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Under the Stars #2
The Sweetest Star
Eric Ronson used to be a superstar… now he’s only cooking up trouble. He needs a fake boyfriend, and fast.
As a former member of the boy band 5*Star, Eric never imagined he’d be starting a new gig as a host on a live cooking show—much less that he’d need a co-host to really help his star shine.
Dash Thompson loved his quiet life as a food writer… until a horrible breakup really stirred things up.
The offer to be on a TV show with Eric might give his life the spice it so desperately needs to get him out of his funk, but there’s only one problem (ok, maybe two)…. He has to pretend to be Eric’s boyfriend and he kind of hates Eric.
The idea of being Eric’s fake boyfriend really puts a hair in Dash’s biscuit, because Eric is everything that Dash isn’t: loud and unpredictable, wild and fun loving… so why does he want sleep with him so bad?
As the cameras roll, the line between what’s fake and what’s real quickly blurs when Eric and Dash realize they have better chemistry than sugar and spice. Can Eric give up his playboy ways and rise to the occasion? Will Dash’s heart crumble like a cookie?
The Sweetest Star is a 65,000-word gay romance novel where enemies become lovers, with plenty of cheesy food jokes along the way. It’s sweet and steamy, with a happily-ever-after ending. It is the second book in the Under the Stars series, featuring the former members of the boy band 5*Star, but each book can be read alone or as part of the series.
As a former member of the boy band 5*Star, Eric never imagined he’d be starting a new gig as a host on a live cooking show—much less that he’d need a co-host to really help his star shine.
Dash Thompson loved his quiet life as a food writer… until a horrible breakup really stirred things up.
The offer to be on a TV show with Eric might give his life the spice it so desperately needs to get him out of his funk, but there’s only one problem (ok, maybe two)…. He has to pretend to be Eric’s boyfriend and he kind of hates Eric.
The idea of being Eric’s fake boyfriend really puts a hair in Dash’s biscuit, because Eric is everything that Dash isn’t: loud and unpredictable, wild and fun loving… so why does he want sleep with him so bad?
As the cameras roll, the line between what’s fake and what’s real quickly blurs when Eric and Dash realize they have better chemistry than sugar and spice. Can Eric give up his playboy ways and rise to the occasion? Will Dash’s heart crumble like a cookie?
The Sweetest Star is a 65,000-word gay romance novel where enemies become lovers, with plenty of cheesy food jokes along the way. It’s sweet and steamy, with a happily-ever-after ending. It is the second book in the Under the Stars series, featuring the former members of the boy band 5*Star, but each book can be read alone or as part of the series.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2017
111 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 7, 2017
~3.5~
The Sweetest Star isn't quite as sexy or full of feels as the first book in the series, but it's still an enjoyable read with the, um, sweetest ending.
What I loved about Leo and Jamie, the MCs from book 1, is that they were willing to be vulnerable together. I didn't get the same vibe from Eric and Dash. Even though Eric, like Leo, is a former member of 90s boy band 5*Star, this book does not have a broken dreams kind of vibe.
Eric has carved a niche for himself in the food business and is about to get his own TV show on Eat Network (I'm so glad the real network went with Food instead of Eat; it's much more appetizing).
Dash is a food blogger and is offered a spot as Eric's co-host after Eric's former boyfriend bails on the deal. Dash just broke up with his boyfriend of ten years and is insecure and unapproachable.
There's a lot of back and forth between the men. I don't mind some relationship angst, but the running hot and cold got really irritating after a while.
Dash, especially, made me want to bang my head on a hard surface. He acted like a 15-year-old emo kid, pushing Eric away and refusing to make the fake boyfriend thing real, even after Eric essentially begs him.
It all worked out, of course, and the epilogue made me happy, but I'm hoping for a stronger emotional connection in the next book in the series.
And, yes, this book can absolutely be read as a standalone; the MCs from book 1 are mentioned only in passing. Honestly, though, I wouldn't skip book 1; it's pretty awesome.
The Sweetest Star isn't quite as sexy or full of feels as the first book in the series, but it's still an enjoyable read with the, um, sweetest ending.
What I loved about Leo and Jamie, the MCs from book 1, is that they were willing to be vulnerable together. I didn't get the same vibe from Eric and Dash. Even though Eric, like Leo, is a former member of 90s boy band 5*Star, this book does not have a broken dreams kind of vibe.
Eric has carved a niche for himself in the food business and is about to get his own TV show on Eat Network (I'm so glad the real network went with Food instead of Eat; it's much more appetizing).
