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Bar 28 #1
Gus
Take one hot nerd
Add a sexy bar owner
For a one-night stand
All Gus wants is a night out and a hot hook-up before he starts his final year of university.
Max has always been a player. One look at the sexy guy with the black guyliner and he’s found his bed partner for the night.
What neither of them expected is the deep connection. Gus runs from his feelings. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. When Max wakes up and finds his bed empty, he’s disappointed, more than he thought possible.
Then Gus turns up as the newest bartender at Bar 28, the bar Max owns with his brother. Max isn’t going to let Gus get away from him again.
Can you really trust your instincts and believe you’ve found the one person you’re meant to be with?
Gus Bar 28 is a sweet and sexy gay romance, filled with tender moments and heartbreaking emotions.
Add a sexy bar owner
For a one-night stand
All Gus wants is a night out and a hot hook-up before he starts his final year of university.
Max has always been a player. One look at the sexy guy with the black guyliner and he’s found his bed partner for the night.
What neither of them expected is the deep connection. Gus runs from his feelings. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. When Max wakes up and finds his bed empty, he’s disappointed, more than he thought possible.
Then Gus turns up as the newest bartender at Bar 28, the bar Max owns with his brother. Max isn’t going to let Gus get away from him again.
Can you really trust your instincts and believe you’ve found the one person you’re meant to be with?
Gus Bar 28 is a sweet and sexy gay romance, filled with tender moments and heartbreaking emotions.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2020
230 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Harper
51 books580 followersHiding behind a quiet unassuming facade J J reads and writes hot sexy stories. Stories of men loving men as well as women loving men.
What would the neighbors think!!
As long as the men are hot alpha's and the women are strong in their own right then they have a place in J J's books.
JJ also has a kinkier side and writes under the name of AG Silver. So, make sure you look out for those books too.
Catch her on:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/findingme.se...
Twitter
https://twitter.com/jessjhoney
Sign up for a newsletter and receive teasers and upcoming releases :
http://eepurl.com/bSKDrL
What would the neighbors think!!
As long as the men are hot alpha's and the women are strong in their own right then they have a place in J J's books.
JJ also has a kinkier side and writes under the name of AG Silver. So, make sure you look out for those books too.
Catch her on:
https://www.facebook.com/findingme.se...
https://twitter.com/jessjhoney
Sign up for a newsletter and receive teasers and upcoming releases :
http://eepurl.com/bSKDrL
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
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October 10, 2022
MM Romance
One Night Stand-Love At First Sight
DNF @ 76%
This book sucks and I refuse to waste another minute on it despite it being only 103 pages. 😂😂😂 I wanted to read book 5 in this series but thought I’d start from the top but now I think I’ll skip these books altogether. I can do porn without plot when the sex scenes are fucking hot as long as I feel something, anything between the couple but these two are so boring, so lackluster and the sex scenes are incredibly fucking boring. It doesn’t help that this writing style is just all over the place. One minute they are fucking and in the next sentence, in the same paragraph they are in the bar. Then, after 5 days of just fucking, somehow these two are in love with each other and I cannot continue to endure cringy dialogue like “Fuck me hard, my lover” or read their mind numbing inner monologues that are making my eyes glaze over. The last straw was the random hate crime that happens around 70% because nothing so horrible should be in such a superficial shitty book so I’m returning this to ku and pretending this series doesn’t exist. Buh bye 👋 🥱😴
One Night Stand-Love At First Sight
DNF @ 76%
This book sucks and I refuse to waste another minute on it despite it being only 103 pages. 😂😂😂 I wanted to read book 5 in this series but thought I’d start from the top but now I think I’ll skip these books altogether. I can do porn without plot when the sex scenes are fucking hot as long as I feel something, anything between the couple but these two are so boring, so lackluster and the sex scenes are incredibly fucking boring. It doesn’t help that this writing style is just all over the place. One minute they are fucking and in the next sentence, in the same paragraph they are in the bar. Then, after 5 days of just fucking, somehow these two are in love with each other and I cannot continue to endure cringy dialogue like “Fuck me hard, my lover” or read their mind numbing inner monologues that are making my eyes glaze over. The last straw was the random hate crime that happens around 70% because nothing so horrible should be in such a superficial shitty book so I’m returning this to ku and pretending this series doesn’t exist. Buh bye 👋 🥱😴
August 23, 2020
Take one hot nerd
Add a sexy bar owner
For a one-night stand
All Gus wants is a night out and a hot hook-up before he starts his final year of university.
Max has always been a player. One look at the sexy guy with the black guyliner and he’s found his bed partner for the night.
Max and Gus have a one night stand and Gus leaves before Max wakes up. The next day he finds himself, unknowingly taking a job at Max's club.
When Max woke up that morning, he was disappointed to not find Gus there, he is not usually a guy to do so, he only indulges in one-night stands and is quite happy with it but with Gus he felt an instant connection.
Uhhh...where do I start? I really liked how this book started but then it all went downhill for me...
