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First & Forever Stories #1
Pretenders
Doctor Wesley Bennett is desperate to find a date for his ex-fiancé’s destination wedding. So desperate, in fact, that he’s decided to hire an escort to pose as his boyfriend.
That’s what he thinks, anyway.
My roommate’s the actual escort, not me. He wasn’t available, so I stepped in. This job was just way too sweet to pass up.
It should be easy. All we have to do is convince everyone Wesley and I are a couple without getting emotionally involved. He’s adorable though, in a nerdy and endearingly awkward kind of way, and the attraction between us is undeniable. I have a feeling things are about to get complicated. And what’s going to happen when the job is over? Can we stop pretending and build something real? Or are a straight-laced pediatrician and a lavender-haired DJ too different to make it work?
Pretenders is a stand-alone, opposites attract gay romance, set in the world of Alexa Land’s best-selling Firsts and Forever Series.
That’s what he thinks, anyway.
My roommate’s the actual escort, not me. He wasn’t available, so I stepped in. This job was just way too sweet to pass up.
It should be easy. All we have to do is convince everyone Wesley and I are a couple without getting emotionally involved. He’s adorable though, in a nerdy and endearingly awkward kind of way, and the attraction between us is undeniable. I have a feeling things are about to get complicated. And what’s going to happen when the job is over? Can we stop pretending and build something real? Or are a straight-laced pediatrician and a lavender-haired DJ too different to make it work?
Pretenders is a stand-alone, opposites attract gay romance, set in the world of Alexa Land’s best-selling Firsts and Forever Series.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2021
169 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Land
58 books786 followersIndependent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 2, 2021
I still don´t know why I didn´t DNF this one, but it happened... 😂😂😂
Pretend boyfriends is one of my favorite tropes, I read everything with it no matter what, so that´s why I picked this one up. The beginning was ok, I did feel that some interactions were ott, but not too much to make me give up. The couple started in a weird way, having dates pre-wedding and even the horizontal tango but still, I pushed through.
Then the wedding happened and all the stupid, corny, cringeworthy tropes came out and I was reading with one eye closed and one open to survive it, there were even public declarations of love? I dunno what that shit was but to me it was awkward as fuck. So nop, no ma thing.
...Until this day I don´t know why I kept going, I did like the characters, they were fun, warm and colorful, but the situations that the author put them through were not for me. NOPE! 💅💅❤
Pretend boyfriends is one of my favorite tropes, I read everything with it no matter what, so that´s why I picked this one up. The beginning was ok, I did feel that some interactions were ott, but not too much to make me give up. The couple started in a weird way, having dates pre-wedding and even the horizontal tango but still, I pushed through.
Then the wedding happened and all the stupid, corny, cringeworthy tropes came out and I was reading with one eye closed and one open to survive it, there were even public declarations of love? I dunno what that shit was but to me it was awkward as fuck. So nop, no ma thing.
...Until this day I don´t know why I kept going, I did like the characters, they were fun, warm and colorful, but the situations that the author put them through were not for me. NOPE! 💅💅❤
June 9, 2021
Wonderful HEA 😍
If it wasn't for the deliberate miscommunication I would have enjoyed this so much more. Ash not telling Wes he's not a prostitute until past 60% annoyed me so much because I couldn't understand the reasoning behind it. There was so much drama with Wes needing a fake boyfriend to get him through spending time with family, witnessing his ex marrying his brother, and Wes's mother being what she is, that I just don't understand the reasoning behind waiting so long, and ultimately it really annoyed me. Once they cleared the air the story was so much more entertaining to read. In the end though I absolutely loved Wes and Ash, I'm so happy they got their happy ending, and I'm really looking forward to getting Jasper's story next.
Single POV, contemporary romance featuring fake boyfriends, with humor, great characters, including a charming cinnamon roll, and a wonderful HEA ending.
3.5 stars
If it wasn't for the deliberate miscommunication I would have enjoyed this so much more. Ash not telling Wes he's not a prostitute until past 60% annoyed me so much because I couldn't understand the reasoning behind it. There was so much drama with Wes needing a fake boyfriend to get him through spending time with family, witnessing his ex marrying his brother, and Wes's mother being what she is, that I just don't understand the reasoning behind waiting so long, and ultimately it really annoyed me. Once they cleared the air the story was so much more entertaining to read. In the end though I absolutely loved Wes and Ash, I'm so happy they got their happy ending, and I'm really looking forward to getting Jasper's story next.