Dash is a food blogger and is offered a spot as Eric's co-host after Eric's former boyfriend bails on the deal. Dash just broke up with his boyfriend of ten years and is insecure and unapproachable.
There's a lot of back and forth between the men. I don't mind some relationship angst, but the running hot and cold got really irritating after a while.
Dash, especially, made me want to bang my head on a hard surface. He acted like a 15-year-old emo kid, pushing Eric away and refusing to make the fake boyfriend thing real, even after Eric essentially begs him.
It all worked out, of course, and the epilogue made me happy, but I'm hoping for a stronger emotional connection in the next book in the series.
And, yes, this book can absolutely be read as a standalone; the MCs from book 1 are mentioned only in passing. Honestly, though, I wouldn't skip book 1; it's pretty awesome.
August 5, 2017
It was nice enough, but this whole 'I like him but I'm not worth it' and all this 'I can't tell him my true feelings' got tiring pretty soon. On top of that - yes they were supposed to be on a cooking show, but honestly? It could have been anything as it wasn't really part of the book, besides some sentences here and there about 'today we were cooking...'
June 12, 2017
I like this one slightly less than the first book, Your Fallen Star, probably because of Eric. I didn't mind a 'player' character. It's always great to see them reformed.
However, to me Eric is a bit ... uhm flighty? Okay I'm not sure if it's the correct term, but at one point Dash described Eric like a dejected puppy and I immediately remembered Dug from the movie, Up, and I thought that was an apt description. Like he is easily distracted with something shiny. I mean Eric just finishes begging and crying over his ended 6-months relationship and then he sees Dash, and he immediately feels the attraction.
So I wasn't amused with Eric that much, even if I could see that he was actually a hopeless romantic inside. I liked Dash though. I always preferred a more standoffish kind of characters. Plus I thought Dash being hot and cold to Eric quite appropriate with Eric's history and the fact that the last relationship Dash was in lasted for a decade.
The first book moved me because it is about failed dreams. This one not so much. But I am still curious about the next book because it's about the mysterious Adam.
However, to me Eric is a bit ... uhm flighty? Okay I'm not sure if it's the correct term, but at one point Dash described Eric like a dejected puppy and I immediately remembered Dug from the movie, Up, and I thought that was an apt description. Like he is easily distracted with something shiny. I mean Eric just finishes begging and crying over his ended 6-months relationship and then he sees Dash, and he immediately feels the attraction.
So I wasn't amused with Eric that much, even if I could see that he was actually a hopeless romantic inside. I liked Dash though. I always preferred a more standoffish kind of characters. Plus I thought Dash being hot and cold to Eric quite appropriate with Eric's history and the fact that the last relationship Dash was in lasted for a decade.
The first book moved me because it is about failed dreams. This one not so much. But I am still curious about the next book because it's about the mysterious Adam.
July 31, 2017
Didn't work as well as book one for me
I'm not sure just what it was but something was off with this one and it didn't have the same sweetness to it as the first in the series.
But that's not to say this one was bad, it wasn't, but it took a while to warm up to both Eric and Dash, especially Dash, who was a bit of an arse for a lot of the time.
There was also a bit of telling but no real depth given to Eric's supposed past as a bit of a player and the whole throwing a party bit just didn't work at all.
Still, it's sexy and hot like book one, there's a fair bit of humour too and it has a cheesy sweet epilogue and great cover.
I'm not sure just what it was but something was off with this one and it didn't have the same sweetness to it as the first in the series.
But that's not to say this one was bad, it wasn't, but it took a while to warm up to both Eric and Dash, especially Dash, who was a bit of an arse for a lot of the time.
There was also a bit of telling but no real depth given to Eric's supposed past as a bit of a player and the whole throwing a party bit just didn't work at all.
Still, it's sexy and hot like book one, there's a fair bit of humour too and it has a cheesy sweet epilogue and great cover.
June 7, 2017
Wow..... really did not like the second book of this series. In my opinion, I Found Both MC's frustrating and unlikable. I was expecting a lot more for Eric and his character but i got nothing.
:( I mostly skimmed through mid way as i got bored and found both MC's whinny idiots... sad as I enjoyed the first book a lot. Would most likely not continue the series :s. Im definitely in the minority on this.
:( I mostly skimmed through mid way as i got bored and found both MC's whinny idiots... sad as I enjoyed the first book a lot. Would most likely not continue the series :s. Im definitely in the minority on this.
June 6, 2017
The Sweetest Star is the second book in the Under the Stars series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first book in the series, Your Fallen Star, as this was my first book by Raleigh Ruebins, but I didn't feel lost or like I was missing some major back stories, even though a few characters from the first book made appearances here. Raleigh presents the reader with just enough info on everyone for this book to stand on its own.
