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Experimental Love #1
The Experiment
When a single kiss calls your sexuality into question, there's only one sure path to a reliable answer: further research.
Patrick
I like to think I know myself outside and in. What you see is what you get, and what you get happens to be straight. This is no mere opinion. It's a fact - tried and tested. So, when I end up kissing my best friend to satisfy a lost bet, I already know I'll hate every second of it.
Until I don't.
The intense desire aroused by Logan's kiss has me asking all sorts of new and exciting questions. Thankfully, as a developmental psychologist, I know exactly how to find the answers I need.
Logan
I've put a lot of effort into keeping Patrick out of my fantasies and in the friend-zone. Our recent lip-lock may have unleashed my feelings for him temporarily, but I'll get them back on their platonic track in no time. Falling for a friend, especially a sexually ambivalent friend, is a one-way ticket to heartache.
Then Patrick announces his intention to conduct an experiment into the extent of his bisexuality. I can't resist volunteering to help. If any man is going to join Patrick on his journey of self-discovery, it's sure as hell going to be me.
The Experiment is a steamy, best friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, gay for you story with high heat and low angst. It is a standalone novel set in Australia. Swoon-worthy HEA included.
Patrick
I like to think I know myself outside and in. What you see is what you get, and what you get happens to be straight. This is no mere opinion. It's a fact - tried and tested. So, when I end up kissing my best friend to satisfy a lost bet, I already know I'll hate every second of it.
Until I don't.
The intense desire aroused by Logan's kiss has me asking all sorts of new and exciting questions. Thankfully, as a developmental psychologist, I know exactly how to find the answers I need.
Logan
I've put a lot of effort into keeping Patrick out of my fantasies and in the friend-zone. Our recent lip-lock may have unleashed my feelings for him temporarily, but I'll get them back on their platonic track in no time. Falling for a friend, especially a sexually ambivalent friend, is a one-way ticket to heartache.
Then Patrick announces his intention to conduct an experiment into the extent of his bisexuality. I can't resist volunteering to help. If any man is going to join Patrick on his journey of self-discovery, it's sure as hell going to be me.
The Experiment is a steamy, best friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, gay for you story with high heat and low angst. It is a standalone novel set in Australia. Swoon-worthy HEA included.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2020
467 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Raine
13 books232 followersRebecca is a long-time lover of all things romance. Whether it’s a book, movie, or real-life, she will always have more fun if there’s a love interest thrown into the mix. She lives in Queensland, Australia with her very own hero husband, two adorable children and one big, black dog. Other than reading and writing books, her favourite things include loud music, enjoying a glass of wine on the patio, organising everything in existence, and spending too much time on the Internet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
August 22, 2020
Gay Logan and straight Patrick meet at University and quickly become besties. Logan is working at the school library for some human interaction while also doing contract Web Design from home. Patrick is a graduate student specializing in Developmental Psychology. Both men are in their mid twenties.
Patrick thinks he knows himself well. Having experimented in his adolescense and concluded he is straight. Logan keeps his attraction to Patrick under tight wrap, not wanting to jeapordize a great friendship.
Until one night a bet is casually made between the friends over a game of pool. Loser must kiss a non-appropriate gender. Logan doesn't worry much over the bet. After all, he already tried kissing a girl in his youth. Patrick is cocky in his ability to win...until he scratches on the eight ball. 😱
And they're off to a gay club so Patrick can find a boy to kiss. Except, he can't. He can't bring himself to do it. He keeps searching for the right one until he ends up locking lips with his best friend Patrick.
Oh lordy, what a kiss that was! 🔥
Neither can stop thinking about it. Patrick's scientific mind determines more experimentation is in order. Logan can't let his friend get himself in a dangerous situation where a hookup may turn ugly if Patrick needs to back out. Reluctantly, (but not too much) he offers to help Patrick with his experiment. Both agree that afterwards they will go back to being best friends.
Let the fun begin!
These two are smokin' hot together. Even while you know they're headed for trouble, you can't help but enjoy their chemistry.
I adore these out-for-you stories. When done well, it's exciting to read about a character learning about himself. The self discovery journey always pulls me in.
I loved it!
Review ARC generously provided by the publisher via Gay Romance Reviews
Patrick thinks he knows himself well. Having experimented in his adolescense and concluded he is straight. Logan keeps his attraction to Patrick under tight wrap, not wanting to jeapordize a great friendship.
