What do you think?
Rate this book
After Oscar #1
IRL: In Real Life
Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins
Conor:
It starts with a drunken text pic. The kind I would normally never send. Only, instead of it going to the flirty hotel bartender, it goes to some random stranger who actually responds.
I tell myself an unexpected night of hot as hell back-and-forth is the perfect way to blow off a little steam while I’m in New York closing an important business deal. Little do I know the man on the other end of the line is none other than Wells Grange: the most controlling, egotistical, emotionless SOB I’ve ever met.
I spend my days squaring off against Wells in the boardroom, and my nights succumbing to the sexy stranger’s commanding texts in the bedroom. Within days, I’m falling for someone I shouldn’t, and I have to remind myself that none of this is real.
Wells:
The first thing I notice about Conor Newell when he sits down in my high-rise conference room is how delightfully nervous he is. Then I see his tie. The same geeky tie that’s held hostage on my phone. The one that belongs to my anonymous late-night texter. And it changes everything.
I should confess. Tell the truth about who I am. Instead, I decide there’s no harm in flirting. After all, once our business is concluded, he’ll be out of my life for good.
The more I get to know Conor, however, the more I start to fall for him. Which is a problem, because I made a vow long ago to never let emotions interfere with my life, either business or personal. Except I can’t stop thinking about him night and day. If it’s only in my head, though, it doesn’t count.
After all, it’s not like we’re falling for each other in real life...
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 5, 2019
1403 people are currently reading
2744 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
93 books4,433 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 898 reviews
May 8, 2019
Time of death: kindle tells me at 70%, audiobook tells me I have 3 hours left.
When the first physical sex finally happened, it was time to say bye! bye! I don’t know what type of sex scenes I have been reading lately, but I just couldn’t listen to the one in this book. Especially since Wells is still creeping! And i already know what will cause the inevitable 80 - 90% drama-llama breakup scene.
“Open for me,” Wells murmured against my back. His slick fingers teased my hole, and I did my best to relax against them. “That’s it. Just like that.”
I tried pressing back against them, but he barked out a command for me to stay still. The ferocious tone of his voice made my cock pulse with precum. It drooled from my tip down toward the pristine bedding. I moved to stroke myself, but Wells’s hand came around to grip my wrist and stretch it back above my head on the bed.
“No touching. That’s mine tonight. Understand?” He squeezed it hard to make his point before letting it go and moving his hand back to my ass.
“Yes… sir,” I gasped, wishing like hell it wasn’t just for tonight. “Yours.”
“Mm, good. Now stay still while I stretch this tight hole of yours.”
“Nngh.”
5+++ stars for the Audiobook! I love Michael Pauley.
1.5 stars for the story.
Oi! It’s me! not the book!
I just found the characters and the story unbelievable and borderline catfishing. This could make a good episode on the MTV Catfish show.
Connor- Geek, awkward, rumbling guy. I liked him at the beginning, then as the story progressed, I found his character ridiculous, it was like he was trying so hard to be geeky and adorkable.
Wells- Millionaire, cold ruthless business type- Umm at least that was how he was supposed to be. Well, I found him complete opposite of that. I am told he is ruthless, cold, but to me he came off as a good, understanding guy, who was hurt in the past and decided not to be too trusting. There is cold and ruthless, and then there is untrusting loner. To me, Wells was the latter.
I love me some cyber- love but at some point, I felt it entered creepy territory. They start an online relationship with both of them not knowing the identity of the other person Ummm! That is some creepy shit right there.
Anyhoo, don’t mind me! I may or may not listen to the next books.
When the first physical sex finally happened, it was time to say bye! bye! I don’t know what type of sex scenes I have been reading lately, but I just couldn’t listen to the one in this book. Especially since Wells is still creeping! And i already know what will cause the inevitable 80 - 90% drama-llama breakup scene.
“Open for me,” Wells murmured against my back. His slick fingers teased my hole, and I did my best to relax against them. “That’s it. Just like that.”
I tried pressing back against them, but he barked out a command for me to stay still. The ferocious tone of his voice made my cock pulse with precum. It drooled from my tip down toward the pristine bedding. I moved to stroke myself, but Wells’s hand came around to grip my wrist and stretch it back above my head on the bed.
“No touching. That’s mine tonight. Understand?” He squeezed it hard to make his point before letting it go and moving his hand back to my ass.
“Yes… sir,” I gasped, wishing like hell it wasn’t just for tonight. “Yours.”
“Mm, good. Now stay still while I stretch this tight hole of yours.”
“Nngh.”
5+++ stars for the Audiobook! I love Michael Pauley.
1.5 stars for the story.
Oi! It’s me! not the book!
I just found the characters and the story unbelievable and borderline catfishing. This could make a good episode on the MTV Catfish show.
Connor- Geek, awkward, rumbling guy. I liked him at the beginning, then as the story progressed, I found his character ridiculous, it was like he was trying so hard to be geeky and adorkable.
Wells- Millionaire, cold ruthless business type- Umm at least that was how he was supposed to be. Well, I found him complete opposite of that. I am told he is ruthless, cold, but to me he came off as a good, understanding guy, who was hurt in the past and decided not to be too trusting. There is cold and ruthless, and then there is untrusting loner. To me, Wells was the latter.
I love me some cyber- love but at some point, I felt it entered creepy territory. They start an online relationship with both of them not knowing the identity of the other person Ummm! That is some creepy shit right there.
Anyhoo, don’t mind me! I may or may not listen to the next books.
February 11, 2019
5 Stars
I’m one of the lucky buggers who absolutely adored this story start to finish! As my very first (full) five star read of the year, I can happily say this one is going straight into my 2019 favourites folder and will surely be a revisited re-read (or listen – Michael Pauley, come at me!!) in the very near future.
As a major sucker for reading romances that begin with characters meeting in the virtual world and then later connecting in real life, the premise of this story was immediately one that drew me in.