Single POV, contemporary romance featuring fake boyfriends, with humor, great characters, including a charming cinnamon roll, and a wonderful HEA ending.
3.5 stars
June 6, 2021
I absolutely adored this book! I have to give it 5 stars because I devoured it and just wanted to read more. Wesley and Ash are so different, but are just so good together. I had a smile on face throughout this book.
There is minimal angst, but the majority of Wesley's family is just awful. He's a pediatrician in a small practice, yet is a complete disappointment to his parents who are obscenely rich, obscenely obnoxious and don't care about anything but their image, especially when it comes to Wesley not living up to snuff. Ash is a DJ, has always struggled to get by, but finds something to enjoy in every day. He is taken by Wesley in their first meeting and vows to do anything he can to make Wesley's life easier while he's pretending to be his boyfriend.
I loved seeing the impact Ash had on Wesley's life, seeing Wesley stand up for himself and finally start living a life he was happy in. Ash is just a ray of lavender topped sunshine and I just couldn't get enough of the two of them together.
The story is based in Alexa Land's Firsts and Forever universe (with a cameo from Nana and a couple of others), but can definitely work as a standalone. I'll be looking forward to the next story and at least a cameo from these two.
There is minimal angst, but the majority of Wesley's family is just awful. He's a pediatrician in a small practice, yet is a complete disappointment to his parents who are obscenely rich, obscenely obnoxious and don't care about anything but their image, especially when it comes to Wesley not living up to snuff. Ash is a DJ, has always struggled to get by, but finds something to enjoy in every day. He is taken by Wesley in their first meeting and vows to do anything he can to make Wesley's life easier while he's pretending to be his boyfriend.
I loved seeing the impact Ash had on Wesley's life, seeing Wesley stand up for himself and finally start living a life he was happy in. Ash is just a ray of lavender topped sunshine and I just couldn't get enough of the two of them together.
The story is based in Alexa Land's Firsts and Forever universe (with a cameo from Nana and a couple of others), but can definitely work as a standalone. I'll be looking forward to the next story and at least a cameo from these two.
May 5, 2022
I DNF @ 93%. I hung in there because I did like the heroes, though Wes's family is horrible, and Ash could have revealed he really wasn't a prostitute very early on.
The reason I quit this story is because Wesley's supposed best friend revealed to his ex-fiance that Ash was hired by Wes to go to the wedding and that he was a prostitute.
REALLY?!! Why in the hell would she do that? And, instead of calling or confronting her in any way, it's glossed over *off screen* by Wes and her texting...which of course he immediately forgives her and understands her heart was in the right place.
I call bullshit.
Wes deserved better.
I liked Ash and Wes but the horrible side characters and Wes's eager forgiving nature made me throw in the towel.
I normally do not rate books I don't finish but since I almost completed it, I'm rating it anyway.
The reason I quit this story is because Wesley's supposed best friend revealed to his ex-fiance that Ash was hired by Wes to go to the wedding and that he was a prostitute.
REALLY?!! Why in the hell would she do that? And, instead of calling or confronting her in any way, it's glossed over *off screen* by Wes and her texting...which of course he immediately forgives her and understands her heart was in the right place.
I call bullshit.
Wes deserved better.
I liked Ash and Wes but the horrible side characters and Wes's eager forgiving nature made me throw in the towel.
I normally do not rate books I don't finish but since I almost completed it, I'm rating it anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2021
this was nice, but tbh there was not enough drama for me.
July 3, 2021
Fake-boyfriend trope with opposites attract. I liked both MCs and enjoyed that this story didn't exactly follow the traditional fake boyfriend storyline.
It was a fun read until about 70% where it went into OTT territory. I'm sick of stories with mean over the top families who don't care about each other and moms who are more bully than parent 😩 They make me so mad!!!
I enjoyed the author writing style (even though I prefer dual POV) so I will be checking out the series that this book is a spin-off from!
It was a fun read until about 70% where it went into OTT territory. I'm sick of stories with mean over the top families who don't care about each other and moms who are more bully than parent 😩 They make me so mad!!!