Until one night a bet is casually made between the friends over a game of pool. Loser must kiss a non-appropriate gender. Logan doesn't worry much over the bet. After all, he already tried kissing a girl in his youth. Patrick is cocky in his ability to win...until he scratches on the eight ball. 😱
And they're off to a gay club so Patrick can find a boy to kiss. Except, he can't. He can't bring himself to do it. He keeps searching for the right one until he ends up locking lips with his best friend Patrick.
Oh lordy, what a kiss that was! 🔥
Neither can stop thinking about it. Patrick's scientific mind determines more experimentation is in order. Logan can't let his friend get himself in a dangerous situation where a hookup may turn ugly if Patrick needs to back out. Reluctantly, (but not too much) he offers to help Patrick with his experiment. Both agree that afterwards they will go back to being best friends.
Let the fun begin!
These two are smokin' hot together. Even while you know they're headed for trouble, you can't help but enjoy their chemistry.
I adore these out-for-you stories. When done well, it's exciting to read about a character learning about himself. The self discovery journey always pulls me in.
I loved it!
Review ARC generously provided by the publisher via Gay Romance Reviews
October 18, 2020
Almost there!
I would have liked this a hell of a lot more had it been:
100 pages shorter
Not jumped from friendly lust to insta love
Less clunky and without the odd flashbacks.
How does a gay man not have any gay friends?
I liked:
No bi-erasure here
This was a new to me author. Looking at her back list, she writes mostly MF and MMF. But, this was not a dislike of how she portrayed queer MC’s, it’s a dislike of the writing/editing.
It starts out strong, but when you think this should be wrapping up, you realize that you’re only at 50%.
My rec? I was engaged enough to finish it, so maybe you will be, too.
I would have liked this a hell of a lot more had it been:
100 pages shorter
Not jumped from friendly lust to insta love
Less clunky and without the odd flashbacks.
How does a gay man not have any gay friends?
I liked:
No bi-erasure here
This was a new to me author. Looking at her back list, she writes mostly MF and MMF. But, this was not a dislike of how she portrayed queer MC’s, it’s a dislike of the writing/editing.
It starts out strong, but when you think this should be wrapping up, you realize that you’re only at 50%.
My rec? I was engaged enough to finish it, so maybe you will be, too.
February 13, 2022
DNF at 37%
I’ve been trying to finish this for 2 weeks, it’s time to admit I couldn’t care less about continuing.
The premise was unusual and it seemed interesting, but it never really worked for me. Same for the characters.
Patrick’s character makes little sense to me. He’s so open about the idea of his sexuality having hidden depths that he dives right into an experiment to see if he might be bisexual after a kiss with his best friend works better than he expected. He’s always been turned on by two guys kissing and by the idea of kissing a guy, but he’s never met a guy that made him want to be an active participant, so he decided he must be straight after all. Then he kisses Logan for a bet and things change. But even after realizing he’s attracted to Logan, he’s still talking about the experiment as nothing more than a way to find his “true self” so that when he next finds a woman he wants to be with, he can present himself as his most-real self. Right.
I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Logan downplayed his own interest in Patrick and made it clear it was only an experiment and they would get back to friends-as-usual after it was done, even though he’s practically in love with the guy. I would be annoyed by the miscommunication, if I couldn’t completely understand Logan’s point. Who would say otherwise knowing the other guy isn’t even contemplating the possibility that finding out he’s bisexual, he’s attracted to and has crazy sexual chemistry with his best friend might maybe, just maybe, mean that there could be a meaningful gay relationship in his future?
If I cared more about these characters and this story, at this point I’d want Logan to drop Patrick like a hot potato and find a nice guy who didn’t have his head so far up his ass.
I’ve been trying to finish this for 2 weeks, it’s time to admit I couldn’t care less about continuing.
The premise was unusual and it seemed interesting, but it never really worked for me. Same for the characters.
Patrick’s character makes little sense to me. He’s so open about the idea of his sexuality having hidden depths that he dives right into an experiment to see if he might be bisexual after a kiss with his best friend works better than he expected. He’s always been turned on by two guys kissing and by the idea of kissing a guy, but he’s never met a guy that made him want to be an active participant, so he decided he must be straight after all. Then he kisses Logan for a bet and things change. But even after realizing he’s attracted to Logan, he’s still talking about the experiment as nothing more than a way to find his “true self” so that when he next finds a woman he wants to be with, he can present himself as his most-real self. Right.
I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Logan downplayed his own interest in Patrick and made it clear it was only an experiment and they would get back to friends-as-usual after it was done, even though he’s practically in love with the guy. I would be annoyed by the miscommunication, if I couldn’t completely understand Logan’s point. Who would say otherwise knowing the other guy isn’t even contemplating the possibility that finding out he’s bisexual, he’s attracted to and has crazy sexual chemistry with his best friend might maybe, just maybe, mean that there could be a meaningful gay relationship in his future?
