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#Love Wins #2
Hook, Line & Sinker
New Year's Get V-Card stamped Wesley Moore is a walking wet dream. Literally. He's on the school's swim team--and absolutely gorgeous in Speedos. He also has a reputation. I figured he'd be perfect to pop my cherry with no strings attached. One night. That was all I wanted. How was I supposed to know that he's made a bet not to jump into bed with his next date? How was I supposed to know he wants romance now? I'm not looking for a boyfriend. My crazy family would never accept Wes... or any other boy I brought home. I need to get him to sleep with me before I fall for him, and there's only one way to do it. Lace. I've got a whole box full of secret weapons, and I'm not afraid to use them. Hook, Line & Sinker is a 68,000-word stand-alone m/m romance with little angst and lots of laughter, featuring a nerd and a jock, too many pies, awkward attempts at being cool, insane relatives and two boys who make it work in spite of everything. Buy now if you need a laugh!
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2021
135 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 3, 2021
This was so cute, low angst, just perfect 😍
February 15, 2021
Oliver is gay and not out, for his family, he pretends to have a girlfriend. His dad is not queer friendly. When his brother Derek finds out he wants to help find him a hot guy.
Oliver just wants to get his V-card stamped before he graduates high school.
He has a crush for hot Wesley, the guy who’s on the school swim team, he’s the one he wants to give it to. Just sex and nothing more. Oliver is out of luck.
Wesley just got dumped by his boyfriend who’s jealous when Wesley even smiles at someone.
Wesley made a bet with Zach his friend and roommate, he will date someone for more than a month without sleeping with them. Show what he got to offer besides sex, first romance than sex.
So Oliver and Wesley have a date, an awkward one that’s for sure, compliments sounding like insults.
Oliver just wants a quick one and be over with it, not talking with Wesley with the chance to like him, or worse fall in love with him. Wesley seems determined to take it slow.
Okay, there are funny moments to find, but also awkward ones. Family and friends are a nice addition to this narrative. There are some people I had to get warmed up to before I could appreciate them, like Aunt Rosy or Oliver’s mom. There are also some nasty people I don’t want to mention ugh!
Overall, It was a lovely read, nicely developed, and with a comfortable pace.
Oliver just wants to get his V-card stamped before he graduates high school.
He has a crush for hot Wesley, the guy who’s on the school swim team, he’s the one he wants to give it to. Just sex and nothing more. Oliver is out of luck.
Wesley just got dumped by his boyfriend who’s jealous when Wesley even smiles at someone.
Wesley made a bet with Zach his friend and roommate, he will date someone for more than a month without sleeping with them. Show what he got to offer besides sex, first romance than sex.
So Oliver and Wesley have a date, an awkward one that’s for sure, compliments sounding like insults.
Oliver just wants a quick one and be over with it, not talking with Wesley with the chance to like him, or worse fall in love with him. Wesley seems determined to take it slow.
Okay, there are funny moments to find, but also awkward ones. Family and friends are a nice addition to this narrative. There are some people I had to get warmed up to before I could appreciate them, like Aunt Rosy or Oliver’s mom. There are also some nasty people I don’t want to mention ugh!
Overall, It was a lovely read, nicely developed, and with a comfortable pace.
May 27, 2021
This was a cute book, very slow buildup but still sweet with a sprinkle of angst. I do recommend this book is a feel good fluffy but not cheesy book. Very well written I like this author and I recommend checking out some of her other books. I would’ve given more stars but the grandma’s house situation eecked me out and it made me very uncomfortable but other than that it is a good book. I listened to the audiobook, John Solo is a decent narrator I don’t mind listening to his audiobooks I know I can trust buying the audio when I see his name. He is not at the level of Greg Burdox(The king of narrators to me)or Iggy Toma or Michael Dean but he still did a very good job and I enjoyed listening to it.
February 26, 2021
This was all fluff. With teenage awkward moments, insecurities, peer pressure, body image and so many butterflies. I really don’t have a negative thing to say about it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 27, 2021
Extraordinarily humorous. Omg I'm totally dead and my sides are aching from laughing so much. Full on belly laughs, snorts , and tears in my eyes. I haven't laughed so much and so hard since "Fake the Date "!!! The boat scene was a sublime payback. I loved that Aunt Rosie strikes again!!! You gotta love mama bear pie and all standing up for Oliver!! Lol. I want to be part of this family! They're off the chain, and there's never a dull moment. Thanks for the laughs.