I mean a guy wearing eyeliner? y e s
A sexy bar owner who doesn't do more than hook-ups? y e s
Please tell me that I wasn't the only one getting the Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood vibes!
(pictures to bless your eyes)
(I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!)
But then, the story just didn't live up to my expectations, I guess🤷🏻♀️
Problems I had with the book:
○ The language.. "my lover" and "my amazing person"...I think it meant "my man" or something but the language was weird
○ The start was nice, but it was very inta-loveishh and there was no relationship, tbh. Like they never spent time together except for sex
○ The so called "plot twist" with was just
m e h h h and trust me, I'm putting it in a nice and interesting way but n o t h i n g about it was nice or interesting! Like b o r i n g
Other than that, I liked the fact that their relationship was straightforward and drama free and they were both very straightforward with their feeling.
Overall it was a enjoyable read but would I recommended it? m a y b e
Add a sexy bar owner
For a one-night stand
All Gus wants is a night out and a hot hook-up before he starts his final year of university.
Max has always been a player. One look at the sexy guy with the black guyliner and he’s found his bed partner for the night.
Max and Gus have a one night stand and Gus leaves before Max wakes up. The next day he finds himself, unknowingly taking a job at Max's club.
When Max woke up that morning, he was disappointed to not find Gus there, he is not usually a guy to do so, he only indulges in one-night stands and is quite happy with it but with Gus he felt an instant connection.
Uhhh...where do I start? I really liked how this book started but then it all went downhill for me...
I mean a guy wearing eyeliner? y e s
A sexy bar owner who doesn't do more than hook-ups? y e s
Please tell me that I wasn't the only one getting the Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood vibes!
(pictures to bless your eyes)
(I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!)
But then, the story just didn't live up to my expectations, I guess🤷🏻♀️
Problems I had with the book:
○ The language.. "my lover" and "my amazing person"...I think it meant "my man" or something but the language was weird
○ The start was nice, but it was very inta-loveishh and there was no relationship, tbh. Like they never spent time together except for sex
○ The so called "plot twist" with was just
m e h h h and trust me, I'm putting it in a nice and interesting way but n o t h i n g about it was nice or interesting! Like b o r i n g
Other than that, I liked the fact that their relationship was straightforward and drama free and they were both very straightforward with their feeling.
Overall it was a enjoyable read but would I recommended it? m a y b e
July 24, 2020
Overall, I felt this book was rather vapid. It's just insta-love and sex, with a dash of shallow angst.
It started out fine enough, but there is a certain level of immaturity that comes through both in the characters and the writing itself. Don't forgo fleshing out and developing your characters and plot, and then write out a seven page sex scene... one of the many in this book.
We are told that Gus is a very take charge, in control person, but he honestly came off as a bit of a damsel in distress to me. Meanwhile, Max is banging on his chest, doing the whole caveman act, to the point he might as well just pee on Gus. Gus and Max, 21 & 30 respectively, have the emotional maturity of young teen.
A lot of events happen off page, or are just glossed over, that I feel would have done a lot to help me connect to Max & Gus, both individually and as a couple.
On the night of their hook up, we get a sex scene. And then we are told how much they connected, that it wasn't just sex, that they spent hours talking. Great, all I got to experiencing them talking about was Max's monster dick.
Later on, when they go out on a date, they arrive at the restaurant:
They go to a restaurant for dinner, and the entire meal is glossed over. They arrive, and then Gus puts down his spoon. What happened to the getting seated, talking over ordering, talking while waiting for your food, giving your characters a chance to get to know each other, and for you readers to get to know them, too.
And after their first not-quite-a-week together, we are told it is now two weeks later. And then we are told that the following weeks went quickly, and then another week has gone by. Before you know it, 3.5 months were just completely glossed over.
There are two points of conflict in this book.
The first happens when Max has burnt his hand. Gus asks to look at it and tries to fuss over it and Max says that he is "fine. Leave it, please.. Gus "drops his arm and steps back, a look of shocked hurt on his face." Gus spends the rest of his time at work being distant towards Max. Max apologizes, and while Gus tells him it's okay, Max notes that Gus really isn't okay and that he screwed up. Gus unenthusiastically goes home with Max that night, so Max doesn't think Gus is "rejecting him after his shitty attitude." Max once more apologizes for being a "fucking idiot" and for "snapping at" Gus.
The second is an event that happens to Gus, but we witness only the last bit of it from Max's POV. I think this would have been a really good chance to have the readers empathize Gus if that event had been told from his POV, as it, like so many other things, was just glossed over.
"Baby" is used as a pet name over 40 times.
There were a few wonky sentences that would jar you out of the story. Like when Gus takes not of "an incredibly attractive man, who's not even pretending to check [him] out." I assume that that should read as "not even pretending he wasn't checking me out", or something similar. Because if he isn't even pretending to check you out, I would assume he would be straight up ignoring you. The dialogue came across very unnatural.
The cover is pretty, though.
