Christopher: My life has been boringly predictable. From academic success as a child and at college, to my career at Greenford University, everything has fit perfectly into the plan. I like it, it’s worked for me, and thankfully, for my peace of mind, it works for my mother as well. But I’m starting to wonder if there’s more to life than just my plan. That question grows even louder when I meet Mateo on a night out. Suddenly I find myself falling head over heels for someone I never imagined…a stripper!
Mateo: I was warned taking a break from college was a bad idea. Well, I didn’t have a choice when my mom got sick. I needed more than a serving job at the strip club. Turned out stripping was perfect for me. I’m good at it. I enjoy it, and people enjoy me, so I’ve stuck with it. I haven’t dated anyone recently, seemed like a recipe for disaster, especially if I met them in the club. That changed when I met Christopher. Something in that shy, sweet man drew me to him immediately and suddenly, I don’t want anything else but him…until his mother interferes
Can a nerdy college professor and a fun-loving stripper make their romance work or will outside pressures ruin everything?
Romeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
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Christopher: My life has been boringly predictable. From academic success as a child, as a college student, to my career at Greenford University, everything has fit perfectly into the plan. I like it, it’s worked for me, and thankfully, for my peace of mind, it works for my mother as well. But I’m starting to wonder if there’s more to life than just "my plan". That question grows even louder and stronger when I meet Mateo on a night out. Suddenly I find myself falling head over heels for someone I never imagined…a stripper! By now everyone knows that Romeo Alexander is one of my favorite authors and it's not only because of the plots he weaves but more importantly, the characters he introduces and develops in each new story. With Christopher and Mateo, he has given us a couple who appears to be totally opposite in every way but yet unquestionably totally meant for each other.
Christopher is quiet, down-to-earth and shy about being gay. He is very young to have done so but has just acquired a professorship at Greenford University. He and his older, openly bisexual brother, Devon, who is an outrageous musician, have what I would consider a somewhat "on again-off again", relationship but one very big thing in common: an over-the top- domineering mother who just cannot wrap her head around or accept either of her son's lifestyles. She could have been the star of "Throw Mama from the Train." I would have volunteered to "do the deed" myself. I'm the mother of a gay son who is married to the most wonderful man on Earth...and I cannot fathom how any parents can do and say the things that we read about, to their children simply because they don't fit in their "little planned life" slots.
Mateo is such an easy-going character that has had to drop out of Greenford. This was before Christopher arrived...in order to work and make more money for his mother's costly medical bills. His main money source is his job and the fact that he is a very talented and popular stripper at an all-sex club where Devon has been booked to put on one of his wildly popular raves.
Devon guilt-trips Christopher into attending the show without telling him that it's a strip club...he just wants his brother to get out and enjoy himself while taking advantage of the fact that his show is right up the street from Greenford University. Shocked when he shows up to the club to see what it is Christopher does there and sees what type of club it is, he nevertheless goes in to see his brother's act...and is immediately overcome with the beautiful, sexy and exceptionally talented stripper who turns out to be Mateo.
How do they carry on afterwards??? If I tell you, it will give away a lot and possibly ruin it for you, so you'll just have to find out for yourself... although I will say that the mothers are exceptionally well drawn and play major roles in the plot. You will have a wonderful time reading this one. Romeo Alexander again, brings us one of his best couples to enjoy.
3+ Tym razem głównym problemem jednego z MC był toksyczny rodzic - a konkretnie toksyczna matka. I z jednej strony jako kobieta i matka jestem zła, że to po raz kolejny musiała być kobieta, a z drugiej... cóż, z niechęcią jednak muszę przyznać autorowi, że to kobiety potrafią być jednak zdecydowanie częściej manipulującymi, knującymi i kontrolującymi sukami 🤷♀️
I'm considerably impressed by the sheer amount of nothing that happened in this book. And it's not as though a plot was eschewed in favour of smut, as there are only two sex scenes in this book.
