Secret Admirer

Love Notes #1

by D.J. Jamison, Darcy Stark (Narrator)

You deserve all the kisses you want ...

Benji,
I want you to know how amazing you are. You won't believe me, because I'm just your brother's best friend, but it’s true. Each day my feelings for you grow, confusing but undeniable.

With a few anonymous love tokens, I finally have an outlet for all the things I can't say. And with each gift and note, you smile. For me. Not your brother's straight friend, but something new. Something more. Something that will change everything if we can both find the courage to believe.

All I have to do is confess who I really am:
Your Secret Admirer

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, College, New Adult, LGBT

7 pages, Audible Audio

First published June 25, 2020

About the author

DJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.

DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.

Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany

Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany

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Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first part, when the secret admirer was still a secret, but I found the rest of the story underwhelming and a bit boring.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Older brother's best friend, MxM, low-stakes romance. I liked this book. I've been battling a huge reading slump/depressive episode. This book didn't involve any complicated themes or events, it didn't involve world building or have a ton of characters to remember. It was sweet and an easy read for my brain. I didn't want anything complicated. I just wanted to read and this book was exactly that. I had a decent time with this story.

[Ben Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read. I loved Ace and Benji. And the notes. And the presents. And the setting. Basically everything.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Kindle freebie 2/26/21

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

5 stars

D.J. Jamison gives us a truly sweet romance in Secret Admirer. What starts out as just a way to make Benji feel better becomes a huge revelation for Ace, who finds himself increasingly grappling with the idea that he is bisexual—something he has felt might be so for quite some time, but he has never hand the courage or inkling to act on it. While this story isn’t a out for you trope, exactly, there is no denying that there’s only one person who chimes Ace’s bell and that is Benji. Still, the author establishes right from the beginning that Ace’s thoughts about guys and their allure is not necessarily new, as much as his need to get good grades and land a decent job after graduation has taken most of his focus. In fact, Ace really hasn’t dated much in his three years at college and truly hasn’t missed it, until Benji arrives on campus and turns his world upside down. Now the kid who he always had affection for is a gorgeous young man and is pinging all kinds of new emotions inside Ace.

Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.

[Papie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was cute, sweet, sexy. It was a quick and fun read. I was intrigued by the secret admirer storyline, but I think it would have been a lot more fun if told in single POV, so the identity would be a surprise for the reader too. Because apart from the secret admirer part, it was pretty much the same “young gay guy in love with his older brother’s best friend” book we’ve read before.

That being said, I really liked it! And we get a gay virgin and a straight guy discovering he is not so straight, so that was hot.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this story. I loved Beni and I loved Ace. I definitely would have given it four stars, but I just got so bogged down by all the inner monologue. When I have to skim to get back to the story because all the inner monologue is so boring I can’t give even a good story more than three stars.

[Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 stars audio

3 stars story. This was a sweet low angst story. Unfortunately since I am in the mood for a sexy angsty story (involving adult aged MCs) I couldn't get into it.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo cute. I do love how DJ gets these sweet romances with either a fake boyfriend element or this secret admirer one so right.

It had just enough tension to stop it becoming saccharine and enough heat to blow the cobwebs off.

Both characters were engaging and I loved them together.

Brother's best friend is one of my favourite tropes and this book tackles it with sweetness and a lot of humour.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Hugo #freepalestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

their friends can get too much in their space, like can they get a privacy geez, everytime they about to get intimate at least there was one person there to hear it.
It's funny that benji had a blow out once he found that ace had been the secret admirer all along and mad about it, calling a liar only for him to do the same with his brother.
I still think it's a cute story tho, because it's somewhat realistic, especially ace bi awakening.

[Scooby2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seems that I am the first to leave a meh review for a book that everyone seems to like. “Secret Admirer” was a book that just didn’t work for me and I hate that because it should have. I thought everyone acted juvenile and immature throughout the story, making them seem high school aged not about to graduate college aged. I never felt like Ace and Benji belonged together, never felt their connection or their “love” for one another. I just never clicked with this story or any of the characters, I don’t think I’m a good fit with this author, I was left feeling blah after finishing it.

I give this story 2 stars.

I received an arc from the author for an honest review.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sweet!! I love the best friend's younger brother trope, and this was so sweet. Benji was so cute and I really enjoyed this story. A bit of fake date, sweet secret admirer wooing, and just fun!

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4

Nice little feel good. I don't do a whole lot of college age books anymore but I had fun
with this one.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benji and Ace, the two main characters in ‘Secret Admirer’ by D. J. Jamison are each sweet, but OMG, their story is filled with so much angst and predictability that it was nearly impossible to stick with it.



