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Rent a Spouse #1
Temptation
ASHLEY:
When Axel opens the door, it’s obvious: he expected “Ashley” to be a woman when he hired me from the spouse rental agency. But I can still make this work. Sure, I’ve never cooked or cleaned, but that’s what YouTube educational videos are for, right? Best of all, my new boss is, in a word, hot. And not as straight as I first thought.
He’s divorced from a woman, but the way he touches me tells me he’s intrigued.
Little did I know, we’re connected in more ways than one. My father’s business is moving into town—and putting Axel out of business. Telling Axel could ruin everything between us, but my heart is in too deep to back out now. I want more than a work contract with Axel, but our relationship may not survive the truth.
AXEL:
After my divorce from my ex-wife, I’m done with love and marriage. So I decide to “rent a spouse” to handle the cooking and cleaning while I focus on my business—which is how I’m paired with Ashley. When my new spouse shows up at the door, I certainly don’t expect the hottest man I’ve ever seen to waltz in.
Ashley’s all sunshine and sass, and he makes me never want to leave the house.
I’ve never been attracted to another man, but he breaks through all my barriers. My heart wants more with him, but my business is in trouble, and soon I’ll have to cut costs—including my spouse. Worse yet, Ashley seems to know more about my business than he lets on. He’s hiding something, and if we’re going to be real partners, I need a real answer.
This is the first book in the Rent A Spouse series. It can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
When Axel opens the door, it’s obvious: he expected “Ashley” to be a woman when he hired me from the spouse rental agency. But I can still make this work. Sure, I’ve never cooked or cleaned, but that’s what YouTube educational videos are for, right? Best of all, my new boss is, in a word, hot. And not as straight as I first thought.
He’s divorced from a woman, but the way he touches me tells me he’s intrigued.
Little did I know, we’re connected in more ways than one. My father’s business is moving into town—and putting Axel out of business. Telling Axel could ruin everything between us, but my heart is in too deep to back out now. I want more than a work contract with Axel, but our relationship may not survive the truth.
AXEL:
After my divorce from my ex-wife, I’m done with love and marriage. So I decide to “rent a spouse” to handle the cooking and cleaning while I focus on my business—which is how I’m paired with Ashley. When my new spouse shows up at the door, I certainly don’t expect the hottest man I’ve ever seen to waltz in.
Ashley’s all sunshine and sass, and he makes me never want to leave the house.
I’ve never been attracted to another man, but he breaks through all my barriers. My heart wants more with him, but my business is in trouble, and soon I’ll have to cut costs—including my spouse. Worse yet, Ashley seems to know more about my business than he lets on. He’s hiding something, and if we’re going to be real partners, I need a real answer.
This is the first book in the Rent A Spouse series. It can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2021
146 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 26, 2021
I love Jason Collins' books, very simple and direct.
There are no great dramas, just a lot of hot steamy sex scenes and sweet stories
When Axel divorces his wife decides to resort to the domestic services of a company, however when he waits for a woman appears to him a young man named Ashley, a young artist without any inclination to household chores
Ashley's early days at Axel's house are hilarious with Ashley disasterous housekeeping and cooking.
A very funny book that I recommend
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are no great dramas, just a lot of hot steamy sex scenes and sweet stories
When Axel divorces his wife decides to resort to the domestic services of a company, however when he waits for a woman appears to him a young man named Ashley, a young artist without any inclination to household chores
Ashley's early days at Axel's house are hilarious with Ashley disasterous housekeeping and cooking.
A very funny book that I recommend
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2021
This was a fun and cute read, but it lost me near the end.
This book was so lighthearted. I found myself giggling at it so often in the beginning. It’s exactly the kind of book you need to feel happy. Let’s call it Hallmark erotica.
I loved the premise and the characters. It was adorable. The book lost me at about 70%. I think I skimmed the rest of it just to see what happened. I wish there had been more tension between the two MCs in regards to the rental spouse situation and not outside forces. I expected that and was disappointed by how quickly they got together.
This book was so lighthearted. I found myself giggling at it so often in the beginning. It’s exactly the kind of book you need to feel happy. Let’s call it Hallmark erotica.
I loved the premise and the characters. It was adorable. The book lost me at about 70%. I think I skimmed the rest of it just to see what happened. I wish there had been more tension between the two MCs in regards to the rental spouse situation and not outside forces. I expected that and was disappointed by how quickly they got together.