I enjoyed the author writing style (even though I prefer dual POV) so I will be checking out the series that this book is a spin-off from!
July 10, 2021
I love a fake boyfriend/fake dating trope but this one was a bit too cutesy, insta-love for my personal taste. Still enjoyable but a little bit meh 😕.
February 16, 2023
I loved this so much. It was light, fast, sexy and emotional with two completely wonderful and lovable MCs.
This one got into it real quick and I was here for it! I’d not heard of this author before but I was very curious. While fake relationships are not my fave, this one was fantastic. Maybe because Wes’s family was truly horrendous so who cared if they didn’t know what was really going on. But honestly the connection between Ash and Wes was so intense and meaningful almost immediately, it wasn’t like they were actually faking anything. That might also be why I loved it!
Ash was so sincere and kind. He was also a bit wild but given he was a DJ and partied for a living, it wasn’t odd. He was absolutely getting tired of that lifestyle but also living paycheck to paycheck. It wasn’t any wonder he considered the escorting gig, even if he wasn’t actually an escort. I absolutely loved how he was so drawn to Wes and couldn’t control his desire. There was so much passion!!
Wes was such a sweet soul. I hate when parents are so uncaring and insensitive. The fact they had no inclination to be more gentle with him after his fiancé left him for HIS BROTHER gives insight into the darkness of their hearts. I loved how he opened up to Ash. I also loved how he allowed himself to enjoy being physically and emotionally connected intimately with Ash, even though they didn’t know each other for long.
I loved how we got down and dirty early and that it was present throughout but felt organic and added to their relationship and connection. I couldn’t get enough of their open communication and their vulnerability.
This one got into it real quick and I was here for it! I’d not heard of this author before but I was very curious. While fake relationships are not my fave, this one was fantastic. Maybe because Wes’s family was truly horrendous so who cared if they didn’t know what was really going on. But honestly the connection between Ash and Wes was so intense and meaningful almost immediately, it wasn’t like they were actually faking anything. That might also be why I loved it!
Ash was so sincere and kind. He was also a bit wild but given he was a DJ and partied for a living, it wasn’t odd. He was absolutely getting tired of that lifestyle but also living paycheck to paycheck. It wasn’t any wonder he considered the escorting gig, even if he wasn’t actually an escort. I absolutely loved how he was so drawn to Wes and couldn’t control his desire. There was so much passion!!
Wes was such a sweet soul. I hate when parents are so uncaring and insensitive. The fact they had no inclination to be more gentle with him after his fiancé left him for HIS BROTHER gives insight into the darkness of their hearts. I loved how he opened up to Ash. I also loved how he allowed himself to enjoy being physically and emotionally connected intimately with Ash, even though they didn’t know each other for long.
I loved how we got down and dirty early and that it was present throughout but felt organic and added to their relationship and connection. I couldn’t get enough of their open communication and their vulnerability.
June 2, 2021
All the stars for this book!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this instant classic Alexa Land book, Ash gets his HEA and it’s a truly lovely story.
Each character has so many layers and both Ash and Wes made me smile SO big when they realized their true feelings for one another. Mildly angsty and full of Bora Bora adventure. This book was so sweet and sexy. Loved every minute of it! Plus, we got a bonus check in with Nana, River, Cole and more..
Highly recommend!
In this instant classic Alexa Land book, Ash gets his HEA and it’s a truly lovely story.
Each character has so many layers and both Ash and Wes made me smile SO big when they realized their true feelings for one another. Mildly angsty and full of Bora Bora adventure. This book was so sweet and sexy. Loved every minute of it! Plus, we got a bonus check in with Nana, River, Cole and more..
Highly recommend!
June 5, 2021
Ridiculously sweet
This book was light and sweet and positively refreshing. I tend to run away as soon as I see the words “fake boyfriend” but this one was done in such a special way I didn’t even care about the trope. The characters, their relationship, and plot all wove together for the perfect little sugary sweet love story. I cannot wait for the next book.
This book was light and sweet and positively refreshing. I tend to run away as soon as I see the words “fake boyfriend” but this one was done in such a special way I didn’t even care about the trope. The characters, their relationship, and plot all wove together for the perfect little sugary sweet love story. I cannot wait for the next book.