Much like in Sally Malcolm’s recent Christmas story, Love Around the Corner, a lot of this plot revolved around one MC, Wells, being aware of who he was texting (from early on) while the other MC, Conor, remained blissfully unaware…right up until the point that the truth came out and shit hit the proverbial fan. This could have soured my enjoyment – both the prolonged deception and the way in which Conor reacted when the truth was finally revealed – but I found myself loving every detail of how this played out.
Conor and Wells shared some serious heat, both in their (supposedly anonymous) initial texting sessions and when they were face-to-face as two men on opposite sides of the boardroom table trying to negotiate a major business deal. Even though they were purported “enemies,” sparks still flew, and I ate up the pages as their relationship shifted into something more deep and more profound than either man ever expected. Their relationship reminded me a lot of the dynamic shared between Dylan and Gabe in Lily Morton’s Rule Breaker, and I’m pretty sure readers who enjoyed that book, with its abounding snark and delicious office-type romance, will also enjoy this one.
Something I found particularly noteworthy was the positive representation of female characters in supporting roles. It’s sadly kind of a rarity in the M/M genre, but the female characters here were all confident, intelligent, likable women, which impressed me and certainly added to my overall enjoyment.
I also loved the gamer world depicted here, too. Aside from the sick mum thing, Conor was basically living my dream life with his game store and his passion for all things pop culture and the gaming community. I loved this aspect of the story and it definitely added a little something extra for me as far as representing my personal interests.
Overall, this was a ripper start to a new series and I look forward to one-clicking whatever this sister duo deliver up for us next!
I’m one of the lucky buggers who absolutely adored this story start to finish! As my very first (full) five star read of the year, I can happily say this one is going straight into my 2019 favourites folder and will surely be a revisited re-read (or listen – Michael Pauley, come at me!!) in the very near future.
As a major sucker for reading romances that begin with characters meeting in the virtual world and then later connecting in real life, the premise of this story was immediately one that drew me in.
Much like in Sally Malcolm’s recent Christmas story, Love Around the Corner, a lot of this plot revolved around one MC, Wells, being aware of who he was texting (from early on) while the other MC, Conor, remained blissfully unaware…right up until the point that the truth came out and shit hit the proverbial fan. This could have soured my enjoyment – both the prolonged deception and the way in which Conor reacted when the truth was finally revealed – but I found myself loving every detail of how this played out.
Conor and Wells shared some serious heat, both in their (supposedly anonymous) initial texting sessions and when they were face-to-face as two men on opposite sides of the boardroom table trying to negotiate a major business deal. Even though they were purported “enemies,” sparks still flew, and I ate up the pages as their relationship shifted into something more deep and more profound than either man ever expected. Their relationship reminded me a lot of the dynamic shared between Dylan and Gabe in Lily Morton’s Rule Breaker, and I’m pretty sure readers who enjoyed that book, with its abounding snark and delicious office-type romance, will also enjoy this one.
Something I found particularly noteworthy was the positive representation of female characters in supporting roles. It’s sadly kind of a rarity in the M/M genre, but the female characters here were all confident, intelligent, likable women, which impressed me and certainly added to my overall enjoyment.
I also loved the gamer world depicted here, too. Aside from the sick mum thing, Conor was basically living my dream life with his game store and his passion for all things pop culture and the gaming community. I loved this aspect of the story and it definitely added a little something extra for me as far as representing my personal interests.
Overall, this was a ripper start to a new series and I look forward to one-clicking whatever this sister duo deliver up for us next!
May 14, 2020
I liked this story so much more than I expected.
At first, I wasn't sure how I would feel about their relationship. Based on their initial texting, I was afraid that it would go into d/s territory, which I'm not a fan of, but thankfully, that didn't happen. I actually really liked how their relationship progressed. It didn't even bother me that it was a bit unrealistic and predictable.
I absolutely loved both MCs. I loved them together, loved their chemistry. Maybe the feelings came too soon, but I enjoyed every minute reading about them.
***********
Re-read 5/2020
At first, I wasn't sure how I would feel about their relationship. Based on their initial texting, I was afraid that it would go into d/s territory, which I'm not a fan of, but thankfully, that didn't happen. I actually really liked how their relationship progressed. It didn't even bother me that it was a bit unrealistic and predictable.
I absolutely loved both MCs. I loved them together, loved their chemistry. Maybe the feelings came too soon, but I enjoyed every minute reading about them.
***********
Re-read 5/2020
February 11, 2019
introduction : I 100% have prejudices towards that kind of abs-stan covers
cons : highly unrealistic and also I kinda hate billionaires as a rule, sorry, capitalism sucks
pros : it was way too adorable and funny for my own good, wtf
conclusion : I kinda want my cynicism back but my lips keep stretching *tries to scowl, fails*
cons : highly unrealistic and also I kinda hate billionaires as a rule, sorry, capitalism sucks
pros : it was way too adorable and funny for my own good, wtf
conclusion : I kinda want my cynicism back but my lips keep stretching *tries to scowl, fails*
February 10, 2019
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Expected A Bit More*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The book centers around owner of a game store (as in, board games and puzzles) Conor Matthew Newell and Wellington ‘Wells’ ‘Trace’ ‘That Asshole’ ‘Glacial Grange’ Archibald Grange the Third who is according to Conor; ‘the most controlling, egotistical, emotionless SOB he' ever met’, ‘the scariest motherfucker to ever be considered a corporate raider’. He's the multimillionaire CEO of one of the world’s most powerful biomedical companies and Conor is there to make a deal. Unfortunately, he's nervous and has actually no idea what to do, luckily a mistake dick-pick to a stranger makes his life easier. What he doesn't know is that the stranger is actually Wells.
Overall, it wasn't bad story. I liked the concept and the characters weren't all that bad. However, there's the insta-love and the predictableness. Which annoyed me. I don't like insta-love and I don't like when you know what will happen before it has happened. It ruined a lot for me. It also bothered me that Wells loses a bit of what he's supposed to be: cold and emotionless and so forth... it was those things that made me want to read the book in the first place, but he became more and more... sweet. Ugh. Though the book made me smile at times, it still didn't live up to its expectation.
