out by pretending that they're more than acquaintances but that backfires when his potential investor finds him with Gary and assumes they're together. To help each other out, Gary and Travis begin to have a fake relationship, only they're going to get more than either expected.
I loved Riley and Devon's previous collaboration, they both bring a lot to the story telling world, but I would never use the words light-hearted and fun to describe it. Light-hearted and fun is exactly what Faking It is, but don't think that means it's light on the story-telling or hot sex because, uh, hello, Riley Hart and Devon McCormack!! Gary and Travis have to work for their HEA but it's a delicious ride to the end! I love when writer's take care of their characters! There's a scene in this book that takes place during a fundraiser (and as much as I want to give more of it away, you have to read it!!) and I was nervous about what was going to happen with Gary. Was it going to be awkward? Would he be embarrassed and humiliated? No! Gary owned his scene and it made me love them even more for giving that to him!
I love everything about this new series and all the stories we can look forward to reading. And, listen, if you follow Devon on social media, you may recognize the set-up we have in these stories and can look at it as a little voyeurism into his life... I mean, not that I'm suggesting that you do that or anything! This is a must read book and will definitely be one I read over and over again. I can not wait to read what these two author's next create next!!
Rating: 5++++ stars!
February 19, 2017
3.5 Stars rounded up because whooooo was this a HOT one!!!
I went into this book expecting an average book with everything being average but I loved this!
It was funny, HOT(the chemistry between the MCs was off the charts) , heartwarming and the banter was great. The writing flowed, the secondary characters kicked butt(I loved Derek&Hayden) and did I mention it was HOT?! Win!
There was a bit of repetitiveness going on getting to the end and the drama at the end between the MCs could've been fixed sooner but it somehow worked with the whole feel of the story.
I'm guessing this is the beginning of a new series by Riley Hart(who I've read before) & Devon McCormack( who I haven't read before but will be checking out pronto!) and with how this duo worked SO well together, I'm DEFINITELY picking up the next in the series! :)
I went into this book expecting an average book with everything being average but I loved this!
It was funny, HOT(the chemistry between the MCs was off the charts) , heartwarming and the banter was great. The writing flowed, the secondary characters kicked butt(I loved Derek&Hayden) and did I mention it was HOT?! Win!
There was a bit of repetitiveness going on getting to the end and the drama at the end between the MCs could've been fixed sooner but it somehow worked with the whole feel of the story.
I'm guessing this is the beginning of a new series by Riley Hart(who I've read before) & Devon McCormack( who I haven't read before but will be checking out pronto!) and with how this duo worked SO well together, I'm DEFINITELY picking up the next in the series! :)
February 9, 2017
MINE!!!
This was a fun romp. I enjoyed reading it, even if the characters are a bit of a stereotype, what with the washboard abs, the massive dicks (except for the bad guy; his dick is reportedly on the smaller side), the super-toned bods, and the fact that nearly everyone in this mostly fictional condo building just north of downtown Atlanta is gay and most of them fuck indiscriminately but safely. Wheeeee, they're young, they're hung, and they're having a good time.
There is lots and lots of steamy sexy times in this book too, and it would be very easy to dismiss it as just another stereotypical erotic romance BUT the two main characters actually do struggle to make sense of their lives and themselves. They do have feelings, they feel hurt and pain and grief, joy and happiness and heartbreak, and while they don't always make the best choices, they do try to get it right.
What begins as a fake relationship with hot sex turns into much more, even if there are roadblocks and fears. If you can look past the first person present tense and superficial descriptions of the hot bods all around, there is actually a sweet romance within.
I enjoyed it. YMMV.
This was a fun romp. I enjoyed reading it, even if the characters are a bit of a stereotype, what with the washboard abs, the massive dicks (except for the bad guy; his dick is reportedly on the smaller side), the super-toned bods, and the fact that nearly everyone in this mostly fictional condo building just north of downtown Atlanta is gay and most of them fuck indiscriminately but safely. Wheeeee, they're young, they're hung, and they're having a good time.
There is lots and lots of steamy sexy times in this book too, and it would be very easy to dismiss it as just another stereotypical erotic romance BUT the two main characters actually do struggle to make sense of their lives and themselves. They do have feelings, they feel hurt and pain and grief, joy and happiness and heartbreak, and while they don't always make the best choices, they do try to get it right.