Read
October 25, 2022ok this guy is a saint. your fiancé breaks up with you six days before your wedding to go marry the guy he's been cheating on you with, who also just happens to be your brother and you're like "its okay i don't hate him"???? now, I'm not a detective or anything but I'm pretty sure nobody's that nice.
May 30, 2021
This book was Epic! I loved Ash and Wesley from the start. It’s so nice to read a happy book that makes you laugh, smile and getting nice warm feelings, even though there are some a-holes in the book. A Must Read! I’m so looking forward to Jasper’s book.
June 8, 2021
I haven't read this author before, but I hoped this would be a fun take on a fake trope. Alas, it was the cheesiest nonsense I've read in quite a while... It just didn't work for me at all. Based on the blurb, I was expecting at least a semi-slow burn, but the MCs hooked up very quickly and after that it was just cringey dialog filled with confessions of affection that felt incredibly unnatural... nonstop, their words were trying to spoon-feed me their chemistry, but I just wasn't buying it. At least there weren't instant love confessions, but those came on page too, way too quickly for my taste.
Also, what even was that opening BJ scene, it added absolutely nothing to the story. Other two major niggles for me: the whole wedding/ex... situation.. WTF even. And then the random nonsense that was the feud between Ash's friend and her neighbor... That was so OTT and ridiculous. Overall I don't think this author is for me.
Also, what even was that opening BJ scene, it added absolutely nothing to the story. Other two major niggles for me: the whole wedding/ex... situation.. WTF even. And then the random nonsense that was the feud between Ash's friend and her neighbor... That was so OTT and ridiculous. Overall I don't think this author is for me.
January 25, 2023
A True Comfort Read! ❤️❤️
I’m absolutely obsessed with Wes & Ash! This book gave me all the feels and then some. This was super low angst and it was a total comfort read, especially when a break is needed from heavier books.
I loved this take on the whole “Fake Boyfriend” trope! These two were magnetic immediately. Like was any of this fake in the first place? 🤣They were vastly different,but complimented each other well. Ash was this eccentric free spirit that Wes needed to liven up his life. Wes was a complete sweetheart. I was not expecting to love his character so much! He was a doll. He was so open and nonjudgmental. He really went with the flow of things related to Ash. Ash was the life of the party. He was bold and not afraid to be apologetic himself! Gosh! I love these two! 🥰😍
I’m so glad Wes was able to stand up for himself and basically say “F you” to his backstabbing brother and disgusting ex boyfriend! 🙄 I loved how these two stood up for one another and didn’t tolerate disrespect on any level.
Reading about these two was so much fun! I really felt like I was on vacation in Bora Bora with them!
This is definitely a new favorite couple of mine. This is a reread for sure!
5 stars across the board! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve been so lucky to have such great luck so far with my 2023 reads! Woo hoo! 😂
I’m absolutely obsessed with Wes & Ash! This book gave me all the feels and then some. This was super low angst and it was a total comfort read, especially when a break is needed from heavier books.
I loved this take on the whole “Fake Boyfriend” trope! These two were magnetic immediately. Like was any of this fake in the first place? 🤣They were vastly different,but complimented each other well. Ash was this eccentric free spirit that Wes needed to liven up his life. Wes was a complete sweetheart. I was not expecting to love his character so much! He was a doll. He was so open and nonjudgmental. He really went with the flow of things related to Ash. Ash was the life of the party. He was bold and not afraid to be apologetic himself! Gosh! I love these two! 🥰😍
I’m so glad Wes was able to stand up for himself and basically say “F you” to his backstabbing brother and disgusting ex boyfriend! 🙄 I loved how these two stood up for one another and didn’t tolerate disrespect on any level.
Reading about these two was so much fun! I really felt like I was on vacation in Bora Bora with them!
This is definitely a new favorite couple of mine. This is a reread for sure!
5 stars across the board! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve been so lucky to have such great luck so far with my 2023 reads! Woo hoo! 😂
June 15, 2021
If you were around last year, you may remember by months long read of every single alexa land book and when I saw there was a new firsts and forever book I needed it immediately. I pretty much dropped everything I was reading to read this one and it didn't disappoint. I'm so happy to see Ash get his happy ending and his relationship with Wes was pretty adorable. I loved their fake dating set up and their instant friendship. I don't think you have to read the others first, especially as this isn't even included in the series list, but it is set in the same world as basically all her contemporary books and having the background knowledge about Nana and Cole and River does enhance the story.
