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Love Happens Anyway
Hiring a boyfriend for Christmas; what can go wrong?
Derek is facing yet another Christmas where his life feels out of control. He has a new career that doesn’t feel like his, and parents who would just love to see him settled down. All he needs is a temporary buffer for the parties he has to attend, and for his parents to leave him alone. Enter, Luke.
Luke is twenty-thousand dollars short for the renovations on Halligans; his family’s bar in New York’s Financial District. A favor for a buddy has him agreeing to play the part of boyfriend to a guy with more money than sense.
But when the spirit of Christmas works its magic on the two men, and they begin to fall for each other, Derek runs scared, and Luke needs space.
It doesn’t matter what obstacles you throw in the way of love, or how much you run in the other direction, because, when you’re least expecting it, whether you want it or not, love happens anyway.
Derek is facing yet another Christmas where his life feels out of control. He has a new career that doesn’t feel like his, and parents who would just love to see him settled down. All he needs is a temporary buffer for the parties he has to attend, and for his parents to leave him alone. Enter, Luke.
Luke is twenty-thousand dollars short for the renovations on Halligans; his family’s bar in New York’s Financial District. A favor for a buddy has him agreeing to play the part of boyfriend to a guy with more money than sense.
But when the spirit of Christmas works its magic on the two men, and they begin to fall for each other, Derek runs scared, and Luke needs space.
It doesn’t matter what obstacles you throw in the way of love, or how much you run in the other direction, because, when you’re least expecting it, whether you want it or not, love happens anyway.
156 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2017
141 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
310 books2,714 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
December 17, 2017
That cover seems much cuter now that I've read the book. Just look at that snowman's face. He looks a little bit naughty and a whole lot sweet, just like this story.
I love the fake boyfriend trope! Luke was a total sweetheart, but Derek drove me crazy with his back and forth. He was just so neurotic.
The secondary characters were great; both Luke and Derek had wonderful families.
This isn't a super steamy book, but the bathtub scene was hot.
Overall, this was a nice surprise; perfect for a cold winter day.
I love the fake boyfriend trope! Luke was a total sweetheart, but Derek drove me crazy with his back and forth. He was just so neurotic.
The secondary characters were great; both Luke and Derek had wonderful families.
This isn't a super steamy book, but the bathtub scene was hot.
Overall, this was a nice surprise; perfect for a cold winter day.
December 21, 2020
I didn't enjoy this one at all.
Luke is ok, but I don't understand Derek and I don't get what his problem is. No idea what Luke saw in him. I didn't feel any chemistry between them.
Derek's relationship with his parents is weird. They are kind of nice, but too meddling for my taste. He also has a strange relationship with some of his friends and co-workers. Not sure what the point was of including some of them in the story.
For a Christmas romance, this was neither Christmassy nor romantic. To be honest, I found it quite depressing. Probably due to Luke's past and the fact that Derek is a very depressing character.
Luke is ok, but I don't understand Derek and I don't get what his problem is. No idea what Luke saw in him. I didn't feel any chemistry between them.
Derek's relationship with his parents is weird. They are kind of nice, but too meddling for my taste. He also has a strange relationship with some of his friends and co-workers. Not sure what the point was of including some of them in the story.
For a Christmas romance, this was neither Christmassy nor romantic. To be honest, I found it quite depressing. Probably due to Luke's past and the fact that Derek is a very depressing character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR...
This cover totally matches the story on this one both were adorably cute and just so much fun...
Derek feels like his life is spinning out of control. He’s feeling like the job he has is neither the job he was supposed to get or the one he wanted, he’s at odds with his parents and feels like they’re constantly trying to marry him off. If he could just catch a break, put a little distance between him and the rest of the world.
Derek finds his buffer in the form of Luke…a former fireman who’s in need of twenty thousand dollars to finish paying or the renovations to on Halligans, his family’s bar in NY’s Financial District. So, when Luke’s friend asks him for a favor…a favor that will bring in Luke’s much needed money. Luke finds himself reluctantly agreeing to be Derek’s pretend boyfriend for the holidays…4 dates that’s all he needs to get through and then he’ll have the money he needs…what could possibly go wrong with just 4 dates?
What neither Derek or Luke is prepared for is that things would go right…so much righter than either man is prepared for as they find that not only is there a definite attraction between them but as they get to know each other they’re also finding that they like each other.
I admit I was fairly certain that I was going to enjoy this one before I even opened the book…the author’s R.J. Scott and for me that pretty well makes it a done deal. For me Luke was the perfect person for Derek. He saw past Derek’s exterior with his pretense of confidence in an effort to cover his insecurities. Luke saw a talented man that he knew he could both like and respect. For Derek, Luke was his dream man come to life.
One of the things about this story that really capture my attention was the relationship dynamics between Derek and his parents. So often in stories the relationship between adult children and their parents are portrayed as either being good or not good but for Derek and his parents that’s not the case. Derek loves his parents and they love him and are supportive of him, but Derek doesn’t see it this way and that’s largely due to a communication issue or more accurately a case of miscommunication. Which for Derek is a more common event in his life than it needs to be because of the defensive barrier he’s built around himself.
Luke’s efforts to get past Derek and his façade of confidence has a trickle-down effect on Derek’s life allowing him to re-evaluate his interactions not just with Luke but a lot of the other people in his life…colleagues, friends and his parents.
For me the fake-boyfriend to boyfriend premise of this story was well done. It was sweet, and not only did we get to see the relationship develop between these two, but we got to find out a bit more about each of them, their past, their present and what they wanted for their future.