What begins as a fake relationship with hot sex turns into much more, even if there are roadblocks and fears. If you can look past the first person present tense and superficial descriptions of the hot bods all around, there is actually a sweet romance within.
I enjoyed it. YMMV.
February 2, 2017
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
The Metropolis is an apartment complex with a large population of gay men who thrive on gossip, sex and working out (if you follow Devon McCormack on Facebook, it might sound familiar). This does little to help Gary get through his breakup with his longtime cheating boyfriend Peter, who promptly moved in with his new lover at the Metropolis, so they can’t help running into each other and being the hot topic of gossip.
Gary has seen the super sexy and hot Travis around and knows him by reputation, but he gets the full-on up close and personal when he wakes up with a naked, hungover Travis in his bed. They make the best of an awkward situation (spurred on by Gary’s best friend) and the next time they meet Travis jumps in to save Gary from an awkward moment with his ex by claiming Gary as his own. And soon the plot is hatched; Gary will pose as Travis’s boyfriend to help him with a business deal and Travis will be Gary’s new, super sexy boyfriend to rub Peter’s face in things. Oh how I love a good fake boyfriend story and this one worked very well for me.
Of course, as the fake relationship progresses a real one develops. Gary is insecure and can’t believe someone in Travis’s league would ever want him. Travis is outwardly confident, but has his own insecurities based mostly around his family drama. A friendship with benefits is wonderful, but soon other feelings creep in. Jealousy, possessiveness and a genuine affection are things Travis has always balked at and something Gary has always wanted. There wasn’t a dull moment as both Travis and Gary help each other gain confidence in areas where it is sorely lacking.
Clichés abound, but I found the story fun, sweet, sexy and very entertaining. It’s not all fun and fluff as Travis’s family issues come to a head. His brothers are lovely but his parents are horrible. Gary is also having some family issues of his own making and has to decide if he’s finally going to completely be himself and open up to his parents.
Told in alternating points of view, the collaborative writing flowed seamlessly. There was great banter between Travis and Gary and a cast of secondary characters begging to tell their own stories. Most of them come off at first glance as shallow, sex starved men, but there is more to that lurking under the surface. I especially adored the sweet and supportive Hayden and the snarky but vulnerable Derek.
If you enjoy the fake boyfriend trope and are looking for a sweet, sexy and fun read, take a trip to the Metropolis and just enjoy.
The Metropolis is an apartment complex with a large population of gay men who thrive on gossip, sex and working out (if you follow Devon McCormack on Facebook, it might sound familiar). This does little to help Gary get through his breakup with his longtime cheating boyfriend Peter, who promptly moved in with his new lover at the Metropolis, so they can’t help running into each other and being the hot topic of gossip.
Gary has seen the super sexy and hot Travis around and knows him by reputation, but he gets the full-on up close and personal when he wakes up with a naked, hungover Travis in his bed. They make the best of an awkward situation (spurred on by Gary’s best friend) and the next time they meet Travis jumps in to save Gary from an awkward moment with his ex by claiming Gary as his own. And soon the plot is hatched; Gary will pose as Travis’s boyfriend to help him with a business deal and Travis will be Gary’s new, super sexy boyfriend to rub Peter’s face in things. Oh how I love a good fake boyfriend story and this one worked very well for me.
Of course, as the fake relationship progresses a real one develops. Gary is insecure and can’t believe someone in Travis’s league would ever want him. Travis is outwardly confident, but has his own insecurities based mostly around his family drama. A friendship with benefits is wonderful, but soon other feelings creep in. Jealousy, possessiveness and a genuine affection are things Travis has always balked at and something Gary has always wanted. There wasn’t a dull moment as both Travis and Gary help each other gain confidence in areas where it is sorely lacking.
Clichés abound, but I found the story fun, sweet, sexy and very entertaining. It’s not all fun and fluff as Travis’s family issues come to a head. His brothers are lovely but his parents are horrible. Gary is also having some family issues of his own making and has to decide if he’s finally going to completely be himself and open up to his parents.