February 12, 2021
Oliver spent so long trying to do everything right that it's funny when everything goes sideways when he wants to do something for himself. But it makes it all so much more real and I loved seeing that side of him. I adored Wes too, he really just needed someone that he felt comfortable showing his insecurities to. I was glad Wes still had his mom at his back which was more than Ben had in the last book. I am enjoying this series and am interested in who might come up next.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
January 28, 2021
Hook, Line & Sinker by Ana Byrde is a Young Adult m/m romance with a bit of angst and family drama, but also some awkward but hilarious moments, adorable and sweet connections, hot and steamy interactions and a heart melting, smile inducing romance. A jock who wants to find a relationship and a closeted nerd thought he just wanted to lose his virginity and win the family's Golden TP Roll.... and they end up finding so much more. I loved this fun, sweet and sexy story and highly recommend it.
February 28, 2021
Cute, light hearted college romance. Damn I wish I had read something like this when I was in college. So good! Not only sweet and funny but inspirational.
August 5, 2021
I loved how funny and fun the first book was. (I gave it 5 stars.) I smiled for most of the book. This book was definitely not that way. While you could read these as stand alone books, they're better read in order - especially the 4th book.
We're all used to Aunt Rosy now. She's still kind of fun but it's mostly by mail and not in person. However, in book 3, I think it gets a little creepy and then in book 4 a little more of an ew factor. Just trying to figure out Aunt Rosy's age bracket. She's Oliver and Ben's biological GREAT aunt.
Assumptions:
- Oliver and Ben's parents (they are cousins) parents were roughly 25 when they were born
- Their grandparents were roughly 25 when the cousins' parents were born
- Rosy is roughly the same age as the grandparents
- Oliver and Ben are around the age of 20 (both still in college)
Therefore, Aunt Rosy must be around 70ish. Had she been their actual aunt, that would have made more sense but she wouldn't be an aunt to as many people, biologically speaking, that way. Her age becomes more important as the books progress.
The "golden toilet paper" statue comes into play in this book. Oliver had always assumed his brother, Derek, would be the one to take over the toilet paper empire when their dad retires. Now, there is a cousin Harry who is a contender as well? This is a very small part of the book but it seemed like he would be from a different side of the family. Sorry. I'm thinking while I type.
Obviously, animals play a role in all of these books but this one just has fish and then maybe a secondary character has a dog? I'm mixing up just a little bit of book 2 and 3 for some of the less important points. (I read them out of order.) Anyway, there's no cute animal to steal the show here but Oliver did have one awesome fish tank in his teenage bedroom.
There's still a good connection between the characters. The steamy scenes aren't quite as a hot but that may be because they are somewhat similar to the first book and they were fresh in that book.
Bottom line, this book didn't put a smile on my face like the first did. The third book didn't, either. I'm in the middle of the 4th book now and I may find it to be a bit over the top by the time I'm finished but the steam definitely notches up a level!
We're all used to Aunt Rosy now. She's still kind of fun but it's mostly by mail and not in person. However, in book 3, I think it gets a little creepy and then in book 4 a little more of an ew factor. Just trying to figure out Aunt Rosy's age bracket. She's Oliver and Ben's biological GREAT aunt.
Assumptions:
- Oliver and Ben's parents (they are cousins) parents were roughly 25 when they were born
- Their grandparents were roughly 25 when the cousins' parents were born
- Rosy is roughly the same age as the grandparents
- Oliver and Ben are around the age of 20 (both still in college)
Therefore, Aunt Rosy must be around 70ish. Had she been their actual aunt, that would have made more sense but she wouldn't be an aunt to as many people, biologically speaking, that way. Her age becomes more important as the books progress.
The "golden toilet paper" statue comes into play in this book. Oliver had always assumed his brother, Derek, would be the one to take over the toilet paper empire when their dad retires. Now, there is a cousin Harry who is a contender as well? This is a very small part of the book but it seemed like he would be from a different side of the family. Sorry. I'm thinking while I type.
Obviously, animals play a role in all of these books but this one just has fish and then maybe a secondary character has a dog? I'm mixing up just a little bit of book 2 and 3 for some of the less important points. (I read them out of order.) Anyway, there's no cute animal to steal the show here but Oliver did have one awesome fish tank in his teenage bedroom.
There's still a good connection between the characters. The steamy scenes aren't quite as a hot but that may be because they are somewhat similar to the first book and they were fresh in that book.
Bottom line, this book didn't put a smile on my face like the first did. The third book didn't, either. I'm in the middle of the 4th book now and I may find it to be a bit over the top by the time I'm finished but the steam definitely notches up a level!
February 2, 2021
Fabulous RomCom & Narration🎧 A Heartfelt Delight!
Hook, Line & Sinker: #Love Wins
By: Ana Byrde
Narrated by: John Solo
Ana Byrde delivers another delightfully fabulous story in her #Love Wins series. This book is the type of book that once you start you will not want to put it down. My only complaint is that it should have come with a warning label stat.ing to “eat or drink at your own risk” because there is a good chance of bursting out laughing and spraying the content of your mouth all over your book or even worse out of your nose. I adored the characters in this book, Oliver, a college student with plans to work for the family business after he graduates. The one thing he needs to do before he graduates is to rid of his virginity. He is looking for the right man for the job, he always admired Wesley (Wes), one of the members of he school’s swim teams and finds away to hook him in. Wes is a player, he is bi and not afraid of his sexuality, but he is looking to change his player ways and to obtain for a month. So instead of Oliver getting what he wants from Wes he gets dates with Wes instead. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story has the prefect balance of drama, humor, heartfelt emotions and hot sexy times. Ana Byrde, thanks for another fabulous books and for the laughs, I finished the book hours ago and am still smiling and laughing when I think of some of the scenes and lines, shout out to Aunt Rosie, her antics are hilarious, lover he new speedo line too.
🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, John Solo brings these characters to life, giving each their own distinct voice making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. He does an awesome job portraying the characters, he grasps each persona, runs with it, makes the role his own and plays it with perfection. He handles the witty dialogue with ease and lands the humor brilliantly. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen.
Hook, Line & Sinker: #Love Wins
By: Ana Byrde
Narrated by: John Solo
Ana Byrde delivers another delightfully fabulous story in her #Love Wins series. This book is the type of book that once you start you will not want to put it down. My only complaint is that it should have come with a warning label stat.ing to “eat or drink at your own risk” because there is a good chance of bursting out laughing and spraying the content of your mouth all over your book or even worse out of your nose. I adored the characters in this book, Oliver, a college student with plans to work for the family business after he graduates. The one thing he needs to do before he graduates is to rid of his virginity. He is looking for the right man for the job, he always admired Wesley (Wes), one of the members of he school’s swim teams and finds away to hook him in. Wes is a player, he is bi and not afraid of his sexuality, but he is looking to change his player ways and to obtain for a month. So instead of Oliver getting what he wants from Wes he gets dates with Wes instead. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story has the prefect balance of drama, humor, heartfelt emotions and hot sexy times. Ana Byrde, thanks for another fabulous books and for the laughs, I finished the book hours ago and am still smiling and laughing when I think of some of the scenes and lines, shout out to Aunt Rosie, her antics are hilarious, lover he new speedo line too.
🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, John Solo brings these characters to life, giving each their own distinct voice making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. He does an awesome job portraying the characters, he grasps each persona, runs with it, makes the role his own and plays it with perfection. He handles the witty dialogue with ease and lands the humor brilliantly. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen.
April 25, 2021
This very much a finding yourself book. While the main characters are six months away from graduating college, they seem younger in some aspects mainly because of their fears. Both change, stand up for themselves, and basically grow up by book’s end.
Oliver is gay, hates it, and lives in fear his family will find out. He is also a virgin and comes up with an insane idea. Before consigning himself to the life his parents want for him, he wants one night to lose his virginity and explore his sexuality. It has to be no strings, no feelings. Wes is just what or who he needs.
Wes is on the swim team, he is bi, and has a reputation. He sleeps with people without the emotional connection, and he quickly loses partners for that reason. Wes isn’t a bad person. He is hiding from his childhood insecurities and is terrified of how people will react if they find out. Meeting Oliver is just what he needs.
Both guys learn that being vulnerable with the person you love isn’t a bad thing. They also learn that facing fears and insecurities is better when it is a burden shared with someone you love.
Oliver’s family is over-the-top. They are extremely wealthy with a strange family heirloom. His mom instead of being the stereotypical rich wife drinking herself into oblivion, bakes pies. She and her pies stand up for Oliver when it counts the most. His dad is a hate filled homophobic jerk.
The book ends on a strong HFN with an epilogue a few months down the road. I would have preferred a look a couple years later. If you want cute sweet read, give this one a shot. It is pure entertainment.