‘Love Happens Anyway’ is an enchanting holiday story and while a lot of the issues stem from miscommunication it’s not intentional or surrounded by any over the top angst or drama and the icing on the Christmas cake for me in all of this was the ending…I loved the ending. It was sweet and filled with the joy of the holidays…definitely recommended for anyone wanting a sweet holiday story filled with fun, cheer and two sexy men who make the holiday just that much brighter.
*************************
An ARC of ‘Love Happens Anyway’ was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This cover totally matches the story on this one both were adorably cute and just so much fun...
Derek feels like his life is spinning out of control. He’s feeling like the job he has is neither the job he was supposed to get or the one he wanted, he’s at odds with his parents and feels like they’re constantly trying to marry him off. If he could just catch a break, put a little distance between him and the rest of the world.
Derek finds his buffer in the form of Luke…a former fireman who’s in need of twenty thousand dollars to finish paying or the renovations to on Halligans, his family’s bar in NY’s Financial District. So, when Luke’s friend asks him for a favor…a favor that will bring in Luke’s much needed money. Luke finds himself reluctantly agreeing to be Derek’s pretend boyfriend for the holidays…4 dates that’s all he needs to get through and then he’ll have the money he needs…what could possibly go wrong with just 4 dates?
What neither Derek or Luke is prepared for is that things would go right…so much righter than either man is prepared for as they find that not only is there a definite attraction between them but as they get to know each other they’re also finding that they like each other.
I admit I was fairly certain that I was going to enjoy this one before I even opened the book…the author’s R.J. Scott and for me that pretty well makes it a done deal. For me Luke was the perfect person for Derek. He saw past Derek’s exterior with his pretense of confidence in an effort to cover his insecurities. Luke saw a talented man that he knew he could both like and respect. For Derek, Luke was his dream man come to life.
One of the things about this story that really capture my attention was the relationship dynamics between Derek and his parents. So often in stories the relationship between adult children and their parents are portrayed as either being good or not good but for Derek and his parents that’s not the case. Derek loves his parents and they love him and are supportive of him, but Derek doesn’t see it this way and that’s largely due to a communication issue or more accurately a case of miscommunication. Which for Derek is a more common event in his life than it needs to be because of the defensive barrier he’s built around himself.
Luke’s efforts to get past Derek and his façade of confidence has a trickle-down effect on Derek’s life allowing him to re-evaluate his interactions not just with Luke but a lot of the other people in his life…colleagues, friends and his parents.
For me the fake-boyfriend to boyfriend premise of this story was well done. It was sweet, and not only did we get to see the relationship develop between these two, but we got to find out a bit more about each of them, their past, their present and what they wanted for their future.
‘Love Happens Anyway’ is an enchanting holiday story and while a lot of the issues stem from miscommunication it’s not intentional or surrounded by any over the top angst or drama and the icing on the Christmas cake for me in all of this was the ending…I loved the ending. It was sweet and filled with the joy of the holidays…definitely recommended for anyone wanting a sweet holiday story filled with fun, cheer and two sexy men who make the holiday just that much brighter.
*************************
An ARC of ‘Love Happens Anyway’ was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2018
This story was very cute.
It's a pure feel good story with hardly any drama and conflicts. My favorite stories are always heavy on drama and angst, but this one was simply a wonderfully relaxing Christmas read (even though I read it in March), so I'm not rating it in the same way as I review other stories.
Meaning: I'm not looking at the logic too closely, LOL.
Derek Henderson took over his family's advertising company Henderson-McCormack from his dad and is now CEO. However, he feels isolated in his office and feels pressured by his (surprisingly open minded parents) to finally get a boyfriend and get married.
In order to stop his mom's matchmaking efforts, he makes up a boyfriend named Marcus who is a fire fighter and rescues kittens. He goes as far as making up names for individual kittens that Marcus rescues and he keeps a notebook so he doesn't get confused when his mom calls and asks about Marcus.
When he can't postpone things any longer and his parents want to meet Marcus, he contacts an escort agency to rent a boyfriend for this purpose.
Luke is a firefighter who got hurt on duty and is now trying to renovate his family's bar in the financial district of New York. He needs money urgently in order not to lose the bar and his college friend's weird companion agency seems to be his last way out.
Hoping to earn thirty grand for four dates sounds amazing, so he signs the contract and becomes 'Marcus'.
However, Derek and Luke fall in love for real and sail into their HEA.
That's really all there is to say.
Still, it's cute, entertaining and a quick read, so...
3,5 stars!
It's a pure feel good story with hardly any drama and conflicts. My favorite stories are always heavy on drama and angst, but this one was simply a wonderfully relaxing Christmas read (even though I read it in March), so I'm not rating it in the same way as I review other stories.
Meaning: I'm not looking at the logic too closely, LOL.
Derek Henderson took over his family's advertising company Henderson-McCormack from his dad and is now CEO. However, he feels isolated in his office and feels pressured by his (surprisingly open minded parents) to finally get a boyfriend and get married.
In order to stop his mom's matchmaking efforts, he makes up a boyfriend named Marcus who is a fire fighter and rescues kittens. He goes as far as making up names for individual kittens that Marcus rescues and he keeps a notebook so he doesn't get confused when his mom calls and asks about Marcus.
When he can't postpone things any longer and his parents want to meet Marcus, he contacts an escort agency to rent a boyfriend for this purpose.
Luke is a firefighter who got hurt on duty and is now trying to renovate his family's bar in the financial district of New York. He needs money urgently in order not to lose the bar and his college friend's weird companion agency seems to be his last way out.
Hoping to earn thirty grand for four dates sounds amazing, so he signs the contract and becomes 'Marcus'.
However, Derek and Luke fall in love for real and sail into their HEA.
That's really all there is to say.
Still, it's cute, entertaining and a quick read, so...
3,5 stars!