If fake dating is your jam, try this one out.
rep: gay MCs, a bunch of queer secondary
CW: homophobia, familial disapproval and bullshit, explicit sex
If fake dating is your jam, try this one out.
rep: gay MCs, a bunch of queer secondary
CW: homophobia, familial disapproval and bullshit, explicit sex
February 5, 2022
Wesley and Ash are so adorable! Wesley needs a date for a wedding in Bora Bora. His brother is marrying his ex-fiancé so he decides to hire an escort to pretend to be his boyfriend. Ash is a DJ and his roommate asks if he would be willing to take the job since he’s unable to. From there we have found family shenanigans, shopping trips, and of course we have Bora Bora. While there, we get stuck up rich folks, douchebag ex’s, and a well deserved comeuppance.
There are elements of instalove between this sweet introverted Dr and the loud and proud twink who helps him take back his own. A fun read that will keep you entertained. 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There are elements of instalove between this sweet introverted Dr and the loud and proud twink who helps him take back his own. A fun read that will keep you entertained. 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 10, 2021
It’s been about 5 years since I last read a book in the Firsts and Forever series (book 7), and I’m been reminded why that is.
First, I can’t stand Nana Dombruso. Thankfully, there are only two chapters where she appears with all her nonsense, but it was two chapters too many.
Second was how OTT the plots are… only this one was very low on the drama… in fact, not too much happened and there wasn’t a whole lot of conflict.
And I didn’t actually like how the relationship progressed. I was hoping for more of a hired escort type relationship, not instalove.
First, I can’t stand Nana Dombruso. Thankfully, there are only two chapters where she appears with all her nonsense, but it was two chapters too many.
Second was how OTT the plots are… only this one was very low on the drama… in fact, not too much happened and there wasn’t a whole lot of conflict.
And I didn’t actually like how the relationship progressed. I was hoping for more of a hired escort type relationship, not instalove.
September 2, 2021
DNF at 30%, primarily because I've read this kind of plot many times, and this version is neither better nor worse, yet uninteresting even this far in, to me. I like each character well enough, but not enough to lift me through a typical predictable plot. I suspect readers newer to romance will enjoy it. But I'm bored, and so I bail.
May 31, 2021
For the most part I enjoyed this and I liked both MCs.
I just couldn't get past the secondary characters and plot and so it spoilt my enjoyment. So basically Wes's ex-fiance is getting married so he hires a fake boyf/escort to go with him to the wedding. Common plot device, all ok so far. Then it's casually dropped in to the story that the ex is marrying... Wes's brother! WTF. And clearly they were cheating before the ex dumps Wes at a family meal 6 weeks before the wedding they had planned.
There's more like how the family are taking his brothers side and seem to have no issues with the ex even though he was clearly sleeping with both brothers for a period of time. Honestly repeating it now I'm surprised it wasn't a DNF but I did like Ash and how he always stuck up for Wes.
It's funny isn't it. If I want to switch off and not deal with anything too taxing/angsty I'll pick up a PNR and happily lose myself in a world of witches/werewolves/vampires etc. But reading about a character willing to attend the wedding of his ex and his brother was just not believable to me lol.
Anyway, like I said it's not a bad book, in fact it's quite good I just wish the ex was marrying someone Wes wasn't so closely related to, especially as neither of them were remorseful and didn't really seem to care if they'd hurt Wes or not. I also would have liked a few chapters with Wesley's POV.
Oh and the book opens with Ash giving someone a BJ. Hate when authors include sex scenes between an MC and a character who won't be the love interest. I've yet to read a book where doing so has added to or improved the storyline.
I just couldn't get past the secondary characters and plot and so it spoilt my enjoyment. So basically Wes's ex-fiance is getting married so he hires a fake boyf/escort to go with him to the wedding. Common plot device, all ok so far. Then it's casually dropped in to the story that the ex is marrying... Wes's brother! WTF. And clearly they were cheating before the ex dumps Wes at a family meal 6 weeks before the wedding they had planned.
There's more like how the family are taking his brothers side and seem to have no issues with the ex even though he was clearly sleeping with both brothers for a period of time. Honestly repeating it now I'm surprised it wasn't a DNF but I did like Ash and how he always stuck up for Wes.
It's funny isn't it. If I want to switch off and not deal with anything too taxing/angsty I'll pick up a PNR and happily lose myself in a world of witches/werewolves/vampires etc. But reading about a character willing to attend the wedding of his ex and his brother was just not believable to me lol.
Anyway, like I said it's not a bad book, in fact it's quite good I just wish the ex was marrying someone Wes wasn't so closely related to, especially as neither of them were remorseful and didn't really seem to care if they'd hurt Wes or not. I also would have liked a few chapters with Wesley's POV.
Oh and the book opens with Ash giving someone a BJ. Hate when authors include sex scenes between an MC and a character who won't be the love interest. I've yet to read a book where doing so has added to or improved the storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2021
Cute!
This was so much fun to read. Just a low-angst, feel good story about 2 men realizing they found their soul mate. I've always liked Alexa Land's writing and was glad to go back into her First and Forever world. Although this can absolutely be read as a standalone, it was fun to see some familiar faces from her other series. Ash and Wes were great together right from the start. They talked, they laughed, they fell into bed, and then fell in love. On to Jasper's story next!
This was so much fun to read. Just a low-angst, feel good story about 2 men realizing they found their soul mate. I've always liked Alexa Land's writing and was glad to go back into her First and Forever world. Although this can absolutely be read as a standalone, it was fun to see some familiar faces from her other series. Ash and Wes were great together right from the start. They talked, they laughed, they fell into bed, and then fell in love. On to Jasper's story next!
January 30, 2023
I liked both of these characters. Ash’s gentleness and fun spirit, and Wes’s quiet and cute awkwardness. The story started well, introducing them to each other, and building the connection. Then💥BAM💥 they were together and rushing full speed ahead. It only felt rushed for a few pages though. After that, the connection felt real and natural, and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love as they dealt with Wes’ mostly horrid family.
June 3, 2021
MM Fake boyfriends
Fake escort
Opposites attract - club DJ/doctor
Destination wedding - Bora Bora
Toothache sweet dialogue/low-no angst
Fake escort
Opposites attract - club DJ/doctor
Destination wedding - Bora Bora
Toothache sweet dialogue/low-no angst
dnf
December 20, 2024The book opens with one MC giving a random dude a blow job with inner monologues about how the guy is taking forever to come and how he was lured by a cute face.
No thank you. ~
No thank you. ~
Read
May 29, 2021This book is just BIG NO for me and totally DNF. First chapter, we got the MC on his knees sucking other guy's d*ck, ewww!! That one thing is major turn off for me.
February 18, 2022
My first Alexa Land book
And it won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, Nana was the best and I can’t wait to see what antics she’s up to in Jaspers story.
And it won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, Nana was the best and I can’t wait to see what antics she’s up to in Jaspers story.
September 7, 2022
Too cheesy
June 5, 2021
This is a first read for this author and as soon as I saw fake boyfriends I instantly downloaded it without reading the synopsis. This is my absolute favorite troupe and I was so ready for it. But as I read, I couldn’t figure out why I kept reading. I really think it boils down to my preferences and it wasn’t necessarily this book. I like a good slow build and Wes and Ash may have started their arrangement as fake boyfriends, but by day 2 they were basically in a relationship without acknowledging it. Sex also happened almost immediately and that also threw me off. This also had Insta-love written all over it. So why did I keep going you ask? I honestly don’t have a straight answer except these two characters utterly charmed me.
When Wes has to go to his ex-fiancé’s wedding who is marrying Wes’s brother he seeks a companion to get him through. Ash is a DJ who agrees to help him out, but completely falls for Wes within hours. 40% of the book was spent getting to know each other before they even make it to the wedding. But after a day they decide they have feelings for each other and they make it official, so I do have to say the “fake boyfriend” troupe was there if you blink or just as a set up. So that was disappointing. It was also super sappy in their declarations, but again, I kept reading.
I feel a bit emotionally manipulated because this has everything I don’t like, but yet, I finished it and actually find myself liking it and wanting to read Jasper’s story. There was no angst, but you get to see Wes stand up for himself. There were cliches all over the place, but I found myself smiling.