From the very beginning the conclusion was never in doubt. Even the first time the two college students were having their first sexual experience together, each was having his own doubts about why the other would want to be with him. It was all just too, too, too much.

I’m glad other reviewers liked this book. But even with its good moments, it just wasn’t for me.

“Secret Admirer’ would have been much better as a short novella than as a 232 page novel.

[Cat the bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice in-between book, but nothing memorable. No idea why it didn’t quite work out for me, I don’t have any major complaints with the story.

Benji‘s been infatuated with bis brother’s best friend Ace for years. Ace, who’s straight, and who sees him like a little brother. When Ace stumbles upon Benji right after he’s been stood up, something changes and he begins to fall for him.

It’s been… nice. Likable, but not very riveting characters. I skimmed a bit, but it still made me smile, so I’ll give it 3 stars.

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. ***(Mild spoilers!!!)***

When introverted Benji is stood up for a date, Ace, Benji's brother Jeremy's BFF, sends him a basket of chocolate kisses to make Benji smile and lift his spirits. Ace does not sign his name to the gift's note, opting to place "Your Secret Admirer" on the card instead.

Afraid of Jeremy's reaction should Benji tell his older brother, Ace continues to send Benji small gifts under the guise of "Your Secret Admirer." As he does, his once straight sexual orientation begins to bend and he realizes he has deeper feelings for his BFF's younger brother, despite the possible conflict they could cause.

Told with real deep feeling, the author unfolds a plot filled with love, snark and sexual awakening. Is Ace willing to risk a long-standing friendship with Jeremy fold under his love for Jeremy's brother? He understands that Jeremy has to be told about his feelings for Benji, but that admission includes admitting to himself that he is bisexual.

Taking place mostly on a college campus, Ace's sexual revelation brings both joy and doubt to Benji, who's low self-esteem constantly has him feeling unworthy of Ace's support and attention. Thinking Ace is just playing "big brother" to him to make up for Jeremy not being around due to working at an internship, Benji wavers between self-deprecation and acceptance in regards to Ace's attentions.

Wonderfully told with excellent prose, the author gradually constructs a tale of what it truly means to care for someone else despite the possible negative fallout.

I really loved this book and the author's ability to bring true emotions to its pages. This is the first book in the series and I cannot wait to read the other character's stories.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the best story. I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything better while in my low-angst reads only stage. I lost track of how many times I thought “awww” while reading. This was just so cute but also with a bit of conflict brought in to have a great balance!

Benji was the absolute cutest and I felt so much for him every time he didn’t believe he was good enough. Ace was such an amazing guy and I loved all his secret admirer gifts. They were so cute and perfect for Benji.

There was a bit of conflict and hurt in this story but it does get worked out quickly enough and I loved their HEA. If you enjoy this author I highly recommend this amazing story!

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute!
Benji loved Ace (his brother's best friend) since forever, but Ace is straight, or so they thought.
But Ace is like a brother to Benji, keeping him safe, taking care of him, since Jeremy, Benji's brother living far away. Too far to guard his baby brother.
So Ace did the deed. But he never thought it come to term, he'll fall for Benji, but too afraid to let Benji knew.
So, he started with gifts from Benji's 'secret admire'>.

I loved Benji and Ace's chemistry, they has it since the get go.
It's always Ace, Benji looking at, and Ace always took care of benji. like a lover's way.
I enjoyed this story, this was a cliche but still very entertaining.
Something I still need to read in this pandemic era (Ugh!)

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!

This was such a sweet/feel-good story that it literally made me smile throughout the book. Loved the characters and really loved the romantic relationship between the two heroes.

[Calila · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*

So cute and sweet. I loved that it zigged when I expected it to zag. I really enjoyed the characters, particularly Ace, though Benji improved once he got over his ridiculous denial. The insecurity stuck around a bit longer than I would've liked. Nothing major though. I really liked how their relationship progressed generally. The family drama was decent without being too much. Just a lowkey, sweet, happy read.

[Mary Gk · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet and romantic! A delightful read for a cold evening 😊

[Kati *☆･ﾟ]

***dnf @50%***

“It’s just too bad that two guys so clearly into each other aren’t actually together.”
Did she know something I didn’t?

That’s about sums it up.
But I love the cover.

[Sara Emme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molto carino e dolce, senza colpi di scena.
Per una lettura super rilassante

[Monikat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet low angst, brother's best friend, opposites attract, bi awakening. Cute in all ways.
I enjoyed it.