June 1, 2021
This is a rather sweet story, Axel, newly divorced, discovers his 'bi' side and, after a very brief moment of confusion, jumps in happily and wholeheartedly, it was so cute to read, once he had accepted it there was no stopping him. But Ashley is hiding a secret, a huge secret that could blow their relationship apart. I always enjoy Jason Collins's stories, they usually have the perfect mix of love, sex, angst, and redemption, always an enjoyable read. I'm just a bit disappointed with the cover, not a big issue I know but his covers are usually good and fitting to the characters, this one is just a bit lame. But it's the story that's important right? It's a very entertaining story.
June 13, 2021
This was surprisingly bad. Axel was not likeable at all and I felt no connection between the MC's. Also, the book should be called "Axel's job and sex", because that was all that happened.
June 3, 2021
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the first book in a new series. Axel is recently divorced and finds he misses having someone to cook and clean the house while he works to try and save his business. So, he goes to a spouse rental agency that will let him hire a spouse, but only for household chores. Axel is expecting Ashley to show up after being matched as his new spouse and was shocked when Ashley turned out to be a man. Ashley was an artist who needed a job because his father cut him off financially because he wouldn't join the family business. Ashley and Axel agreed to try their arrangement, but Ashley had no idea how to cook or clean, so he faked it through. Axel would usually be angry, but he found Ashley adorable and he liked having him around. Axel always thought he was straight, but he liked Ashley more than he thought he would and soon they found out both were very attracted to each other. Axel was still trying to save his construction company and it seemed a new company, Titan, was driving everyone in town out of business. Ashley also had secrets he was scared Axel would hate him for. I really loved this book, i laughed so much and fell in love with both characters. I loved Ashley and thought he was too funny. Axel needed more laughter in his life and i think Ashley was perfect for him. Another great one from Jason.
July 13, 2022
Poor concept
This was a cute book but the rent-a-spouse concept was a pretty flimsy setup to being these two together. The whole idea of someone who can do housework, then go to functions, and be there when you get home? Yet they are an employee so still work some form of hours then go home? It was very clumsy and didn't exactly make sense. Then add in that the characters didn't exactly work with it. Ashley was being the rental spouse, but this was his first time being alone and he doesn't know how to do any housework at all so taking a job saying he knows to cook and clean was a terrible idea. And Axel who is hiring the spouse has a business that is in severe trouble. Perfect time to frivolously rent a spouse right? So with the whole backing concept in trouble this book had a rough start.
Once you get past that part and the two men are making something work outside of the spouse thing the relationship is sweet. Ashley and Axel have different jobs and different styles but they are very supportive of each other and also give good ideas and help with problems. They mesh well both in chemistry and in concept and they are and easy flowing relationship. It was a quick light read.
As the rent a spouse concept is the core of this series I can't imagine reading further but it was an easy first read.
This was a cute book but the rent-a-spouse concept was a pretty flimsy setup to being these two together. The whole idea of someone who can do housework, then go to functions, and be there when you get home? Yet they are an employee so still work some form of hours then go home? It was very clumsy and didn't exactly make sense. Then add in that the characters didn't exactly work with it. Ashley was being the rental spouse, but this was his first time being alone and he doesn't know how to do any housework at all so taking a job saying he knows to cook and clean was a terrible idea. And Axel who is hiring the spouse has a business that is in severe trouble. Perfect time to frivolously rent a spouse right? So with the whole backing concept in trouble this book had a rough start.
Once you get past that part and the two men are making something work outside of the spouse thing the relationship is sweet. Ashley and Axel have different jobs and different styles but they are very supportive of each other and also give good ideas and help with problems. They mesh well both in chemistry and in concept and they are and easy flowing relationship. It was a quick light read.
As the rent a spouse concept is the core of this series I can't imagine reading further but it was an easy first read.
May 24, 2021
I laughed at Ashley's first day on the job and kept a smile on my face through the entire story. Axel is recently divorced from his wife. He decides to apply to rent a spouse to have someone ease his life. Ashley, shows up for an interview. Axel is surprised that Ashley is a man. Ashley, is an artist, who was cut off by his Dad for not being more ambitious. This is Ashley's first job. It's his first time doing many household chores. Alex is interested when Ashley first drives up, late for his interview. His interest grows along with his patience with Ashley's less than perfect housekeeping and cooking. Does Ashley let Alex know about his inexperience? Can Ashley hide his interest in Alex? Can Alex admit he is more than curiously interested in Ashley? Does Alex get a contract? Good story. The guys and friends are interesting. The storyline and character development is excellent. Absolutely enjoyable, totally hysterical. Well done! I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2021
3.5 Stars
I thought this was a fun story, but different than I expected. I admit that I thought the premise of the 'rent a spouse' thing was a bit odd, but wanted to give it a try. I still think it's a bit misleading in terms of the roles played in the book. I did really like these characters though, Ashley and Axel both likeable and real characters, quirks and all. I also liked the relationship that developed between them, their journey to happiness. There is a big learning curve for both of these guys as they navigate the professional and personal. Ashley and Axel are so very different but they work together, I was really rooting for them.