Told in alternating points of view, the collaborative writing flowed seamlessly. There was great banter between Travis and Gary and a cast of secondary characters begging to tell their own stories. Most of them come off at first glance as shallow, sex starved men, but there is more to that lurking under the surface. I especially adored the sweet and supportive Hayden and the snarky but vulnerable Derek.
If you enjoy the fake boyfriend trope and are looking for a sweet, sexy and fun read, take a trip to the Metropolis and just enjoy.
February 8, 2017
1 star automatically added because that cover... yummmm!
The book was kind of ok... situated in the fantasy gay mecca of Metropolis, a condo in downtown Atlanta, where most of the tenants are gay and gorgeous and ripped.
That's the case of the two MCs. They are 10's but have low self esteem for shit that happened to them and they don't think they are worthy of each other.
They enter a fake relationship that benefits both for different reasons and the fall for each other.
There is decent steam in this book (brought to you by an amazing hole and two magnum-wearing dicks).
I generally love me some Riley Hart but this one was so-so. Kudos for the cover though, did I mention the cover? Hot cover. :P
The book was kind of ok... situated in the fantasy gay mecca of Metropolis, a condo in downtown Atlanta, where most of the tenants are gay and gorgeous and ripped.
That's the case of the two MCs. They are 10's but have low self esteem for shit that happened to them and they don't think they are worthy of each other.
They enter a fake relationship that benefits both for different reasons and the fall for each other.
There is decent steam in this book (brought to you by an amazing hole and two magnum-wearing dicks).
I generally love me some Riley Hart but this one was so-so. Kudos for the cover though, did I mention the cover? Hot cover. :P
July 5, 2020
Didn't like it very much ...
The book is okay, but just okay (at least for me). He's quite predictable and although I like the "fake boyfriend" theme, I really didn't feel any chemistry between our main characters.
In this book we met Travis and Gary (I swear I always remembered the Spongebob snail) they live in a type of community that is basically built to be a gay community (kind of weird but okay) and Travis wants to open his own massage business (no happy ending) but needs to show stability for one of the investors to give him the money and Gary has just been betrayed by his ex boyfriend with another man and is sad, so they both help each other, Travis pretends to be dating with Gary and pretend they are in a stable relationship and Gary makes the ex jealous, everything works well until they start to develop real feelings.
Rating: 2.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
The book is okay, but just okay (at least for me). He's quite predictable and although I like the "fake boyfriend" theme, I really didn't feel any chemistry between our main characters.
In this book we met Travis and Gary (I swear I always remembered the Spongebob snail) they live in a type of community that is basically built to be a gay community (kind of weird but okay) and Travis wants to open his own massage business (no happy ending) but needs to show stability for one of the investors to give him the money and Gary has just been betrayed by his ex boyfriend with another man and is sad, so they both help each other, Travis pretends to be dating with Gary and pretend they are in a stable relationship and Gary makes the ex jealous, everything works well until they start to develop real feelings.
Rating: 2.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
February 5, 2017
3 Stars
This was in that gray area for me, I didn't love..but didn't completely hate it either. There was nothing new here, and I wasn't drawn in by the fake boyfriend trope. The whole "Metropolis" setting was far fetched, I think it can almost be chalked up to trying too hard.
This was in that gray area for me, I didn't love..but didn't completely hate it either. There was nothing new here, and I wasn't drawn in by the fake boyfriend trope. The whole "Metropolis" setting was far fetched, I think it can almost be chalked up to trying too hard.
April 24, 2017
Oh, loved this book! So much!!!
There were a lot of things I love in a book:
*Asshole ex-bf beeing jelousy [get that, your ass!] - check!
*Evolution of the characters - check!
*Hot scenes - check!
*Funny moments - check!
*Just the perfect amount of angst - check!
I just loveed it.
The plot wasn't anything new: the fake relationship is a thing I already saw a couple of times. But I liked it anyway. And the way the story was written, was a little different. :)
Of course, the fake relationship was not the only element in this book. It had so much more there: Homophobic parents, insecurities, gay guy hiding his life, etc etc... Well, loved the way the authors transformed a pretty common plot in something more.
Gary and Travis were so great together. I loved how they helped each other and how their relationship was so much more than just sex. They had a friendship even before they had any other feelings for each other. It wasn't insta-love and it just made the book get points with me.