This is a very sweet and endearing read, and the premise is fun and unique. Eric and Dash are an unlikely pair thrown together to host a cooking show. Meeting just weeks before filming is to begin, things get off to a rough start. Dash is still working through some major heartbreak and isn't about to fall for Eric's charm, good looks, and undeniable appeal. Neither understands the attraction they have towards the other and that makes for some interesting and frustrating back and forth. Are they enemies? Are they lovers? Are they friends? It's hard to tell with these 2, and when Eric propositions Dash and asks him to play his fake boyfriend, that's what things really start to get interesting.
Putting themselves out there and trusting each other took a lot for both Eric and Dash. It wasn't easy for either of them to be open and honest about their feelings, always doubting that the other could feel the same. It was an emotional and eye-opening journey for each of them, and I really enjoyed their journey.
July 7, 2017
This was okay...I did like Eric and I thought he and Dash made a good couple -t here was a solid, sweet ending but so much unnecessary angst from Dash.
I understand his hesitation with starting a new relationship, especially with a former player like Eric, but he was so passive aggressive. He willfully ignored what Eric was telling him and the fake boyfriend trope was another completely necessary thing to throw in to the mix.
I was also perplexed as to why this is tagged as a former boy band series. Other than the author saying Eric was from a former 90's boy band it has absolutely nothing to do with the story. Same as them both being foodies/food blogger/food show hosts. it's just a generic backdrop and could have been swapped out to be anything.
I see a few other readers didn't enjoy this as much as the first (which I have not read) so I'm going to give the 3rd book a try before calling it quits..
I understand his hesitation with starting a new relationship, especially with a former player like Eric, but he was so passive aggressive. He willfully ignored what Eric was telling him and the fake boyfriend trope was another completely necessary thing to throw in to the mix.
I was also perplexed as to why this is tagged as a former boy band series. Other than the author saying Eric was from a former 90's boy band it has absolutely nothing to do with the story. Same as them both being foodies/food blogger/food show hosts. it's just a generic backdrop and could have been swapped out to be anything.
I see a few other readers didn't enjoy this as much as the first (which I have not read) so I'm going to give the 3rd book a try before calling it quits..
June 15, 2017
** I received a ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
I had wanted to continue with the Under the Stars series because the first book in this series, Your Fallen Star, was so good. And while The Sweetest Star was good, and the concept was interesting, I didn't become engrossed in either of the characters and really didn't care about the #issues they came up with that stopped them from being together.
In Your Fallen Star, Eric was my favorite minor character to read about and I genuinely looked forward to his own story of happily ever after. I think this was partly because of his interaction between the other members of the ex-boyband 5*star. They felt like a family and their camaraderie felt very much like Backstreet Boys or One Direction. Then The Sweetest Star came along and it was nothing more than a slight mention that Eric was once in a band. That nostalgia was missing and distanced me from Eric's story.
With Dash, I initially understood why he would want to refrain from starting anything romantic with Eric. After they initially slept together, I had assumed that they would gradually progress to a committed relationship. There was too much back and forth. He needed to make up his mind about being with Eric, and if he didn't want to be in a relationship he shouldn't have kept sleeping with Eric. The issues that arose in how their relationship played out was what made me knock down the rating to 4 stars.
I still LOVE this series and I will most definitely continue to read Raleigh Ruebins' books, because the romance is usually top notch and her writing is top quality. I just wasn't 100% a fan of these two and it is fair warning to say that this book doesn't have the same feel as the first in the series. Still worth the read to know what happens to Eric, but better be forewarned.
Final notes:
- Told in alternating first person POV
- There are no animals :( Mr. Ginger Boots, I miss you...
- Lots of food and food based dialogue and situations
- A character with minor self esteem/self worth issues
- Cute dates galore!!
I had wanted to continue with the Under the Stars series because the first book in this series, Your Fallen Star, was so good. And while The Sweetest Star was good, and the concept was interesting, I didn't become engrossed in either of the characters and really didn't care about the #issues they came up with that stopped them from being together.
In Your Fallen Star, Eric was my favorite minor character to read about and I genuinely looked forward to his own story of happily ever after. I think this was partly because of his interaction between the other members of the ex-boyband 5*star. They felt like a family and their camaraderie felt very much like Backstreet Boys or One Direction. Then The Sweetest Star came along and it was nothing more than a slight mention that Eric was once in a band. That nostalgia was missing and distanced me from Eric's story.