I don’t know what to do with this review. I’m honestly confused about how I feel. The writing was good and Wes and Ash made me fall in love with them, but I continually asked myself why I was still reading. I’m sorry this was probably utterly unhelpful.
When Wes has to go to his ex-fiancé’s wedding who is marrying Wes’s brother he seeks a companion to get him through. Ash is a DJ who agrees to help him out, but completely falls for Wes within hours. 40% of the book was spent getting to know each other before they even make it to the wedding. But after a day they decide they have feelings for each other and they make it official, so I do have to say the “fake boyfriend” troupe was there if you blink or just as a set up. So that was disappointing. It was also super sappy in their declarations, but again, I kept reading.
I feel a bit emotionally manipulated because this has everything I don’t like, but yet, I finished it and actually find myself liking it and wanting to read Jasper’s story. There was no angst, but you get to see Wes stand up for himself. There were cliches all over the place, but I found myself smiling.
I don’t know what to do with this review. I’m honestly confused about how I feel. The writing was good and Wes and Ash made me fall in love with them, but I continually asked myself why I was still reading. I’m sorry this was probably utterly unhelpful.
November 30, 2021
I loved this book, which is not remotely surprising, since I've loved everything I've read by this author. It had been a long, long time since I'd last read/listened to a Firsts & Forever book, thanks to a too-large TBR, but listening to this one felt like cozying up in a favorite blanket...while also slightly tipsy & watching a favorite romantic comedy.
It is kinda insta-love, but Ash & Wes are incredibly loveable. I fell in insta-love with them both. Ash is an inspiring kind of character, so incredibly cool and sweet and creative. I wish he were a real person. Wes is adorable and lovely. The two of them and their allies are charming and hilarious together.
I listened to the audiobook for this book. (SO EXCITED FOR AN ALEXA LAND AUDIOBOOK!) It was my first Zachary Zaba book, despite how many books on my TBR have him as a narrator. I thought his Wes was perfect and that he did a great job with the rest of the cast. It's a pretty big cast, so pretty impressive to be able to keep everyone straight. I think he could've given Ash a slightly stronger accent and slowed him down a bit, as he's originally from Louisiana. That being said, Ash had been in San Francisco for a long time, so it's not a huge deal. He was also slightly sing-songy at times, but that can be difficult to avoid with characters who are as verbal and energetic as Ash. I'm still sold on Zaba as a narrator, which is quite a relief considering how many books he's narrated in the m/m world.
I really, really hope more audiobooks come out in this world. It was a thrill to hear this one.
It is kinda insta-love, but Ash & Wes are incredibly loveable. I fell in insta-love with them both. Ash is an inspiring kind of character, so incredibly cool and sweet and creative. I wish he were a real person. Wes is adorable and lovely. The two of them and their allies are charming and hilarious together.
I listened to the audiobook for this book. (SO EXCITED FOR AN ALEXA LAND AUDIOBOOK!) It was my first Zachary Zaba book, despite how many books on my TBR have him as a narrator. I thought his Wes was perfect and that he did a great job with the rest of the cast. It's a pretty big cast, so pretty impressive to be able to keep everyone straight. I think he could've given Ash a slightly stronger accent and slowed him down a bit, as he's originally from Louisiana. That being said, Ash had been in San Francisco for a long time, so it's not a huge deal. He was also slightly sing-songy at times, but that can be difficult to avoid with characters who are as verbal and energetic as Ash. I'm still sold on Zaba as a narrator, which is quite a relief considering how many books he's narrated in the m/m world.
I really, really hope more audiobooks come out in this world. It was a thrill to hear this one.
August 27, 2021
Insta-Love
I enjoyed this book despite the insta-love, but I feel like the author missed some prime opportunities to explore more with it and expand the book. Wesley comes off as a character who falls on the autism spectrum somewhere based off his mannerisms and I think Alexa could have explored that more and used that to build more of a plot.