The story was written in first person pov, alternating between the two MC. [Something I loved].
Some people can have problems with the writing because is in present tense, but I didn't have a problem with it.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
There were a lot of things I love in a book:
*Asshole ex-bf beeing jelousy [get that, your ass!] - check!
*Evolution of the characters - check!
*Hot scenes - check!
*Funny moments - check!
*Just the perfect amount of angst - check!
I just loveed it.
The plot wasn't anything new: the fake relationship is a thing I already saw a couple of times. But I liked it anyway. And the way the story was written, was a little different. :)
Of course, the fake relationship was not the only element in this book. It had so much more there: Homophobic parents, insecurities, gay guy hiding his life, etc etc... Well, loved the way the authors transformed a pretty common plot in something more.
Gary and Travis were so great together. I loved how they helped each other and how their relationship was so much more than just sex. They had a friendship even before they had any other feelings for each other. It wasn't insta-love and it just made the book get points with me.
The story was written in first person pov, alternating between the two MC. [Something I loved].
Some people can have problems with the writing because is in present tense, but I didn't have a problem with it.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 19, 2017
3.5 stars for this quick, easy read.
I enjoyed reading about these two big-hearted, beautiful and smart men.
They started out as pretend boyfriends to help each other out, but quickly realized their compatibility and chemistry was off the charts.
None of this story came across as overly angsty. I guess it could have since some of the issues the MCs had to work through were on the serious side. But the way it was presented was on the lighter side with heavy doses of communication and heavier doses of steamy chemistry. I thought it came across perfectly.
I was a little taken aback with the place where they lived and how they dressed at times. Their eating and exercise habits as well as their places to go out all seemed a bit clickish. It didn't really detract from the book. It was just a little surprising.
This was a great lazy Sunday read.
I enjoyed reading about these two big-hearted, beautiful and smart men.
They started out as pretend boyfriends to help each other out, but quickly realized their compatibility and chemistry was off the charts.
None of this story came across as overly angsty. I guess it could have since some of the issues the MCs had to work through were on the serious side. But the way it was presented was on the lighter side with heavy doses of communication and heavier doses of steamy chemistry. I thought it came across perfectly.
I was a little taken aback with the place where they lived and how they dressed at times. Their eating and exercise habits as well as their places to go out all seemed a bit clickish. It didn't really detract from the book. It was just a little surprising.
This was a great lazy Sunday read.
March 21, 2017
It took me months to finish this book, and I honestly don't know if it was me or the story,I didn't loved it but it wasn't bad.
I started it three times and I just couldn't connect with the characters, but I'm a stubborn bitch so after book 2 came out I knew it was time to finish it because I wasn't going to DFN.
In the end I did liked it but it wasn't my favorite, I read Dani's review and I completely agree with her.
Sadly I don't have much more to say.
side note: I always thought tricks were what sex workers called their clients but apparently it is used for hook ups too and I had no idea so imagine my confusion when I kept reading that word here.
I started it three times and I just couldn't connect with the characters, but I'm a stubborn bitch so after book 2 came out I knew it was time to finish it because I wasn't going to DFN.
In the end I did liked it but it wasn't my favorite, I read Dani's review and I completely agree with her.
Sadly I don't have much more to say.
side note: I always thought tricks were what sex workers called their clients but apparently it is used for hook ups too and I had no idea so imagine my confusion when I kept reading that word here.
February 7, 2017
If you are going to read this book because you are a Riley Hart fan......mmmmm STOP, IN THE NAME OF LOVE.
This did not feel or read like Ms. Hart. This book makes me feel like authors should not collaborate. I mean it could be me but I felt nothing for the Mc's there was just not enough of that connection. Plenty of hot sex which was good but without the connection the read can't go to the next level. I will read the next one because I'm OCD and don't like to half ass read a series but this one just did not work for me the way I hoped it would.
This did not feel or read like Ms. Hart. This book makes me feel like authors should not collaborate. I mean it could be me but I felt nothing for the Mc's there was just not enough of that connection. Plenty of hot sex which was good but without the connection the read can't go to the next level. I will read the next one because I'm OCD and don't like to half ass read a series but this one just did not work for me the way I hoped it would.