With Dash, I initially understood why he would want to refrain from starting anything romantic with Eric. After they initially slept together, I had assumed that they would gradually progress to a committed relationship. There was too much back and forth. He needed to make up his mind about being with Eric, and if he didn't want to be in a relationship he shouldn't have kept sleeping with Eric. The issues that arose in how their relationship played out was what made me knock down the rating to 4 stars.
I still LOVE this series and I will most definitely continue to read Raleigh Ruebins' books, because the romance is usually top notch and her writing is top quality. I just wasn't 100% a fan of these two and it is fair warning to say that this book doesn't have the same feel as the first in the series. Still worth the read to know what happens to Eric, but better be forewarned.
Final notes:
- Told in alternating first person POV
- There are no animals :( Mr. Ginger Boots, I miss you...
- Lots of food and food based dialogue and situations
- A character with minor self esteem/self worth issues
- Cute dates galore!!
November 22, 2017
Book 2 in the Under the Star series by Raleigh Ruebins, and we were so excited to the follow up for a good first book, but although we really enjoyed the story it didn’t have that spark that we loved in the first of the series.
The good:
- Dual POV: This dual POV really works for The Sweetest Star. Both characters have very clear voices and we didn’t have to flip backward to remind ourselves who was speaking. Such a plus!
- Story flow: This is an easy story to read, it flows and it really well written. It is wonderfully edited with none of those niggly continuity issues that distract us for books.
- The chemistry: There is real chemistry between Dash and Eric and really that is what pulled this story through for us. You can feel the pull between these guys, but then they get too far in their heads and it falls apart for us.
The bad:
- Unlikable main characters: It is hard when you don’t really *like* the main characters. Eric is self-centered and frustrating and Dash is a meek character that never really stands up for himself. They go in this circle of “I care for him but don’t want to tell him” and “I’m not good enough” and round and round and round. Frustrating.
- Boy Band: ?? Other than a small mention that Eric was in the Boy Band that is it. I thought there would be more mention of this, but rather we move quickly to the food/blog/tv show recording and miss this important piece all together.
Don’t get us wrong, we enjoyed this book, and maybe if it was the first in the Under the Stars series we would have been more in love with Eric and Dash’s story. But after reading the first in this series The Sweetest Star fell kinda flat for us. We aren’t ready to give up on the series and looking forward to the 3rd book in the Series.
The good:
- Dual POV: This dual POV really works for The Sweetest Star. Both characters have very clear voices and we didn’t have to flip backward to remind ourselves who was speaking. Such a plus!
- Story flow: This is an easy story to read, it flows and it really well written. It is wonderfully edited with none of those niggly continuity issues that distract us for books.
- The chemistry: There is real chemistry between Dash and Eric and really that is what pulled this story through for us. You can feel the pull between these guys, but then they get too far in their heads and it falls apart for us.
The bad:
- Unlikable main characters: It is hard when you don’t really *like* the main characters. Eric is self-centered and frustrating and Dash is a meek character that never really stands up for himself. They go in this circle of “I care for him but don’t want to tell him” and “I’m not good enough” and round and round and round. Frustrating.
- Boy Band: ?? Other than a small mention that Eric was in the Boy Band that is it. I thought there would be more mention of this, but rather we move quickly to the food/blog/tv show recording and miss this important piece all together.
Don’t get us wrong, we enjoyed this book, and maybe if it was the first in the Under the Stars series we would have been more in love with Eric and Dash’s story. But after reading the first in this series The Sweetest Star fell kinda flat for us. We aren’t ready to give up on the series and looking forward to the 3rd book in the Series.
June 6, 2017
Raleigh Ruebins did it again. I loved this story. The writing is so captivating and riveting. It is flowing and natural. I was pulled into the story right from the start and I couldn’t put the book down. It has everything I look for in a great romance story.
Dash and Eric wormed their way into my heart. Both are fairly complex characters, but they supplement each other perfectly. They are so sweet and adorable together. Just perfect, although the guys had to see for themselves. I just kept rooting for them and saying: “Please, please, open your eyes and your heart. You are meant for each other.” It was a joy to read the journey of them coming together. The story is full of laughter and sweetness. I loved the cheesy food jokes. The chemistry is off the charts and guarantees some hot and sexy scenes. And it is emotional. I had tears in my eyes. Not emotional for the big issues, but for the smallest gestures and words. The support Dash and Eric gave each other without judgment. They gave me such a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Raleigh proofs time and again that a beautifully written love story doesn’t need drama, angst or heavy subjects to be a great read.
I was honored with an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this book.