The book is certainly cute and Ash is very much your flamboyant gay guy and I couldn’t help but enjoy his personality and his character. I would have enjoyed learning more about both characters including seeing Wes having a confrontation with Darrah when she leaks it to Jack that Ash was supposed to be a paid escort. The sex scenes were really good and a bit creative. It was enjoyable reading Wes be so dominating in the bedroom considering Ash is the first guy he’s fucking - and by that I mean, Wes says that he was never allowed to fuck Jack, but Jack was allowed to fuck him. I think Alexa missed some prime opportunities there to explore that a bit more as well include some flashbacks regarding Wes’ past. The climatic parts of the book fall short. The book puts so much hype around the fact that Wes is going to have a lot of issues with his family at the wedding, but the issues are kind of blown over and the confrontations don’t really stand out.
I only honestly enjoyed this book because of Ash’s personality and the sex scenes.
I enjoyed this book despite the insta-love, but I feel like the author missed some prime opportunities to explore more with it and expand the book. Wesley comes off as a character who falls on the autism spectrum somewhere based off his mannerisms and I think Alexa could have explored that more and used that to build more of a plot.
The book is certainly cute and Ash is very much your flamboyant gay guy and I couldn’t help but enjoy his personality and his character. I would have enjoyed learning more about both characters including seeing Wes having a confrontation with Darrah when she leaks it to Jack that Ash was supposed to be a paid escort. The sex scenes were really good and a bit creative. It was enjoyable reading Wes be so dominating in the bedroom considering Ash is the first guy he’s fucking - and by that I mean, Wes says that he was never allowed to fuck Jack, but Jack was allowed to fuck him. I think Alexa missed some prime opportunities there to explore that a bit more as well include some flashbacks regarding Wes’ past. The climatic parts of the book fall short. The book puts so much hype around the fact that Wes is going to have a lot of issues with his family at the wedding, but the issues are kind of blown over and the confrontations don’t really stand out.
I only honestly enjoyed this book because of Ash’s personality and the sex scenes.
November 14, 2023
4.5 Stars
Wes wants to hire a fake boyfriend to attend his ex-fiancés wedding to his brother. When Ash’s roommate, who is an escort, can’t take the job, he suggests Ash might want to take the job since it is for nine days in Bora Bora and doesn’t include sex. It would be like a paid vacation.
‘“I want you to listen closely, because this is important. You’re enough, Wes, just the way you are. That’s the god’s-honest truth, and f— anyone who ever tried to tell you something different.”’
Oh my goodness! Ash is the sweetest! And Wes is so dear. Wes is all awkward, uptight, and a bit shy. And Ash is confident, outgoing, and colorful. Ash takes one look at Wes and wants nothing more than to help this sad, sexy man. He’s instantly drawn to him and immediately wants to throw the whole contract out the window and just wrap Wes up and give him the hug and unconditional love he clearly needs. And Wes cannot help falling under Ash’s spell. They are like interlocking puzzle pieces that click together almost as soon as they meet. It’s so sweet and endearing. This is a low angst story, but they both have just enough issues to keep things tenuous and up in the air for a while. But I love how supportive they are of each other, each one standing up for the other when they need to. And Ash’s found family are funny and delightful and accepting. Wes’s niece is charming and they are charming with her. This is the first book by Land that I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last.
Wes wants to hire a fake boyfriend to attend his ex-fiancés wedding to his brother. When Ash’s roommate, who is an escort, can’t take the job, he suggests Ash might want to take the job since it is for nine days in Bora Bora and doesn’t include sex. It would be like a paid vacation.
‘“I want you to listen closely, because this is important. You’re enough, Wes, just the way you are. That’s the god’s-honest truth, and f— anyone who ever tried to tell you something different.”’
Oh my goodness! Ash is the sweetest! And Wes is so dear. Wes is all awkward, uptight, and a bit shy. And Ash is confident, outgoing, and colorful. Ash takes one look at Wes and wants nothing more than to help this sad, sexy man. He’s instantly drawn to him and immediately wants to throw the whole contract out the window and just wrap Wes up and give him the hug and unconditional love he clearly needs. And Wes cannot help falling under Ash’s spell. They are like interlocking puzzle pieces that click together almost as soon as they meet. It’s so sweet and endearing. This is a low angst story, but they both have just enough issues to keep things tenuous and up in the air for a while. But I love how supportive they are of each other, each one standing up for the other when they need to. And Ash’s found family are funny and delightful and accepting. Wes’s niece is charming and they are charming with her. This is the first book by Land that I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last.
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