I'm not sure why Mateo and Chris were attracted to each other. Their on page interactions were sparse and their personalities flat. But they're both hot, so I guess there's that. Oh, and Chris is pretty judgy towards sex workers, since his first impressions were that a strip club was dirty (morally) and that Mateo was essentially a himbo.
A couple times there was conflicting info.
- Chris arrives at Nocturne, looking at the address on his phone and calls his brother on it. He later tells Mateo he doesn't have his phone on him either, that he left it at home. It's never mentioned during Chris's POV in the following chapter if this was to avoid getting Mateo's number, but he could have easily not contacted him if Mateo put his contact info into his phone as he could have by getting his number written on a napkin
- Christopher muses he's seen more of Mateo than he had ever seen of someone he'd tried to date before. So, I assumed he must be a virgin? But he isn't as he mentions having had a few partners in the past, that it's been years since his last relationship, and that he'd never been fucked by someone with as big a dick as Mateo. I guess they didn't undress for sex?
Nice start to a very interesting series. Sexy stripper with nerdy professor. Nice! Love it from start to finish. Mateo exude major sex appeal and confidence. When he was challenging Chris in the beginning...it was soooooooooooo bold and upfront...it was a treat to read. No innuendos...straight forward banter. Of course Chris was a little bashful but all that made him adorable and sweet when confronted with his hidden wants and needs. This was a good match up...hated Chris' mother...she was just awful but that scene toward the end when Chris let her have it...EPIC...so that tells you this ended well with the couple and I can't wait for the next story...I know its gonna be good too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Chris and Mateo, they were both so different but completely drawn to each other, Chris even pushing past his reservations and his thoughts of being boring, to take a chance on seeing where this connection might lead. Both have single mothers as parents, but they couldn't be more different, Mateo's mother is kind, down-to-earth and loving, Chris' mother is overbearing and judgemental, and it is Chris' mother who eventually causes issues between this gorgeous couple. These two were so sweet together, it had all the feels and was low on angst which I appreciated.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hmm. Not really working for me. The central romance needed more work. I didn't really feel why Christopher fell for Mateo, aside from physical attraction and I didn't quite see why Mateo fell for Chris either until much later. Still, it did pick up a bit in the end and I loved the family vibe in Mateo's family and Chris's relationship with Devon, so perhaps I'll try Devon's or Lucas's book in the future.
Mateo is sweet and sexy, Chris is sweet, considerate, smart and interesting. I loved their banter and their interesting conversations. It was nice to know all the side characters that will have their stories in later books, Dan, Lucas and Devon.
Romeo's older series are fun and easy to read, conflicts are quickly solved and the books are mainly focusing on the characters getting to know each other, finding comfort in each other, falling in love and the joy of their hea. The characters are always different and interesting.
I was gonna say opposites attract but really are they?? Christopher is what you call a safe guy, a professor who comes alive working in the lab and not so much teaching but to have one he had to do the other, to work at Greenford University. His brother was the exact opposite of him Devon was out there enjoying life and when he asked him to go and watch him perform one night Christopher says yes because he wants to support him and he’s never seen him before on stage. But his brother had something up his sleeve because he wouldn’t telling where he was going until the night he should've known better because when he arrives he finds himself outside a strip club. When Christopher spots Mateo doing his set on stage he’s blown away. It’s not seedy, it’s not! it’s an art the way that he moved his body made everything come alive for Christopher. And when they met at the end of the night he couldn’t believe it when Matteo gave him his telephone number.