April 11, 2017
I loved this book. I just did. There is definitely some serious stereotyping here so if that's a problem then avoid. The community created here was really interesting and I want to know more about the other characters so I'll definitely read the next book. There were a few things I didn't care for...like how they met in the first place. Not. Cool. But I still managed to get thrown into the story and am glad I was able to overlook that. This definitely didn't feel like her other books but I like different so there ya go...
5 hawt stars
5 hawt stars
September 27, 2017
I liked this one! I actually went into this blind. When I realized it's about posing as boyfriends, I got excited! Those are always fun to read and this one is no exception.
Gary & Travis' chemistry was explosive! Everytime they do something together, it made me feel...warm. Okay...hot. There you go. I like both of them and how they both grew as people throughout the story. I also like the setting or the universe. The authors could reap so much stories from the Twin Towers of Homo.
That Summertime Strip fundraiser scene was my favorite. Gary finally letting himself loose? Awesome.
Some things I didn't like that much: There's like three "70%" moments in the book. I was like, "Just give me their HEA already!" Another is that I had a hard time finding Ms. Riley in this work. I've read a lot of her books and I struggled to find her here. I just assumed most of the story was from Devon's.
And all of the gayness in this was so in your face. From the start, someone was showing his dick to someone out of the blue. It was hot. But I was like, what??? I asked myself, is this how I want to be portrayed? Superficial and a little shallow? It bothered me a little.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to read more.
3.5 STARS.
Gary & Travis' chemistry was explosive! Everytime they do something together, it made me feel...warm. Okay...hot. There you go. I like both of them and how they both grew as people throughout the story. I also like the setting or the universe. The authors could reap so much stories from the Twin Towers of Homo.
That Summertime Strip fundraiser scene was my favorite. Gary finally letting himself loose? Awesome.
Some things I didn't like that much: There's like three "70%" moments in the book. I was like, "Just give me their HEA already!" Another is that I had a hard time finding Ms. Riley in this work. I've read a lot of her books and I struggled to find her here. I just assumed most of the story was from Devon's.
And all of the gayness in this was so in your face. From the start, someone was showing his dick to someone out of the blue. It was hot. But I was like, what??? I asked myself, is this how I want to be portrayed? Superficial and a little shallow? It bothered me a little.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to read more.
3.5 STARS.
December 18, 2022
2.75 meh stars
February 6, 2017
Fun read! *possibly spoilerish ramblings*
I'm glad I didn't let my first impression of this book ruin it for me. In the beginning the writing really put me off. It came off as...amateurish or juvenile. But as I continued I realized that the writing fit the characters (mostly early twenties) and tone of the book. Metropolis, the pair of condo buildings that the series is named after, is like an adult gay playground full of mostly young gay men who are all good looking, buff, hung like Georgia mules and very promiscuous. Yeah, just a bit over the top in that regard, at least it was for me, but I decided to roll with it.
After settling into the writing style and deciding not to take the book too seriously I really started to enjoy it. The shallow characters started to reveal they weren't so shallow and were actually putting up a front to hide deeper issues.
I felt the MCs Gary and Travis had lots of chemistry together. I enjoyed their smoking hot sex and I really enjoyed them getting to know one another.
The end was very satisfying but there were a few loose ends that I wish had been addressed. Like
Overall a fun read. After the rough start, it surprised me in the end just how much I had invested in the story and the characters. I look forward to the next book in the series....maybe Hayden's story?
I'm glad I didn't let my first impression of this book ruin it for me. In the beginning the writing really put me off. It came off as...amateurish or juvenile. But as I continued I realized that the writing fit the characters (mostly early twenties) and tone of the book. Metropolis, the pair of condo buildings that the series is named after, is like an adult gay playground full of mostly young gay men who are all good looking, buff, hung like Georgia mules and very promiscuous. Yeah, just a bit over the top in that regard, at least it was for me, but I decided to roll with it.
After settling into the writing style and deciding not to take the book too seriously I really started to enjoy it. The shallow characters started to reveal they weren't so shallow and were actually putting up a front to hide deeper issues.
I felt the MCs Gary and Travis had lots of chemistry together. I enjoyed their smoking hot sex and I really enjoyed them getting to know one another.
The end was very satisfying but there were a few loose ends that I wish had been addressed. Like
Overall a fun read. After the rough start, it surprised me in the end just how much I had invested in the story and the characters. I look forward to the next book in the series....maybe Hayden's story?
February 5, 2021
This is one of those books that sneaks up on you. You're reading along enjoying yourself when all of a sudden - BAM!!!! You realize there is so much more to this book than you thought. You find yourself totally wrapped up in these two characters. The butterflies are fluttering around your insides. Your heart starts to ache and you can't stop reading until these guys are in each other's arms forever.
When I picked up this book, I thought it would be a fun read with some pretty hot sex. I expected that Gary and Travis would fall for each other but I never expected them to pull so much feeling out of me. But as they grew closer and their feelings started to develop, I grew more invested in them. That's not to say that there wasn't some really hot sex. Believe me, these guys could have incinerated Metropolis with the heat between them.
These are the kinds of books I live for. The ones that pull everything out of me. The ones that make me feel every emotion the characters are feeling. The ones that I don't ever want to put down. I finished this book at 3am and I wanted nothing more than to roll right into Working It. Unfortunately, my body disagreed and made me sleep.
When I picked up this book, I thought it would be a fun read with some pretty hot sex. I expected that Gary and Travis would fall for each other but I never expected them to pull so much feeling out of me. But as they grew closer and their feelings started to develop, I grew more invested in them. That's not to say that there wasn't some really hot sex. Believe me, these guys could have incinerated Metropolis with the heat between them.
These are the kinds of books I live for. The ones that pull everything out of me. The ones that make me feel every emotion the characters are feeling. The ones that I don't ever want to put down. I finished this book at 3am and I wanted nothing more than to roll right into Working It. Unfortunately, my body disagreed and made me sleep.
March 12, 2017
Wonderful mix of romance, humour and heat in this new series
Oh God this book made me laugh loads but it also nearly made me cry too.
Riley Hart and Devon McCormack separately are two of my fave M/M authors but when they write together they make magic happen.
This is the first in a new collaboration between the two and it had a lovely light touch to everything, even when some serious emotions were being dragged out.
While I knew it would have a HEA, I was very pleasantly surprised by the journey to it. This book avoided a lot of the usual plot cliches of a drama at 70% in, or the typical misunderstandings which get used to create tension.
Instead we had two men who'd been hurt by their earlier life experiences and were just a little bit scarred by it, not sure how to deal with where their originally fake boyfriend agreement was going.
As I'd expect from either of these authors, there was a lot of well written sex, but never there just to distract the reader, but as an example of how each found a strength in their joining from the other.
I loved both Travis and Gary and the realistic way they both reacted to, and dealt with, uncomfortable situations.
And the cover alone on this one is worth five stars ;)
Oh God this book made me laugh loads but it also nearly made me cry too.
Riley Hart and Devon McCormack separately are two of my fave M/M authors but when they write together they make magic happen.
This is the first in a new collaboration between the two and it had a lovely light touch to everything, even when some serious emotions were being dragged out.
While I knew it would have a HEA, I was very pleasantly surprised by the journey to it. This book avoided a lot of the usual plot cliches of a drama at 70% in, or the typical misunderstandings which get used to create tension.
Instead we had two men who'd been hurt by their earlier life experiences and were just a little bit scarred by it, not sure how to deal with where their originally fake boyfriend agreement was going.
As I'd expect from either of these authors, there was a lot of well written sex, but never there just to distract the reader, but as an example of how each found a strength in their joining from the other.
I loved both Travis and Gary and the realistic way they both reacted to, and dealt with, uncomfortable situations.
And the cover alone on this one is worth five stars ;)
February 6, 2017
Hmm. I had a few mixed feelings on this one....
I actually enjoyed the whole gay-apartment building-where-every-guy-is-smoking-hot vibe. I liked Gary and Travis (although every time Gary's name was said all I could think about was Spongebob Squarepants) and I liked their chemistry.
I didn't like the back and forth between them although I do realize that that was the whole premise of the book - the "fake" relationship. I wished we had gotten to see more of them as an established couple rather than the epilogue that was a short 3 months later.
I do think that I will continue reading the series, this just wasn't a super hit but was just okay :)
On to the next!
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