Oliver is gay, hates it, and lives in fear his family will find out. He is also a virgin and comes up with an insane idea. Before consigning himself to the life his parents want for him, he wants one night to lose his virginity and explore his sexuality. It has to be no strings, no feelings. Wes is just what or who he needs.
Wes is on the swim team, he is bi, and has a reputation. He sleeps with people without the emotional connection, and he quickly loses partners for that reason. Wes isn’t a bad person. He is hiding from his childhood insecurities and is terrified of how people will react if they find out. Meeting Oliver is just what he needs.
Both guys learn that being vulnerable with the person you love isn’t a bad thing. They also learn that facing fears and insecurities is better when it is a burden shared with someone you love.
Oliver’s family is over-the-top. They are extremely wealthy with a strange family heirloom. His mom instead of being the stereotypical rich wife drinking herself into oblivion, bakes pies. She and her pies stand up for Oliver when it counts the most. His dad is a hate filled homophobic jerk.
The book ends on a strong HFN with an epilogue a few months down the road. I would have preferred a look a couple years later. If you want cute sweet read, give this one a shot. It is pure entertainment.
February 14, 2021
The story line was well developed as well as the characters' story.
Oliver a college student wants a someone to take his virginity before he graduates, preferably male, although his parents doesn't know he is gay. He has a crush on Wesley, who's on the swim team.
Wesley is know to be loose, he sleeps around a lot with both men and women, but he wants to change is persona. No hooking up for a month. When he started going on on dates with Oliver it became a struggle to keep to his decision.
It made me feel as though I was right there seeing everything unfold. This book is down pack with hilariousness that keeps you laughing all the time, especially the secondary characters... Love their antics.
At one point I just wanted to strangle Oliver's father, he just didn't know when to shut up. the boat scene was perfect at that point in time.
The side characters was a great addition to the story. Aunt Rosie as always did her thing. She's tenacious, always a support for her nephews. I like how she comes up with ideas that turn into money makers, although the things she does are more hilarious. The gifts she left for Oliver, her new creation of speedos with buttons on the front ... wow .. I like the idea of having to opening the front for easy access... I need to get me some of those...LOL
I laughed so much when Oliver's mother threw the pie in her husband's face.. he deserved that..
Thank you Ana Byrde for giving us Oliver and Wesley's story and thank you John Solo for giving these characters a voice.
Will Zack get his own story?
Oliver a college student wants a someone to take his virginity before he graduates, preferably male, although his parents doesn't know he is gay. He has a crush on Wesley, who's on the swim team.
Wesley is know to be loose, he sleeps around a lot with both men and women, but he wants to change is persona. No hooking up for a month. When he started going on on dates with Oliver it became a struggle to keep to his decision.
It made me feel as though I was right there seeing everything unfold. This book is down pack with hilariousness that keeps you laughing all the time, especially the secondary characters... Love their antics.
At one point I just wanted to strangle Oliver's father, he just didn't know when to shut up. the boat scene was perfect at that point in time.
The side characters was a great addition to the story. Aunt Rosie as always did her thing. She's tenacious, always a support for her nephews. I like how she comes up with ideas that turn into money makers, although the things she does are more hilarious. The gifts she left for Oliver, her new creation of speedos with buttons on the front ... wow .. I like the idea of having to opening the front for easy access... I need to get me some of those...LOL
I laughed so much when Oliver's mother threw the pie in her husband's face.. he deserved that..
Thank you Ana Byrde for giving us Oliver and Wesley's story and thank you John Solo for giving these characters a voice.
Will Zack get his own story?
May 31, 2024
old post reposted
Random scrolling and recommendations have sent me here. To Ana Byrde's #Love Wins series. To "Hook, Line, & Sinker".
["New Year's resolution: Get V-Card stamped
Wesley Moore is a walking wet dream. Literally. He's on the school's swim team - and absolutely gorgeous in Speedos. He also has a reputation. I figured he'd be perfect to pop my cherry with no strings attached. One night. That was all I wanted.
How was I supposed to know that he's made a bet with his roommate to fix his reputation?
How was I supposed to know he wants romance now?
I'm not looking for a boyfriend. My crazy family would never accept Wes...or any other boy I brought home.
I need to get him to sleep with me before I fall for him, and there's only one way to do it. Lace. I've got a whole box full of secret weapons, and I'm not afraid to use them."]
This book was a little confusing, just with all of the emotions and feelings and sexual tension. But holy shit, it's kind of like, when you know you know, mixed with holy shit this can't be real, topped off with no one will fucking believe me.
And a little bit of fairygod mother, crazy/charming Aunt Rosy
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, bullying, self-esteem issues
#fakethedate #hooklineandsinker #straightasacucumber #lovewins #lovewinsseries #anabyrde #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Random scrolling and recommendations have sent me here. To Ana Byrde's #Love Wins series. To "Hook, Line, & Sinker".
["New Year's resolution: Get V-Card stamped
Wesley Moore is a walking wet dream. Literally. He's on the school's swim team - and absolutely gorgeous in Speedos. He also has a reputation. I figured he'd be perfect to pop my cherry with no strings attached. One night. That was all I wanted.
How was I supposed to know that he's made a bet with his roommate to fix his reputation?
How was I supposed to know he wants romance now?
I'm not looking for a boyfriend. My crazy family would never accept Wes...or any other boy I brought home.
I need to get him to sleep with me before I fall for him, and there's only one way to do it. Lace. I've got a whole box full of secret weapons, and I'm not afraid to use them."]
This book was a little confusing, just with all of the emotions and feelings and sexual tension. But holy shit, it's kind of like, when you know you know, mixed with holy shit this can't be real, topped off with no one will fucking believe me.
And a little bit of fairygod mother, crazy/charming Aunt Rosy
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, bullying, self-esteem issues
#fakethedate #hooklineandsinker #straightasacucumber #lovewins #lovewinsseries #anabyrde #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
February 17, 2025
3.3 Stars
Oliver and Wes make a cute couple by the end. But it took a while to get there. Oliver starts out just wanting to lose his virginity and to use Wes, who has a reputation for being easy, to do that. But Wes wants a relationship. It takes a while before he takes his roommate’s advice to not sleep with his next date right away, but to get to know them first. So when Wes and Oliver finally go on a date they have opposite goals: Oliver wants to have s*x and Wes wants to avoid having s*x. It’s kinda cute how Oliver is forced to get to know Wes. And even when Wes wants to give in, something comes along and interferes in amusing ways.
*Possible Spoilers*
My main problem is that for about hang there books I didn’t really like Oliver because he really was just using Wes, and even after Wes makes it clear that the doesn’t want to take things to the bedroom right away, Oliver still tried to get him in bed. So it is hard to see why Wes likes Oliver when Oliver doesn’t seem to respect him.
I appreciate that Oliver finally has a moment when he recognizes that he hasn’t been fair to Wes and that he was just using him. I also love that Wes is so supportive of Oliver and stands by him when he comes out. And Wes finally decided to be completely open and vulnerable with Oliver by sharing his insecurities with him.
It was fun to see Aunt Rosy again, and get a few glimpses of Ben from first book.
Oliver and Wes make a cute couple by the end. But it took a while to get there. Oliver starts out just wanting to lose his virginity and to use Wes, who has a reputation for being easy, to do that. But Wes wants a relationship. It takes a while before he takes his roommate’s advice to not sleep with his next date right away, but to get to know them first. So when Wes and Oliver finally go on a date they have opposite goals: Oliver wants to have s*x and Wes wants to avoid having s*x. It’s kinda cute how Oliver is forced to get to know Wes. And even when Wes wants to give in, something comes along and interferes in amusing ways.
*Possible Spoilers*
My main problem is that for about hang there books I didn’t really like Oliver because he really was just using Wes, and even after Wes makes it clear that the doesn’t want to take things to the bedroom right away, Oliver still tried to get him in bed. So it is hard to see why Wes likes Oliver when Oliver doesn’t seem to respect him.
I appreciate that Oliver finally has a moment when he recognizes that he hasn’t been fair to Wes and that he was just using him. I also love that Wes is so supportive of Oliver and stands by him when he comes out. And Wes finally decided to be completely open and vulnerable with Oliver by sharing his insecurities with him.
It was fun to see Aunt Rosy again, and get a few glimpses of Ben from first book.
April 8, 2021
4 Stars - Ollie makes a New Year’s resolution to lose his virginity. Since he’s not out to his family, he’s not looking for a relationship. His crush Wes, has a reputation for sleeping around, so Ollie figures he’d be perfect. But Wes is tired of hookups and is looking for a deeper connection. He makes a bet with his roommate/best friend to date someone for a month before sleeping with them. They’re both fighting to get what they want, but are afraid to lose each other if they give in or give up.
This was a really cute, quick read for me. Ollie and Wes are so adorkable. They’ve each got their own insecurities, but aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves. From the blurb, I expected the lingerie to play a more prominent role than it did. It was mentioned several times, but didn’t seem to be any sort of “secret weapon.” Aunt Rosy is hilarious. I love when secondary characters are so wonderfully developed and worked onto the storyline well. Overall, this was a sweet, funny, lighthearted read with a small amount of angst.
This was a really cute, quick read for me. Ollie and Wes are so adorkable. They’ve each got their own insecurities, but aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves. From the blurb, I expected the lingerie to play a more prominent role than it did. It was mentioned several times, but didn’t seem to be any sort of “secret weapon.” Aunt Rosy is hilarious. I love when secondary characters are so wonderfully developed and worked onto the storyline well. Overall, this was a sweet, funny, lighthearted read with a small amount of angst.
October 28, 2022
loved!!!
Hilarious. Both parties arriving for a goal that puts them at a standstill, yet their attraction keeps dragging back to each other. I love wes. He is adorable. He relatable with how he overcame what he did growing up and he is like many people with insecurities. But he used sex and the need to find a relationship to fill what he didn’t have for so many years not realizing their were superficial and not deep enough to be lasting. Loved Oliver and you just felt for him especially after we met him in the first book. His dad is horrible and he just wants the freedoms to be himself without losing his family. I liked that both guys tried to make a change granted it revolves around sex to mark a new chapter in life. Their chemistry was adorable. And once Oliver stopped treating Wes like a sex object and a real person their relationship grew. Loved the story can’t wait for the next one.
Hilarious. Both parties arriving for a goal that puts them at a standstill, yet their attraction keeps dragging back to each other. I love wes. He is adorable. He relatable with how he overcame what he did growing up and he is like many people with insecurities. But he used sex and the need to find a relationship to fill what he didn’t have for so many years not realizing their were superficial and not deep enough to be lasting. Loved Oliver and you just felt for him especially after we met him in the first book. His dad is horrible and he just wants the freedoms to be himself without losing his family. I liked that both guys tried to make a change granted it revolves around sex to mark a new chapter in life. Their chemistry was adorable. And once Oliver stopped treating Wes like a sex object and a real person their relationship grew. Loved the story can’t wait for the next one.
April 1, 2024
I’m combining these two as they were on the shorter side and I’m getting through the series fairly quickly. Ana Byrde’s #LoveWins series was recommended to me by Audible so I decided to give it a shot. I don’t mind a good LGBTQ+ Rom Com.
Fake the Date and Hook, Line, & Sinker are the first two books of the series. They have repeating characters and a chronological storyline so it’s not hard to follow. Each book so far explores different angles of the gay / bi community and the challenges they face which I support as representation in the community can be scarce.
The characters also have pets that are an integral part of the story and add an extra special charisma to this series.
Byrde does a good job at keeping things light and the characters likeable. The comedy is not too overdone and the storylines are believable. I will plan to finish books 3-5 in April.
★★★★ Recommend it if you need a light hearted read!
Fake the Date and Hook, Line, & Sinker are the first two books of the series. They have repeating characters and a chronological storyline so it’s not hard to follow. Each book so far explores different angles of the gay / bi community and the challenges they face which I support as representation in the community can be scarce.
The characters also have pets that are an integral part of the story and add an extra special charisma to this series.
Byrde does a good job at keeping things light and the characters likeable. The comedy is not too overdone and the storylines are believable. I will plan to finish books 3-5 in April.
★★★★ Recommend it if you need a light hearted read!
Read
September 5, 2025was so ready to download this in the middle of my night out (long story short no one is happier than i am knowing i still look cute ridiculously sopping wet than i am believe me) but the night turned around enough so that i had this waiting for me as my read of the middday
this was cute 🥺 i was hopppinggg they were in college when this started and i was sooo vindicated when i was right and then in the beginning when oliver was hitting on wes and before he found out abt the bet i was so like. so on edge energy wise and anticipated to read further i kept swiping out of my app and immediately coming back. but they were so sweetie cutie and the little embarrassing moments did register in my head (i get second hand embarrassment VERY fast) but didn't even matter. sure this could have been better just pacing wise and honestly story wise but my brain is mostly offline when i read romance so im not going to critique. did its job and now i need a new one please and thank youuu.
this was cute 🥺 i was hopppinggg they were in college when this started and i was sooo vindicated when i was right and then in the beginning when oliver was hitting on wes and before he found out abt the bet i was so like. so on edge energy wise and anticipated to read further i kept swiping out of my app and immediately coming back. but they were so sweetie cutie and the little embarrassing moments did register in my head (i get second hand embarrassment VERY fast) but didn't even matter. sure this could have been better just pacing wise and honestly story wise but my brain is mostly offline when i read romance so im not going to critique. did its job and now i need a new one please and thank youuu.
February 12, 2021
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Great nervous virgin story.
Oliver wants to lose his virginity and he decides Wes is the right guy for the job. Too bad for him that Wes has accepted a bet with his roommate that he can go a month without sex.
This was such a cute story. Oliver and Wes dance around each other quite a bit until they finally come clean with each other. There were a few sad places when Oliver finally comes out to his family but there were also many funny spots. I loved Oliver’s Aunt and the sexy gifts she left for him.
John Solo did his always fantastic job performing this story. He is one of the reasons that I love audiobooks so much. 🥰
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Great nervous virgin story.
Oliver wants to lose his virginity and he decides Wes is the right guy for the job. Too bad for him that Wes has accepted a bet with his roommate that he can go a month without sex.
This was such a cute story. Oliver and Wes dance around each other quite a bit until they finally come clean with each other. There were a few sad places when Oliver finally comes out to his family but there were also many funny spots. I loved Oliver’s Aunt and the sexy gifts she left for him.
John Solo did his always fantastic job performing this story. He is one of the reasons that I love audiobooks so much. 🥰
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
February 26, 2021
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this amusing, fairly breezy, and sometimes OTT opposites-attract love story. College students Oliver and Wes want to use each other - Oliver to lose his virginity and Wes to win a bet proving he can last a month dating without hooking up - only to find themselves wanting each other, period. Oliver is a ball of anxiety much of the time, largely due to his being closeted to his family, and despite a player reputation Wes is quite thoughtful, supportive and loving toward Oliver as their relationship develops and deepens.
This audio book is an easy listen and narrator John Solo delivers an engaging performance that conveys the humor and sweetness of this story, particularly in the small, quiet moments between Oliver and Wes.
Story: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this amusing, fairly breezy, and sometimes OTT opposites-attract love story. College students Oliver and Wes want to use each other - Oliver to lose his virginity and Wes to win a bet proving he can last a month dating without hooking up - only to find themselves wanting each other, period. Oliver is a ball of anxiety much of the time, largely due to his being closeted to his family, and despite a player reputation Wes is quite thoughtful, supportive and loving toward Oliver as their relationship develops and deepens.
This audio book is an easy listen and narrator John Solo delivers an engaging performance that conveys the humor and sweetness of this story, particularly in the small, quiet moments between Oliver and Wes.
April 11, 2022
Splendid!
Oliver and Wesley are just wonderful together. As Wes thinks to himself that they both came at getting together for opposite and not-so-good reasons, they certainly get things figured out. And adorably so. I did have to laugh right out loud when Oliver’s Mother’s butler brings Oliver’s suitcase to his room. Oliver tells him to leave outside the door. And the butler replies, “As you wish.” It’s marvelously funny because “Wesley” is standing right next to him. It feels a bit like an inside joke, yet I laughed again when the maid said the same bloody thing! All-in-all this is a delightful novel and I’m pleased that I gave Ms Byrde’s writing a try. Brava, Ms Byrde, Brava!
Oliver and Wesley are just wonderful together. As Wes thinks to himself that they both came at getting together for opposite and not-so-good reasons, they certainly get things figured out. And adorably so. I did have to laugh right out loud when Oliver’s Mother’s butler brings Oliver’s suitcase to his room. Oliver tells him to leave outside the door. And the butler replies, “As you wish.” It’s marvelously funny because “Wesley” is standing right next to him. It feels a bit like an inside joke, yet I laughed again when the maid said the same bloody thing! All-in-all this is a delightful novel and I’m pleased that I gave Ms Byrde’s writing a try. Brava, Ms Byrde, Brava!
February 16, 2021
📚🎧 Audiobook Reviews 🎧📚
Narrator 🎙 John Solo
Overall/Narrator/story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What are the odds that two men, who made decisions that are counterproductive to the other, come together and choose the other as their person? Pretty good in this book, The premise of this book is intriguing. The follow through was not disappointing. I found myself chuckling many times. Oliver’s mom is my new hero. Her pie scene had me trying to cover a laugh, while listening in bed, late at night. I enjoyed this story and felt the mcs had great chemistry.
John Solo did a good job with the narration. He is great at bringing life to the stories he narrates, and this one was no different.