Mateo had started work in the bar when he was still at college but then his mum got sick with cancer and they needed the money so he started to strip and what would you know he really enjoyed the attention and the reaction he got from the people in the crowd. But what he most cared about was his mum he was there for her. When he meets Christopher one night something changes in Mateo and he knows he wants to get to know him but could Christopher look past him being a stripper?? Or was it just too much to ask? There is something extremely sweet about these two, you find that Matteo is not what People expect from strippers. He’s educated, he is bright, talented, he’s patient, he’s cute, he’s just a really nice guy and Christopher Sees all of that straightaway. The more time they spent together the more they just fit. That is until Christopher gets a visitor and things don’t look so good for the couple. I knew what was going to happen because you saw it on the way oh I don’t want to give anything away And spoil the book for you all I will say is just have faith. A great book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This author has definitely become one of my favorites. You don’t just get a surface level story because there are real issues and important things to think about deeper down, and the author will lure you there to find out what it is.
The characters in this story were fantastic. Christopher was shy, more of an introvert who just goes along, liking a regimented, predictable life. His college professor work fulfills those needs. Mateo, on the other hand, is the extrovert who loves life and enjoys what he does, even though it took him from his chosen path. The two of them saw something in each other that pulled them together. And this time, it was important enough to Christopher to make him overcome his reservations and open up to this whirlwind of possibilities. Mateo had an easier time of it because he was used to his loving, accepting mom who fully trusted her son’s decisions but was able to gently guide him if he needed advice. With that kind of foundation, he is confident and has the courage to choose what is right for him. But Christopher’s mother was controlling and judgmental. Her damaging parenting is easily seen as she seriously tries to break them apart. It comes down to how important that relationship has become to Christopher. Will he stand up and fight for what matters to him? Or will he let her do what she has always done and dictate her expectations for his compliance?
This story really pulls the reader in to share the emotional journey. I love their interaction and the growth that takes place. I wanted to stand up and cheer in places. So grab your copy and see if there is a HEA for these two.
Stripped What to expect: Loving and supportive family Overbearing mom Witty dialogue Opposites who form a good duo HEA
If you are already a Romeo Alexander fan, you will not be disappointed. If this is your first Romeo Alexander book, get ready to be entertained. This author is fast becoming one of my new favorites. The storytelling is nuanced and the characters are flawed, but in a way that endears you to them.
This story is the tale of an awkward introvert, Christopher, who falls in love with extrovert, Mateo. Beginning a relationship with Mateo is very far out of Christopher’s wheelhouse and less than ideal for Christopher’s mother.
Christopher is the peace maker in his family. He is the living brother and dutiful son who does his best to appease his mother in hopes of keeping the peace. He bites his tongue, to the point he may lose it, during her years of judgmental micromanaging of his life. He also bites his tongue when she berates his brother’s life choices. He would probably continue to tolerate her meddling, if it did not jeopardize the burgeoning relationship with Mateo. Mateo, on the other hand, has the support of his mother who isn’t afraid to give him hard truths when he needs it. With his mother’s support and advice, Mateo learns to lean into his love for Christopher.
The author mentioned that this is the first book in a new series. I can’t wait for book two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Romeo Alexander has become one of my favorite authors not only because of the plots he weaves but more importantly the characters he introduces and develops without reservation. In Christopher and Mateo he has given us a couple who seem totally opposite in every sense from the start and unquestionably meant for each other in a very short time.
Quiet, down-to-earth and shyly gay Christopher has just nailed a professorship at Greenford University (wherever that is, I think in the East) at a very young age. He and his older openly bisexual brother Devon, an outrageous musician, have a somewhat on-and-off relationship but one very big thing in common: a domineering mother who cannot wrap her head around either of her son's lifestyles. She could have been the star of "Throw Mama From the Train."
Easy going Mateo has had to drop out of Greenford (before Christopher arrived) to earn more money for his mother's medical bills. His prime money generator is the fact that he is a hugely talented and popular stripper at an all sex club where Devon has been booked to put on one of his wildly popular raves.
Devon guilt-trips Christopher into attending the show without telling him that it's a strip club--he just wants his brother to get out and enjoy himself while taking advantage of the fact that his gig is basically right up the street from Greenford. Shocked when he shows up to the club to see what it is Christopher nevertheless goes in to see his brother's act--and is immediately overcome with the beautiful, sexy and exceptionally talented stripper who turns out to be Mateo.