I think what I was missing to make this a really great read was more angst or more drama, I liked the characters and how everything built, I think I was just expecting a little more. There was also a bit of a disconnect with the 'spouse' angle, I felt like Ashley was there as an assistant. Overall though, I did enjoy the book and will definitely continue reading the series.
I thought this was a fun story, but different than I expected. I admit that I thought the premise of the 'rent a spouse' thing was a bit odd, but wanted to give it a try. I still think it's a bit misleading in terms of the roles played in the book. I did really like these characters though, Ashley and Axel both likeable and real characters, quirks and all. I also liked the relationship that developed between them, their journey to happiness. There is a big learning curve for both of these guys as they navigate the professional and personal. Ashley and Axel are so very different but they work together, I was really rooting for them.
I think what I was missing to make this a really great read was more angst or more drama, I liked the characters and how everything built, I think I was just expecting a little more. There was also a bit of a disconnect with the 'spouse' angle, I felt like Ashley was there as an assistant. Overall though, I did enjoy the book and will definitely continue reading the series.
May 23, 2021
What a fun employer and employee to lovers story!!! My favorite thing about this story is that both these guys have some self discovery and growing to do! They save each other, they are equals neither one is richer, or smarter or tougher! Ashley is an artist trying to get a break and Axel runs a construction company that is falling on some tough times. So they each have a lot to figure out on the side of their steamy little relationship! It is told from both POV's and I just loved Ashley's whimsical and comical thoughts! I do not want to give too much away but they make some bad decisions and keep things from each other along the way.. but still their attraction and affection just keeps getting stronger! I received an ARC of this book and I recommend for those who like real romance story, all the ups and downs and miscommunications that come along with falling in love and building a life with someone!
May 25, 2021
Temptation is Book 1 in the Rent A Spouse series. This book was more than I expected, or turned into something I wasn't expecting. Axel, who owns his own construction company, was recently divorced and in need of someone to cook and clean for him but also to attend business functions with him. When the Rent A Spouse company sent over Ashley, Axel thought a woman was applying for the job. Axel was a bit surprised when Ashley turned out to be a man but still let him in to interview. I was so glad Axel didn't turn Ashley away. Though Ashley came across as being domestic he had a lot to learn. This was a fun book and I really enjoyed watching Axel and Ashley's relationship change and grow; at home together and for each of them individually. Not giving too much away but Sampson is more than he seems and I look forward to more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 24, 2021
This has such a fun, unique, and over-the-top premise. It probably wouldn’t work if the characters weren’t as loveable or it wasn’t executed as well as it was. But as it stands, it works quite well. The ‘rent a spouse’ idea is out there, and hilariously funny when Ashley somehow ends up convincing Axel to give him a shot. He’s a sassy ray of sunshine and the chemistry between him and Axel is instant and blazing! There are plenty of laugh out loud moments - in particular, Ashley’s attempts to cook had me in stitches. Throw in a little miscommunication and angst, a lot of steam, and some sweetness, and this certainly bodes well for the rest of the series!
May 26, 2021
3.5 stars
Satu hal yang membuat buku ini menarik perhatian (pada awalnya) adalah bagaimana Ashley yang seharusnya menjadi seorang spouse sewaan, beres-beres rumah dan masak, sama sekali tidak mahir dalam 2 hal tsb dan Axel yang straight. Di mulailah petualangan di mana Ashley "belajar" untuk menjadi seorang spouse sewaan, belajar masak dari Yt, berhari-hari cuma masak eggs and toast. Lol.
Kemudian cerita berlanjut tapi the spark is already gone dan sampai dengan akhir cerita, ya rada flat dan kurang romantis juga. Rada kecewa karena yakin Jason Collins bisa membuat kisah jauh lebih menarik dari ini.