After giving a 1-star rating to two out of two J.J. Harper books I've read, it's time to call it quits. I'm not a fan of the writing. It hasn't improved much in two years, IMO.
It started out fine enough, but there is a certain level of immaturity that comes through both in the characters and the writing itself. Don't forgo fleshing out and developing your characters and plot, and then write out a seven page sex scene... one of the many in this book.
We are told that Gus is a very take charge, in control person, but he honestly came off as a bit of a damsel in distress to me. Meanwhile, Max is banging on his chest, doing the whole caveman act, to the point he might as well just pee on Gus. Gus and Max, 21 & 30 respectively, have the emotional maturity of young teen.
A lot of events happen off page, or are just glossed over, that I feel would have done a lot to help me connect to Max & Gus, both individually and as a couple.
On the night of their hook up, we get a sex scene. And then we are told how much they connected, that it wasn't just sex, that they spent hours talking. Great, all I got to experiencing them talking about was Max's monster dick.
Later on, when they go out on a date, they arrive at the restaurant:
We wander down to one of my favourite Italian restaurants. Gus's eyes light up, and he grins at me. "I love this place. They have the best tiramisu I've ever taste."
"You'd best leave some room for it, then."
Gus finally puts his spoon down on the plate."Have you finished making sex noises?"
They go to a restaurant for dinner, and the entire meal is glossed over. They arrive, and then Gus puts down his spoon. What happened to the getting seated, talking over ordering, talking while waiting for your food, giving your characters a chance to get to know each other, and for you readers to get to know them, too.
And after their first not-quite-a-week together, we are told it is now two weeks later. And then we are told that the following weeks went quickly, and then another week has gone by. Before you know it, 3.5 months were just completely glossed over.
There are two points of conflict in this book.
The first happens when Max has burnt his hand. Gus asks to look at it and tries to fuss over it and Max says that he is "fine. Leave it, please.. Gus "drops his arm and steps back, a look of shocked hurt on his face." Gus spends the rest of his time at work being distant towards Max. Max apologizes, and while Gus tells him it's okay, Max notes that Gus really isn't okay and that he screwed up. Gus unenthusiastically goes home with Max that night, so Max doesn't think Gus is "rejecting him after his shitty attitude." Max once more apologizes for being a "fucking idiot" and for "snapping at" Gus.
The second is an event that happens to Gus, but we witness only the last bit of it from Max's POV. I think this would have been a really good chance to have the readers empathize Gus if that event had been told from his POV, as it, like so many other things, was just glossed over.
"Baby" is used as a pet name over 40 times.
There were a few wonky sentences that would jar you out of the story. Like when Gus takes not of "an incredibly attractive man, who's not even pretending to check [him] out." I assume that that should read as "not even pretending he wasn't checking me out", or something similar. Because if he isn't even pretending to check you out, I would assume he would be straight up ignoring you. The dialogue came across very unnatural.
The cover is pretty, though.
After giving a 1-star rating to two out of two J.J. Harper books I've read, it's time to call it quits. I'm not a fan of the writing. It hasn't improved much in two years, IMO.
May 30, 2022
Full disclosure, I ignored the not-so-great reviews and read this book anyway because the boy on the cover is gorgeous. Call me what you want, I probably deserve it.
This was basically insta-love pwp that made me roll my eyes so hard I got a headache. It was a midnight fantasy written down and filled in with manufactured drama that we've all seen done before and better. There was no depth because the things that would have added depth happened off the page. Max and Gus had zero personality traits outside of how they felt about and reacted to each other. I did find the other bartenders interesting, but I'm hesitant to pick up the next book in the series if it's anything like this one.
This was basically insta-love pwp that made me roll my eyes so hard I got a headache. It was a midnight fantasy written down and filled in with manufactured drama that we've all seen done before and better. There was no depth because the things that would have added depth happened off the page. Max and Gus had zero personality traits outside of how they felt about and reacted to each other. I did find the other bartenders interesting, but I'm hesitant to pick up the next book in the series if it's anything like this one.
dnf
October 30, 2022dnf’d. the story line was good but the writing wasn’t that great. kinda read like a wattpad story. the author is also british so i didn’t understand much of the slang.
July 22, 2023
Hilariously paced.
Sex carefully described; plot,
talking, romance skipped.
Sex carefully described; plot,
talking, romance skipped.
May 21, 2022
Sweet Read!
Sexy, college-student Gus hookup with hot bar-owner Max but is a one-night stand enough?! This is an enjoyable, light angst, sweet, a bit simplistic romance with likable MCs. This tale has the author’s signature heavy on sexy times but still enough story to be interesting. Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexy, college-student Gus hookup with hot bar-owner Max but is a one-night stand enough?! This is an enjoyable, light angst, sweet, a bit simplistic romance with likable MCs. This tale has the author’s signature heavy on sexy times but still enough story to be interesting. Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 30, 2020
So Gus is here and so is the beginning of a sweet, fun, sexy and heartwarming series of the Bar 28 boys.
