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Benji needs a new home, and Jax needs a new hero.

For southern California native Benji Matheson, moving to Boston for graduate school was a great idea on paper. He joined one of the most prestigious academic departments in the world of artificial intelligence and robotics. Unfortunately, that meant abandoning his large family and living in a place half a day away from his nearest relatives. Faced with the pressures of higher education and the isolation of leaving his college friends behind, shy Benji slowly turned into a recluse.

Born and bred in Boston, Jax Carmichael thought the world was his oyster until embezzling charges landed his father in prison with a twenty-year sentence. With his family’s confidence shattered, and his mother battling rounds of depression, Jax faced tough choices caught between his career ambitions and the commitment to his family.

When Benji’s twin brother, Jamie, connects the dots and suggests that Benji move in with his old swim camp buddy, Jax, and his two roommates, it sounds like the perfect solution to a nearly nonexistent social life. Jax’s presence does help solve the problem, but it also leads to a future that’s different and twice as romantic as what either of them ever imagined. Jax desperately needs a new hero in his life, and Benji needs to feel the support of family. Jax senses an attraction to Benji that goes beyond friendship, but he’s never fallen for a man before.

After stray sparks light a fire and slowly kindle it into a burning flame, Benji and Jax find a growing love that neither anticipated. Unfortunately, life circumstances threaten to break their fragile shared dream of a future in each other’s arms.

Hero is a 56,000-word gay romance with first time gay themes, a whole big bunch of family, and steamy scenes. It is the third book in the series The Mathesons and can be read as a standalone story but is best as a follow-up to First and Cowboy. There are no cliffhangers, and the story includes a guaranteed happy ending.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2019

75 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

Declan Rhodes

87 books169 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,504 reviews223 followers
April 23, 2019
First thing I have to say about this book is that the author did way too good a job writing it... if it hadn't been so over the top incredible I would not have been up till 1:30am this morning finishing it! As it was I started it when I got home from work and read the whole thing straight through non-stop. Mind you I tried to stop around 11pm... set it down for a minute and then picked it right back up and finished it! Without a doubt this book is my favorite of the series thus far (I may have said the same about book two but this one takes things up a few more notches. Benji and Jax are beyond just adorable, sexy and impossible to resist they are perfection. Wish I had a magic wand to bring them to life so I could be the filling in a Benji/Jax sandwich! The secondary characters were well done as well with each added just what was needed as necessary. Of course, getting to see glimpses of the Matheson clan plus significant others is always much appreciated. This series is definitely one of my all-time favorites. In addition I absolutely LOVED Jax's siblings, the truly added so much to this story. The only sad thing I have to relate is that there is only one more Matheson brother, Jamie to have his story told. i truly wish this series could just keep going on indefinitely! What an astoundingly fun, sexy and tear-inducing love story!
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author and have voluntarily reviewed it!
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,906 reviews99 followers
April 26, 2023
I loved this book just as much as the first. DeClan is certainly one of my go to authors. I decided to read this after starting two other books I didn’t care for. I was pretty sure I’d love this , and I did.

Benji is the sweetest of the Mathesons and Jax was his perfect partner.
Profile Image for Glenn.
429 reviews
August 30, 2025
Their personalities put them together, and then they fell in love, but who is the real hero

In this third book of the Mathesons’ series, one of the gay twins in the family is a PhD candidate in artificial intelligence science. Benji also teaches robotics at a Boston-based university and shares an off-campus apartment with two other students. It hosts regular social gatherings that are more subdued than some on-campus events, but they reflect the type of guys who attend.

Benji knows Jax, the one responsible for the rental, through his twin Jamie. Apparently, Jamie explored some things many years ago at a swim camp they both attended, and Jax did not respond to an after-hours adventure at the big pool that apparently Jamie used to learn whether he was gay or not. Jamie and Benji are close, and in their regular phone calls, Jamie often encourages Benji to trust Jax, who seems to act as the adult most of the time.

The growing connection between Benji and Jax stems from their strong family bonds. For Benji, the Mathesons come running when one of their own is in distress or celebration. For Jax, the shame of his father's arrest for embezzling millions weighs heavily on the family, leaving his mother depressed and often bedridden for days. During those times, Jax’s younger siblings care for themselves. Jax steps in as a rescuer, trying to keep his family together. He could use a hero.

This situation strains Jax and Benji’s relationship, but they are more aligned than not, with Benji joining Jax on emergency trips to his home to ensure his siblings are cared for while his mother is incapacitated. Benji is incredibly supportive of Jax's family and Jax himself.

Meanwhile, Benji receives an amazing opportunity to work for a month with a California institution on advanced artificial intelligence. This chance to participate in groundbreaking work by educators could be a major boost for Benji’s post-doctoral career, surpassing what was already expected. However, it means being away from Jax just as their relationship was blossoming and leading toward long-term happiness. Benji’s decision causes frustration for Jax, and a wedge forms between them.

But true to Declan Rhodes’ style, there is a happy ending with some emotional growth and blossoming futures.
Our author is a master storyteller. His prose suits this genre perfectly and never detracts from the narrative. With dual points of view in alternating chapters, the story moves swiftly, and Mr. Rhodes’ rich backstories help create a community you want to learn more about and explore further in his other books.

This is a wonderful addition to the Mathesons’ series.
1,787 reviews26 followers
April 28, 2019
Fast Moving But Missing a Beat

Don't get me wrong--I've been waiting for either Benji or his twin Jamie to be the subject of one of the books in this series and I got everything I hoped for in this one when it came to Benji.

Somewhat of an undefined but whiny character in the first in the series, he emerges as a hot little thing (on the cover, woof!) with a number of issues that basically boil down to the fact that like his brothers Mason and Tate, subjects of the first tow books, he's a workaholic. And even though he is openly gay like his other brothers, he doesn't seem to have developed any kinds of relationships with other guys over the years, at least none of which author Rhodes explains.

On the other hand, Jax, one of his new roommates and a high school acquaintance of brother Jamie, becomes the real focus of the book for a number of reasons, not the least of which he is determinedly, if not screamingly, portrayed as straight when Benji first meets up with him. Jax is the most centered of Benji's new roommates (the other two, Riley and Jordan, are just plain annoying).

The reason has a lot to do with the tragic events Jax and his family have experienced in the past year, which boil down to the fact that his father was sent to jail for embezzlement and his mother is falling apart while his younger brother and sister begin to suffer while Jax is two hours away at graduate school.

The way the Jax situation is handled is a testament to Rhodes way with words and his insight into personalities. However, what was missing for me was a logical, insightful and even conflicted account of how Jax came so quickly to get involved with Benji on more than a just-a-friends basis. That's even more important because this romance, when it develops and goes through its highs and lows, is the best developed thus far in the series.

On that score if the next book is about Jamie, it will be interesting to see if his story can come close to matching that of his twin. Looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews139 followers
May 8, 2019
Damn! Just when I thought Declan Rhodes couldn't get any better, she gifts us with Hero, the third book in the Mathesons' series.

I absolutely love this book and series. Everything about it. Every character, every storyline.

A huge fan of roommate romances, this one is perfect for me. When Benji moves in with Jax, they quickly become friends, with romantic feelings developing soon afterwards. I love them as a couple, as they are certainly different.

As friends, they are great, but as lovers they're spectacular. As for Benji and Jax, their romance is a delicious Gay for You story, full of great 1st times. And, holy hell, I never knew a hand-job could be so hot! If you like sexy and steamy, do not miss out on these two!


And Jax, wow, his background is tough with a horrible family situation. I enjoy how it's developed and carried out for Jax.

The storyline with Benji's twin, Jaime, is enjoyable. I especially appreciate the differences between the twins. It's entertaining, and greatly compliments the story.


Already an accomplished author, Declan Rhodes' writing continues to be strong. The pace is perfect and the angst is well done. Hero's both riveting and compelling. It's one of those delightful stories that will keep up reading late into the night. Emotional and completely satisfying, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,055 reviews11 followers
April 20, 2019
Two quiet guys; one introvert and one extrovert

What could these two have in common: A warming friendship kindling to love that's what. Benji
has moved to Boston for his AI degree, away from the warmth of his loving family. He's insecure since he's always been surrounded by his twin brother Jamie's connection. But life has separated them; Benji to Boston and Jamie to Dallas. Jamie has arranged for Benji to room with three others while all four work on their college degrees through Jamie's connection with Jax. On the surface Jax is like a breath of fresh air in that he exudes a calming influence on Benji's insecurities. But beneath Jax's extrovert personality there lies an intense family dynamic. Between Jax's father being in prison for embezzlement, his mother's heavy depression, and Jax's young siblings, Christian and Julia, having to cope with this swirling family drama Jax is left with dealing with all of it while attaining his college business degree. The drama is intense as each discovers their mutual attraction. This 3rd in The Mathesons series is a satisfying read and one that I got as an ARC.
3,754 reviews44 followers
April 22, 2019
Boston roommates share more than 🍕pizza and superhero📺 movies!😙
April 19, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4-4.5🌟 stars
Another good, well-written MM romance with complex characters and plenty of tender, caring cuddling and emotion, not just passion (though there is enough of that, too). The Matheson brothers at the center of this series are really lucky in finding such good partners. Jax, the third Matheson match-up's love interest, goes from straight to luvin' on PHD candidate Benji Matheson with no ambivalence or fears, and Jax has major family drama that he handles brilliantly. If you ask me, he's the true, grounded and self-sacrificing Hero of this story. But Benji was also a really sympathetic, introverted character that I could identify with. Forget the🎉 parties and give me a night in with good friends!😊

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
April 30, 2019
This series just keeps getting better, and that's really saying something since I've loved each couple in turn. That said, there's just something about Benji and Jax. They're great together even as friends and as that turns to more, they're hot enough to peel the paint off the walls. Even though this is a first time gay romance, at least for Jax, it doesn't really feel like one. We don't have that big freak out that I was expecting, and what drama there was didn't stem from that angle. Jax is such a lovable guy and I love that he isn't jaded despite his circumstances. Then we have Benji. I hadn't really formed an opinion of this Matheson brother from the first two books, but it didn't take long to love him here. The story is a great mix of sweet and sexy with a lot of laughs and just a touch of angst for this great couple. I'm excited to see what's in store for the next sibling in this crazy family, but one thing is sure - Rhodes has set the bar high with this one.
254 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2019
The next release in the fabulous Matheson clan series

Benji’s twin brother, Jamie, prods him out of isolation in his single apartment to live with three others. Benji meets Jax and the whirlwind starts. Benji develops a huge crush on Jax, but Jax is straight. It does not take long though before Jax starts to crush back.

I like that Declan does not overdo the labels straight, bi, gay as he develops Jax’s character. Just two people filling each others’ needs and falling for each other.

Declan Rhodes is maturing in his style. He is starting to tackle more substantive issues like depression, grief of a loved one and abandonment. This is the most emotionally probing book so far in the series. My only quibble is that I would have liked to read more about the developing relationship. I think he could have spun the story further.

A firm thumbs up.
1,645 reviews15 followers
April 23, 2019
HOT gay-for-him story with poignant moments
I love this series about the Matheson clan! Each one has been fascinating. In this one we find out more about Benji, one of the gay twins. He’s miserable by himself in the doctoral program in Boston until his twin, Jamie, introduces him to Jax, someone Jamie knew long ago at swim camp. Benji is attracted to Jax pretty much right away but Jax is straight so he decides to “lust for him” from afar…until, the day Jax kisses him! What will living as roommates be like?
Jax needs a hero in his life to supplant his father who is now in prison which causes major disruption at home with his mother and siblings. Will Benji be that person for him?
Read this M/M love story and tell me who’s the hero in the end. If you enjoy the “first-time” theme like I do, get this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended.
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2019
This is another great story in The Mathesons series and I really enjoyed it. The family dynamic is my favorite part of these books and I love how connected they all are. Benji is a sweetheart and I love how his twin pushes him to be more social. He and Jax are an interesting couple but I don't like how Jax acts near the end of the book even though I like how supportive and caring Jax is with his family and that he is willing to drop everything when they need him. It was great to see the couples from the previous books and the secondary characters are amazing. The ending is good and I look forward to reading the next book in this entertaining series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
May 3, 2019
Delightful characters, creative story-line together create wonderful story. Benji and Jax are such great characters, i fell in love with both of these really good men. Their journey to friendship and love is filled with honestly, passion and a deep desire for the other person to be happy.

The writing was really good and the story-line flowed well. I was quickly caught up in the story and enjoyed to supporting characters. It was wonderful to see some of Benji's family, people that we have come to know and love. I am especially fond of Tate and Simon and they played an important role in this beautiful story.

This book is the third of The Mathesons series and i have enjoyed each of the books, however this book can be read as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for GhostMMreader.
614 reviews12 followers
April 23, 2019
Declan Rhodes’ books have a few elements in common: simple straightforward writing, a lot of side characters interacting and influencing the MCs, very little angst, the MCs are good men, the heat level is spring-like.

This third instalment of the Mathesons series perfectly fits in this universe of brothers, very close to each other but determined to find their own way in life, work and love.

My only criticism to Benji and Jax story is related to the acceptance by Jax of his attraction to Benji without ever questioning the fact that he had always been straight and never was attracted to other man. I would have expected a little bit more internal struggle and doubts.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
May 9, 2019
I love the whole Matheson clan. They are so open and love so hard. It's just so sweet and amazing. Not only do they love their significant other, but they also draw everyone else in and love them all just as hard.

Benji was just a sweet and amazing character. I've liked him since we first saw him, and he's just grown on me. I liked seeing him get his HEA and bloom away from his twin.

Jax is definitely an oldest child. He definitely has that whole responsible for the world thing going on, but he's really good at it and he's really good at making sure that everyone is cared for.

Overall, I loved their chemistry and I thought that their story was excellent.
Profile Image for Joe McGowan.
310 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2019
3 out of 4 is not bad

Sadly, this is the weakest of the 4 book series, it’s disconnected to reality. In book 1, benji, has a bad sprain due to a skiing mishap. In this book this same injury is first referred to as a broken leg, and later in the story referred to as a broken ankle. Benji is called by his twins name Jamie at one point. The biggest stretch is when your asked to believe a Doctoral AI candidate is willing to pass up a month long slot at CalTech for a weeks long New relationship. Since each book is independent from the others, bypass this book, it adds nothing to the overall arc.
Profile Image for Samantha Tucker.
274 reviews11 followers
May 7, 2019
Great continuation of a great series

In Hero we get to read the story of the quiet Matheson twin, Benji. This book was sugary sweet with a teeny tiny bit of angst thrown in. Benji and Jax had an almost instant attraction but there's one little problem, Jax is straight. Or is he? Hero has one of my favorite tropes, gay for you, which in my opinion makes it worth the read. I love how much insight we got into Jax's family, especially his younger siblings. I really enjoyed the little bit of the Matheson clan we got to see in this book and I can't wait to read Jamie's book.
1,385 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2019
Lovely

This is a wonderful book with compelling characters. I think that Jax and Benji are wonderful characters that you want to hold on to from the beginning and you don't want to let go. I got a little misty eyed for a moment. I would have wanted to smack Jax, but I felt for him. He went about things the wrong way, but with the best intentions.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and think that you should read all the books In it. You need to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but you should.
450 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2019
Another awesome book by Declan Rhodes. This author is always a must read for me. This is the third book in the Mathesons series and it just keeps getting better. This is one fictional family I want to be a part of. Well written with fun and quirky characters. They use common sense even when things go wrong. They talk to each other and have each others back.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Simera.
1,795 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2019
This is the third book in the Mathesons and it is a sweet romance.
This is a sweet friends to lovers with great characters.
Benji finds himself in Boston away from his family and a little lost. Jax is his world just turned upside down. Jamie, Benji's brother suggest that he move in with Jax and his roommates. That is when things start to slow burn into more than friendship between the two.
This is a lovely read.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
April 26, 2019
I love Jax and Benji

An amazing and sweet love story with a major focus on family, Hero is a definite one click buy. The story is sweet, sexy and fun, with just a hint of drama. I absolutely love Benji and Jax together and think their interactions and evolution of their relationship was perfect... Adorable but with heat. I want more of this wonderful series.
Profile Image for mrs sarah frost.
451 reviews11 followers
May 6, 2019
Benji & Jax
Sweet gay-for-you friends to lovers. Benji & Jax start off as roommates,friends and finally lovers. The story is sweet and sexy between two loveable characters. Great to catch up with the other Matheson brothers and Jax's siblings Christian & Julia are adorable. Look forward to Jamie's book!
2,321 reviews8 followers
May 9, 2019
A great story with wonderful characters. Benji and Jax are great together. Their chemistry is spectacular and I love that they have a strong friendship and then develop a great love. This is a great series so far and I can't wait for more. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
583 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2019
Good

Benji needed a place to stay in Boston while working on his PhD. Jax needed a person in his life he could count on since his dad had received 20 years for embezzlement. And his family needed him. But along the way, he fell in love with Benji!
Profile Image for Celest.
6 reviews
May 13, 2019
I really love stories where geeks are able to find their matches. I really love how introverted Benjie is as I can relate at a personable level. Even though I haven’t read the first two books in the series, it was very enjoyable.
620 reviews
June 3, 2019
Another hit in the Mathesons series!!

Another great book in the Mathesons series. I absolutely loved Benji and Jax and I didn't want their story to end. Love the whole Matheson crew and the new addition of Riley and Jordan. Loved it!! Can't wait to read Jamie's story.
52 reviews
October 9, 2025
Hero?

I’m not sure who the hero was! 🤩 I know, sensing his character, ‘this was the perfect story for Beni! Jax’ s character really was a good match as well! Not the most complicated story it a wonderful read! Thanks Declan.😍🌈
925 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2019
A beautifully written first time romance. The chemistry can be felt by all. The love is true and the friendships are loyal. An excellent addition to the series. A must read!
1,759 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2019
I'm a fan of this whole series, but I think this story might be my favorite. Absolutely loved Jax and Benji's chemistry. Hoping we get Jamie's story soon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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