Dash and Eric wormed their way into my heart. Both are fairly complex characters, but they supplement each other perfectly. They are so sweet and adorable together. Just perfect, although the guys had to see for themselves. I just kept rooting for them and saying: “Please, please, open your eyes and your heart. You are meant for each other.” It was a joy to read the journey of them coming together. The story is full of laughter and sweetness. I loved the cheesy food jokes. The chemistry is off the charts and guarantees some hot and sexy scenes. And it is emotional. I had tears in my eyes. Not emotional for the big issues, but for the smallest gestures and words. The support Dash and Eric gave each other without judgment. They gave me such a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Raleigh proofs time and again that a beautifully written love story doesn’t need drama, angst or heavy subjects to be a great read.
I was honored with an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this book.
June 6, 2017
I only had one gripe with this story: I got really tired of Dash assuming that Eric didn't mean what he said. There were multiple times that Eric laid his heart out and Dash didn't trust that he was being truthful. In doing so, he repeatedly hurt Eric, saw that he hurt Eric, and then convinced himself that he was in the right. While I understood that Dash had been hurt in his relationship with Caleb, I thought that he came off as cruel to Eric rather than just gun shy. Basically I felt that his actions went a little too far.
Putting that aside, I loved this story. I actually liked both Eric and Dash (though I sympathized more with Eric). Their chemistry translated well on the page, and when they were together, they were very sweet. I also liked that Eric was distinctly different from Leo (from the previous book), even though many of their past experiences reflected one another.
Both characters got equal POV time, and I found that the breaks in POV flowed naturally. Raleigh's writing is solid, evocative, and excellently paced.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Putting that aside, I loved this story. I actually liked both Eric and Dash (though I sympathized more with Eric). Their chemistry translated well on the page, and when they were together, they were very sweet. I also liked that Eric was distinctly different from Leo (from the previous book), even though many of their past experiences reflected one another.
Both characters got equal POV time, and I found that the breaks in POV flowed naturally. Raleigh's writing is solid, evocative, and excellently paced.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 4, 2017
This is such a beautiful story.
Eric meets Dash but thinks he is a bit of an asshole so when he finds they are presenting the same tv show he is surprised. When he finds himself attracted to Dash he knows he is not good enough for him and pushes him away.
When Dash medts Eric he has not long broken up from his boyfriend of ten years so when he realises that Eric is the member of the group 5*Star who slept around he decides straight away that he will not let himself like him. He is shocked to find that Eric is the other person presenting the tv show that he has been signed up to present. He is determined to not let himself be attracted to him but they agree to be fake boyfriends for the sake of the show.
But when did fake become real and what are they going to do about it?
There is so much emotion and heartbreak in this story. It is a real rollercoaster of a journey for the two characters. They are so busy fighting their feelings that they cannot see what is happening.
Definitely a 5*Star read.
Eric meets Dash but thinks he is a bit of an asshole so when he finds they are presenting the same tv show he is surprised. When he finds himself attracted to Dash he knows he is not good enough for him and pushes him away.
When Dash medts Eric he has not long broken up from his boyfriend of ten years so when he realises that Eric is the member of the group 5*Star who slept around he decides straight away that he will not let himself like him. He is shocked to find that Eric is the other person presenting the tv show that he has been signed up to present. He is determined to not let himself be attracted to him but they agree to be fake boyfriends for the sake of the show.
But when did fake become real and what are they going to do about it?
There is so much emotion and heartbreak in this story. It is a real rollercoaster of a journey for the two characters. They are so busy fighting their feelings that they cannot see what is happening.
Definitely a 5*Star read.
June 7, 2017
I missed the first book in this series. I didn’t have to read it to understand and enjoy this one, but I will go back and buy it because I enjoyed this book. Of course, I don’t believe I’ve ever read anything from Raleigh Ruebins that I didn’t like.
The characters are real. They are happy, sad, confused, angry at nothing, befuddled when they should be angry and just too freaking lovable when they take the time to really see each other. All and all just an up and down ride of emotion. They both waffle back and forth about things and generally make you want to pop them upside the head and remind them that they are grown men. Lol I never knew what they were going to think or do next.
The environments and secondary characters are well placed and sufficient to the story line without being overwhelming and the premise is believable and interesting.
The passion is strong between them and the spicy scenes are well done.
I was worried about the HEA for a while, not knowing how they would get there, but the author handles it nicely and I am satisfied with the ending.
The characters are real. They are happy, sad, confused, angry at nothing, befuddled when they should be angry and just too freaking lovable when they take the time to really see each other. All and all just an up and down ride of emotion. They both waffle back and forth about things and generally make you want to pop them upside the head and remind them that they are grown men. Lol I never knew what they were going to think or do next.