Narrator 🎙 John Solo
Overall/Narrator/story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What are the odds that two men, who made decisions that are counterproductive to the other, come together and choose the other as their person? Pretty good in this book, The premise of this book is intriguing. The follow through was not disappointing. I found myself chuckling many times. Oliver’s mom is my new hero. Her pie scene had me trying to cover a laugh, while listening in bed, late at night. I enjoyed this story and felt the mcs had great chemistry.
John Solo did a good job with the narration. He is great at bringing life to the stories he narrates, and this one was no different.
May 16, 2021
Hook, Line, and Sinker is the second book in the #LoveWins series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Like the first book in the series, this book was full of humor, sassiness, and tenderness – all of this mixed together so well to create a wonderful romance that had me laughing and smiling the entire time. The chemistry between Oliver and Wesley was electric, and it definitely added to the humor of book. The audiobook was narrated by John Solo who does a fabulous job. John performs the book with just the right amount of energy and drama to bring it alive without overdoing it. All in all, this was a fun book that left a smile on my face.
February 4, 2021
This #lovewins series is a winner with Hook, Line & Sinker as good as Fake The Date. After a string of failed relationships, Wes is determined that his next relationship will be non-sexual for the first month. That proves challenging when he meets Oliver, who is equally determined to have his first sexual relationship as soon as possible. This was a funny, sweet read with the important issues of coming out and self-esteem. Great story, great characters! John Solo does his usual stellar narration on the audiobook!
February 6, 2021
What a great heartfelt story by Ana Byrde. Oliver and Wes are two very relatable and enjoyable characters. Each dealing with their own insecurities, they find their way to each other and navigate the rocky path of family drama, self-doubt, frustration, and angst. This story made me laugh out loud several times, cringe with humiliation, and gush at the love-sick goofiness. If you're looking for a great read with some humor and down to earth writing, then this is the story for you. Spectacularly narrated by John Solo.
March 15, 2021
**Audible Review**
I loved Wes and Ollie story. Both starting off the relationship totally opposite but eventually come together on the same page. Love wins. The narrator was good. Gave the listener everything that is needed to get totally involved in the scenes. Just like the last book in the series, there are bigoted people who just cant get over themselves and the lesson here is you just gotta move on. Live life for yourself and happiness. Great story...lovely romance. Nice!
I received a free copy of this to listen and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Wes and Ollie story. Both starting off the relationship totally opposite but eventually come together on the same page. Love wins. The narrator was good. Gave the listener everything that is needed to get totally involved in the scenes. Just like the last book in the series, there are bigoted people who just cant get over themselves and the lesson here is you just gotta move on. Live life for yourself and happiness. Great story...lovely romance. Nice!
I received a free copy of this to listen and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2021
Oliver is a fish out of water but as they move through the story he finally finds the water he needs to move forward with his life. It is sad but realistic that sometimes family won't accept your truth but it is also true that there are others there to fill in those gaps. Wesley is on his growth journey that almost makes them at cross purposes at first but it all gets turned around the right way. This story has some drama but is also full of lots of fun moments.
I really enjoyed the the audio version of this story.
I really enjoyed the the audio version of this story.
January 23, 2022
2,5
The two MCs had zero chemistry and it always felt passive-aggressive between these two at the beginning.
Wes does not want to sleep with Oliver and Oliver would get mad at him. For what?
Not wanting sex is valid. You’re not entitled to it just for dating someone. And sex is not everything.
Oliver was just an entitled little brat most of the time and Wes kept liking him without a good reason.
And why did the rules of the bet changed suddenly? It was stated that Zach would show that picture (still such a dick move) if Wes would LIE about losing the bet, not losing the bet itself.
The two MCs had zero chemistry and it always felt passive-aggressive between these two at the beginning.
Wes does not want to sleep with Oliver and Oliver would get mad at him. For what?
Not wanting sex is valid. You’re not entitled to it just for dating someone. And sex is not everything.
Oliver was just an entitled little brat most of the time and Wes kept liking him without a good reason.
And why did the rules of the bet changed suddenly? It was stated that Zach would show that picture (still such a dick move) if Wes would LIE about losing the bet, not losing the bet itself.
February 3, 2021
A terrifically humorous book! It’s a good new adult romance with sweet main characters, a bit of angst, and some crazy family drama. But what I loved most of all is the humour. There are some outrageously fun scenes and it left me either smiling or laughing the whole time. Oliver and Wes are cute and fun, and I really enjoyed their story as they navigated what they thought were clashing desires to finally come together. A good rom-com read if you’re looking for something light and happy.
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