If I cared more about these characters and this story, at this point I’d want Logan to drop Patrick like a hot potato and find a nice guy who didn’t have his head so far up his ass.
October 4, 2020
~ 2.5 Stars ~
I really wanted to like this book but the truth is I couldn’t connect to the characters or feel the connection between them. I was skimming a lot.
I liked the idea, a sexual discovery story is almost always a win for me but this time it didn’t.
Patrick was annoying and Logan was so naive, I wanted to punch him in the face so he’ll wake up! 🤦🏼♀️
I really wanted to like this book but the truth is I couldn’t connect to the characters or feel the connection between them. I was skimming a lot.
I liked the idea, a sexual discovery story is almost always a win for me but this time it didn’t.
Patrick was annoying and Logan was so naive, I wanted to punch him in the face so he’ll wake up! 🤦🏼♀️
February 7, 2022
I certainly wasn't expecting heartfelt.
August 19, 2020
F*ck, this story surprised me, first I thought hmm okay nice, but the further in the story the more I loved it. At moments super hot af.
Patrick guesses he’s straight and wants to experience a kiss with a guy.
He can’t but when his best friend Logan offers him a chance to kiss him, he dives in.
Best experience ever. Still, there are more questions for Patrick about himself and men.
Logan who had a crush for his best friend like forever offers himself a second time because he doesn’t trust someone else with Patrick to experiment.
So... Let the experiment start!
But oh boy Patrick is so turned on with Logan, he even wants to slow down because he doesn’t want the experiment to end, ever. Whenever possible he wants to kiss Logan.
Logan has the best time of his life.
Promising to return to best friend after the experiment seems fair, but impossible.
Patrick, always with his experiments, he’s in a crisis and over-analyzing and that’s exactly the thing where he jeopardizes their love.
To be honest, of course, something would happen because of the trill for the story, but I didn’t like the way it did, it wasn’t a necessity for me. A tiny bit of hurt and struggle at the end would have been even more appealing for me.
For the rest, I loved this narrative. They were so heavily intense together at times, awesome!
Captivatingly written and with a good focus on both men. It had nice side stories with friends and family.
Overall a sexy friends to lovers read I loved.
Patrick guesses he’s straight and wants to experience a kiss with a guy.
He can’t but when his best friend Logan offers him a chance to kiss him, he dives in.
Best experience ever. Still, there are more questions for Patrick about himself and men.
Logan who had a crush for his best friend like forever offers himself a second time because he doesn’t trust someone else with Patrick to experiment.
So... Let the experiment start!
But oh boy Patrick is so turned on with Logan, he even wants to slow down because he doesn’t want the experiment to end, ever. Whenever possible he wants to kiss Logan.
Logan has the best time of his life.
Promising to return to best friend after the experiment seems fair, but impossible.
Patrick, always with his experiments, he’s in a crisis and over-analyzing and that’s exactly the thing where he jeopardizes their love.
To be honest, of course, something would happen because of the trill for the story, but I didn’t like the way it did, it wasn’t a necessity for me. A tiny bit of hurt and struggle at the end would have been even more appealing for me.
For the rest, I loved this narrative. They were so heavily intense together at times, awesome!
Captivatingly written and with a good focus on both men. It had nice side stories with friends and family.
Overall a sexy friends to lovers read I loved.
September 12, 2020
I hate that I didn’t really care for this at all. Patrick was too quirky, I got his hang ups but he was too much. The reason for the breakup was trivial. Logan was awesome he didn’t deserve that treatment from Patrick.
October 1, 2020
An author I haven't heard of AND this book is a best seller on Amazon Kindle? I was sure I was going to hate it.
I've been reading M/M for a long time. I'm familiar with most of the well-regarded authors in the genre and I obviously have my favorites that are on my auto-buy list. In my experience, some of the worst M/M stories tend to be authors I don't know who make the best seller list on Amazon Kindle. I'm convinced that some of those authors are buying clicks to make their books have higher sales figures and to generate more traffic to them. I'm also convince some readers just haven't been exposed to good storytellers and read books that they should really be avoiding.
But I digress! This book was a pleasant surprise! The story was fun, interesting, well told, and it had great MC's and side characters. It was also well-paced, sexy, with just the right amount of angst. In short--I liked it! I'll definitely be checking out this author's backlist after posting this review to see if there any other books by this author that I might want to check out. :)
I've been reading M/M for a long time. I'm familiar with most of the well-regarded authors in the genre and I obviously have my favorites that are on my auto-buy list. In my experience, some of the worst M/M stories tend to be authors I don't know who make the best seller list on Amazon Kindle. I'm convinced that some of those authors are buying clicks to make their books have higher sales figures and to generate more traffic to them. I'm also convince some readers just haven't been exposed to good storytellers and read books that they should really be avoiding.
But I digress! This book was a pleasant surprise! The story was fun, interesting, well told, and it had great MC's and side characters. It was also well-paced, sexy, with just the right amount of angst. In short--I liked it! I'll definitely be checking out this author's backlist after posting this review to see if there any other books by this author that I might want to check out. :)
September 27, 2020
5 stars.
This was such a nice surprise. I must admite to have never heard of the author when this book caught my eye and the blurb my interest, so my expectations were low. After the fourth chapter I was hooked and had my hopes up that it would be a really good book. And you know what? It was a really great one.
It was beautifully written, with complex characters and told with double POVs. I have problems with books that give me all the information about the MCs right away and with books that keep information that helps me understand the character for no reason besides making the reader wait and this was very much not the case here. Everything was really well paced and the progression of the story was well done. The editing was nicely done too.
Patrick was a very interesting character. I love how he was a development psychologist and the reader could see how his teenager experiences had shaped him into who he is now. I can completely relate with how he wants to understant himself and how he wants to be the 'finished' before dedicating himself into a longterm relationship. It was really nice to see his growth towards his sexuality and his way of thinking.
Logan was such a sweetheart. The way he cared for Patrick made my heart melt, how he wanted to keep Patrick safe and give him space to figure himself out but was always there for him. I loved how he grew from his past experiences. He was, from the start of the book, a character more comfortable in his skin and the growth he goes through in the book is more about him achieving closure. Both character were super well written, not one dimensioned in anyway and a joy to read.
Patrick and Logan's friendship morphed into a sexual relationship and then into a romantic one with an ease that makes this a great story to read. Their relationship gave me what I'm looking in my romances: love, patience, communication, affection and fun. The development felt natural. As their trust and feelings grew so did their relationship. How they supported each other about their past experiences and always wanted to make sure to not hurt each other how they had been hurt before was beautiful.
I got really worried when they seemed together and happy around 70%. Mostly because I knew things would go wrong and was worried the end would feel rushed and I wouldn't have enough time to process what happened. I already knew that this was what would decide between 4 or 5 stars for this book. Thankfully, it was really well done. The chapters where they find their way back to each other were complete and fulfilling.
You should read this. It was a really great read and it helped get me out of a string of 'this was good but I didn't love it' books. I know we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but this one made me really unsure which is a shame, because the story inside was kind of perfect. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
This was such a nice surprise. I must admite to have never heard of the author when this book caught my eye and the blurb my interest, so my expectations were low. After the fourth chapter I was hooked and had my hopes up that it would be a really good book. And you know what? It was a really great one.
It was beautifully written, with complex characters and told with double POVs. I have problems with books that give me all the information about the MCs right away and with books that keep information that helps me understand the character for no reason besides making the reader wait and this was very much not the case here. Everything was really well paced and the progression of the story was well done. The editing was nicely done too.
Patrick was a very interesting character. I love how he was a development psychologist and the reader could see how his teenager experiences had shaped him into who he is now. I can completely relate with how he wants to understant himself and how he wants to be the 'finished' before dedicating himself into a longterm relationship. It was really nice to see his growth towards his sexuality and his way of thinking.
Logan was such a sweetheart. The way he cared for Patrick made my heart melt, how he wanted to keep Patrick safe and give him space to figure himself out but was always there for him. I loved how he grew from his past experiences. He was, from the start of the book, a character more comfortable in his skin and the growth he goes through in the book is more about him achieving closure. Both character were super well written, not one dimensioned in anyway and a joy to read.
Patrick and Logan's friendship morphed into a sexual relationship and then into a romantic one with an ease that makes this a great story to read. Their relationship gave me what I'm looking in my romances: love, patience, communication, affection and fun. The development felt natural. As their trust and feelings grew so did their relationship. How they supported each other about their past experiences and always wanted to make sure to not hurt each other how they had been hurt before was beautiful.
I got really worried when they seemed together and happy around 70%. Mostly because I knew things would go wrong and was worried the end would feel rushed and I wouldn't have enough time to process what happened. I already knew that this was what would decide between 4 or 5 stars for this book. Thankfully, it was really well done. The chapters where they find their way back to each other were complete and fulfilling.
You should read this. It was a really great read and it helped get me out of a string of 'this was good but I didn't love it' books. I know we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but this one made me really unsure which is a shame, because the story inside was kind of perfect. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
August 30, 2020
4 stars l think. Cute story. I enjoyed it. Although, if you're not very familiar with psychology and the social sciences, you might role your eyes at Patrick a lot. Poor guy is very research oriented and methodical, but l found it endearing.
RTC
RTC
October 26, 2021
Surprisingly good.
Friends to bi-awakening.
Sweet, steamy, makes sense.
Friends to bi-awakening.
Sweet, steamy, makes sense.
January 20, 2022
The best way I can think to describe my feelings for this book is to say it's a ridiculous premise that was executed fairly well. There were things I really liked and other things that bothered me to no end, which seems to be a theme for me so far this year.
I liked that Logan and Patrick were good friends, but since they were more like "friends from work" rather than "best friends from childhood" they still had a lot to learn about each other. While Patrick's brain exhausted me at times, I found his need for full disclosure endearing. If he hadn't been so open about his feelings, this book might have been 300 pages longer. Logan was an anomaly. According to his inner monologue, a past experience with a straight friend-turned-lover had him throwing up walls left and right for fear of getting hurt and losing another friend. In reality, he built Patrick a huge door in one of those walls, gave him the key and security code and threw all caution to the wind. It was a weird move for someone so presumably skittish. I did like him, though, and felt horrible for him when the completely unnecessary drama occurred.
The things that bothered me might be "me issues", so I won't go into too much depth about them. I found the nature of the bet between Logan and Patrick to be insensitive. I felt bad for Toni with an i and thought it was a crap move to put him in a position to be rejected in that way. I also found the emphasis on physical attraction in determining sexuality annoying, but my being ace probably has a lot to do with that.
Other than those two niggles, I enjoyed reading this book. It was maybe a little longer than necessary, but I never got bored with it. I also loved the epilogue and can't wait to read Toni's book next.
I liked that Logan and Patrick were good friends, but since they were more like "friends from work" rather than "best friends from childhood" they still had a lot to learn about each other. While Patrick's brain exhausted me at times, I found his need for full disclosure endearing. If he hadn't been so open about his feelings, this book might have been 300 pages longer. Logan was an anomaly. According to his inner monologue, a past experience with a straight friend-turned-lover had him throwing up walls left and right for fear of getting hurt and losing another friend. In reality, he built Patrick a huge door in one of those walls, gave him the key and security code and threw all caution to the wind. It was a weird move for someone so presumably skittish. I did like him, though, and felt horrible for him when the completely unnecessary drama occurred.
The things that bothered me might be "me issues", so I won't go into too much depth about them. I found the nature of the bet between Logan and Patrick to be insensitive. I felt bad for Toni with an i and thought it was a crap move to put him in a position to be rejected in that way. I also found the emphasis on physical attraction in determining sexuality annoying, but my being ace probably has a lot to do with that.
Other than those two niggles, I enjoyed reading this book. It was maybe a little longer than necessary, but I never got bored with it. I also loved the epilogue and can't wait to read Toni's book next.
November 29, 2022
I enjoyed this a lot. They're relationship was adorable. Patrick's mind is so interesting in terms of how he thinks. Such an analytical mind. I also love how easily he accepted himself and the fact that the very people who had him go through that crisis thing that had them break up for a little while were also the ones to show him he was wrong. It was a cool eye opening thing to read through his POV
November 30, 2020
Finished this several days ago and wasn't left with anything memorable. Started off strong and hot but petered out quickly as things progressed. The "experiment" aspect was a stretch. Does anyone really approach their life that way?? And I suppose there are those who expect to fully know their true selves in their 20s and then don't expect that person to change as they age but...really? Just doesn't seem realistic. So, not much that I really connected to here, took a looong time to finish, and generally left with a feeling of blah.
February 25, 2022
This book surprised me in a lot of ways, with the writing style and plot - its very interesting and the character growth is stunning. Really enjoyed the exploration into knowing oneself and learning as you go.
Of course the romance is wonderful too and they have amazing chemistry, with plenty of steamy and sweet scenes together. Patrick and Logan compliment each other so well, their first kiss is messy and perfect all in one.
I adore how much their friendship meant first though and how both had to take the time, to accept their feelings and reveal. Both of them have their own things to work through and can see their development from start to finish, finally accepting who they're and finding own worth outside of those around them.
Some amazing friendships too, which are very supportive and help them to see whats right in front of them. I just had so much fun reading this book, its got so many feels and fascinating discussions.
Overall incredible read with a rather fast pace yet full of growth, important conversations and thought provoking scenes. With a lovely romance, leading to a beautiful ending 💕
Of course the romance is wonderful too and they have amazing chemistry, with plenty of steamy and sweet scenes together. Patrick and Logan compliment each other so well, their first kiss is messy and perfect all in one.
I adore how much their friendship meant first though and how both had to take the time, to accept their feelings and reveal. Both of them have their own things to work through and can see their development from start to finish, finally accepting who they're and finding own worth outside of those around them.
Some amazing friendships too, which are very supportive and help them to see whats right in front of them. I just had so much fun reading this book, its got so many feels and fascinating discussions.
Overall incredible read with a rather fast pace yet full of growth, important conversations and thought provoking scenes. With a lovely romance, leading to a beautiful ending 💕
December 10, 2020
Now that is how I love my first kiss written in a book, when I get all the feels and actually feel like part of the experience.
I liked Patrick's odd personality and Logan was amazing.
Other than the annoying constant reminder of how unhappy Patrick was at finding himself falling in love.....I loved the book. And I really wish I got to see Logan interact with his family as much as I saw Patrick interact with his. Or Patrick meeting Logan's family, I don't think we got to see that.
I liked Patrick's odd personality and Logan was amazing.
Other than the annoying constant reminder of how unhappy Patrick was at finding himself falling in love.....I loved the book. And I really wish I got to see Logan interact with his family as much as I saw Patrick interact with his. Or Patrick meeting Logan's family, I don't think we got to see that.
September 30, 2020
This one wasn't okay. There were homophobic elements to it that shouldn't be overlooked.
It's a shame since the author definitely has talent for writing intimacy but it would have been beneficial to ask more questions to lgbt people. And have a few more proof readers to catch these things.
It's a shame since the author definitely has talent for writing intimacy but it would have been beneficial to ask more questions to lgbt people. And have a few more proof readers to catch these things.
September 8, 2020
By no means perfect, but surprisingly enjoyable, hot, and sweet.
I still hate the cliched 80% breakup, but other than that I have no complaints, even though there were many flaws.
I still hate the cliched 80% breakup, but other than that I have no complaints, even though there were many flaws.
September 11, 2020
Ugh!! The dreaded drama lama late in the book. God I hate that! It was ok up until that point and I got where the author was going with it all, but it still irritated me.
March 30, 2021
Boring af...
March 19, 2021
Sigh. So I quite liked this til about 55% then it kinda lost me (this has been happening a lot recently).
Patrick is weird but awesome, Logan is a bit of a mess but I can cope. They get together for an experiment (hence the title) after a kiss for a dare turns incendiary.
The thing I didn't get is... they are both adults. They are honest and talk about their feelings - they both clearly get on well, are attracted to each other and want more. So once they open up to other and get their issues out on the table THERE IS NO REASON WHY THEY WOULD CARRY ON THE 'EXPERIMENT'. It makes no sense.
So at 55% when it basically seemed like things were wrapping up and everyone was going to walk off in happy relationships it just shit the bed... and carried on the weirdness. Sigh.
So I called it off and pretended that that is how it ended with a quick skip to the epilogue. I need to stop doing that... but seriously people!
Patrick is weird but awesome, Logan is a bit of a mess but I can cope. They get together for an experiment (hence the title) after a kiss for a dare turns incendiary.
The thing I didn't get is... they are both adults. They are honest and talk about their feelings - they both clearly get on well, are attracted to each other and want more. So once they open up to other and get their issues out on the table THERE IS NO REASON WHY THEY WOULD CARRY ON THE 'EXPERIMENT'. It makes no sense.
So at 55% when it basically seemed like things were wrapping up and everyone was going to walk off in happy relationships it just shit the bed... and carried on the weirdness. Sigh.
So I called it off and pretended that that is how it ended with a quick skip to the epilogue. I need to stop doing that... but seriously people!
August 2, 2021
It took me forever to finish this, but again it was good. I guess I was just in a slump or something because I had about 4 books that I started and hadn't finished.
I really love the characters in this, Patrick was too cute with his big brain energy. It was a cute & sexy read.
I really love the characters in this, Patrick was too cute with his big brain energy. It was a cute & sexy read.
March 8, 2021
A heartfelt MM with good character development and steam. So glad I gave it a go... hope you do too!
December 5, 2020
I don't have strong feelings about this book. It was a cute friends-to-lovers story, with some nice chemistry but not much else going on.
August 25, 2020
I was worried starting this because reading the blurb I felt this story was gonna be superficial, but there was nothing to worry about. I just had to go an experiment. 😉❤
The story is about Patrick, who is a "straight" psychologist that specializes in investigating and designing a program to help teenagers find and be their authentic self. And his gay friend Logan who is a website developer who also works part-time in the university's library in wich Patrick works, that's how they meet but this story started with a bet.That bet was to kiss a guy, Patrick couldn't choose someone random so he ended up kissing Logan *swoons*! And the story begins ladies and gentleman. ❤😍
Why I think this was a really good an unique story:
- Patrick thought he was bisexual in his teens, so he went and experimented to find out but that went bad, so he concluded he was heterosexual. But in the story was clear that he always liked guys, he was just too scared to try. That was different to me, it was not the "I'm not gay but for you I am" trope, wich made it so believable.
- Also Patrick went from straight to bisexual, kudos to that! I have read books that goes like... The guys spends almost all his life being with women, but suddenly he likes a guy and he is gay, not bisexual, GAY! That's too black and white and didn't happen here. So it felt more realistic.
- The relationship went through all the stages without pain, it flowed effortlessly and naturally like a normal thing. Yes they had fears, but they didn't run, they faced it head on. That was sooooo good and refreshing.
- The reason they broke up was, actually, the contrary to what other authors use. Here it was the fear of loosing a loved one that got them apart and that fear was in Patrick's brain since he was little, being a psychologist it was funny to see he didn't have an idea of his own issues and traumas, but thats human behavior, fucked up.
- Logan and Patrick grew through the experiment and also thanks to each other. They respected, admired and loved each other and when the time came Logan stood up for himself, kudos to that too. Love yourself first, then the rest.
And this is getting long!!! My point is, you can write a good story without all the drama and stupid tropes that have nothing to do with reality. *Drop the mic* ❤😍
The story is about Patrick, who is a "straight" psychologist that specializes in investigating and designing a program to help teenagers find and be their authentic self. And his gay friend Logan who is a website developer who also works part-time in the university's library in wich Patrick works, that's how they meet but this story started with a bet.That bet was to kiss a guy, Patrick couldn't choose someone random so he ended up kissing Logan *swoons*! And the story begins ladies and gentleman. ❤😍
Why I think this was a really good an unique story:
- Patrick thought he was bisexual in his teens, so he went and experimented to find out but that went bad, so he concluded he was heterosexual. But in the story was clear that he always liked guys, he was just too scared to try. That was different to me, it was not the "I'm not gay but for you I am" trope, wich made it so believable.
- Also Patrick went from straight to bisexual, kudos to that! I have read books that goes like... The guys spends almost all his life being with women, but suddenly he likes a guy and he is gay, not bisexual, GAY! That's too black and white and didn't happen here. So it felt more realistic.
- The relationship went through all the stages without pain, it flowed effortlessly and naturally like a normal thing. Yes they had fears, but they didn't run, they faced it head on. That was sooooo good and refreshing.
- The reason they broke up was, actually, the contrary to what other authors use. Here it was the fear of loosing a loved one that got them apart and that fear was in Patrick's brain since he was little, being a psychologist it was funny to see he didn't have an idea of his own issues and traumas, but thats human behavior, fucked up.
- Logan and Patrick grew through the experiment and also thanks to each other. They respected, admired and loved each other and when the time came Logan stood up for himself, kudos to that too. Love yourself first, then the rest.
And this is getting long!!! My point is, you can write a good story without all the drama and stupid tropes that have nothing to do with reality. *Drop the mic* ❤😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2020
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
3.5 STARS
Patrick loses a bet with his best friend, Logan. The result is Patrick kissing a man, any man he chooses. When he circles the bar and can't find anyone that he doesn't think will make him nauseous and he refuses to not go through with the bet. The only option is too pick the one person he is most comfortable with, Logan. The unexpected feelings Patrick has for Logan have him questioning everything he though he knew. Is he bisexual? Why doesn't the thought of kissing Logan make him sick? The only way to get the answers he needs is to conduct an experiment.
Logan has been attracted to Patrick since they first met each other. Knowing this kiss could change things between them but knowing this is the only chance he will have to ever kiss Patrick he's not going to let it pass him by.
Logan and Patrick have an instant heat between them. The beginning for me had a lot of promise but it was slow delivering. I enjoyed the characters and was invested but the flow seems a crawl at times.
3.5 STARS
Patrick loses a bet with his best friend, Logan. The result is Patrick kissing a man, any man he chooses. When he circles the bar and can't find anyone that he doesn't think will make him nauseous and he refuses to not go through with the bet. The only option is too pick the one person he is most comfortable with, Logan. The unexpected feelings Patrick has for Logan have him questioning everything he though he knew. Is he bisexual? Why doesn't the thought of kissing Logan make him sick? The only way to get the answers he needs is to conduct an experiment.
Logan has been attracted to Patrick since they first met each other. Knowing this kiss could change things between them but knowing this is the only chance he will have to ever kiss Patrick he's not going to let it pass him by.
Logan and Patrick have an instant heat between them. The beginning for me had a lot of promise but it was slow delivering. I enjoyed the characters and was invested but the flow seems a crawl at times.
August 12, 2020
The premise of straight guy bets gay friend to kiss a woman/gay friend bets straight guy to kiss a man if the other loses is a tiny bit gross/facile for two guys in their mid-20s, but maybe I was like that too and just don't remember. At any rate, that's how this bi-awakening friends to lovers romance starts, and it was pretty good through to about 60%. Patrick for me was a bit annoying with his constant self-questioning and self-doubt, but that's how the author chose to create the conflict in the story. It got a bit boring/repetitive by the 60% mark, so I skimmed through more of the same from Patrick to the 80% mark where the conflict reached its obvious outcome, and then skimmed through the resolution of the conflict to the end.
I think the book would have been better, though obviously formulaic and predictable, if it had been about 25% shorter. The conflict, i.e. the "bi-curious experiment," just went on way too long to be believable/interesting for my taste. I know plenty of people who will like this, and I liked it fine, as it was okay but not great. There isn't a lot of angst in the book and the heat level is average. I would recommend it to people who love friends to lovers, bi-awakening, and light/fluffy reads.
I think the book would have been better, though obviously formulaic and predictable, if it had been about 25% shorter. The conflict, i.e. the "bi-curious experiment," just went on way too long to be believable/interesting for my taste. I know plenty of people who will like this, and I liked it fine, as it was okay but not great. There isn't a lot of angst in the book and the heat level is average. I would recommend it to people who love friends to lovers, bi-awakening, and light/fluffy reads.
September 4, 2020
The Experiment by author Rebecca Raine, is told in dual pov which allows me the reader to really tell what Patrick and Logan are thinking. I do like a good friends to lovers story. This one was a tad drawn out but good none the less.
Patrick his best friend is Logan. Patrick has to do a gay kiss because he lost a bet with Logan. But he finds kissing anyone but Logan repulsive. But one kiss from his best friend and he wants to explore being with a man for the first time in his life.
Logan has been pining for Patrick for a long time. Once they kiss, he wants more. but does he really want to be Patrick’s experiment? And can he watch someone else take the place he wants?
This story is about learning your own sexuality and trusting your partner. I really felt this was a great college story. No real bumps in the road. It is an angsty college drama that I loved reading.
Five Shooting Stars
Patrick his best friend is Logan. Patrick has to do a gay kiss because he lost a bet with Logan. But he finds kissing anyone but Logan repulsive. But one kiss from his best friend and he wants to explore being with a man for the first time in his life.
Logan has been pining for Patrick for a long time. Once they kiss, he wants more. but does he really want to be Patrick’s experiment? And can he watch someone else take the place he wants?
This story is about learning your own sexuality and trusting your partner. I really felt this was a great college story. No real bumps in the road. It is an angsty college drama that I loved reading.
Five Shooting Stars
August 20, 2020
I would have given this book a 4 or maybe even 5 star rating, but then the dinner with the parents happened and Patrick and Logan's conversation after the dinner happened, and I basically just thought, "WTF?"
It made absolutely no sense to me. The story line of Patrick being worried just became pure angst that I think was completely unnecessary - he was almost psychotic with his overthinking. Doesn't loving someone mean that you accept a person for all that they are and all that they will be? His overthinking of everything just ended up being ridiculous. Thank goodness he was going into research because I don't think I would have been a good idea to speak to anyone about their issues.
Overall it was readable and I finished it, but the unnecessary (and idiotic) tension almost made me give up on it.
It made absolutely no sense to me. The story line of Patrick being worried just became pure angst that I think was completely unnecessary - he was almost psychotic with his overthinking. Doesn't loving someone mean that you accept a person for all that they are and all that they will be? His overthinking of everything just ended up being ridiculous. Thank goodness he was going into research because I don't think I would have been a good idea to speak to anyone about their issues.
Overall it was readable and I finished it, but the unnecessary (and idiotic) tension almost made me give up on it.
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