The environments and secondary characters are well placed and sufficient to the story line without being overwhelming and the premise is believable and interesting.
The passion is strong between them and the spicy scenes are well done.
I was worried about the HEA for a while, not knowing how they would get there, but the author handles it nicely and I am satisfied with the ending.
January 16, 2019
This book was a major disappointment considering the first one of the series was great. The whole problem with the relationship was contrived. Every bit of it was just to string the story along to complete a word count requirement. Eric was a good character but the Dash character was absolutely terrible. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what Eric saw in him. Dash’s hang up about not wanting to commit was ridiculous and I could see why his ex left him. He was a complete jerk. Every time Eric told him his feelings Dash just blew him off. In example of the ridiculousness - Dash thought “Gee, I really care for him. I’m so lonely without him. He’s the only one that makes me feel better.” So his next thought...I should never see him again and I’m going to have to quit the show. Who thinks like this?! It’s just plain silly. The whole thing felt unbelievable and a waste of time. I started skimming within two chapters. It’s so sad. I had high hopes for this one. Eric seemed like a fun character to get to know.
June 6, 2017
This is an honest review from an ARC given me by the author...
Oh Raleigh... Raleigh Raleigh Raleigh... you've done it again...
This is a GREAT read... I need to be more emphatic... THIS IS A GREAT READ!!!!
Now that I've gotten my point across I have to say this is a very predictable plot line... you can see the end coming from the first page or so.... but that said... you have NO IDEA how it's gonna there and that is the fun of this story... these boys are so damn lovable... honest, funny, stupid, neurotic, idiotic, crazy, loving, fun, romantic, silly, and just plain delicious!!! Such a delightfully wonderful light hearted story. A reputation can be a blessing or a curse... it can precede you or it can define you... how will you live knowing how you are seen by others? will it make you or will it break you and how will you deal with that when faced with the face of love. Just buy the book and find out for yourself. Can't wait for your next release...
Oh Raleigh... Raleigh Raleigh Raleigh... you've done it again...
This is a GREAT read... I need to be more emphatic... THIS IS A GREAT READ!!!!
Now that I've gotten my point across I have to say this is a very predictable plot line... you can see the end coming from the first page or so.... but that said... you have NO IDEA how it's gonna there and that is the fun of this story... these boys are so damn lovable... honest, funny, stupid, neurotic, idiotic, crazy, loving, fun, romantic, silly, and just plain delicious!!! Such a delightfully wonderful light hearted story. A reputation can be a blessing or a curse... it can precede you or it can define you... how will you live knowing how you are seen by others? will it make you or will it break you and how will you deal with that when faced with the face of love. Just buy the book and find out for yourself. Can't wait for your next release...
June 12, 2017
what a roller coaster to find their HEA.
Eric a free spirit and former boy band member. Now all he wants is a food show too be successful.
Dash loves food and cooking. After breaking up with his long term boyfriend he moves from New York and looking to experience his dream. He's been writing a cooking blog and to some extent that helps him land a job as co host with Eric.
Dash is attracted to him from the start, but Eric comes with a reputation, he is a player.
Eric thinks Dash is attractive and they have chemistry on the show. They agree to be fake boyfriends so their show will be more likable and people will tune in more as everyone wants to know what Eric is up too in his love life.
fake boyfriends turns into something both of them wants to deny as hot sex became part of the option.
I was nerve wrecking watching them work around each other, knowing that if they just speak to each other they would realise they belong together.
lovely story.
Eric a free spirit and former boy band member. Now all he wants is a food show too be successful.
Dash loves food and cooking. After breaking up with his long term boyfriend he moves from New York and looking to experience his dream. He's been writing a cooking blog and to some extent that helps him land a job as co host with Eric.
Dash is attracted to him from the start, but Eric comes with a reputation, he is a player.
Eric thinks Dash is attractive and they have chemistry on the show. They agree to be fake boyfriends so their show will be more likable and people will tune in more as everyone wants to know what Eric is up too in his love life.
fake boyfriends turns into something both of them wants to deny as hot sex became part of the option.
I was nerve wrecking watching them work around each other, knowing that if they just speak to each other they would realise they belong together.
lovely story.
June 5, 2017
WOW!!! Raleigh Ruebins has yet again done a brilliant job with this second in a series!!! Endearing, HOT, emotional, and oh so loving!! Storyline is strong. The characters are well developed and amazing!! Eric used to be a member of a well known boy band in the 90's and now has moved into the food TV arena. As the producer and him interview a food blogger, Dash, they are definitely impressed. Dash is not ready for a new relationship so he tries to ignore Eric as much as possible..Eric is known as a player so Dash is afraid of being hurt. But their attraction is strong and they keep their feelings to themselves. This is their story as they decide to be fake boyfriends for the sake of publicity. But it's not enough!!! An emotional ride that will bring tears to your eyes. Loved this story so much!! Highly recommend this novel and the series!!! ❤️❤️
June 6, 2017
Eric and Dash meet when their lives collide professionally but the meeting is the start of their personal lives changing too.