Satu hal yang membuat buku ini menarik perhatian (pada awalnya) adalah bagaimana Ashley yang seharusnya menjadi seorang spouse sewaan, beres-beres rumah dan masak, sama sekali tidak mahir dalam 2 hal tsb dan Axel yang straight. Di mulailah petualangan di mana Ashley "belajar" untuk menjadi seorang spouse sewaan, belajar masak dari Yt, berhari-hari cuma masak eggs and toast. Lol.
Kemudian cerita berlanjut tapi the spark is already gone dan sampai dengan akhir cerita, ya rada flat dan kurang romantis juga. Rada kecewa karena yakin Jason Collins bisa membuat kisah jauh lebih menarik dari ini.
June 23, 2021
Argh the premise was so good but the delivery failed. There are so many names that can be used for both girls and boys so why “Ashley” I know the author was trying to go for a first time confusing situation but still. Ashley was not a good name option for the man here.
Plus, Ashley was cut off from his family yet he had a huge apartment. Then we have Axel who sounds like he’s going into bankruptcy hiring someone to do basic chores, telling him to buy whichever amount of food, let’s go to a friends house on the mountains ... I was like, what is happening here.
This wasn’t for me. Dnfed at 18% because it was way too ridiculous.
Plus, Ashley was cut off from his family yet he had a huge apartment. Then we have Axel who sounds like he’s going into bankruptcy hiring someone to do basic chores, telling him to buy whichever amount of food, let’s go to a friends house on the mountains ... I was like, what is happening here.
This wasn’t for me. Dnfed at 18% because it was way too ridiculous.
August 3, 2021
Meh
I didn’t finish this one. I really wanted to like this book but I’m sick to death of guys not knowing they’re bi or gay and being totally fine with it. I mean, sure, maybe they don’t realize it….I guess it could happen. But it doesn’t even give them the slightest pause? That seems totally wrong. If I discovered I was bi I would freak the fuck out and be wondering why the hell I didn’t notice before. I mean, it’s kind of a big deal to learn something like that about yourself. I’m gonna try the next book though and see if they do any better with that one. It’s kind of a fun idea.
I didn’t finish this one. I really wanted to like this book but I’m sick to death of guys not knowing they’re bi or gay and being totally fine with it. I mean, sure, maybe they don’t realize it….I guess it could happen. But it doesn’t even give them the slightest pause? That seems totally wrong. If I discovered I was bi I would freak the fuck out and be wondering why the hell I didn’t notice before. I mean, it’s kind of a big deal to learn something like that about yourself. I’m gonna try the next book though and see if they do any better with that one. It’s kind of a fun idea.
May 26, 2021
Great start to a new series with an interesting concept in domestic business. I loved seeing Axel get over his divorce with a little help ...from the help. Axel has recently hired Ashley (who turns out to be a man) who might not be a domestic goddess but might just be what he's looking for - in and out of the bedroom. I enjoyed this boss/employee gay awakening story told in typical Jason Collins fashion and look forward to more spouse for hire shenanigans. I have read most of Jason Collin's available books on Amazon and happily leave this review of an ARC I received.
May 24, 2021
So many emotions and heartwarming. I think this story was Jason’s best, great realistic characters, little angst, a nasty woman, lots of humour and major chemistry between Axel and Ashley, in fact so steamy my kindle was in danger of melting. I hope Keaton and Palmer get their stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
May 25, 2021
PRIDE CAN LEAD TO A DOWNFALL
Axel is recently divorced and needs help at home. Ashley is looking for work and signs up as a Rent A Spouse. He is paired with Axel. The dynamics lead to Axel realizing that he has feelings for Ashley. The two find a way to be with each other and are willing to make sacrifices to save each other from what seems to be an impending destiny of failure. I love the way the two find their morals and overcome their pride to make their lives work.
Axel is recently divorced and needs help at home. Ashley is looking for work and signs up as a Rent A Spouse. He is paired with Axel. The dynamics lead to Axel realizing that he has feelings for Ashley. The two find a way to be with each other and are willing to make sacrifices to save each other from what seems to be an impending destiny of failure. I love the way the two find their morals and overcome their pride to make their lives work.
May 23, 2021
I was blown away. Axel and Ashley are a perfect match. Ashley had me laughing several times. He reminds me of my own cooking fails. I loved that Axel was at ease that he is attracted to a man for the first time.
No more spoilers from me. I loved that it is different from my normal MM read. I can’t wait till the next book in the series!
No more spoilers from me. I loved that it is different from my normal MM read. I can’t wait till the next book in the series!
May 24, 2021
The opening had me snickering as Axel tries to get his feet under himself when he opens the door to Ashely. Not expecting a guy nor the attraction has him a bit off-kilter. Ashley's attempts at cooking had me giggling and there were several moments I laughed out loud. These two bumble their way into a sweet loving relationship that left me cheering for them.