How they get to meet, greet, and carry on afterwards is for me to know and you to find out (although I will allow that the mothers are exceptionally well drawn and play major roles in the plot). You will have a wonderful time reading this one as Mr. Alexander brings us one of his best couples to enjoy.
Wonderful! this was a super sweet romance between two twenty something guys who have very different personalities and lifestyles. It is told from both Mateo and Christopher's POV so you really get to feel what the characters are each feeling. Christopher is analytical and routine while Mateo is out there doing what he can to get by and support his mom and enjoying it as well! Mateo is a flirt and a tease but just really wants someone to love him for who he is not just his BOD!!.. Well Christopher does love that BOD.. to the point of Blushing which is adorable! This book was mostly sweet, but the few Sexy times .. were VERY SEXY!.. there is a Private dance... and there is the most Fun, Awkwardly realistic to the point of being downright Sexy,,,, "Undressing" each other scene before the main Smexy event!!! Going to be one of my favorite book scenes of all time! Loved Mateo's Family and how Christopher fit right in with them!! The other Stripper Dan the twink...was a super amusing side character! Hope he gets a story!! If you are looking for a fun, sexy chemistry romance this book is definitely for you!
Mateo is a stripper. Christopher is a college professor. Mateo’s outgoing, confident, and loves to be the center of attention. Christopher is focused, determined, and prefers familiarity and his routines— at least, he thinks he does. When Christopher sees Mateo perform, however, he starts to reconsider. While there are some steamy moments, this is definitely a book about the development of a relationship, and the emotional bonds that build between the two men are the real focus. They really are sweet together, and left to their own devices, an HEA seems guaranteed. Of course, Christopher’s domineering mother has no intention of leaving her adult son to his own devices. Mateo sometimes seems a bit too put-together to be a real person, and his half-finished undergrad degree in psychology apparently makes him as much therapist as boyfriend, but a too-good-to-be-true love interest is more feature than bug for this genre, tbh, so I’m not sure that’s a real drawback and overall, I really enjoyed the novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Christopher has a domineering mother and to keep peace, kept to a straight and narrow life in his career and quiet personal life. When he goes to see Devon, his older brother, work as a DJ at the Nocturne, he meets Mateo. Mateo gives Christopher his phone number. Christopher takes his courage in hand and calls Mateo. Mateo is a stripper and is taking time off college to help his mother with whom he has a good relationship. Christopher and Mateo date and grow closer. However Christopher's mother finds out and tries to break them up. When Christopher finds out exactly what his mother did to both him and Mateo, he finally tells her off and goes to Mateo. They talk and understand what exactly happened. Christopher and Mateo move past it and enjoy their developing relationship. I'm glad that Christopher's mother didn't destroy such a promising relationship with her biased views.
Excellent start to a new series. Great foundation, very nice characters. Recently graduated with his PhD, Christopher got the job at Greenford U. He wanted to work in the lab as a researcher. For now, he's working as a teacher. He's a low key, keep his head down kinda guy. He realizes he's stuck in a rut and looking to climb out. Mateo is a pragmatic survivor, working to help his Mom while not letting his circumstances get him down and enjoying life! On a night out, Chris sees Mateo and is intrigued. These men are opposites, but they compliment each other. Chris has a suffocated strained relationship with his Mom. Mateo's family is about love and inclusivity, a very welcome respite, for Chris. Reading about Chris climbing out of his rut with Mateo lending a flirty steadying hand is fun. It is a delightful read to see how they navigate getting to know each other. Nicely done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Nice cover art!
Christopher has his life all set up. He is a first-year professor and he is happy even if he does feel as if something is missing. His brother gets him to meet him at a club where he is working for the night and, there, he meets Mateo. That meeting makes Christopher realize what that something is that he is missing.
Mateo finds himself drawn to this nerdy professor. He works as a stripper to help his mother through an illness. He would love to get to know Christopher better but he is not sure there can be anything for them, especially after Christopher’s mother interferes.