Eric and Dash have had very different relationship histories due to their different temperaments, Dash is intense and kinda broody whilst Eric lives in the moment and is always looking for fun.
Despite the initial impression of Eric being that he was shallow it was touching to see as he revealed his vulnerabilities, particularly in making emotional connections. Dash on the other hand seemed to be working out who he was and what he wanted as he was unused to navigating the world as a single person.
The humour Dash and Eric shared began the connection between them and following them along their wobbly path to their HEA made for engaging reading.
I found this book sweet and heartwarming.
It is book two in a series but is easily read as a standalone.
Eric and Dash have had very different relationship histories due to their different temperaments, Dash is intense and kinda broody whilst Eric lives in the moment and is always looking for fun.
Despite the initial impression of Eric being that he was shallow it was touching to see as he revealed his vulnerabilities, particularly in making emotional connections. Dash on the other hand seemed to be working out who he was and what he wanted as he was unused to navigating the world as a single person.
The humour Dash and Eric shared began the connection between them and following them along their wobbly path to their HEA made for engaging reading.
I found this book sweet and heartwarming.
It is book two in a series but is easily read as a standalone.
December 18, 2017
I'm a big fan of enemies to lovers so as soon as I saw this, I devoured it. The only thing better than the antagonistic bickering is how sweet Eric and Dash are in private. I really liked the development of the relationship between the two and how them falling into bed, btw literally the hottest scene I've read this year, did not mean they were already in love and HEA. The gradual nature was realistic and I appreciated that. I think Eric and Dash are perfect for each other and they just had to figure out how to not overthink everything. Plus gotta love the San Diego setting, which was definitely blended into the plot very well. I also liked the further introduction that we got to Adam, I thought he was supposed to be brooding, not hilarious, but I'm definitely looking forward to his book. This is a sweet and short read, so why not read it now?
June 6, 2017
Ahhhh Eric :) :) :) :)
I loved him SO much! So much more than I thought I would and way more than I loved Leo, and I loved Leo.
Dash and Eric meet by chance, one day, in a restaurant. Dash can't get away quick enough, and Eric, well, I guess he just takes it all with a grain of salt.
Then, fate steps in and these two are thrown together for work purposes. Of course, Eric is attracted to Dash, and vice versa. But Dash, tries his hardest to fight off the attraction. But the clash of these two is basically inevitable. Because, well, Eric is pretty much one of the most endearing guys you could ever read about. Even with his past, it's pretty hard not to fall for the guy.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more!!!
I loved him SO much! So much more than I thought I would and way more than I loved Leo, and I loved Leo.
Dash and Eric meet by chance, one day, in a restaurant. Dash can't get away quick enough, and Eric, well, I guess he just takes it all with a grain of salt.
Then, fate steps in and these two are thrown together for work purposes. Of course, Eric is attracted to Dash, and vice versa. But Dash, tries his hardest to fight off the attraction. But the clash of these two is basically inevitable. Because, well, Eric is pretty much one of the most endearing guys you could ever read about. Even with his past, it's pretty hard not to fall for the guy.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more!!!
June 6, 2017
I really loved this book.
Eric has the reputation of the party boy. Dash is let's say recently out of a terrible break up. Dash is kind of an ass at first but I still liked him
These two have chemistry off the charts. They blow each other away with their show, they make the perfect team.
I loved watching their friendship and relationship develop until they realize they are in love.
Of course there are obstacles as neither feels they are worthy of the other and afraid of being hurt again. Once they get their act together, there is no stopping them.
Highly recommend reading this one. I look forearm to Raleigh's next book
Eric has the reputation of the party boy. Dash is let's say recently out of a terrible break up. Dash is kind of an ass at first but I still liked him
These two have chemistry off the charts. They blow each other away with their show, they make the perfect team.
I loved watching their friendship and relationship develop until they realize they are in love.
Of course there are obstacles as neither feels they are worthy of the other and afraid of being hurt again. Once they get their act together, there is no stopping them.