I have wanted this story to be written so badly and it’s the perfect antidote to the worrying times in the real world right now.
The story begins when Gus & Max meet up on a night out and decide to go with their immediate feelings and lust and spend the night together.
Whilst there are no promises of anything more Max is saddened to wake up alone but knows it’s unlikely he’ll see Gus again, but imagine his surprise when.......
From here JJ Harper weaves an engaging tale of young love, it was fun, it was light, it was real and it was sexy- it was everything I love in a story.
JJ can certainly turn her hand to many styles of writing and within various genres but undoubtedly for me this is what I live for- the sweet, the sassy, the tender filled romances that rock my world and no-one does it better than this author!
The tale is exceptionally entertaining, the writing sublime with no interruption in the flow of the story, the editing is on point as usual and can we please talk about that stunning cover 😱
So please if you do nothing else pick up this first book in the series, it’s uplifting, it’s heartwarming you’ll be smiling from ear to ear, aaaand 💯 satisfaction guaranteed.
Now all I have to do is wait for the rest of the series patiently....kind of 🙄and hope you all give it a chance because we all need some happy and believe me this book is choc full of happy.
A marvellous 5 ⭐️ start!
Thank you from the bottom of my little heart ♥️
Merged review:
So Gus is here and so is the beginning of a sweet, fun, sexy and heartwarming series of the Bar 28 boys.
I have wanted this story to be written so badly and it’s the perfect antidote to the worrying times in the real world right now.
The story begins when Gus & Max meet up on a night out and decide to go with their immediate feelings and lust and spend the night together.
Whilst there are no promises of anything more Max is saddened to wake up alone but knows it’s unlikely he’ll see Gus again, but imagine his surprise when.......
From here JJ Harper weaves an engaging tale of young love, it was fun, it was light, it was real and it was sexy- it was everything I love in a story.
JJ can certainly turn her hand to many styles of writing and within various genres but undoubtedly for me this is what I live for- the sweet, the sassy, the tender filled romances that rock my world and no-one does it better than this author!
The tale is exceptionally entertaining, the writing sublime with no interruption in the flow of the story, the editing is on point as usual and can we please talk about that stunning cover 😱
So please if you do nothing else pick up this first book in the series, it’s uplifting, it’s heartwarming you’ll be smiling from ear to ear, aaaand 💯 satisfaction guaranteed.
Now all I have to do is wait for the rest of the series patiently....kind of 🙄and hope you all give it a chance because we all need some happy and believe me this book is choc full of happy.
A marvellous 5 ⭐️ start!
Thank you from the bottom of my little heart ♥️
I have wanted this story to be written so badly and it’s the perfect antidote to the worrying times in the real world right now.
The story begins when Gus & Max meet up on a night out and decide to go with their immediate feelings and lust and spend the night together.
Whilst there are no promises of anything more Max is saddened to wake up alone but knows it’s unlikely he’ll see Gus again, but imagine his surprise when.......
From here JJ Harper weaves an engaging tale of young love, it was fun, it was light, it was real and it was sexy- it was everything I love in a story.
JJ can certainly turn her hand to many styles of writing and within various genres but undoubtedly for me this is what I live for- the sweet, the sassy, the tender filled romances that rock my world and no-one does it better than this author!
The tale is exceptionally entertaining, the writing sublime with no interruption in the flow of the story, the editing is on point as usual and can we please talk about that stunning cover 😱
So please if you do nothing else pick up this first book in the series, it’s uplifting, it’s heartwarming you’ll be smiling from ear to ear, aaaand 💯 satisfaction guaranteed.
Now all I have to do is wait for the rest of the series patiently....kind of 🙄and hope you all give it a chance because we all need some happy and believe me this book is choc full of happy.
A marvellous 5 ⭐️ start!
Thank you from the bottom of my little heart ♥️
Merged review:
So Gus is here and so is the beginning of a sweet, fun, sexy and heartwarming series of the Bar 28 boys.
I have wanted this story to be written so badly and it’s the perfect antidote to the worrying times in the real world right now.
The story begins when Gus & Max meet up on a night out and decide to go with their immediate feelings and lust and spend the night together.
Whilst there are no promises of anything more Max is saddened to wake up alone but knows it’s unlikely he’ll see Gus again, but imagine his surprise when.......
From here JJ Harper weaves an engaging tale of young love, it was fun, it was light, it was real and it was sexy- it was everything I love in a story.
JJ can certainly turn her hand to many styles of writing and within various genres but undoubtedly for me this is what I live for- the sweet, the sassy, the tender filled romances that rock my world and no-one does it better than this author!
The tale is exceptionally entertaining, the writing sublime with no interruption in the flow of the story, the editing is on point as usual and can we please talk about that stunning cover 😱
So please if you do nothing else pick up this first book in the series, it’s uplifting, it’s heartwarming you’ll be smiling from ear to ear, aaaand 💯 satisfaction guaranteed.
Now all I have to do is wait for the rest of the series patiently....kind of 🙄and hope you all give it a chance because we all need some happy and believe me this book is choc full of happy.
A marvellous 5 ⭐️ start!
Thank you from the bottom of my little heart ♥️
August 23, 2020
Marked down a star because Max had the jealousy of a 12 year old. He got all growly because Gus was going to work with a good looking bartender and they'd want to date him. Jesus. You either trust the guy you are with to politely turn them down (and not go behind the bosses back and screw with his boyfriend) or not. You are so thrilled he's good-looking but don't want anyone to talk to him or look at him or work with him. It was a bit too insta-lovey and too much emphasis on sex and not on how they got to know each other. I'm surprised Gus could walk after 3 and 4 times a night.
Just not for me I guess.
Just not for me I guess.
August 28, 2020
This was a lovely sweet story. Yes there was a lot of surgery situations. But you had to love Gus. He was honest and cute, and he knew wanted.
I honestly needed an easy love story, for the amount of unrest and covid happening now.
I honestly needed an easy love story, for the amount of unrest and covid happening now.
July 24, 2022
2.5. meh. very superficial read, but it was only a novella so l guess that's expected.
September 29, 2022
Instant love!!!! It takes longer for Minute Rice to cook than for these two to fall in love.
August 25, 2020
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the story, but honestly, I felt that there was way too much telling and not enough showing. The first part of the book – where they dance around each other a little before hooking up – was fantastic. It sucked me into the story and had me eager to read more. It was after that, with the exception of super long sex scenes, that I felt were too rushed. As much as I wanted to, I never truly felt the romance. The sex? Absolutely, but not the romance. I also didn’t see where Gus was the nerd described in the blurb. Sure, he’s in his 4th year of college but…? He didn’t dress like a nerd (anything but). He didn’t act like the classic nerd I see in books (again, far from it). I’m guessing his smarts made him that way?
There's a lot of jumping ahead in this book. They'll be talking one minute and naked and having sex in the next paragraph. I mentioned the sex scenes being super long. Not a bad thing, right? It is if the sex scenes overshadow the romance and other parts of the story - important parts of the story. Something dramatic is happening with Gus in the background. I think had more detail been given to that and a few less on the sex I'd have enjoyed this more.
I didn't hate it. It just didn't wow me.
Full review can be found at -
I enjoyed the story, but honestly, I felt that there was way too much telling and not enough showing. The first part of the book – where they dance around each other a little before hooking up – was fantastic. It sucked me into the story and had me eager to read more. It was after that, with the exception of super long sex scenes, that I felt were too rushed. As much as I wanted to, I never truly felt the romance. The sex? Absolutely, but not the romance. I also didn’t see where Gus was the nerd described in the blurb. Sure, he’s in his 4th year of college but…? He didn’t dress like a nerd (anything but). He didn’t act like the classic nerd I see in books (again, far from it). I’m guessing his smarts made him that way?
There's a lot of jumping ahead in this book. They'll be talking one minute and naked and having sex in the next paragraph. I mentioned the sex scenes being super long. Not a bad thing, right? It is if the sex scenes overshadow the romance and other parts of the story - important parts of the story. Something dramatic is happening with Gus in the background. I think had more detail been given to that and a few less on the sex I'd have enjoyed this more.
I didn't hate it. It just didn't wow me.
Full review can be found at -
July 12, 2020
Hoping for more improvement as the series progresses
This was an okay book. There wasn't a lot of plot, there wasn't a lot of character development, and there wasn't a lot of editing done. There were quite a few places where the grammar errors really took away from the story. I'm hoping that the author improves in the next book in the series. If you're looking for something to read without getting invested, this would be the book. You just have to look past the errors.
This was an okay book. There wasn't a lot of plot, there wasn't a lot of character development, and there wasn't a lot of editing done. There were quite a few places where the grammar errors really took away from the story. I'm hoping that the author improves in the next book in the series. If you're looking for something to read without getting invested, this would be the book. You just have to look past the errors.
September 21, 2023
What happenes when a gay bar co-owner and a younger gay college student meet?
4 stars
Along with his brother, Dean, Max owns the Bar 28. While out with his friends one night, August (Gus) goes into Bar 28, dressed in a provocative outfit and makeup. Max cannot stop staring at the younger man as he dances with abandon on the dance floor. Max joins him and their relationship begins.
A wonderful story with excellent dialogue, well fleshed out characters, both main and secondary, and exceptional world building combine to make this a book worth reading. Filled with true emotions, firey passion and just the correct amount of heat, Gus and Max's story is truly delightful!
The first the the Bar 28 series, with bartender Sawyer up next. I am ready for more from these close-knit characters.
4 stars
Along with his brother, Dean, Max owns the Bar 28. While out with his friends one night, August (Gus) goes into Bar 28, dressed in a provocative outfit and makeup. Max cannot stop staring at the younger man as he dances with abandon on the dance floor. Max joins him and their relationship begins.
A wonderful story with excellent dialogue, well fleshed out characters, both main and secondary, and exceptional world building combine to make this a book worth reading. Filled with true emotions, firey passion and just the correct amount of heat, Gus and Max's story is truly delightful!
The first the the Bar 28 series, with bartender Sawyer up next. I am ready for more from these close-knit characters.
June 6, 2022
This was a very sweet start to a series if you’re after a very light and simple story. There isn’t a whole lot of plot but I like the premise of a series based around all the employees of a very cool bar.
Gus is a university student looking for a quick hook up before his final year starts, he’s uber cool with his guyliner and he’s an absolute delight of a human with the smarts to go with it.
Max is the owner of the bar and their attraction is pretty instant, they have some super hot chemistry that means he is definitely looking for more than one night with Gus but he wakes up alone and turns into a total grump over it.
Fate intervenes and Gus ends up working at his bar so yeah the chase is on.. it’s a classic trope and it’s super light but a great little start to a series.
Gus is a university student looking for a quick hook up before his final year starts, he’s uber cool with his guyliner and he’s an absolute delight of a human with the smarts to go with it.
Max is the owner of the bar and their attraction is pretty instant, they have some super hot chemistry that means he is definitely looking for more than one night with Gus but he wakes up alone and turns into a total grump over it.
Fate intervenes and Gus ends up working at his bar so yeah the chase is on.. it’s a classic trope and it’s super light but a great little start to a series.
July 2, 2020
Fantastic start to Bar 28 series? Gus and Max Cutiest Couple ever Love them they meet on a night out and straight away the Attraction they feel for each other so Passionate and Hot. Gus thinking its only one night is surprised when he goes for a job at Bar 28 and sees Max again who owns it with is brother, they can't stay away from each other. Gus with his blue and green eye and wearing makeup which I love and Max who's Gorgeous with a Sexy smile. Brilliant and Captivating Book Deserves more than 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 2, 2020
When a hook up becomes so much more....
I loved these characters. They were really endearing. Gus and Max are sexy and sweet with each other. Their chemistry is off the charts! WOWSER!
This is a great to start to a new series.
I really look forward to book 2!
I loved these characters. They were really endearing. Gus and Max are sexy and sweet with each other. Their chemistry is off the charts! WOWSER!
This is a great to start to a new series.
I really look forward to book 2!
July 19, 2021
3.25 stars
I liked both MCs, but they didn't pull me in to their story as much as this author's Heavyload! series. Which I keep meaning to get back to someday...maybe sooner now than before I read this one!
I liked both MCs, but they didn't pull me in to their story as much as this author's Heavyload! series. Which I keep meaning to get back to someday...maybe sooner now than before I read this one!
May 8, 2022
I do love an insta-connection steamy story every now and then. They are fun, hot, and break up some of the heavier reading I do. I also really enjoy JJ Harper's writing style.
July 18, 2021
Wow
Been a while since I've read a book by JJ Harper this one was amazing was hooked from the first page couldn't put down just love Gus and max can't wait to read the next book in this series I highly recommend this book
Been a while since I've read a book by JJ Harper this one was amazing was hooked from the first page couldn't put down just love Gus and max can't wait to read the next book in this series I highly recommend this book
July 10, 2020
If you want one of those hot, sexy stories that just make your day, this is the one for you. But I will warn you, there are some triggers in it. There is a hate crime and another possible one that is issued to one of the MCs and it causes some emotional distress and paranoia. So please be advised.
Gus wanted to blow off a night and just relax with his friends before the coursework of uni gets started. He knows it’s going to be busy while he’s doing his work and finding a job to help ends meet. But what he didn’t expect that night was to find the man of his dreams in a look. Max was reluctant to go out that night. He really didn’t want to but decided to. And he’s now glad he did as he lays eyes on the hottest young man he’s ever seen. One thing leads to another and they have the best night either has ever had. But Gus runs out before they both wake up and have that awkward morning, only to find out one of the bosses of his new job, is the man he just spent the night with. And they have some things to discuss. Meaning Max didn’t want him to leave and wants more from Gus than one night. For some reason, he wants it all with Gus and won’t be happy until they are locked together for good. But as good as everything is, life has a way of making a good thing tough. But Max shows his love and support by being all that Gus needs and for Gus, he knows Max is it for him. If they can stay the course, it will be a happily ever after for both of them.
This is one of those instalust turned instalove stories that turn out adorable. Max, this big guy, looks like a puppy wanting to follow Gus around and pee around him to mark his territory. Which is quite funny to everyone because he’s never acted that way before. And Gus is just a sweet soul. Super smart and talented, he’s got this personality that just makes you want to bask in his glow forever. So it’s a sweet story. It’s one of those that are sexy and loaded with passion in the bedroom, but it’s more than that. They actually want to take the time to get to know everything about each other. So it’s intimate as well..
It’s a good story. Sweet, funny, sexy and all you could want in a romantic story. I Think you guys will love it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Gus wanted to blow off a night and just relax with his friends before the coursework of uni gets started. He knows it’s going to be busy while he’s doing his work and finding a job to help ends meet. But what he didn’t expect that night was to find the man of his dreams in a look. Max was reluctant to go out that night. He really didn’t want to but decided to. And he’s now glad he did as he lays eyes on the hottest young man he’s ever seen. One thing leads to another and they have the best night either has ever had. But Gus runs out before they both wake up and have that awkward morning, only to find out one of the bosses of his new job, is the man he just spent the night with. And they have some things to discuss. Meaning Max didn’t want him to leave and wants more from Gus than one night. For some reason, he wants it all with Gus and won’t be happy until they are locked together for good. But as good as everything is, life has a way of making a good thing tough. But Max shows his love and support by being all that Gus needs and for Gus, he knows Max is it for him. If they can stay the course, it will be a happily ever after for both of them.
This is one of those instalust turned instalove stories that turn out adorable. Max, this big guy, looks like a puppy wanting to follow Gus around and pee around him to mark his territory. Which is quite funny to everyone because he’s never acted that way before. And Gus is just a sweet soul. Super smart and talented, he’s got this personality that just makes you want to bask in his glow forever. So it’s a sweet story. It’s one of those that are sexy and loaded with passion in the bedroom, but it’s more than that. They actually want to take the time to get to know everything about each other. So it’s intimate as well..
It’s a good story. Sweet, funny, sexy and all you could want in a romantic story. I Think you guys will love it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
July 5, 2020
Gus is the first book in the Bar 28 series. A new series by J.J. Harper. I loved this book so much. It's about 21 year old student August 'Gus' and 30 year old Max. They meet as an one night stand but can't forget each other. Gus gets a job at Bar 28 and there they meet again, because Max is the owner together with his brother.
Gus and Max are so sweet, hot and good together. I loved their story. Can't wait for the next book.
Gus and Max are so sweet, hot and good together. I loved their story. Can't wait for the next book.
January 22, 2023
DNF @40%
I read the reviews before and I am wondering why I started this book. It really does suck unfortunately. No real depth, not much character development, cringy at times, and egregious grammatical errors.
I read the reviews before and I am wondering why I started this book. It really does suck unfortunately. No real depth, not much character development, cringy at times, and egregious grammatical errors.
July 11, 2020
This is a beautiful book to read and I really took to Max and Gus from the start.
Gus is a uni student and when he goes out at night he likes to dress up, wear makeup and jewellery and contact lenses to cover up the fact that he has one brown eye and one blue eye. Max and his brother own a couple of the local bars including Bar 28 which has a nightclub downstairs, but apart from his brother, work and going to the gym Max doesn't have anyone else in his life. Before Gus starts his final year at uni, he wants one last night out with his friends which will hopefully end in a hot hookup. He spies a slightly older, sexy man standing at the bar and as soon as their eyes meet they are instantly attracted to one another. Neither of them are looking for a steady relationship, but when Max wakes up alone in his bed the next day, he somehow feels a great sense of loss. Gus applies for a job at the bar he visited the night before, having no idea that Max is the co-owner of it. No one recognizes him from before and he gets the job. Things are a bit awkward when he meets Max and realises who he actually is. The attraction is still there in force and so begins their relationship and story along with a few twists and turns along the way.
i totally recommend this book, especially if you are looking for an easy read with two very likeable and hot characters along with some wonderful side characters. I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series and the other characters from Bar 28.
Gus is a uni student and when he goes out at night he likes to dress up, wear makeup and jewellery and contact lenses to cover up the fact that he has one brown eye and one blue eye. Max and his brother own a couple of the local bars including Bar 28 which has a nightclub downstairs, but apart from his brother, work and going to the gym Max doesn't have anyone else in his life. Before Gus starts his final year at uni, he wants one last night out with his friends which will hopefully end in a hot hookup. He spies a slightly older, sexy man standing at the bar and as soon as their eyes meet they are instantly attracted to one another. Neither of them are looking for a steady relationship, but when Max wakes up alone in his bed the next day, he somehow feels a great sense of loss. Gus applies for a job at the bar he visited the night before, having no idea that Max is the co-owner of it. No one recognizes him from before and he gets the job. Things are a bit awkward when he meets Max and realises who he actually is. The attraction is still there in force and so begins their relationship and story along with a few twists and turns along the way.
i totally recommend this book, especially if you are looking for an easy read with two very likeable and hot characters along with some wonderful side characters. I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series and the other characters from Bar 28.
Read
July 2, 2020Gus Bar 28 by JJ Harper is the story of Gus, a college student, and Max, one of the owners of Bar 28. Gus has returned to the city for his senior year of college. He and a group of friends decide to go out for a final fling before school starts. He meets Max at a bar when they stop by for a drink before going on to Bar 28 to dance and have fun. Gus and Max both feel an instant connection and Gus invites Max to follow him to Bar 28. Max does not tell him who he is but they end up having a hook up. Gus leaves in the morning without saying good-bye and both are sad that they didn’t give each other their information. Then Gus applies for a job as a bar tender at Bar 28 and discovers who Max is. The book continues and shows how their relationship quickly grows. It doesn’t take long for them to figure out that they are each other’s “one”. There is also a little suspense in it when Gus is attacked and Max is worried that after the school year ends he will leave to find a job in another city. If you like insta-love stories with some age gap and a lot of sexy times then you will enjoy this book.
May 13, 2022
A fun, emotional, quick read
I loved this first book in the series and look forward to reading the rest. The author has done a great job creating a wonderful little world and chat tears that we want to know and see thrive.
This first book centers on Max, one of the owners of Bar 28, and Gus, the college student he picks up for a hookup who he never wants to see leave. Both characters are interesting and have different issues to deal with. The author does a good job getting us invested in these two while saying just enough about several secondary characters to have us curious about them which makes for a nice segue into the next book.
The traumatic moment is rough and the author manages to convey the horror without being too graphic or over the top. In fact the simplicity of the description actually makes it more dramatic as we can use our imaginations to mull over the impact. The resolution to it is confusing for me but that could be because I’m an American who might not fully understand the British justice system. Seems a bit too light for me.
The ending is sweet and romantic and I look forward to seeing more of these characters in the books to come.
I loved this first book in the series and look forward to reading the rest. The author has done a great job creating a wonderful little world and chat tears that we want to know and see thrive.
This first book centers on Max, one of the owners of Bar 28, and Gus, the college student he picks up for a hookup who he never wants to see leave. Both characters are interesting and have different issues to deal with. The author does a good job getting us invested in these two while saying just enough about several secondary characters to have us curious about them which makes for a nice segue into the next book.
The traumatic moment is rough and the author manages to convey the horror without being too graphic or over the top. In fact the simplicity of the description actually makes it more dramatic as we can use our imaginations to mull over the impact. The resolution to it is confusing for me but that could be because I’m an American who might not fully understand the British justice system. Seems a bit too light for me.
The ending is sweet and romantic and I look forward to seeing more of these characters in the books to come.
July 7, 2020
Gus is a smoking hot physics geek who is getting ready to start his final year at University and all he wants to do before classes start is to find a decent hookup. It doesn't take long for Gus to catch the attention of Max and it's GAME ON! These two click right away and have a super steamy one-night stand but Gus slinks out before the awkward walk of shame in the morning. Max is pretty bummed because he felt like they had a connection and he wanted more from Gus. Gus actually felt the same way but school HAS to come first...it's too important. As luck would have it, these two get their second chance when Gus gets a job as a bartender...at Max's bar! Max is over the moon and he is NOT going to let Gus go this time. Was their connection really that special or was it just the heat of the moment? The chemistry between these two is volcanic and they will pull at your heartstrings. There are some dark issues that come up but love can heal almost anything! Just a fantastic read!
October 21, 2022
Gus is book 1 in the Bar 28 series and it definitely starts the series off right. This is an instalove book with tons of chemistry. This is the story of Gus and Max. Gus is a college student. He is smart, good looking and young. When he applies for a job at Bar 28 he finds a found family. He also finds the guy he had a one night stand with. Max is older than Gus and co-owns the bar with his brother. He is usually a one and done kind of guy. Relationships aren't really his thing. As least they weren't until a certain one night stand. They both meet at Gus's intro interview and the sparks just keep flying. This is their story. I liked how thoughtful and kind they were to each other. I liked the positive reinforcement. This book is well written and easy to read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
July 9, 2020
Loved Gus and Max
Gus was such a lovely story. I’m a big fan of JJ Harper, so I was super excited to see a new series starting. Gus and Max made a lovely couple. I loved Gus and his sassy confidence. Max was a steady presence there for Gus. He became the rock for Gus during hard times. Their relationship built pretty quickly, but sometimes, you just know. The concept of having “your person(s)” out there is definitely interesting. Max and Gus seemed to complement each other well, in and out of bed. There was a definite steam level here that I was a-okay with. These boys were hot together.
This was a relatively short book, but it definitely packed a punch. It set us up for future books and built a world that I can’t wait to explore. I am looking forward to reading about Jonas, Leo, Beck and Sawyer. (Maybe even Will and Liam…but I’m just being greedy)
Gus was such a lovely story. I’m a big fan of JJ Harper, so I was super excited to see a new series starting. Gus and Max made a lovely couple. I loved Gus and his sassy confidence. Max was a steady presence there for Gus. He became the rock for Gus during hard times. Their relationship built pretty quickly, but sometimes, you just know. The concept of having “your person(s)” out there is definitely interesting. Max and Gus seemed to complement each other well, in and out of bed. There was a definite steam level here that I was a-okay with. These boys were hot together.
This was a relatively short book, but it definitely packed a punch. It set us up for future books and built a world that I can’t wait to explore. I am looking forward to reading about Jonas, Leo, Beck and Sawyer. (Maybe even Will and Liam…but I’m just being greedy)
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