Stripped is a delightful story of finding love in an unexpected place. Christopher really struggles with the social part of life but Mateo give him the patience he needs. Love will hopefully conquer all for these two after misunderstandings, an interfering mother, and an incompetent UBER driver. This is truly an amazing story that will leave you smiling.
This book rocks! The first of a new series that promises to be phenomenal, the story of Christopher and Mateo is filled with sassy characters, lots of love and a bit of mamma drama. The two meet when Christopher's brother, Devon, finally gets him to come to one of his shows. Devon is a DJ and this time he's at Nocturne, where Mateo works. Christopher is mesmerized by Mateo stage show and soon, the two are meeting for coffee. From there, things take off spectacularly. That is, until Christopher's meddling mother steps in. It will make for a bit of a bumpy ride but all's well that ends well when Christopher puts his foot down and stands up for Mateo. This will bring the two closer and Christopher closer to Mateo's family. It paves the way for the two to have their very own happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mateo and Christopher are pretty opposite. Mateo is a stripper who loves to preform and be the centre of attention. And Christopher is a college professor that prefers to be behind the scenes. But when Chris sees Mateo for the first time as he dances on the stage it changes his perspective about strip clubs and strippers. Their relationship moves from dating to boyfriends within a couple months even though they are both super busy. But there is one thing that gets in there way. Christopher’s mom. She is so overbearing that she tries to control every aspect of Christopher’s life. Including his relationship with Mateo. Good thing Chris is stronger then you think so that he can save his relationship with the man he loves. This book a sweet and fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is sweet, amusing and entertaining. Chris is a shy, nerdy introvert, he doesn't really do "sociable" well, he's uncomfortable around people and places he doesn't know. So when his brother asks him to come see him DJ, he reluctantly agrees. Mateo is a sweet, sexy and confident man who likes to show off, so he strips for a living. When their eyes meet across a crowded club, both are gobsmacked. When Mateo invites Chris to come to the club before they open to get a private dance, Chris decides that his life is too boring, so he goes. From there a relationship slowly builds. As they get to know each other, they both have mothers to deal with. Chris's mother is overbearing, controlling and manipulative. Mateo's mother is sweet, funny and kind. An unexpected visit from Chris's mother forces him to make some decisions, and he shocks Mateo with what he does. I enjoyed reading this.
An okay start with a conversation between Chris and his brother on the subject of a strippergram event. A night out planned with Devon, Chris sees a dancer he can't take his eyes of. This was a good book to read for a stripper storyline, nothing sets this one different to others. Includes both pov's into the story. Other characters are great to keep the story bouncing the story along. I didn't get a feel or a connection for these guys but they easily get along for a nice romance.. I’m giving this one a 3+ stars, I’ve read many of this authors books and really liked them, this one didn’t quite get there for me.
Christopher 29 years was a teacher at Greenford University and didn't do much socializing at all due to being a workaholic. His brother, Devon was in town for a DJ music show and invites Chris along. Mateo was a stripper, as well as looking after his mum after her cancer.
A chance meeting between a quiet college professor and a cocky stripper that turns into a steamy romance with one of the steamiest private dances I've ever read!
Christopher is a quiet, shy, introverted college professor. His brother Devon, a DJ, is performing at a local club and guilts Chris into attending. Chris doesn't realize it's a strip club until he pulls up outside of Club Nocturne, a place he would never frequent. Sexy and confident, Mateo takes the stage, the two lock eyes, and the chemistry between the two is instant. After lots of back and forth with himself, Chris contacts Mateo and agrees to a private dance. When I say this private dance is hot, I mean smoking hot, like panty melting hot!
Chris and Mateo have a slight bump in the road, but do get their HEA!
Romeo Alexander's characters are always so sweet and lovable, with a little bit of attitude, a lot of snark and heat that's so hot it will leave you a panting mess.