Highly recommend reading this one. I look forearm to Raleigh's next book
June 7, 2017
Dash and Eric! Eric is a past member of the 5*star band. Now he is into the world of food. He will have his own TV show with his boyfriend until that boyfriend left. They find a new co-host on one shy food blogger named Dash. They start as enemies but soon they won't be able to hide their attraction. Their show is a hit but personally they are at odds with each other. Eric a player and Dash had been in a steady relationship for 10 years. I really enjoyed their way to love but at times they appeared to be in their 20s rather than their 30s. They are very likable characters and it was hoot to read it. I loved Eric's sense of humor lol
July 24, 2017
3 1/2 stars.. this one wasn't as good for me.. actually these dudes annoyed me sometimes.. the entire "fake relationship" situation never does it for me. They were cute and I shouldn't have been offended by the NYC stereotype but it's true.. we are standoffish assholes hahaha but we are soft and gooey once you break our exterior. Not a lot of sex in this one but i felt this moved along to quickly it was ok. Also is there an actual live cooking show like theirs? I'd like to watch it! On to the next! I'm excited to read about Adam.. I like when he shows up outta no where
April 25, 2020
The book is cute and all but Dash is such a disgusting character. I just makes assumptions about Eric and that’s so freaking annoying.
It’s like once he knew his reputation he knew him and never made the effort to try and understand him. “Eric is a player” but he never acted as a player with him. He was always sweet and caring and Dash just treated him like the worst shit on the planet.
He just takes takes takes. Gosh I hate people like this and I’ve NEVER EVER HATED a MC in any book I’ve read. I’m still excited to read the rest of the series but this one was a strong PASS.
It’s like once he knew his reputation he knew him and never made the effort to try and understand him. “Eric is a player” but he never acted as a player with him. He was always sweet and caring and Dash just treated him like the worst shit on the planet.
He just takes takes takes. Gosh I hate people like this and I’ve NEVER EVER HATED a MC in any book I’ve read. I’m still excited to read the rest of the series but this one was a strong PASS.
July 2, 2017
Very weak story. Horrible main characters. Lots of depressing whining, self-loathing and pointless going around in circles.
The main couple was weak, presumptuous and tragically lame.
I found the story more depressing than anything else. For most of the second half I kept fantasising about just dropping it and doing a DNF.
If you liked the first novel of the series, stop there, keep the nice experience and pleasant read, don't ruin it by picking up the second book too..
The main couple was weak, presumptuous and tragically lame.
I found the story more depressing than anything else. For most of the second half I kept fantasising about just dropping it and doing a DNF.
If you liked the first novel of the series, stop there, keep the nice experience and pleasant read, don't ruin it by picking up the second book too..
August 7, 2017
Dash had a reason for acting like he did. Eric seemed unformed, still. Like he was still a kid. Which is hard to believe considering his age and the fact that he'd already held down at least 3 jobs by then. One in a band which actually takes a lot of work.
However, the writing was good and the series is interesting and I'm interested in finding out more about these 5*Star boys, so I shall keep reading on. Plus, this author hasn't let me down further than 4 stars yet.
However, the writing was good and the series is interesting and I'm interested in finding out more about these 5*Star boys, so I shall keep reading on. Plus, this author hasn't let me down further than 4 stars yet.
September 11, 2017
3 stars. Like many of the other reviewers, I was underwhelmed by this one. The prologue was a glimpse into their first time together, and I felt like that took away some of the UST potential. The story itself felt rushed and I didn't really connect with the MC's. With that being said, it did have some redeeming qualities. There were some very sweet moments and I loved Eric's silly jokes. Hopefully Adam's story will have a bit more depth.
September 24, 2018
I didn't feel any connection to the characters and everything felt so rushed.
Dash was really annoying at times and really need to learn to make a choice. During the entire book, even at the very end he was still judging Eric for his past despite everything he had done for their relationship and how much he has changed as a person.
It wasn't terrible but it felt a little bland and it's pretty forgettable.
Dash was really annoying at times and really need to learn to make a choice. During the entire book, even at the very end he was still judging Eric for his past despite everything he had done for their relationship and how much he has changed as a person.
It wasn't terrible but it felt a little bland and it's pretty forgettable.
April 18, 2019
I liked this very much. They have amazing chemistry. The only thing I didn't really understand is why was Dash so hesitant to start a real relationship with Eric. He very quickly realized he had feelings for him, he initiated friends with benefits thing, and yet, when Eric told him how he really felt and that he wanted to start a real relationship, he just pulled back. But I'm glad they figured it out eventually.
June 3, 2017
This is a great book. I think I even enjoyed it a bit better than the first. It's a sweet story of two people who don't think they're ready for a relationship. Loved Dash and Eric, with all of their insecurities. I thought the ending was perfect. Great story!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
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