[Alessandra Magagnato · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Cronache di Betelgeuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione pubblicata su Cronache di Betelgeuse

C’è qualcosa di speciale nel trovare un libro che sembra fatto apposta per i momenti in cui hai bisogno di un respiro tranquillo, senza troppe insidie emotive. L’ammiratore segreto di D.J. Jamison è proprio questo: una dolce storiella romantica che ci accoglie con leggerezza, quasi come una tazza di cioccolata calda in una giornata grigia. Non ci sono colpi di scena adrenalinici o conflitti distruttivi, solo una narrazione che ci invita a stare comodi, a lasciarci avvolgere dalla serenità delle sue pagine.

La dinamica tra Benji e Ace, ex migliore amico del fratello maggiore di Benji, è gestita con intelligenza. Sapevamo già che una storia di questo tipo potrebbe scivolare verso i cliché, ma qui il rapporto si sviluppa con naturalezza, mescolando ironia e tenerezza. Il cosiddetto “finto appuntamento” non è solo una scusa per creare situazioni divertenti, ma diventa un ponte tra due persone che imparano a conoscersi al di là delle aspettative altrui. C’è una delicatezza nel modo in cui i protagonisti si accorgono reciprocamente, senza forzature, che fa sentire ogni passo della loro storia autentico.

Un altro punto di forza è la scoperta della bisessualità di Ace. Non è un cliché, non è un evento repentino, ma un processo graduale, con dubbi e riflessioni che molti di noi riconoscono. Questo non aggiunge solo profondità al personaggio, ma offre a chi legge uno spaccato autentico di una crescita personale che non è mai banale. Il modo in cui Ace esplora la propria identità è delicato e rispettoso, senza cadere in spiegazioni didascaliche, lasciando spazio a emozioni genuine e complesse.

La chimica tra Benji e Ace è calda senza essere eccessiva. Ogni scena in cui si guardano, si sfiorano, si parlano, sembra vissuta e non forzata. Sembra quasi di essere lì, a sentire l’atmosfera di quei momenti, senza bisogno di descrivere tutto a parole. È questo il segreto di una relazione scritta bene: la complicità che si sente senza bisogno di troppe spiegazioni. Anche quando litigano o si scontrano, c’è sempre un filo di affetto che li unisce, un segno che l’amore non richiede perfezione per essere vero.

L’ambiente universitario funziona perfettamente come sfondo: gli esami, le serate tra amici, i piccoli drammi quotidiani creano un contesto familiare e rassicurante. Il ritmo è lento ma non pesante, ideale per chi cerca una lettura che si gusta piano, senza fretta.

In definitiva, L’ammiratore segreto non è un capolavoro che ti cambierà la vita, ma è un libro che ci fa sorridere e ci ricorda quanto sia bello innamorarsi con calma. Se cerchiamo una lettura da pomeriggio soleggiato o da viaggio in treno, questo è il compagno perfetto. E se anche noi abbiamo bisogno di un po’ di dolcezza nella vita, non esitiamo: lasciamoci guidare da questa storia, che ci farà sentire un po’ più leggeri. A proposito, quando finiamo il libro, prendiamoci il tempo per fare un respiro profondo. Sembra banale, ma a volte è proprio quello che serve.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SECRET ADMIRER was really cute and a great light and low-angst MM romance. I always enjoy the brother's best friend trope and I liked the way this one was handled. Ace and Benji were really sweet together and it took a bit of time for them to sort themselves out but once they did it was very spicy!

Ace was a great MMC and I loved his mix of confidence and nervousness; he had moments of attraction to men in the past but never really explored it until he started spending more time around a grown-up Benji. I admired Ace's resilience in the face of a neglectful and emotionally abusive childhood and the way he treated everyone around him with kindness and respect. He's not technically an athlete in this book but SECRET ADMIRER gave off major jock/nerd vibes with Ace being the charismatic frat brother and Benji being the shy and studious introvert.

Benji had crushed on Ace for a long time and it was fun to watch him figure out who his secret admirer was while being completely oblivious to how Ace felt about him. I could relate a lot to Benji's personality and the way he struggled between wanting to be involved and included but also needing his time alone to reset and relax.

The other frat guys were fun and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Content Warning: brief other man drama when Benji thinks another guy is his secret admirer; emotionally abusive and manipulative parents

[Verdelite · Rating 2 out of 5]

needs more pining 2.5/5

More seriously, I just kinda didn't feel this book very much. The beginning was promising but it tapered off toward the end. The ending was also... not anticlimactic but also not very climatic. Or maybe that was the point? Idk.

[Skirmish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/10/23/...
Rating: 3.5 Stars – that place between like and love