I thought that this was really sweet book. Mateo and Chris were fantastic together. I loved how patient Mateo was with Chris as he was trying deferent things. I loved how Chris allowed Mateo to just be himself and was proud to be the man that Mateo chose to be with. I loved the connection and chemistry between these two. There is drama with Chris's mother but when Chris realizes exactly what has happened, he didn't waste anytime trying to make everything right again. I loved this book and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us! I would highly recommend this book and Ms. Romeo has a must read author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chris is a Biology teacher at the local University and Mateo is a stripper at Club Nocturne. Two more different people than ever. When Chris does a favour for his DJ brother and goes to see him play at the Club, this is an environment he is comfortable in until he meets Mateo and watches his performance.
The more time they spend together the more comfortable Chris becomes.
The story also deals with different parenting styles and how they affect their children.
Great story. Very romantic. Read it in a couple of hours, needed to know what happened next, couldn't put it down. Very invested now in the men and women that work at Club Nocturne and who live in the town of Greenford.
Stripped is a fun, lighthearted opposites-attract contemporary romance between a college professor and a stripper. For Christopher, his life has followed a predictable path. All of a sudden he’s hit with the energy that is Mateo and his life turns upside down in the best way. Chris and Mateo are magnetic and so sweet together! For two people who could have easily never met, they just fit perfectly. They can’t escape outside pressure though and, sadly, it comes from Chris’s judgemental mother. I’d still call it a low angst, so if you’re looking for something sweet with fun characters, I’d recommend this book.
Christopher and Mateo could not be more different outwardly but they manage to see beneath the surface of the other and connect in a way they never had before. This book is full of sweetness and laughs, conflict and doubts, powerful attraction and sizzling chemistry, genuine connection, heartfelt love, and a very satisfying HEA. Great character development, an interesting and quick paced storyline, low angst, secondary characters that will have you smiling or frowning, and overall an enjoyable story that I did not want to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were interesting. This story of Mateo when his mum got sick he took a year off his college to earn money to help his mum, so he went to work at a strip club that is when he saw Christopher. Christopher is a professor at Greenford University, he decided to go and watch his brother at work he noticed Mateo instantly, Mateo is younger than Christopher and they started to get to know each other they had a bumpy road while getting to know each other and of course a meddling mum into the mix which made them stronger again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you know me, you’d know that anything written by Romeo is my comfort read and my mood called out for a Romeo novel!!
Stripped was such a fun, low angst, opposites attract love story. Christopher was really just going through the motions of living his life. A great career, that he really wasn’t passionate about, an overbearing and manipulative mother…until he found himself in a strip club and met Mateo. Full of sunshine and a zest for life stripper, who cares deeply for his family and has a love for working a crowd and dancing.
Christopher couldn’t resist…and neither could I!! I’m looking forward to reading the rest in this series!
I absolutely loved this book! Which I swear I say about every book I read from this author! I love the way that Christopher ends up standing up to his mom and how he gains a new family of his dreams through Mateo! I love how patient Mateo is with Christopher and that while there are spicy scenes between the two that is never the focus of their relationship! I love the way that they support each other through the ups and downs and how Mateo helps Christopher to feel more relaxed and that Chris helps Mateo feel more grounded! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to start the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Who would have thought shy Christopher would have opened up to stripper Mateo. The two of them make a great relationship. Mateo with is out going personality manages to help Christopher come out of his shell. This is a slow burn story with awesome characters, including the other people in the story. The author has managed to combine together a wonderful tale of beginning love for two men along with other characters who helped to complete this story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two men from differing backgrounds but both have more in common than either believes they have. This was a nice change of pace from the Men of Fort Dale series. One communality shared is a single mother. But Chris's mother can't cut the apron strings while Mateo's mother is a woman with an open heart. Chris is a strait-laced professor and Mateo is a stripper. Their appeal far outweighs their apparent Non appeal. This is a review given to me via Booksprout.