“Tall, dark, and handsome?” I squeaked. “Little intimidating? Scowly, but in an ohmygod kind of way?”
Shut up. Shut up.
Before I had the chance to describe the tiny mole below the edge of the man’s lip, the barest hint of a laugh line appeared next to one of the receptionist’s eyes.
“Might it be Mr. Grange himself?”
Wellington Archibald Grange the Third. The scariest motherfucker to ever be considered a corporate raider.
The man my mother despised with every ounce of her disease-riddled body. The man who wanted to gobble up my mother’s life’s work like it was a generic box of bran cereal and shit out a shoddy version of it to sick people in need at a staggering upcharge.
The reason Conor is in New York closing an important business deal:
‘Dr. Elizabeth Newell invented a new type of biomedical 3-D printer that used hydrogel and biological material to create critical large human blood vessel prostheses, and Wells' company was aggressively negotiating the purchase of the technology. There were two components to the process: the printer adaptation itself and the medical materials used as the “ink.” Through a clever bit of maneuvering, Wells and his company acquired the rights to the latter the month before. Now Wells intended to use that as leverage to buy the patents to the former. Until recently, Dr. Elizabeth Newell, the engineer who’d perfected the mechanics of the printer, had been unwilling to even discuss selling the technology to them. He’d made a reasonable offer and she’d refused. She still hadn’t accepted that now that Grange BioMed owned the rights to the “ink,” either she sold them the printer technology or her invention was useless. It put his company in an excellent bargaining position. She had no choice but to sell, and at a price well below its value.’
Everything around me froze; even the sounds from the street traffic vanished. I read the message again in case I’d misread it the first time.
Stupidly, I felt my chin begin to wobble. I looked up at the crowds on the sidewalk. There were couples and families, groups of friends and people chatting animatedly on their phones. It was one of those moments where it seemed that everyone had someone in their lives but me.
But what had I really expected would happen? Where could things with Trace have ever gone? Trying to have any of my relationship needs met by some random stranger in a city hundreds of miles away from where I lived was ridiculous. He could be married for all I knew. Or a criminal. Or prefer DC over Marvel. I felt a gurgle of disgust escape my throat. I was pathetic.
By putting expectations on my sexy stranger after a couple of texts, I was grasping at straws.
Other Characters:
→ Dr. Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Newell, Conor's mother. She has a rare autoimmune disorder that had significantly weakened her lungs. The concoction of drugs she’d been on for the last several months had been helping to keep her lungs strong, are no longer working. She has now pneumonia again.
→ James Allen, attorney for Dr. Newell and a friend of Conor’s. His live-in boyfriend, Richard.
→ Deborah ‘Deb’ Hines, Wells' assistant for many years.
→ Oscar Overton, Wells' last regular fuck buddy and dated James.
→ Dr. Yvonne Krauss, the lead research and design scientist on the 3-D printer deal.
→ Winifred ‘Win’, Wells' sister and his niece (almost 3). Her husband is a schoolteacher in Danbury, Connecticut. Win is a stay-at-home mom.
→ Hank, Wells' driver.
→ Mark, Wells' previous business partner when Grange BioMed was PharmDash and best friend. He also married Wells' sister.
→ Bill, Elizabeth's neighbor.
→ Scotty, the carriage driver.
He spoke of his own family, his European mother and his American father who’d met in college in Massachusetts before starting their family in Greenwich, Connecticut.
“Your dad’s an investment banker, right?” I asked.
Wells nodded. “He’s worked on Wall Street since before I was born. Not sure he’ll ever retire. The man’s a workaholic.”
I stared at him. “Pot, meet kettle…”
Wells snorted softly and looked away.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Wellington ‘Wells’ Archibald.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Maybe.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure, others probably love it.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
December 18, 2019
IRL is an average read for me. Although you can guess what will happen next, the fact remains that it has something that will make you smile, feel the romance, and enjoy the spark.
December 18, 2019
4,5 stars
I absolutely loved this one! Hot and sweet and everything in between!
I absolutely loved this one! Hot and sweet and everything in between!
![Profile Image for Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700013408i%2F101358081._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 6, 2025
|| 4.0 stars ||
If there’s one thing I love, it’s when the domineering and powerful mmc is the one who falls first and harder.
Far too often we have romance books where the cute and vulnerable MC is the one who immediately falls for and lusts after the emotionally unavailable mmc, while that same mmc just continues to treat the MC like trash or keeps pushing them away. It often gets to a point where it just becomes pathetic or like you feel the MC doesn’t have a spine. At the very least, it’s almost always far from romantic or swoon-worthy.
This book, however, managed to do everything differently. Here, it’s Wells, the emotionally distant, cut-throat business man, who is instantly enamoured with Conor, a geeky and sweet man who manages to push all of Wells’ buttons. It’s Wells who is willing to go to great lengths to impress, protect and comfort the man he has unexpectedly grown to care for, all while Conor is somewhat oblivious to the way Wells feels for him.
There’s also a very entertaining trope of hidden identity where these two form a connection online. It definitely added a lovely dose of angst and drama since Wells knows it’s Conor but Conor is completely unaware it’s Wells, which means Wells was constantly afraid how Conor would react if he found out the truth: would he lose the (already) fragile relationship they were building together?
Their connection online also made all of Wells’ intense pining even better since it made me feel it already had emotional depth from the very beginning, letting their bond then build stronger in real life.
All in all, I just really loved this book. Wells was such an unexpected sweetheart and I simply adored the fact that Conor was his one soft spot.
'After Oscar' series:
1. IRL: In Real Life - 4.0 stars
2. LOL: Laugh Out Loud - dnf
Other Lucy Lennox books:
‘Forever Wilde’ series - var. ratings
Shy Sheldon - 2.0 stars
Virgin Flyer - 4.5 stars
Say You’ll Be Nine - 4.5 stars
Hostile Takeover - 4.0 stars
Prince of Lies - 4.5 stars
If there’s one thing I love, it’s when the domineering and powerful mmc is the one who falls first and harder.
Far too often we have romance books where the cute and vulnerable MC is the one who immediately falls for and lusts after the emotionally unavailable mmc, while that same mmc just continues to treat the MC like trash or keeps pushing them away. It often gets to a point where it just becomes pathetic or like you feel the MC doesn’t have a spine. At the very least, it’s almost always far from romantic or swoon-worthy.
This book, however, managed to do everything differently. Here, it’s Wells, the emotionally distant, cut-throat business man, who is instantly enamoured with Conor, a geeky and sweet man who manages to push all of Wells’ buttons. It’s Wells who is willing to go to great lengths to impress, protect and comfort the man he has unexpectedly grown to care for, all while Conor is somewhat oblivious to the way Wells feels for him.
There’s also a very entertaining trope of hidden identity where these two form a connection online. It definitely added a lovely dose of angst and drama since Wells knows it’s Conor but Conor is completely unaware it’s Wells, which means Wells was constantly afraid how Conor would react if he found out the truth: would he lose the (already) fragile relationship they were building together?
Their connection online also made all of Wells’ intense pining even better since it made me feel it already had emotional depth from the very beginning, letting their bond then build stronger in real life.
All in all, I just really loved this book. Wells was such an unexpected sweetheart and I simply adored the fact that Conor was his one soft spot.
'After Oscar' series:
1. IRL: In Real Life - 4.0 stars
2. LOL: Laugh Out Loud - dnf
Other Lucy Lennox books:
‘Forever Wilde’ series - var. ratings
Shy Sheldon - 2.0 stars
Virgin Flyer - 4.5 stars
Say You’ll Be Nine - 4.5 stars
Hostile Takeover - 4.0 stars
Prince of Lies - 4.5 stars
December 5, 2023
3.75**** stars
In typical Lucy Lennox fashion this one was sweet, entertaining and hot. Thank you Cat for putting it on my radar.
I love the overall idea for the series that the men who were dating (the mysterious) Oscar at some point find love with someone after.
The big third-act fall-out was super predictable but I liked it still, only the rest of the story was a bit weak after that and I skimmed a little —hence the rating.
Overall tho, I truly enjoyed this book. ♡
***************
After Oscar Series
Book 1 - IRL: In Real Life - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - LOL: Laugh Out Loud - tbr
Book 3 - BTW: By The Way
Book 4 - ISO: In Search Of
Book 5 - HEA: Happily Ever After
In typical Lucy Lennox fashion this one was sweet, entertaining and hot. Thank you Cat for putting it on my radar.
I love the overall idea for the series that the men who were dating (the mysterious) Oscar at some point find love with someone after.
“Why me?” I asked, turning to face him. “Am I just convenient?” […]
“You listen to me, Conor Newell. I’ve wanted you from the moment you stepped into my conference room […]. It’s taken every ounce of my self-control not to come on to you these past two days, and even now I know this is a tremendous mistake. But I can’t stay away from you. I can’t stop needing you. Trust me when I say you are the opposite of convenient.”
The big third-act fall-out was super predictable but I liked it still, only the rest of the story was a bit weak after that and I skimmed a little —hence the rating.
Overall tho, I truly enjoyed this book. ♡
***************
After Oscar Series
Book 1 - IRL: In Real Life - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - LOL: Laugh Out Loud - tbr
Book 3 - BTW: By The Way
Book 4 - ISO: In Search Of
Book 5 - HEA: Happily Ever After
July 26, 2019
Take a sweet, adorably shy man with a bit to drink, throw in a sexy stranger, a drunken text in the middle of the night and you’ll happen upon the hottest first chapter that I’ve read in a long time. Lucy and Molly don’t waste any time revving up the hotness in this steamy new series! Their collaboration has produced one amazingly well written book that’ll have you hooked from that first luscious chapter! It’s super sexy with just enough sweet to make you swoon at all the right places! I can’t wait to see what they bring to us in book 2 of the series, “After Oscar”. If you love Lucy’s work like I do, this is a MUST read as she and Molly make a great writing team..once you pick this book up, you won’t be able to put it down!
February 6, 2019
3.5★'s Rounded Up!
Well, this book almost had it all. I was on I think chapter 8 when I was for sure this was a perfect book. I was having just about the best time with it. The writing was flawless and the story was moving quick and I was excited and well, excited. I was just having a great time really.
And then there was a scene where Conor didn’t seem right. He wasn’t stuttering or tripping over himself. He was confident and read so out of character I stumbled a bit.
Then it was going again and going and going but somehow the momentum from I’d say the first half or more just wasn’t there anymore. I couldn’t quite figure out where the story was going and when it was going to stop. Because this kind of storyline needs a full stop so it can start again. Something happened with the flow and, something bad was going to happen because of all of this just went on way too long.
It started to not be that much fun when I started to really think about how Conor was going to handle this.
Spoiler alert. He didn’t handle it well.
And then there was a separation that really just sucked the air out of the room.
Then, it was a little silly.
I don’t know if I am a fan of the series title either. It’s like an ick reminder or something. My God, I would hope that Oscar gets a Happily Ever After somewhere!
I had a good time. Sign me up for more and ignore me, I probably took it too seriously or something. It was not nearly as bad as I am probably making it sound. As a whole it was fun and hot and at times very sweet.
Well, this book almost had it all. I was on I think chapter 8 when I was for sure this was a perfect book. I was having just about the best time with it. The writing was flawless and the story was moving quick and I was excited and well, excited. I was just having a great time really.
And then there was a scene where Conor didn’t seem right. He wasn’t stuttering or tripping over himself. He was confident and read so out of character I stumbled a bit.
Then it was going again and going and going but somehow the momentum from I’d say the first half or more just wasn’t there anymore. I couldn’t quite figure out where the story was going and when it was going to stop. Because this kind of storyline needs a full stop so it can start again. Something happened with the flow and, something bad was going to happen because of all of this just went on way too long.
It started to not be that much fun when I started to really think about how Conor was going to handle this.
Spoiler alert. He didn’t handle it well.
And then there was a separation that really just sucked the air out of the room.
Then, it was a little silly.
I don’t know if I am a fan of the series title either. It’s like an ick reminder or something. My God, I would hope that Oscar gets a Happily Ever After somewhere!
I had a good time. Sign me up for more and ignore me, I probably took it too seriously or something. It was not nearly as bad as I am probably making it sound. As a whole it was fun and hot and at times very sweet.
February 9, 2019
Awesome Start! Ho-hum finish...
Dang!! This book started out sooooo well! It was sexy, funny, hot, and witty.
And then....it turned into a drawn out, disappointing mess of miscommunication and insta-love. The quick and snappy pace just stopped and so did much of my interest in the characters and their story.
I liked the superposition of their secret text relationship and their IRL encounters, but when the big reveal came the story fell apart for me as did the characters.
There are some super hot texting scenes—super hot—at the beginning. And the first actual sex scene is awesome, too. And that was about it for me.
Typical billionaire romance—icy magnate who’s heart is melted by an awkward, geeky guy who trips over his own feet. Now where have I heard that before.....?????
Dang!! This book started out sooooo well! It was sexy, funny, hot, and witty.
And then....it turned into a drawn out, disappointing mess of miscommunication and insta-love. The quick and snappy pace just stopped and so did much of my interest in the characters and their story.
I liked the superposition of their secret text relationship and their IRL encounters, but when the big reveal came the story fell apart for me as did the characters.
There are some super hot texting scenes—super hot—at the beginning. And the first actual sex scene is awesome, too. And that was about it for me.
Typical billionaire romance—icy magnate who’s heart is melted by an awkward, geeky guy who trips over his own feet. Now where have I heard that before.....?????
February 8, 2019
“I miss you,” Conor said so softly I almost didn’t hear it. “I miss you so much, it hurts.” He shook his head, his words brimming with pain.
I fucking loved this book. It was amazing from start to finish and I was not expecting that. Even the one thing that could have caused a hiccup for me - when Conor found out about Wells being the mystery texter via hearing his phone ping when he sent a text and looking, and then immediately leaving without hearing anything Wells has to say - ended up working out because Wells needed that kick in the balls to get his life in order and not only show Conor how much he loved him, but to get his head on straight so he could be the kind of guy Conor deserved.
Plus, what Wells does to make up for what he did goes above and beyond, and he sincerely apologized. Actions are so important - even though words are needed too - and Wells shows how sorry he was and how much he loves Conor with his actions.
Right away these two had scorching chemistry. I could feel their chemistry even when they were just strangers texting over the phone having not met face to face yet, and that is no easy feat to do.
And yeah, sure, this book does the whole "one knows it's the other over the phone and doesn't tell the other" trope - like this book isn't free of those, but I didn't care because it was such a compelling story. And even though it was only over about 5 or so days that they knew each other and fell in love, it felt real and it felt earned, like it totally made sense that they were in love.
Most of the time slow burn - and at least more than a week - is the better situation all around for people realizing their feelings of love, and almost insta-love type situations rarely work out in romances, but sometimes they do work out and are written well enough that it feels right.
Wells and Conor just had the greatest chemistry, and I loved every single one of their scenes together. We didn't get a ton of smut because of their circumstances and everything, but once we did get it, it was amazing. So intense and passionate, and I just love sex scenes written like they were in this book, where it doesn't feel perfunctory or boring or just written to write a sex scene, but actually sizzling and like the author(s) put in a lot of effort to the scenes.
Simply amazing, I loved everything about this. Two massive thumbs up from me and I can definitely say I'll be reading more of these authors.
I fucking loved this book. It was amazing from start to finish and I was not expecting that. Even the one thing that could have caused a hiccup for me - when Conor found out about Wells being the mystery texter via hearing his phone ping when he sent a text and looking, and then immediately leaving without hearing anything Wells has to say - ended up working out because Wells needed that kick in the balls to get his life in order and not only show Conor how much he loved him, but to get his head on straight so he could be the kind of guy Conor deserved.
Plus, what Wells does to make up for what he did goes above and beyond, and he sincerely apologized. Actions are so important - even though words are needed too - and Wells shows how sorry he was and how much he loves Conor with his actions.
Right away these two had scorching chemistry. I could feel their chemistry even when they were just strangers texting over the phone having not met face to face yet, and that is no easy feat to do.
And yeah, sure, this book does the whole "one knows it's the other over the phone and doesn't tell the other" trope - like this book isn't free of those, but I didn't care because it was such a compelling story. And even though it was only over about 5 or so days that they knew each other and fell in love, it felt real and it felt earned, like it totally made sense that they were in love.
Most of the time slow burn - and at least more than a week - is the better situation all around for people realizing their feelings of love, and almost insta-love type situations rarely work out in romances, but sometimes they do work out and are written well enough that it feels right.
Wells and Conor just had the greatest chemistry, and I loved every single one of their scenes together. We didn't get a ton of smut because of their circumstances and everything, but once we did get it, it was amazing. So intense and passionate, and I just love sex scenes written like they were in this book, where it doesn't feel perfunctory or boring or just written to write a sex scene, but actually sizzling and like the author(s) put in a lot of effort to the scenes.
Simply amazing, I loved everything about this. Two massive thumbs up from me and I can definitely say I'll be reading more of these authors.
April 19, 2019
4 Stars!!
Imagine sending a dick pic for the first time, thinking you were sending it to the cute bartender you'd just been flirting with. Only after you'd sexted the person to climax you realise it was a complete stranger!
Conor is a shy gamer nerd who's in New York to do a presentation to sell his mums invention. I liked Conor from the start he was funny, shy and a whole lot of awkward especially around hot men in suits.
Wells was delighted to receive a sexy dick pick from a complete stranger late at night while working in his office and the sexting that came after was seriously hot!
Wells is a super sexy, dominating business man married to his career until Conor enters his world and makes him question everything.
I really enjoyed the plot and how Wells knew who Conor was but Conor had no idea. That one scene in the office when Wells was texting Conor, the chemistry was insane. I thought that Conor's reaction when he learnt the truth was a little over the top though.
Conors plight for his mum is super sweet and just made me love him that much more.
This was such a sweet love story and there were a couple of lol moments. I would have loved some more steamy scenes because the ones we got were so steamy. Overall I really enjoyed it and highly recommend!
Imagine sending a dick pic for the first time, thinking you were sending it to the cute bartender you'd just been flirting with. Only after you'd sexted the person to climax you realise it was a complete stranger!
Conor is a shy gamer nerd who's in New York to do a presentation to sell his mums invention. I liked Conor from the start he was funny, shy and a whole lot of awkward especially around hot men in suits.
Wells was delighted to receive a sexy dick pick from a complete stranger late at night while working in his office and the sexting that came after was seriously hot!
Wells is a super sexy, dominating business man married to his career until Conor enters his world and makes him question everything.
I really enjoyed the plot and how Wells knew who Conor was but Conor had no idea. That one scene in the office when Wells was texting Conor, the chemistry was insane. I thought that Conor's reaction when he learnt the truth was a little over the top though.
Conors plight for his mum is super sweet and just made me love him that much more.
This was such a sweet love story and there were a couple of lol moments. I would have loved some more steamy scenes because the ones we got were so steamy. Overall I really enjoyed it and highly recommend!
February 6, 2019
Conor Newell is a nervous wreck the day before a big meeting. He is use to playing board games not running board meetings. Due to his mother's illness he is left with the task. After a few drinks too many and an encounter with a cute bartender, who slips him his number, he decides to text a dick pic. However, the recipient on the other side is not exactly who he thinks he is.
Wells Grange is known as a hard ass. Wells is a business man who runs through people to get what he wants. He is married to his work and does not do relationships. So when an anonymous texts comes through Wells has no issue with entertaining his sexter.
Turns out Conor's meeting is with Wells. When the two meet face to face Wells recognizes Conor as his anonymous sexter while Conor is still clueless. It is Conor's tie from a picture sent that gives him away. Wells doesn't immediately tell about his finding and the two continue with their back and forth texting. The more Wells learns about Conor the more he is attracted to him. However, Conor does not seem like a big fan of Wells in real life. Wells wants to change that but the more time he spends with Conor the more trouble he has with revealing the truth. Needless to say it gets complicated.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I really loved most of the book. It was just the last 15% that dragged on which brought down its rating. I do look forward to this series.
Wells Grange is known as a hard ass. Wells is a business man who runs through people to get what he wants. He is married to his work and does not do relationships. So when an anonymous texts comes through Wells has no issue with entertaining his sexter.
Turns out Conor's meeting is with Wells. When the two meet face to face Wells recognizes Conor as his anonymous sexter while Conor is still clueless. It is Conor's tie from a picture sent that gives him away. Wells doesn't immediately tell about his finding and the two continue with their back and forth texting. The more Wells learns about Conor the more he is attracted to him. However, Conor does not seem like a big fan of Wells in real life. Wells wants to change that but the more time he spends with Conor the more trouble he has with revealing the truth. Needless to say it gets complicated.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I really loved most of the book. It was just the last 15% that dragged on which brought down its rating. I do look forward to this series.
August 17, 2024
I had a good time reading this book. Its a short fun and easy book. I really like the concept of people falling in love after dating Oscar. I love books with the whole anonymous texter thing.
I do wish the big reveal had happened a bit earlier. Also, I am a bit confused one the time line of this book. It reads like the whole book took place over the course of only a week or two. A week is a very short time for people to go from strangers to in love- but whatever I really liked the book anyway lol. Excited to read more of the series.
I do wish the big reveal had happened a bit earlier. Also, I am a bit confused one the time line of this book. It reads like the whole book took place over the course of only a week or two. A week is a very short time for people to go from strangers to in love- but whatever I really liked the book anyway lol. Excited to read more of the series.
Read
February 14, 2019DNF at 41%
Ice cold, heartless millionaire has a complete personality transplant when he meets "the one". Just can't do it anymore.
Ice cold, heartless millionaire has a complete personality transplant when he meets "the one". Just can't do it anymore.
April 27, 2019
I have a confession to make. I saw this was written by Lucy Lennox and narrated by Michael Pauley and without reading the blurb, without hesitation, I immediately requested IRL.
I'm going to be honest, I ended up liking this far more than I thought I was going to when I first started listening. Let me explain. I'm not a fan of deception romance, and while there are a lot of very hot, sexy scenes they involve far more dominance then I'm personally into, but I'm really happy I kept listening because I ended up with a giant smile on my face, and the absolute conviction that Conor and Wells are absolutely perfect for one another and meant to be together forever.
Michael Pauley offers different character voices, brings plenty of heat to the sex scenes, and keeps a steady pace.
I'm looking forward to book two, LOL: Laugh Out Loud (I even read the blurb this time! 😉).
Advanced Review Galley copy of IRL: In Real Life provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
February 8, 2019
Loved it!!! ;-D
August 17, 2023
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
Lucy Lennox is always my go-to for low-angst, lovely, mushy fun time reads.
This one is probably on a lower heat setting than I usually prefer (lava hot, hotter than Hades - if you’re wondering) but it’s so sweet and entertaining it makes up for it.
The dynamic between the characters is adorable, how Wells goes from being a cold and heartless alpha type to a cuddly snuggly teddy bear for Conor is everything.
This is my second time reading this, and probably won’t be my last, and I still loved every second of it.
Tropes and NSFW info:
- CEO MC
- Opposite attract
- Hidden identity
- Sexting
- Strict top/bottom on page
POV: 1st person, dual
Lucy Lennox is always my go-to for low-angst, lovely, mushy fun time reads.
This one is probably on a lower heat setting than I usually prefer (lava hot, hotter than Hades - if you’re wondering) but it’s so sweet and entertaining it makes up for it.
Feeling him wrapped completely around my body, arms and legs, was the closest I’d ever come to knowing what home meant. And that scared the fuck out of me.
The dynamic between the characters is adorable, how Wells goes from being a cold and heartless alpha type to a cuddly snuggly teddy bear for Conor is everything.
This is my second time reading this, and probably won’t be my last, and I still loved every second of it.
Tropes and NSFW info:
- CEO MC
- Opposite attract
- Hidden identity
- Sexting
- Strict top/bottom on page
POV: 1st person, dual
February 11, 2019
Me encantan los libros con mensajes de textos, con mails, y ADORO cuando en las historias se conocen online y más tarde en la vida real. Así que prometía bien. A este le añadimos algunas escenas realmente eróticas. Pero... muchas cosas no son creíbles, lo de la pareja salvadora está ya muy vista, y en ocasiones me ha dado cierto olor a pareja heterosexual clásica pero los dos chicos.
Así que..., muy entretenido, pero con bastantes "peros".
Así que..., muy entretenido, pero con bastantes "peros".
February 28, 2019
This was really cute - sweet vulnerable Connor sends a drunken text that begins an avalanche of innuendo and conversation with a stranger. Little did Connor know he was sexting Wells - the man he called Asshole, and was in negotiations with. Of course the story evolves with sweet, light angst and then a realization... like I say - cute ❤️
November 15, 2025
Dulce, romántica, rosada
Connor está muy nervioso, tiene que hacer una presentación que puede costarle un trato millonario. Así que con unas copas de más comenzó a enviar mensajes de texto sexuales al número que le dió el bartender. El problema fue que no era el número del hombre sino de un desconocido, uno que despertaba una confianza que no había sentido en mucho tiempo. Pero es posible que lo conociera en persona? Es posible que pudiera ser real?
En cuanto a la trama, este libro es sencillo, totalmente esperado, una relación que ves como se desarrolla desde el principio y que sabes que va a pasar al final. Y sin embargo, la narración, los diálogos, los personajes, todo resultó de lo más entretenido, divertido y dulce. Por algo ella es una de esas autoras a las que siempre vuelvo cuando quiero leer algo dulce y divertido.
Connor está muy nervioso, tiene que hacer una presentación que puede costarle un trato millonario. Así que con unas copas de más comenzó a enviar mensajes de texto sexuales al número que le dió el bartender. El problema fue que no era el número del hombre sino de un desconocido, uno que despertaba una confianza que no había sentido en mucho tiempo. Pero es posible que lo conociera en persona? Es posible que pudiera ser real?
En cuanto a la trama, este libro es sencillo, totalmente esperado, una relación que ves como se desarrolla desde el principio y que sabes que va a pasar al final. Y sin embargo, la narración, los diálogos, los personajes, todo resultó de lo más entretenido, divertido y dulce. Por algo ella es una de esas autoras a las que siempre vuelvo cuando quiero leer algo dulce y divertido.
March 4, 2019
I have always enjoyed the 'cyber trope' - meaning that two guys meet anonymously online, but one figures out who the other is in real life. And then doesn't own up to it. Which, inevitably, blows up in his face.
This version was thought-out well (I appreciated getting an explanation how the mix-up with the phone numbers happened in the end!) and throwing in a bit of a grumpy CEO theme, teamed up with good telephone sex, worked fabulously.
Wells and Conor are both likeable MCs, although considering that Wells is supposed to be a cold and hard business man, he shows an awful lot of heart! Not that I'm complaining about it, btw!
There is nothing here I haven't read before, but it was great fun and well written.
I will certainly look forward to book 2 and wonder whether we will meet the elusive Oscar (considering the series is named after him!)
This version was thought-out well (I appreciated getting an explanation how the mix-up with the phone numbers happened in the end!) and throwing in a bit of a grumpy CEO theme, teamed up with good telephone sex, worked fabulously.
Wells and Conor are both likeable MCs, although considering that Wells is supposed to be a cold and hard business man, he shows an awful lot of heart! Not that I'm complaining about it, btw!
There is nothing here I haven't read before, but it was great fun and well written.
I will certainly look forward to book 2 and wonder whether we will meet the elusive Oscar (considering the series is named after him!)
November 29, 2023
I have a weakness for tropes that include (anonymous) texting, so I’m happy to report that I had a blast with this book.
Yes, you have to turn off your realism-radar for this one, and yes, it’s been a tiny bit predictable, but it’s been so much fun that I didn’t mind.
It’s the story of Conor, a nerdy geek who owns a gaming shop in a small town, who came to NY to sell some patents his mother owns to ”The Asshole” CEO of a huge company of medical supplies.
The evening before the big meeting, he drunkenly texts a number that he believes is the one a flirty bartender gave him. Ofc, it’s not the bartender’s, but belongs to Wells, “The Asshole”.
Who - conveniently - is also gay.
And as these things tend to go, it gets hot pretty quickly, and they end up having a pretty hot sexting-session.
The next day, IRL, Wells recognises Conor because of his nerdy tie, but he keeps it to himself, not wanting to jeopardise the negotiations- and being attracted to real-life-Conor, too.
I know there’s a power-imbalance and catfishing, but I didn’t mind. It’s a hot, and very often very funny fantasy, and I loved to witness Wells falling hard for Conor. Being a bit of a nerd myself, I couldn’t help but LOVE all the geeky bits, too, especially Wells as a spray-tanned, bare chested Kylo Ren 😬.
4.5 stars rounded up because of all the smiles it gave me 🥰
Yes, you have to turn off your realism-radar for this one, and yes, it’s been a tiny bit predictable, but it’s been so much fun that I didn’t mind.
It’s the story of Conor, a nerdy geek who owns a gaming shop in a small town, who came to NY to sell some patents his mother owns to ”The Asshole” CEO of a huge company of medical supplies.
The evening before the big meeting, he drunkenly texts a number that he believes is the one a flirty bartender gave him. Ofc, it’s not the bartender’s, but belongs to Wells, “The Asshole”.
Who - conveniently - is also gay.
And as these things tend to go, it gets hot pretty quickly, and they end up having a pretty hot sexting-session.
The next day, IRL, Wells recognises Conor because of his nerdy tie, but he keeps it to himself, not wanting to jeopardise the negotiations- and being attracted to real-life-Conor, too.
I know there’s a power-imbalance and catfishing, but I didn’t mind. It’s a hot, and very often very funny fantasy, and I loved to witness Wells falling hard for Conor. Being a bit of a nerd myself, I couldn’t help but LOVE all the geeky bits, too, especially Wells as a spray-tanned, bare chested Kylo Ren 😬.
4.5 stars rounded up because of all the smiles it gave me 🥰
May 30, 2021
[3.8] I adore books where the MCs meet online and irl but as isolated events so they're not aware of the connection (is there an official name for this trope? lol), so of course I had to read this!
We get some dramatic instalovey borderline-catfish-if-not-actual-catfish sexting shenanigans which requires a fair amount of suspension of disbelief and can start to feel a little creepy if you think about it too closely BUT I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was a delightful lazy afternoon read. The entire last section was particularly sweet (Kylo Ren cosplay Wells hehe) :)
Yes it's predictable, and yes it's far-fetched, but in a way, that's what made it so fun and entertaining!
(I would like to mention that the characterization of Wells to be "Glacial Grange"—this cold, heartless businessman—felt rather forced since we really only see examples of his considerate and thoughtful sides, and at most, he has a tough time trusting people because of what he went through. He's way too nice from the get-go! 😆)
We get some dramatic instalovey borderline-catfish-if-not-actual-catfish sexting shenanigans which requires a fair amount of suspension of disbelief and can start to feel a little creepy if you think about it too closely BUT I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was a delightful lazy afternoon read. The entire last section was particularly sweet (Kylo Ren cosplay Wells hehe) :)
Yes it's predictable, and yes it's far-fetched, but in a way, that's what made it so fun and entertaining!
(I would like to mention that the characterization of Wells to be "Glacial Grange"—this cold, heartless businessman—felt rather forced since we really only see examples of his considerate and thoughtful sides, and at most, he has a tough time trusting people because of what he went through. He's way too nice from the get-go! 😆)
February 8, 2019
I have a mildly dissenting opinion.
I found the writing to be generally quite good, and the feels are delivered, much as I'd expect from a project with Lucy Lennox. I had fun, and I liked it.
I can't say that I loved it. I'm a hard sell when it comes to insta-love, at least to the extent that my suspension of disbelief is really strained when characters start making extreme life decisions based on an acquaintance of only days. Wells' behavior in particular strains credulity at times, and while he's far from the worst "hot, wealthy, arrogant, ice-king-with-a-deeply-hidden-heart-of-gold" character I've ever read, I wasn't completely sold.
It's pretty obvious just from skimming the blurb that the events would be somewhat predictable, and I'm okay with the whole "journey, not the destination" angle, but I was a little disappointed that I had correctly predicted the exact scene and timing of the great reveal.
I found the writing to be generally quite good, and the feels are delivered, much as I'd expect from a project with Lucy Lennox. I had fun, and I liked it.
I can't say that I loved it. I'm a hard sell when it comes to insta-love, at least to the extent that my suspension of disbelief is really strained when characters start making extreme life decisions based on an acquaintance of only days. Wells' behavior in particular strains credulity at times, and while he's far from the worst "hot, wealthy, arrogant, ice-king-with-a-deeply-hidden-heart-of-gold" character I've ever read, I wasn't completely sold.
It's pretty obvious just from skimming the blurb that the events would be somewhat predictable, and I'm okay with the whole "journey, not the destination" angle, but I was a little disappointed that I had correctly predicted the exact scene and timing of the great reveal.
August 31, 2024
Just meh
Exaggerated insta love, yeah this was not for me, it was just too predictable and a bit boring?
Exaggerated insta love, yeah this was not for me, it was just too predictable and a bit boring?
May 24, 2022
Very sweet.
Of course there's tons of sex, but Lucy Lennox and Molly Maddox create great chemistry between the main characters too. I enjoyed the opposites attract aspect: wealthy businessman/gaming geek. Always works for me.
Audio nicely performed by Michael Pauley.
Of course there's tons of sex, but Lucy Lennox and Molly Maddox create great chemistry between the main characters too. I enjoyed the opposites attract aspect: wealthy businessman/gaming geek. Always works for me.
Audio nicely performed by Michael Pauley.
February 5, 2019
This was an entertaining version of a combined secret admirer/enemies to lovers trope. Sexting with a mysterious, dominant man by accident, Conor doesn’t know that cold, forbidding businessman Wells Grange is also the man dominating him by text. Wells is attracted to the real Conor as much as the man he only knows behind a keyboard but can’t reveal himself, so he conceals his text identity and continues the sexy conversations. It’s easy to guess what that will lead to. I’m not sure I can call this slow burn, since orgasms are exchanged by phone and their time together is only a few days but they don’t get together physically until late in the story, before things go to heck.
The plot is kind of predictable but it was nice, light reading with minor angst, making it very enjoyable. Characterization is good for both MC’s with chapters alternating between their perspectives, although Wells is drawn as a little too stereotypical, hard-hearted millionaire. Charming secondary characters appear around plot points; Wells assistant Deb and sister Win, Conor’s mom and his friend and attorney Peter. The transition into the epilogue could have been smoother but the epilogue was very heartwarming. I’ve read Lucy’s work of course and I thought I could see her style at times but the collaboration with her sister meshed very well. I’m sure this book will be well-received by readers.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
The plot is kind of predictable but it was nice, light reading with minor angst, making it very enjoyable. Characterization is good for both MC’s with chapters alternating between their perspectives, although Wells is drawn as a little too stereotypical, hard-hearted millionaire. Charming secondary characters appear around plot points; Wells assistant Deb and sister Win, Conor’s mom and his friend and attorney Peter. The transition into the epilogue could have been smoother but the epilogue was very heartwarming. I’ve read Lucy’s work of course and I thought I could see her style at times but the collaboration with her sister meshed very well. I’m sure this book will be well-received by readers.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 898 reviews