December 9, 2017
Wow... this was just AWESOME!!
Just a quick warning for any other hopeless romantics out there, read this with a glass of water next to you to rehydrate. I know I needed several glasses full to get through this book... lots and lots of happy tears. Luke and Derek so perfectly complement one another and their love story was an amazing adventure of two people meant to be finding out just how incomplete each was without the other. One of the very best Christmas romances I have ever read! And one more kudo for whoever came up with and then made the cover happen. It was absolute perfection! BRAVO for a total package that is perfection!
Just a quick warning for any other hopeless romantics out there, read this with a glass of water next to you to rehydrate. I know I needed several glasses full to get through this book... lots and lots of happy tears. Luke and Derek so perfectly complement one another and their love story was an amazing adventure of two people meant to be finding out just how incomplete each was without the other. One of the very best Christmas romances I have ever read! And one more kudo for whoever came up with and then made the cover happen. It was absolute perfection! BRAVO for a total package that is perfection!
November 4, 2021
This book is as cute as the snowman on its cover. It's the perfect festive treat without being too sweet and it fixes on one of my favourite tropes done well - the fake boyfriend.
I loved Derek, he was such a study in contrasts, and his bumbling combined with his arrogance together added up into a vulnerable guy just looking for love.
He found it quite by accident with Luke, our other MC. Invalidated out from the fire service and with a weight of memories on his shoulders, Luke is perfect at pulling Derek out of his shell and into dealing with the world on his own terms.
The New York setting is subtle, only really making itself known in Luke's bar, which sits between a fire station and a precinct and honours those who gave their all on 9/11.
There's a lovely feel good factor to this and I loved it.
The epilogue is sweet and just provides the Wensleydale cheese to my slice of fruit cake (I'm a Yorkshire girl and I don't like glace cherries so sue me 😉 )
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I loved Derek, he was such a study in contrasts, and his bumbling combined with his arrogance together added up into a vulnerable guy just looking for love.
He found it quite by accident with Luke, our other MC. Invalidated out from the fire service and with a weight of memories on his shoulders, Luke is perfect at pulling Derek out of his shell and into dealing with the world on his own terms.
The New York setting is subtle, only really making itself known in Luke's bar, which sits between a fire station and a precinct and honours those who gave their all on 9/11.
There's a lovely feel good factor to this and I loved it.
The epilogue is sweet and just provides the Wensleydale cheese to my slice of fruit cake (I'm a Yorkshire girl and I don't like glace cherries so sue me 😉 )
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 17, 2017
I love the fake boyfriend trope and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
In this case my heart was shouting 'more, more, more' at the end!
In this case my heart was shouting 'more, more, more' at the end!
December 13, 2018
As soon as I saw that adorable snowman on the cover of RJ Scott’s Love Happens Anyway I knew I couldn’t resist this one. Doesn’t he look sweet and a little bit naughty? Well that pretty much sums up this book. There’s a lot of heart too, and the kind of feels which left me smiling. What more could anyone need in a holiday story?
This is an extra special audiobook for me as one of my all-time favorite narrators, Sean Crisden, lends his magical vocals. Crisden’s smooth, melodic voice is perfect for Luke, and he infuses just enough anxious uncertainty into Derek to make you feel it. Honestly, he can croon in my ear any time he likes and I won’t complain.
These two men are both dealing with some big changes in their lives. Derek has recently taken over his dad’s advertising company and is struggling to make it his own. Plus, his previous string of boyfriends all treated him so badly that hiring an escort to play his fictional boyfriend (for $30,000!) is the better option.
Luke is a retired firefighter, severely injured in the line of duty, who still feels the pain of 9/11 - when he lost his dad. His priorities are his family, his volunteer work, and getting on his feet again. He relents and agrees to work the escort gig because the money will be enough to reopen the family bar…. Plus, when Luke gets a look at the contradiction that is Derek Henderson, he’s intrigued!
I’m a sucker for the “pretend boyfriend” trope. Both these guys are floundering a bit on their own, and they really just need to find someone to love. Watching them sort out their problems, and then work them out together, left me grinning like that snowman. Granted, these two do fall in love pretty quickly, but that just adds to the magical holiday feel that RJ Scott creates in Love Happens Anyway.
This is an extra special audiobook for me as one of my all-time favorite narrators, Sean Crisden, lends his magical vocals. Crisden’s smooth, melodic voice is perfect for Luke, and he infuses just enough anxious uncertainty into Derek to make you feel it. Honestly, he can croon in my ear any time he likes and I won’t complain.
These two men are both dealing with some big changes in their lives. Derek has recently taken over his dad’s advertising company and is struggling to make it his own. Plus, his previous string of boyfriends all treated him so badly that hiring an escort to play his fictional boyfriend (for $30,000!) is the better option.
Luke is a retired firefighter, severely injured in the line of duty, who still feels the pain of 9/11 - when he lost his dad. His priorities are his family, his volunteer work, and getting on his feet again. He relents and agrees to work the escort gig because the money will be enough to reopen the family bar…. Plus, when Luke gets a look at the contradiction that is Derek Henderson, he’s intrigued!
I’m a sucker for the “pretend boyfriend” trope. Both these guys are floundering a bit on their own, and they really just need to find someone to love. Watching them sort out their problems, and then work them out together, left me grinning like that snowman. Granted, these two do fall in love pretty quickly, but that just adds to the magical holiday feel that RJ Scott creates in Love Happens Anyway.
December 18, 2017
4 Stars
Among an endless sea of potential M/M holiday reads, I decided to pick this one up immediately once I saw the synopsis and read the first line: Hiring a boyfriend for Christmas; what can go wrong?
ALERT! ALERT! FAKE-BOYFRIEND TROPE IN PROGRESS!!
Derek is a slightly haughty and awkward advertising executive who is under pressure running his family's successful company. He loves his parents dearly but their constant meddling in his work life and his romantic life begin to take toll. To get them (partially) off his back, he tells abig little lie when he convinces everyone that he has a hot kitten-rescuing firefighter boyfriend named Marcus. For a while this lie gives Derek a small reprieve from his mother's unabated probing, but eventually he gets to a point where he needs imaginary Marcus to actually make an appearance or the jig is up.
Enter Luke. Luke is in a financial pickle, needing a large chunk of change to get his family bar, Halligan's, back in business after falling on hard times. The banks are being useless but it just so happens Luke's old friend runs an agency that provides people with dates to various events for exorbitant fees, and amazingly Luke fits all the specifications laid out by a rich new client.
Derek - the new client - needs Luke to pretend to be his boyfriend Marcus for a bunch of pre-Christmas dates, including a dinner date with Derek's parentals and even an evening getaway to a cozy cabin with Derek's college buddies. If everything goes as planned, Luke will get the money he needs to save Halligan's and Derek will hopefully get his family and friends off his back for a while longer. Luckily, Luke is willing to play the part, which just happens to be a little closer to Luke playing his true self than even Derek initially realises.
Derek and Luke try and remain professional, treating their upcoming dates as a business transaction, but their mutual attraction can't be denied and before long the lines between what is pretend and what is real begin to blur.
I love, love, love the fake-relationship trope in my romances and I enjoyed the way this one was executed. Derek may have fancied up specific details of his dream man when orchestrating his lie, but he never could have predicted that Luke would prove to be all he ever wanted and much more, not until well past the point that both he and Luke were totally smitten with one another and searching for a way to explore their potential even after the facade was put to bed.
Derek was a prickly character for most of the story, but Luke's influence and positive impact made him a much more relatable character by the end of their story. I adored Luke; his family and his backstory had a big impact on me the further I read and I was glad for the personal insights we were given.
I was a bit unsure how I would feel about Derek and Luke earlier in the story, but as things got going I fell into a good groove and found myself truly enjoying my time spent getting to know these two sweet characters.
Among an endless sea of potential M/M holiday reads, I decided to pick this one up immediately once I saw the synopsis and read the first line: Hiring a boyfriend for Christmas; what can go wrong?
ALERT! ALERT! FAKE-BOYFRIEND TROPE IN PROGRESS!!
Derek is a slightly haughty and awkward advertising executive who is under pressure running his family's successful company. He loves his parents dearly but their constant meddling in his work life and his romantic life begin to take toll. To get them (partially) off his back, he tells a
Enter Luke. Luke is in a financial pickle, needing a large chunk of change to get his family bar, Halligan's, back in business after falling on hard times. The banks are being useless but it just so happens Luke's old friend runs an agency that provides people with dates to various events for exorbitant fees, and amazingly Luke fits all the specifications laid out by a rich new client.
Derek - the new client - needs Luke to pretend to be his boyfriend Marcus for a bunch of pre-Christmas dates, including a dinner date with Derek's parentals and even an evening getaway to a cozy cabin with Derek's college buddies. If everything goes as planned, Luke will get the money he needs to save Halligan's and Derek will hopefully get his family and friends off his back for a while longer. Luckily, Luke is willing to play the part, which just happens to be a little closer to Luke playing his true self than even Derek initially realises.
Derek and Luke try and remain professional, treating their upcoming dates as a business transaction, but their mutual attraction can't be denied and before long the lines between what is pretend and what is real begin to blur.
I love, love, love the fake-relationship trope in my romances and I enjoyed the way this one was executed. Derek may have fancied up specific details of his dream man when orchestrating his lie, but he never could have predicted that Luke would prove to be all he ever wanted and much more, not until well past the point that both he and Luke were totally smitten with one another and searching for a way to explore their potential even after the facade was put to bed.
Derek was a prickly character for most of the story, but Luke's influence and positive impact made him a much more relatable character by the end of their story. I adored Luke; his family and his backstory had a big impact on me the further I read and I was glad for the personal insights we were given.
I was a bit unsure how I would feel about Derek and Luke earlier in the story, but as things got going I fell into a good groove and found myself truly enjoying my time spent getting to know these two sweet characters.
December 27, 2017
That’s a sweet romance with a fake-boyfriend trope : a disabled firefighter trying to save the familial bar, tribute to all the firemen, meets a successful but insecure and anxious advertising executive.
It’s a fast read, full of cuteness. And kudos for the cover : this little snowman is not only adorable, it’s also the perfect image of this fluffy romance.
**Note for my Secret Santa : thank you for this sweet gift that put a smile on my face <3**
It’s a fast read, full of cuteness. And kudos for the cover : this little snowman is not only adorable, it’s also the perfect image of this fluffy romance.
**Note for my Secret Santa : thank you for this sweet gift that put a smile on my face <3**
December 15, 2018
*Audiobook review*
Very much so like the snowman on the cover, this book is cute and full of Christmas fluff.
I’ve listened to Sean Crisden’s audiobook narrations before, so I knew I’d have no reason to worry. He always manages to keep me engaged and entertained. The audiobook for ‘Love Happens Anyway’ is very well done.
I had no trouble just relaxing and listening to this sweet holiday novella.
High-powered yet lonely marketing exec Derek offers to pay Luke twenty thousand dollars to pretend to be his fireman boyfriend for the holiday season.
Luke, who needs some cash to finish renovations on his family bar, agrees to go along with the ruse despite his misgivings.
What starts off as a business transactions quickly turns into something more.
I’m a fan of the fake boyfriend trope. The set-up in this book was pretty funny - Derek had already spun a background story for his parents well before he’d met Luke. And poor Luke had to keep track of the story while playing Derek’s lover.
But Luke was more than up to the challenge. He was definitely a sweetheart, so willing to put up with Derek’s demands.
Derek’s likeable too, but his uptight personality did get to be a bit much at times. I also wasn’t entirely sure why he was so tense about his parents. Their meddling in his life didn’t seem to be that excessive at all.
But regardless, the transition from fake boyfriends to real boyfriends was adorable. Between holiday engagements and parties, Derek developed a respect for Luke, and Luke’s protective side started to come out.
And neither man could deny that he found the other very attractive. This isn’t a particularly steamy book, but the sexy times didn’t leave any doubt about the MCs’ physical chemistry.
The story progressed in a fairly predictable manner, ending with a cute happy ever after (with a mistletoe on top) for Derek and Luke.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Love Happens Anyway’. If you’re looking for an easy-to-listen-to holiday MM audiobook, give this a try.
Very much so like the snowman on the cover, this book is cute and full of Christmas fluff.
I’ve listened to Sean Crisden’s audiobook narrations before, so I knew I’d have no reason to worry. He always manages to keep me engaged and entertained. The audiobook for ‘Love Happens Anyway’ is very well done.
I had no trouble just relaxing and listening to this sweet holiday novella.
High-powered yet lonely marketing exec Derek offers to pay Luke twenty thousand dollars to pretend to be his fireman boyfriend for the holiday season.
Luke, who needs some cash to finish renovations on his family bar, agrees to go along with the ruse despite his misgivings.
What starts off as a business transactions quickly turns into something more.
I’m a fan of the fake boyfriend trope. The set-up in this book was pretty funny - Derek had already spun a background story for his parents well before he’d met Luke. And poor Luke had to keep track of the story while playing Derek’s lover.
But Luke was more than up to the challenge. He was definitely a sweetheart, so willing to put up with Derek’s demands.
Derek’s likeable too, but his uptight personality did get to be a bit much at times. I also wasn’t entirely sure why he was so tense about his parents. Their meddling in his life didn’t seem to be that excessive at all.
But regardless, the transition from fake boyfriends to real boyfriends was adorable. Between holiday engagements and parties, Derek developed a respect for Luke, and Luke’s protective side started to come out.
And neither man could deny that he found the other very attractive. This isn’t a particularly steamy book, but the sexy times didn’t leave any doubt about the MCs’ physical chemistry.
The story progressed in a fairly predictable manner, ending with a cute happy ever after (with a mistletoe on top) for Derek and Luke.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Love Happens Anyway’. If you’re looking for an easy-to-listen-to holiday MM audiobook, give this a try.
December 19, 2021
Story: 3 ⭐️
Narration:3.5 ✨
December 11, 2017
Fun Christmas story....
Boyfriend for hire tale with a twist.
Absolutely adored Luke!
But...
I really struggled to connect with Derek.
I found it challenging to engage with the story when I lacked the connection with one of the MC’s.
Hardly bad by any means....just not my favorite holiday read this year.
I loved the NYC setting and great cover!
Boyfriend for hire tale with a twist.
Absolutely adored Luke!
But...
I really struggled to connect with Derek.
I found it challenging to engage with the story when I lacked the connection with one of the MC’s.
Hardly bad by any means....just not my favorite holiday read this year.
I loved the NYC setting and great cover!
December 10, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and how could I resist that little snowman's face?
Holidays are coming, holidays are coming...
I first read this story last year and found it to be a delightful holiday story about pretend boyfriends who fall in love. I was going to attempt write an entirely new review for this one but when I revisited my original review I found that much of what is there still very accurately reflects my thoughts about this sweet story so I'm just going to borrow some of what I wrote before and add my thoughts on the audio component of this story...
***********************
An audio book of 'Love Happens Anyway' was graciously provided by Signal Boost Promo in exchange for an honest review.
Holidays are coming, holidays are coming...
I first read this story last year and found it to be a delightful holiday story about pretend boyfriends who fall in love. I was going to attempt write an entirely new review for this one but when I revisited my original review I found that much of what is there still very accurately reflects my thoughts about this sweet story so I'm just going to borrow some of what I wrote before and add my thoughts on the audio component of this story...
Derek feels like his life is spinning out of control. He’s feeling like the job he has is neither the job he was supposed to get or the one he wanted, he’s at odds with his parents and feels like they’re constantly trying to marry him off. If he could just catch a break, put a little distance between him and the rest of the world.Sean Crisden was the narrator for this story, so along with revisiting a story I liked by an author I really like. I get to listen to one of my favorite narrators read said story. Sean Crisden is one of those narrators whose voice has this laid back tone to it that just draws me into a story allowing me to relax and just enjoy what I'm listening to. For me the whole choice of what audio narrators a person likes is such a personal and subjective issue because it's not just a matter of the narrator it's also about the right narrator for the right book and when it came to this book, I'm not saying that another narrator couldn't have also done a good job but I am saying that for me...Sean Crisden did an excellent job in capturing the characters and the spirit of the holiday season contained within the pages of this story.
Derek finds his buffer in the form of Luke…a former fireman who’s in need of twenty thousand dollars to finish paying or the renovations to on Halligans, his family’s bar in NY’s Financial District. So, when Luke’s friend asks him for a favor…a favor that will bring in Luke’s much needed money. Luke finds himself reluctantly agreeing to be Derek’s pretend boyfriend for the holidays…4 dates that’s all he needs to get through and then he’ll have the money he needs…what could possibly go wrong with just 4 dates?
What neither Derek or Luke is prepared for is that things would go right…so much righter than either man is prepared for as they find that not only is there a definite attraction between them but as they get to know each other they’re also finding that they like each other.
I admit I was fairly certain that I was going to enjoy this one before I even opened the book…the author’s R.J. Scott and for me that pretty well makes it a done deal. For me Luke was the perfect person for Derek. He saw past Derek’s exterior with his pretense of confidence in an effort to cover his insecurities. Luke saw a talented man that he knew he could both like and respect. For Derek, Luke was his dream man come to life.
One of the things about this story that really capture my attention was the relationship dynamics between Derek and his parents. So often in stories the relationship between adult children and their parents are portrayed as either being good or not good but for Derek and his parents that’s not the case. Derek loves his parents and they love him and are supportive of him, but Derek doesn’t see it this way and that’s largely due to a communication issue or more accurately a case of miscommunication. Which for Derek is a more common event in his life than it needs to be because of the defensive barrier he’s built around himself.
Luke’s efforts to get past Derek and his façade of confidence has a trickle-down effect on Derek’s life allowing him to re-evaluate his interactions not just with Luke but a lot of the other people in his life…colleagues, friends and his parents.
For me the fake-boyfriend to boyfriend premise of this story was well done. It was sweet, and not only did we get to see the relationship develop between these two, but we got to find out a bit more about each of them, their past, their present and what they wanted for their future.
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An audio book of 'Love Happens Anyway' was graciously provided by Signal Boost Promo in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2018
A holiday boyfriend for hire story with a cute ending.
January 15, 2018
‘Love Happens Anyway’ has one of my all-time favorite plots: a pretend-boyfriend, hired to stop questions from meddling parents, turning into so much more than a temporary stopgap measure. Not without obstacles, of course, and with many a misunderstanding and even some hurt feelings along the way, but the basic idea had me fascinated and enthusiastic before I even opened this book. The fact that it is written by RJ Scott, one of my favorite authors, clearly had something to do with my excitement as well… And I was not disappointed! But let me start at the beginning, or this will never become a “proper” review.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 29, 2018
Cute Christmas Story!
What do an insecure ad-man and an injured firefighter have in common? Not much...at first.
This was a sweet fake boyfriend story. We all know how those end right? No need to hash that out.
What made this a three star versus a four star read for me was the fact that I didn't really care for Derek, the rich ad man. Since I didn't really like him, it was hard to imagine why Luke did.
Still, it was sweet enough and had its adorAble and sexy moments.
Did it jingle my bells? A little bit 😉!
What do an insecure ad-man and an injured firefighter have in common? Not much...at first.
This was a sweet fake boyfriend story. We all know how those end right? No need to hash that out.
What made this a three star versus a four star read for me was the fact that I didn't really care for Derek, the rich ad man. Since I didn't really like him, it was hard to imagine why Luke did.
Still, it was sweet enough and had its adorAble and sexy moments.
Did it jingle my bells? A little bit 😉!
December 1, 2018
***** This is a charming, heartwarming, caring, and lovely Christmas story.
We get dual POV, point of view, from our men, Derek and Luke. Derek, 29, is an ad man taking over his Dad's company. Luke is an injured ex-firefighter, and also runs his family owned bar. Luke needs money to refurbish their bar, and Derek needs a pretend boyfriend to get him through the holidays. It will surprise you, because our author knows how to keep us engaged and anticipating every page.
Both men get more than they bargained for. They can see each other as their real selves as they navigate the social events. Both men want more and get more.
Hot sexiness and tender kisses are taking over.
We get to watch the interactions, hear the inner thoughts, and we are looking forward to the hopeful ending we seek. We do get back stories and relationships explained.
The cover is the adorable character in the marvelous ad campaign that Derek developed as he took over the company. Simply a delightful read !
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
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We get dual POV, point of view, from our men, Derek and Luke. Derek, 29, is an ad man taking over his Dad's company. Luke is an injured ex-firefighter, and also runs his family owned bar. Luke needs money to refurbish their bar, and Derek needs a pretend boyfriend to get him through the holidays. It will surprise you, because our author knows how to keep us engaged and anticipating every page.
Both men get more than they bargained for. They can see each other as their real selves as they navigate the social events. Both men want more and get more.
Hot sexiness and tender kisses are taking over.
We get to watch the interactions, hear the inner thoughts, and we are looking forward to the hopeful ending we seek. We do get back stories and relationships explained.
The cover is the adorable character in the marvelous ad campaign that Derek developed as he took over the company. Simply a delightful read !
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
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February 6, 2018
A super sweet Christmas tale that gave me all the warm fuzzies!
Full review soon on the blog and then here . . .
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Full review soon on the blog and then here . . .
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
December 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this holiday tale from RJ Scott. Lovely set-up and some sweetness and steam. Definitely put it on your holiday wish list.
December 13, 2023
Cute, feel-good christmas story. Absolutely loved it.
November 26, 2018
4 Stars
What a lovely, sexy & enjoyable little tale!
I love the Fake-Boyfriend trope and RJS does it so well here. With Luke already so very close to the "perfect guy" that Derek has concocted in his head (in an elaborate attempt to keep his mom from meddlesome matchmaking) was it really any question that feelings would develop, even when actively NOT trying for that? And at first I wasn't sure that would be a good thing; Derek was a bit insufferable, acting like an entitled ass, when he was trying to contract for these holiday season dates - so it was a good thing that wasn't an ingrained personality trait!
Plus, can I just say how much I adore that cover? Entirely too cute...and it perfectly fits the narrative about the "white chocolate" coated raisin campaign. (In quotes because, ewww. Also, not actually chocolate; just flavored sugar coating.) I'm not overly fond of the "ad man" plot device/occupation in my MM Romance stories but this one had just enough of the details to make Derek's job real without drowning me in the details of creating a marketing campaign.
Very touching and poignant nod to the firefighters and other first responders that died on 9/11, too - without letting the sadness or an agenda overwhelm the story. (Sometimes I'm in the mood for politics, but it wouldn't have been right for this book.)
And Sean Crisden did a lovely job narrating; his silky tones and smooth delivery really made this an enjoyable experience all around.
What a lovely, sexy & enjoyable little tale!
I love the Fake-Boyfriend trope and RJS does it so well here. With Luke already so very close to the "perfect guy" that Derek has concocted in his head (in an elaborate attempt to keep his mom from meddlesome matchmaking) was it really any question that feelings would develop, even when actively NOT trying for that? And at first I wasn't sure that would be a good thing; Derek was a bit insufferable, acting like an entitled ass, when he was trying to contract for these holiday season dates - so it was a good thing that wasn't an ingrained personality trait!
Plus, can I just say how much I adore that cover? Entirely too cute...and it perfectly fits the narrative about the "white chocolate" coated raisin campaign. (In quotes because, ewww. Also, not actually chocolate; just flavored sugar coating.) I'm not overly fond of the "ad man" plot device/occupation in my MM Romance stories but this one had just enough of the details to make Derek's job real without drowning me in the details of creating a marketing campaign.
Very touching and poignant nod to the firefighters and other first responders that died on 9/11, too - without letting the sadness or an agenda overwhelm the story. (Sometimes I'm in the mood for politics, but it wouldn't have been right for this book.)
And Sean Crisden did a lovely job narrating; his silky tones and smooth delivery really made this an enjoyable experience all around.
December 9, 2019
Derek and Luke
Lies lies lies! To keep his nosy mother at armlength Derek makes up some stories about having a boyfriend and other lies. He even keeps notes about his lies. Now his parents want to meet his boyfriend. Let the fun begin!
As an owner of the family ad-business, he doesn’t meet any guys and he is quite lonely.
Luke is in need of money, a lot when he wants to let his and his sister's dream come true.
He has one goal: “I want the bar that was my father’s legacy and that I’d invested all my money in to be a success.”
Gosh, I don’t know why but I didn’t expect all those feelings, the hurt, the past. It made me very emotional!
Wonderfully written story with two delicious men, family, colleagues, jobs and Christmas!
Coincidence doesn’t exist!
Lies lies lies! To keep his nosy mother at armlength Derek makes up some stories about having a boyfriend and other lies. He even keeps notes about his lies. Now his parents want to meet his boyfriend. Let the fun begin!
As an owner of the family ad-business, he doesn’t meet any guys and he is quite lonely.
Luke is in need of money, a lot when he wants to let his and his sister's dream come true.
He has one goal: “I want the bar that was my father’s legacy and that I’d invested all my money in to be a success.”
Gosh, I don’t know why but I didn’t expect all those feelings, the hurt, the past. It made me very emotional!
Wonderfully written story with two delicious men, family, colleagues, jobs and Christmas!
Coincidence doesn’t exist!
December 3, 2017
Derek is a dreamer,but he's afraid having a real boyfriend because of so many disappointment in the past. But his mother insisted to meet 'Marcus' his made up boyfriend even just for a cup of coffee. Because Marcus is a firefighter and so busy.
The problem is, Marcus not real.
Luke is desperate to find money for his bar, and he needed it ASAP.
Luke's friend Alan made a deal with Derek that he'll have his Marcus right on time.
So, as a former escort (with no sex deal), Luke agreed to Derek's term.Including lied to everyone that Luke is Marcus.
But what Derek didn't know is, Luke used to be a firefighter himself. It's kinda a dream come true, and a Christmas magic worked for them.
But I don't think they could ignored the attraction between them. One kiss leads to another, and they have to face the truth and tells everyone who Luke really is.
I enjoyed Luke and Derek's journey finding love. It was sweet and sigh-able. And the epilogue confirmed me that they have their HEA!
Recommended!
The problem is, Marcus not real.
Luke is desperate to find money for his bar, and he needed it ASAP.
Luke's friend Alan made a deal with Derek that he'll have his Marcus right on time.
So, as a former escort (with no sex deal), Luke agreed to Derek's term.Including lied to everyone that Luke is Marcus.
But what Derek didn't know is, Luke used to be a firefighter himself. It's kinda a dream come true, and a Christmas magic worked for them.
But I don't think they could ignored the attraction between them. One kiss leads to another, and they have to face the truth and tells everyone who Luke really is.
I enjoyed Luke and Derek's journey finding love. It was sweet and sigh-able. And the epilogue confirmed me that they have their HEA!
Recommended!
December 8, 2017
3.5 stars
November 1, 2020
Listened to December 2018, May 2020, October 2020
Great audio, narrated by Sean Crisden! :)
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Read December 2017
This was a really cute Christmas story!
Loved it! :)
4,5 stars
Great audio, narrated by Sean Crisden! :)
---------------
Read December 2017
This was a really cute Christmas story!
Loved it! :)
4,5 stars
December 24, 2017
All the reviews around this book say it all - this is sweet, heartwarming and makes for s great Xmas read. The snowman is super cute and really sets off the vibe of this story. I really enjoyed this novella - certainly gave me a happy smile 😊❤️
December 6, 2017
This is a lovely holiday story! Derek needs a boyfriend and Luke needs cash. The fake-boyfriend trope is one of my favorites and Ms. Scott does this one to a tee :) Derek is a bit of a mess, and while Luke REALLY doesn't want to be a fake-boyfriend for cash, he needs the money and Derek is adorable.
There's a LOT of "stuff" jammed into this novella. Both our MCs have family and work issues. The secondary characters are terrific and I really like the moms. Luke's sister and Derek's co-worker are also faves. Oh! Don't forget kittens (both imaginary and real ones). Getting through the three weeks leading up to Christmas is something else for these two guys. Will they make it to Christmas and each other? Grab the book and find out!!
I have now read over 90 Rj Scott books and this is another hit.
***Recommended***
There's a LOT of "stuff" jammed into this novella. Both our MCs have family and work issues. The secondary characters are terrific and I really like the moms. Luke's sister and Derek's co-worker are also faves. Oh! Don't forget kittens (both imaginary and real ones). Getting through the three weeks leading up to Christmas is something else for these two guys. Will they make it to Christmas and each other? Grab the book and find out!!
I have now read over 90 Rj Scott books and this is another hit.
***Recommended***
December 10, 2017
I need to say something first; this is one of the CUTEST book covers ever!!! It was the cover that pulled me into reading this.
I really liked Luke -- a real firefighter, a hero, limp and all, who's trying to gather enough money for his family's bar. Can't really find anything NOT to like about him.
It was Derek that I had a hard time to understand. I was puzzled with his attitude. I thought it was because his parents were pushy. But I didn't find it so. Maybe Derek was just making a lot of things out of nothing?
Because of that, it was a little imbalanced for me; meaning that I didn't see the complete chemistry between the two *shrugs*
I really liked Luke -- a real firefighter, a hero, limp and all, who's trying to gather enough money for his family's bar. Can't really find anything NOT to like about him.
It was Derek that I had a hard time to understand. I was puzzled with his attitude. I thought it was because his parents were pushy. But I didn't find it so. Maybe Derek was just making a lot of things out of nothing?
Because of that, it was a little imbalanced for me; meaning that I didn't see the complete chemistry between the two *shrugs*
December 11, 2024
I have to say my immediate thought on seeing this book was that it was one of the most adorable holiday cover ever. After reading it and getting the connection, I can say it is the most adorable holiday cover ever.
Derek is a definite contrast in personality. He acts like a child to his parents sometimes; he is arrogant with people other times; he is a pushover with his friends at times; he is miserable at a job that he loved. He’s a good person and he wants to do well but sometimes he’s just not sure how to go about it. What he does know, however, is that the made up boyfriend, Marcus, that he has been talking up to his parents now has to be made to appear for a lunch. Oh no!
He ends up at a professional date supply place (sounds weird but it made total sense) owned by Alan, a friend of Luke’s. Knowing that Luke desperately needs money for his family’s bar, he sets up Luke to be Marcus. Thirty grand for four dates? So doable! The two of them butt heads right away but while Derek is high strung sometimes, Luke is more laid back and so they fit together pretty well. Derek has definite demands on what he needs – mainly, he needs to show his boyfriend is falling out of love with him and is ready to break it off.
For his part, Luke was injured at work and now has thrown everything into fixing up his family bar, Halligan’s. For that, he needs money and Derek is the way to do that. He’s worried about what his mother and sister will say about the how but he can’t be caught up in that right now. He suffers night terrors and pain from his injury but Luke really is a positive, sweet soul. I liked him immensely and he really is good for Derek.
Derek has to take control of his life and has to start looking at things differently. Luke helps with that, even as they both remind themselves it is a contract, a paid employment. “Now Luke was really getting to me with his whole I know everything routine.” A routine that works well, actually. “Looking good, boyfriend.” It’s what Derek needs.
Both families are awesome (despite Derek’s pouting in the beginning) and Luke’s mom cuffing him on the back of the head made me laugh. Boys. I loved seeing Derek begin to blossom into what he wants to do at work and how Luke helps with this.
The trope of fake boyfriend is one of my favorites and while in this one the coincidences are a little much (firefighter time) I thoroughly enjoyed it, just an all-around feel good.
Derek is a definite contrast in personality. He acts like a child to his parents sometimes; he is arrogant with people other times; he is a pushover with his friends at times; he is miserable at a job that he loved. He’s a good person and he wants to do well but sometimes he’s just not sure how to go about it. What he does know, however, is that the made up boyfriend, Marcus, that he has been talking up to his parents now has to be made to appear for a lunch. Oh no!
He ends up at a professional date supply place (sounds weird but it made total sense) owned by Alan, a friend of Luke’s. Knowing that Luke desperately needs money for his family’s bar, he sets up Luke to be Marcus. Thirty grand for four dates? So doable! The two of them butt heads right away but while Derek is high strung sometimes, Luke is more laid back and so they fit together pretty well. Derek has definite demands on what he needs – mainly, he needs to show his boyfriend is falling out of love with him and is ready to break it off.
For his part, Luke was injured at work and now has thrown everything into fixing up his family bar, Halligan’s. For that, he needs money and Derek is the way to do that. He’s worried about what his mother and sister will say about the how but he can’t be caught up in that right now. He suffers night terrors and pain from his injury but Luke really is a positive, sweet soul. I liked him immensely and he really is good for Derek.
Derek has to take control of his life and has to start looking at things differently. Luke helps with that, even as they both remind themselves it is a contract, a paid employment. “Now Luke was really getting to me with his whole I know everything routine.” A routine that works well, actually. “Looking good, boyfriend.” It’s what Derek needs.
Both families are awesome (despite Derek’s pouting in the beginning) and Luke’s mom cuffing him on the back of the head made me laugh. Boys. I loved seeing Derek begin to blossom into what he wants to do at work and how Luke helps with this.
The trope of fake boyfriend is one of my favorites and while in this one the coincidences are a little much (firefighter time) I thoroughly enjoyed it, just an all-around feel good.
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