May 24, 2021
This is a fun cute story. I loved the storyline and the main characters. Ashley and Axel were fun. I laughed at their antics. I thought that they had a great relationship. I loved Jason's writing, how well he got into their minds. This is one of my favorites.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.
June 2, 2021
4.5 Stars for Axel and Ashley ❤️🔥❤️
This book was everything I've come to expect from reading Jason Collins. Sweet, Funny and So, so Sexy!!! I loved Ashley and Axel together, they were the perfect pair. The sexy times were off the charts sexy and the humor in this book will keep you giggling the whole way through...this is a must read feel good story 🥰
* I received an ARC from this author, this is my open and honest review*
This book was everything I've come to expect from reading Jason Collins. Sweet, Funny and So, so Sexy!!! I loved Ashley and Axel together, they were the perfect pair. The sexy times were off the charts sexy and the humor in this book will keep you giggling the whole way through...this is a must read feel good story 🥰
* I received an ARC from this author, this is my open and honest review*
June 3, 2021
Axel needs a spouse, someone to help with the children, keep the house clean, go to work functions. Hires Ashley thinking he's a she. Everything is not all peachy keen, there are some bumps in the road.
A beautiful, sweet and light read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for an honest opinion*
A beautiful, sweet and light read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for an honest opinion*
June 6, 2021
Ok
I liked the characters but I didn't really feel the connection b/w them nor did I feel like the "Rent-A-Spouse" fit this book. It was more like hiring some dude to cook and clean but who couldn't even do that. So why pay him? Plus as much as Ashley didn't want to fall for Axel, it didn't seem like he even tried to resist. It was just a little too boring and easy.
I liked the characters but I didn't really feel the connection b/w them nor did I feel like the "Rent-A-Spouse" fit this book. It was more like hiring some dude to cook and clean but who couldn't even do that. So why pay him? Plus as much as Ashley didn't want to fall for Axel, it didn't seem like he even tried to resist. It was just a little too boring and easy.
August 2, 2021
Jason Collins creates cheeky characters I love to read about. This book gives us Ashley who is about as cheeky as they come, though his desire for true love is buried not-so-very deep. The dance he and Axel play throughout the story is a delight. I'm already looking forward to book two in the series!
September 23, 2021
I loved Temptation by Jason Collins. It's the first book in the Rent A Spouse series. I loved Axel and Ashley. Ashley is so vivacious and fun, and Axel is so very stressed out about his construction company. It was great to see Ashley get him to unwind and do something other than stress. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
May 2, 2022
If you want a lot of sex and no story this is a good book for you
I was excited to read this book but I found it to be a little disappointing. Seems to have a lot of sex and not a big storyline. Yes it ended up good But I found Out of it skimming through all the sex parts just to get some more story out of it.
I was excited to read this book but I found it to be a little disappointing. Seems to have a lot of sex and not a big storyline. Yes it ended up good But I found Out of it skimming through all the sex parts just to get some more story out of it.
May 8, 2022
I enjoyed reading this story. The attraction between Axel and Ashley was spot on. The "Rent a Spouse" item threw me off a little bit but I kinda liked the idea. Axel was thrown by it a bit and worked through it. Ashley wanted to separate himself from the "rich" kid label and make it on his own and he followed doing what he wanted to do not his dad's.
May 24, 2021
This was an absolutely delicious story. Axel is in need of a business wife. Ashley is just looking for a chance. This was a wonderful gay for you story. From household mishaps to guarded secrets, you'll find a story filled with love and self-discovery. And plenty of laughter. Great book.
May 25, 2021
Another well told story
Collins definitely had me into this book from the start. Axel and Ashley are wonderful characters. This story line was smooth throughout the entire book and it just flowed so well. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series develops.
Collins definitely had me into this book from the start. Axel and Ashley are wonderful characters. This story line was smooth throughout the entire book and it just flowed so well. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series develops.
February 26, 2023
Axel and Ashley
First in a series, the rental spouse in the title is Ashley, whose name covers both genders. Axel, recently divorced, meets the gay/bi awakening trope. Collins has written a humorous romance with a bit of angst here and there. Good bed scenes.
First in a series, the rental spouse in the title is Ashley, whose name covers both genders. Axel, recently divorced, meets the gay/bi awakening trope. Collins has written a humorous romance with a bit of angst here and there. Good bed scenes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews