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Moo U #1
Boyfriend
The hottest player on the Moo U hockey team hangs a flyer on the bulletin board, and I am spellbound:
Rent a boyfriend for the holiday. For $25, I will be your Thanksgiving date. I will talk hockey with your dad. I will bring your mother flowers. I will be polite, and wear a nicely ironed shirt…
Now everyone knows it’s a bad idea to introduce your long-time crush to your messed-up family. But I really do need a date for Thanksgiving, even if I’m not willing to say why. So I tear his phone number off of that flyer… and accidentally entangle our star defenseman in a ruse that neither of us can easily unwind.
Because Weston's family is even nuttier than mine. He needs a date, too, for the most uncomfortable holiday engagement party ever thrown.
There will be hors d'oeuvre. There will be faked PDA. And there will be pro-level awkwardness…
Rent a boyfriend for the holiday. For $25, I will be your Thanksgiving date. I will talk hockey with your dad. I will bring your mother flowers. I will be polite, and wear a nicely ironed shirt…
Now everyone knows it’s a bad idea to introduce your long-time crush to your messed-up family. But I really do need a date for Thanksgiving, even if I’m not willing to say why. So I tear his phone number off of that flyer… and accidentally entangle our star defenseman in a ruse that neither of us can easily unwind.
Because Weston's family is even nuttier than mine. He needs a date, too, for the most uncomfortable holiday engagement party ever thrown.
There will be hors d'oeuvre. There will be faked PDA. And there will be pro-level awkwardness…
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
941 people are currently reading
9129 people want to read
About the author
Sarina Bowen
105 books18.8k followers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 808 reviews
November 17, 2021
This was SOOOOO ROMANTIC!!!
(This is a slow burn, friends to lovers romance that downright combusted when these two FINALLY got it together!)
. . . . . .
Weston (aka Westie) is a great guy: Abbi will certainly attest to that! She needs a “fake boyfriend” to take to Thanksgiving dinner with her family to act as a buffer, and Weston is more than happy to have an excuse to avoid his own unhappy home situation. His parents’ bitter divorce has soured him on commitment. He is strictly only up for a “one then done” kind of hookup – that is, until he “rents himself out” as a fake boyfriend to Abbi. Their attraction for one another is off the charts!
I loved Abbi and Weston’s raucous sing-along with the Avvett Brothers. I thoroughly enjoyed the snappy, bantering dialogue between Abbi and Weston, and how comfortable they were with one another. Abbi attributes this to Weston being “such a decent gentleman” and Weston finds that he really looks forward to spending time with his new “friend” Abbi.
Before he and Abbi head into her family’s Thanksgiving celebration, Weston lets it be known that he would love to get horizontal with Abbi later in the evening, and since she’s been harbouring a monumental crush on this Varsity hockey star, Abbi is sending those signals right back at him!
On Thanksgiving, Weston plays the role of the perfect boyfriend and wins over Abbi’s stepfather – her only living relative. But once he meets Abbi’s revolting stepbrother, Price, Weston realizes that he can’t have a fling with Abbi: she needs his protection, not his seduction. Price is an egomaniacal predator and a bully who enjoys intimidating and forcing his attentions on every woman unfortunate enough to be in his vicinity.
Abbi and Weston continue to hang out as “friends” but it doesn’t take long for Weston to crack under the burning sexual tension that was regrettably banked on Thanksgiving, but which inevitably roared to life when neither of them could hold out any longer.
I adored the “friends with benefits” relationship that “wasn’t really a relationship.” They really made such a cute couple! Alas, time was not on their side: Abbi was graduating in three months and hoped to find a good job in New York or Boston. Weston was still in denial about his “non-relationship” with Abbi. After a while, you really begin to worry that these two stubborn lovers will never admit their off the charts feelings for one another.
What a great read this was! I had a smile on my face almost the entire time that I read Sarina Bowen’s latest sizzling hot New Adult novel, Boyfriend. All the stars for this totally “aww-worthy” story of young, deluded love needing a major wake up call. Highly, highly recommended – and just what the doctor ordered, but no spoilers here….!
My thanks to the author, publisher and publicist for an ARC of this extremely enjoyable novel in exchange for an honest review. It was my pleasure!
Please check out this and other reviews on my partnered blog: Crossing the Pond Reviews: https://crossingthepond.reviews/
(This is a slow burn, friends to lovers romance that downright combusted when these two FINALLY got it together!)
. . . . . .
Weston (aka Westie) is a great guy: Abbi will certainly attest to that! She needs a “fake boyfriend” to take to Thanksgiving dinner with her family to act as a buffer, and Weston is more than happy to have an excuse to avoid his own unhappy home situation. His parents’ bitter divorce has soured him on commitment. He is strictly only up for a “one then done” kind of hookup – that is, until he “rents himself out” as a fake boyfriend to Abbi. Their attraction for one another is off the charts!
I loved Abbi and Weston’s raucous sing-along with the Avvett Brothers. I thoroughly enjoyed the snappy, bantering dialogue between Abbi and Weston, and how comfortable they were with one another. Abbi attributes this to Weston being “such a decent gentleman” and Weston finds that he really looks forward to spending time with his new “friend” Abbi.
Before he and Abbi head into her family’s Thanksgiving celebration, Weston lets it be known that he would love to get horizontal with Abbi later in the evening, and since she’s been harbouring a monumental crush on this Varsity hockey star, Abbi is sending those signals right back at him!
On Thanksgiving, Weston plays the role of the perfect boyfriend and wins over Abbi’s stepfather – her only living relative. But once he meets Abbi’s revolting stepbrother, Price, Weston realizes that he can’t have a fling with Abbi: she needs his protection, not his seduction. Price is an egomaniacal predator and a bully who enjoys intimidating and forcing his attentions on every woman unfortunate enough to be in his vicinity.
Abbi and Weston continue to hang out as “friends” but it doesn’t take long for Weston to crack under the burning sexual tension that was regrettably banked on Thanksgiving, but which inevitably roared to life when neither of them could hold out any longer.
I adored the “friends with benefits” relationship that “wasn’t really a relationship.” They really made such a cute couple! Alas, time was not on their side: Abbi was graduating in three months and hoped to find a good job in New York or Boston. Weston was still in denial about his “non-relationship” with Abbi. After a while, you really begin to worry that these two stubborn lovers will never admit their off the charts feelings for one another.
What a great read this was! I had a smile on my face almost the entire time that I read Sarina Bowen’s latest sizzling hot New Adult novel, Boyfriend. All the stars for this totally “aww-worthy” story of young, deluded love needing a major wake up call. Highly, highly recommended – and just what the doctor ordered, but no spoilers here….!
My thanks to the author, publisher and publicist for an ARC of this extremely enjoyable novel in exchange for an honest review. It was my pleasure!
Please check out this and other reviews on my partnered blog: Crossing the Pond Reviews: https://crossingthepond.reviews/
October 12, 2021
"When you love someone, reruns and fruit bars are all the fun you need in your life. It's more than enough."
This quote hit me hard. This is so true. Just replace fruit bars with whatever makes sense to you, and it's spot on, isn't it?
I had the most incredible fuzzy feeling in my stomach after finishing this book this morning. This was sweet and magical, and I swooned a lot. I also giggled a lot, and I fell in love with these two.
"Weston is like sunshine on a cloudy day."
Weston is adorable. He may be a hockey player with a revolving door of girls and no interest in being attached to anyone, but he's just... I forget. He makes me forget my words. Think of it what you will.
"The one with the kissable neck and gray eyes that always make me a little stupid."
Abbi was incredible. I love how strong she is, and how hard she works for her dreams. I admire her for everything she's been through.
"There's nothing on Netflix that's half as interesting as Weston Griggs hiring himself out on Thanksgiving."
Both of them have some family issues, so none of them is looking forward to making it home for Thanksgiving. So Weston decides to hire himself out as a fake boyfriend, and chooses Abbi – the waitress who serves him food most of the times, and who has a definite crush on him.
And it's all fake – the touching, the laughing, the getting closer, the connection between them. Hmmm, maybe?
"If you're going to have some guy's name on your back, why not mine?"
The thing with them is that he needs to be in control, and falling in love or having real feelings for someone would take that control away. And she stopped expecting anything from anyone, so why expect anyone to fall for her?
Falling in love would put them both in the awkward position of being open to whatever comes their way. Vulnerable. So faking it is the way to go. Until it's not enough.
"Maybe I just forgot how this works."
"Just kiss me already, (...) And I'll remind you. I promise."
It takes a while for their chemistry to fully develop, and for them to hit it off, but when they do... It's steamy, and it's funny, and it gives you all the feels. There's one scene when they first spend the night at his dad's that got me laughing out loud so hard I may have scared my neighbors. True story.
Worth mentioning for me: the nod to Posy's Pie Shop from Loverboy. And if you need a song to get in the mood, Springsteen's I'm On Fire is pretty dead on. Why didn't you choose that one, Weston? tsk
"It's the end of an era.
And the start of another."
Boyfriend is special. It's also deliciously sweet, sexy, and flirty, and packed full of real emotion. Weston and Abbi just seamlessly fit together, and they're both brought to their knees by their feelings for each other. You'll be rooting for them from the start, and you'll be happy to have had the chance to read their story.
This quote hit me hard. This is so true. Just replace fruit bars with whatever makes sense to you, and it's spot on, isn't it?
I had the most incredible fuzzy feeling in my stomach after finishing this book this morning. This was sweet and magical, and I swooned a lot. I also giggled a lot, and I fell in love with these two.
"Weston is like sunshine on a cloudy day."
Weston is adorable. He may be a hockey player with a revolving door of girls and no interest in being attached to anyone, but he's just... I forget. He makes me forget my words. Think of it what you will.
"The one with the kissable neck and gray eyes that always make me a little stupid."
Abbi was incredible. I love how strong she is, and how hard she works for her dreams. I admire her for everything she's been through.
"There's nothing on Netflix that's half as interesting as Weston Griggs hiring himself out on Thanksgiving."
Both of them have some family issues, so none of them is looking forward to making it home for Thanksgiving. So Weston decides to hire himself out as a fake boyfriend, and chooses Abbi – the waitress who serves him food most of the times, and who has a definite crush on him.
And it's all fake – the touching, the laughing, the getting closer, the connection between them. Hmmm, maybe?
"If you're going to have some guy's name on your back, why not mine?"
The thing with them is that he needs to be in control, and falling in love or having real feelings for someone would take that control away. And she stopped expecting anything from anyone, so why expect anyone to fall for her?
Falling in love would put them both in the awkward position of being open to whatever comes their way. Vulnerable. So faking it is the way to go. Until it's not enough.
"Maybe I just forgot how this works."
"Just kiss me already, (...) And I'll remind you. I promise."
It takes a while for their chemistry to fully develop, and for them to hit it off, but when they do... It's steamy, and it's funny, and it gives you all the feels. There's one scene when they first spend the night at his dad's that got me laughing out loud so hard I may have scared my neighbors. True story.
Worth mentioning for me: the nod to Posy's Pie Shop from Loverboy. And if you need a song to get in the mood, Springsteen's I'm On Fire is pretty dead on. Why didn't you choose that one, Weston? tsk
"It's the end of an era.
And the start of another."
Boyfriend is special. It's also deliciously sweet, sexy, and flirty, and packed full of real emotion. Weston and Abbi just seamlessly fit together, and they're both brought to their knees by their feelings for each other. You'll be rooting for them from the start, and you'll be happy to have had the chance to read their story.
December 27, 2021
Don't ask me why I read this, I've been in a massive slump, anything that gets me reading is a bonus, even if it wasn't that great 😂
November 14, 2021
Two main points:
- This made a very entertaining flight read.
- This reminded me of Elle Kennedy Off Campus series. Don’t come at me.
Yes, it’s a crappy review, sorry.
- This made a very entertaining flight read.
- This reminded me of Elle Kennedy Off Campus series. Don’t come at me.
Yes, it’s a crappy review, sorry.
November 27, 2024
4 stars
Sarina Bowen does new adult sports romance so well! Abbi and Weston’s story was the first book in the ‘Moo U’ series and so much fun. It starts with a fake date to Thanksgiving and things develop from there… Abbi and Weston were both great and I enjoyed this one lots!
Sarina Bowen does new adult sports romance so well! Abbi and Weston’s story was the first book in the ‘Moo U’ series and so much fun. It starts with a fake date to Thanksgiving and things develop from there… Abbi and Weston were both great and I enjoyed this one lots!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Jason Clarke & Emma Wilder
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Sports Romance (New Adult)
Length: 7h 06m
November 9, 2021
HELLO this is a boyfriend for hire romance!! So fake dating! The hockey player hero puts himself up for hire as a fake boyfriend for Thanksgiving in order to avoid his mess of a family and the heroine sees his ad and answers it. They have an amazing time together and are both shocked at how well they work together that they start to build a genuine friendship from this fake relationship. Weston, the classic hockey playboy hero who never wants to settle down, actually wants something more from Abby, so he asks her to be his girlfriend for his Christmas dinner with his family. The dialogue is a little silly sometimes but it was a cute, fun, and sweet read and I enjoyed it so much.
April 9, 2024
This book was so good and it was so much fun to read! I literally had a smile on my face while reading certain parts!
I always love fake dating, but this one was done in such a funny way with the brother. I really loved how it was done, it was just hilarious and fun to read.
This is a multi-author series so while I absolutely loved this book I am not really sure I will continue the series but who knows?
I always love fake dating, but this one was done in such a funny way with the brother. I really loved how it was done, it was just hilarious and fun to read.
This is a multi-author series so while I absolutely loved this book I am not really sure I will continue the series but who knows?
September 30, 2021
Sarina Bowen is the Queen of having books with delicious SIGH inducing feel-good moments. Those moments when all the pieces just fit and the story is everything you wanted and you're left with a dopey smile on your face. I absolutely loved Weston and Abbi. The chemistry, banter and the swoons were fantastic. This really was such a fun romance. The characters were real, down to earth and likeable.
Real Talk : Sarina Bowen is the ONLY author I will read where a mean alphahole is not necessary. There is something about her heroes and their kind hearts and loving natures that give me all the flutters! Weston was just adorable. He is a perfect example of why I die for NA (college) romances: cute and confident on the outside and so darn good and vulnerable on the inside. I loved this Boyfriend for Hire/Fake Relationship story. It was cute and sexy and Weston and Abbi had chemistry in spades. I loved their connection and how genuine they were with one another.
Overall, Boyfriend is a fun, quick, heartwarming story that checked all my boxes. It is without a doubt another feather in this author's cap! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤
***
Awwww, my heart! It’s all ooey gooey gone for Weston and Abbi! You guys, they were so adorable! So swoony and sigh-worthy. Boyfriend was like the ultimate in romantic decadence.
I loved this take on the fake relationship trope. It was flirty and fun and laced with decidedly more emotional moments that tugged at my heartstrings and ultimately cracked it wide open for Weston and Abbi. They were both carrying around a fair amount of baggage, but I loved how allowing each other to see into the messiness of their lives fostered a genuine friendship that basically exploded with chemistry, and heat, and – in the end – even more messy feelings.
And those messy feelings were glorious. My heart ached for them as they sorted through their issues and fell into this sort of messy love with each other. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t without some fairly significant stumbling blocks. But it was so satisfying to read because y’all, Weston Briggs brought to his knees by love was an experience that I enthusiastically recommend you all partake in!
I loved this addition to the Moo U-niverse! If you’re looking for a love story that effortlessly blends sweet sweet heat and heartfelt emotion - Boyfriend is the book for you! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
Real Talk : Sarina Bowen is the ONLY author I will read where a mean alphahole is not necessary. There is something about her heroes and their kind hearts and loving natures that give me all the flutters! Weston was just adorable. He is a perfect example of why I die for NA (college) romances: cute and confident on the outside and so darn good and vulnerable on the inside. I loved this Boyfriend for Hire/Fake Relationship story. It was cute and sexy and Weston and Abbi had chemistry in spades. I loved their connection and how genuine they were with one another.
Overall, Boyfriend is a fun, quick, heartwarming story that checked all my boxes. It is without a doubt another feather in this author's cap! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤
***
Awwww, my heart! It’s all ooey gooey gone for Weston and Abbi! You guys, they were so adorable! So swoony and sigh-worthy. Boyfriend was like the ultimate in romantic decadence.
I loved this take on the fake relationship trope. It was flirty and fun and laced with decidedly more emotional moments that tugged at my heartstrings and ultimately cracked it wide open for Weston and Abbi. They were both carrying around a fair amount of baggage, but I loved how allowing each other to see into the messiness of their lives fostered a genuine friendship that basically exploded with chemistry, and heat, and – in the end – even more messy feelings.
And those messy feelings were glorious. My heart ached for them as they sorted through their issues and fell into this sort of messy love with each other. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t without some fairly significant stumbling blocks. But it was so satisfying to read because y’all, Weston Briggs brought to his knees by love was an experience that I enthusiastically recommend you all partake in!
I loved this addition to the Moo U-niverse! If you’re looking for a love story that effortlessly blends sweet sweet heat and heartfelt emotion - Boyfriend is the book for you! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
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January 23, 2022
3.75 light-read stars. If you’re into cute college hockey romances involving fake dating/friends with benefits to lovers, look no further.
Level (not quality) of - out of five each:
Angst (character bio): 😢😢
75% relationship angst: 💔
Non-relationship drama/creepy step-step-brother: 🤮🤮🤮
Steam: 🍆🍆🍆
Sweetness: 💕💕💕💕
Likability H/reformed player: 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
Relatability h: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
H’s dad: ❤️💔❤️💔❤️
Though there are more books in the Moo U series, I am not sure I will continue with them as each installment is written by a different author and I mostly picked this up because Bowen‘s stories are usually a hit for me. Though this is by no means my favorite of hers, it was a fun, quick read for a lazy Sunday.
Level (not quality) of - out of five each:
Angst (character bio): 😢😢
75% relationship angst: 💔
Non-relationship drama/creepy step-step-brother: 🤮🤮🤮
Steam: 🍆🍆🍆
Sweetness: 💕💕💕💕
Likability H/reformed player: 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
Relatability h: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
H’s dad: ❤️💔❤️💔❤️
Though there are more books in the Moo U series, I am not sure I will continue with them as each installment is written by a different author and I mostly picked this up because Bowen‘s stories are usually a hit for me. Though this is by no means my favorite of hers, it was a fun, quick read for a lazy Sunday.
November 24, 2021
I am liking this. Boyfriend is good. Weston is sexy. And I think his family is just... hilarious. I thought Miss Bowen is filling this book with a family craziness during holiday season. It turned out to be a very sweet romance. More like modern Cinderella but without the midnight curfew.
The length of the story is enough to make the story interesting without dragging too much. I am swoon over Weston. Oh he is such a treat! Abby is a typical sweet heroine. I wish her character can be much more independent and stronger. She needs to learn that asking for help does not mean you are weak.
Overall a wonderful story.
4 stars
The length of the story is enough to make the story interesting without dragging too much. I am swoon over Weston. Oh he is such a treat! Abby is a typical sweet heroine. I wish her character can be much more independent and stronger. She needs to learn that asking for help does not mean you are weak.
Overall a wonderful story.
4 stars
October 12, 2021
TITLE: BOYFRIEND
AUTHOR: Sarina Bowen
SERIES: Moo U Hockey #0
RELEASE DATE: October 12, 2021
GENRE: Sports Romance, New Adult
TROPES: Fake Relationship, Friends with Benefits
NARRATORS: Jason Clarke, Emma Wilder
LENGTH: 7 hrs and 6 mins
RATING: 5 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No
Sarina Bowen just knows how to write a story without a huge amount of drama and still make it not boring. BOYFRIEND, set in the True North world and part of the Moo U series, was everything I expected from this author yet she always surprises me again with her wonderful characters. I loved Weston and Abbi so much, they were incredibly likable. The tagline of this book is
A new hockey player to steal your heart this fall...
...and steal my heart they did! Their fake relationship turned into friends with benefits and finally into a beautiful love story and I was so here for it! They had such an easy way with one another that never got awkward.
I smiled throughout the whole audiobook which was narrated by Emma Wilder and one of my favorites, Jason Clarke. Both did a wonderful job with these characters, the narration was flawless.
If you want to try Sarina Bowen's books this is also a good place to start - even though BOYFRIEND is part of a series and set in an already established world this could easily be read as a standalone. I swear, Sarina gets better with each book - this one was incredible fun and fast to read and as always I'll be back for more of her stories.
October 15, 2021
4.5 stars!!
This was super fun! I absolutely love the True North series by Sarina bowen so I was excited to start this one in her MooU world!
Something about the pacing was a touch off, but overall Abbi and and Weston were absolutely adorable and who doesn’t love fake dating?!
This was super fun! I absolutely love the True North series by Sarina bowen so I was excited to start this one in her MooU world!
Something about the pacing was a touch off, but overall Abbi and and Weston were absolutely adorable and who doesn’t love fake dating?!
October 12, 2021
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This book kept a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. I really liked how down to Earth the characters were and how easy they were to like. It was so fun getting to see Weston and Abbi become friends over their fake dates and then to see how that progressed from there. Honestly their relationship felt very real, like I was listening to two people tell me how they fell in love and not like I was reading a fictional book. There was nothing over the top sweet or hot it was just a casual romance that still had me swooning over the characters and I think that's even more amazing. No crazy dramas or unbelievable scenes needed to make me fall in love with the story and the simplicity of the romance is what makes Ms. Bowen one of my favorite authors and why her books never fail to grab my attention.
ARC kindly provided for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This book kept a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. I really liked how down to Earth the characters were and how easy they were to like. It was so fun getting to see Weston and Abbi become friends over their fake dates and then to see how that progressed from there. Honestly their relationship felt very real, like I was listening to two people tell me how they fell in love and not like I was reading a fictional book. There was nothing over the top sweet or hot it was just a casual romance that still had me swooning over the characters and I think that's even more amazing. No crazy dramas or unbelievable scenes needed to make me fall in love with the story and the simplicity of the romance is what makes Ms. Bowen one of my favorite authors and why her books never fail to grab my attention.
ARC kindly provided for an honest review.
November 3, 2023
QUICK- GRAB WHILE YOU CAN-FREE!!!!
5 No One Does It Better Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
When it comes to College/Hockey/Relationships, no one does it better than Sarina Bowen, Period. That is not to dis other authors that have Hockey series out there. If you look at my past reviews and reading, you will know I spread the 5 star love all around. What I am saying, though, is with Sarina Bowen, I just am able to lock in, knowing I will get a journey touching on the complicated issues that can be part of anyone's personal story.
Because, let's face it, what was seen during our childhoods, either things we have experienced or pain our parents have shown us, impact how we perceive things...like love, relationships, and commitments. These experiences or observations of how parents have acted and the ramifications of those actions hit hard and teach serious life lessons.
In Boyfriend (Moo U #0), oh the sweet, fun, some frustration but not too much, sexy, delicious time we get. I read this fast, not wanting to stop, and get to feel all the love. We have two people who have experienced loss and see how it impacted how they saw things and what they thought possible.
Sarina Bowen tells us in her acknowledgments she had been thinking about this story for a long time...and oh, I am so glad she finally wrote it. Thank You.
Boyfriend (Moo U #0)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Blindsided (Moo U #1)
Slapshot (Moo U #2)
Holdout (Moo U #3)
Gametime (Moo U #4)
Overtime (Moo U #5)
Halftime (Moo U #6)
Darkroom (Moo U #7)
Playmaker (Moo U #8)
Snowballed (Moo U #9)
Goalkeeper (Moo U #10)
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh Ms. Bowen, I jumped on this when offered...Thank You!
A gifted copy was provided for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
5 No One Does It Better Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
When it comes to College/Hockey/Relationships, no one does it better than Sarina Bowen, Period. That is not to dis other authors that have Hockey series out there. If you look at my past reviews and reading, you will know I spread the 5 star love all around. What I am saying, though, is with Sarina Bowen, I just am able to lock in, knowing I will get a journey touching on the complicated issues that can be part of anyone's personal story.
Because, let's face it, what was seen during our childhoods, either things we have experienced or pain our parents have shown us, impact how we perceive things...like love, relationships, and commitments. These experiences or observations of how parents have acted and the ramifications of those actions hit hard and teach serious life lessons.
In Boyfriend (Moo U #0), oh the sweet, fun, some frustration but not too much, sexy, delicious time we get. I read this fast, not wanting to stop, and get to feel all the love. We have two people who have experienced loss and see how it impacted how they saw things and what they thought possible.
Sarina Bowen tells us in her acknowledgments she had been thinking about this story for a long time...and oh, I am so glad she finally wrote it. Thank You.
Boyfriend (Moo U #0)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Blindsided (Moo U #1) Slapshot (Moo U #2) Holdout (Moo U #3) Gametime (Moo U #4) Overtime (Moo U #5) Halftime (Moo U #6) Darkroom (Moo U #7) Playmaker (Moo U #8) Snowballed (Moo U #9) Goalkeeper (Moo U #10)~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh Ms. Bowen, I jumped on this when offered...Thank You!
A gifted copy was provided for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 20, 2021
A new Sarina Bowen hockey-centered romance series? Yes, please! And it delivered very well, indeed. This is another review I've put off too long to have all the details at my fingertips. Sadly. Or not, if you're at all familiar with Sarina Bowen because she's in top form here so it has all the things you'd expect without feeling like it's all the things you'd expect. So Wes and Abbi are fully-realized characters and they were completely engaging and I loved their banter and watching them become friends and then something more.
Not that it's without drawbacks. Like Wes's negative motivation* having such a weak foundation and being a bit of a drag on the plot. Yeah, yeah, divorced parents are still creating bunches of drama and that sucks, blah blah. And I was worried that Abbi's family issue would be harsher than it was, though it was still frustrating as she tried to handle everything herself without reaching out to any of the many people who could have helped (in both personal and professional capacities).
Anyway, I was engaged throughout and loved seeing these two work together to become stronger. It's a fairly strong four stars. They're such a great match and I look forward to more in the series.
A note about Steamy: It has been long enough I don't remember the details. It was the middle of my steam tolerance, though, and I liked that they were so characteristic of them as a couple. I remember that much, at any rate. Very well-done.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
Not that it's without drawbacks. Like Wes's negative motivation* having such a weak foundation and being a bit of a drag on the plot. Yeah, yeah, divorced parents are still creating bunches of drama and that sucks, blah blah. And I was worried that Abbi's family issue would be harsher than it was, though it was still frustrating as she tried to handle everything herself without reaching out to any of the many people who could have helped (in both personal and professional capacities).
Anyway, I was engaged throughout and loved seeing these two work together to become stronger. It's a fairly strong four stars. They're such a great match and I look forward to more in the series.
A note about Steamy: It has been long enough I don't remember the details. It was the middle of my steam tolerance, though, and I liked that they were so characteristic of them as a couple. I remember that much, at any rate. Very well-done.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
March 8, 2022
5 Stars
Once again, Sarina Bowen smashes it out of the park with this latest new adult romance.
Boyfriend follows college-aged MCs, Abbi and Weston, as they join forces and pretend to be a couple, in order to face some difficult family members during their trips home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Although not the most original premise in the world, this is a fake-relationship trope done right.
I just adored Abbi and Weston as characters, each well-drawn and vibrant personalities, that complimented one another effortless, making their friendship and eventual (very real) romance easy to believe in and root for.
This was exactly the feel-good, sexy-sweet, morish read I needed in the moment, hence my first 5-star rated novel of 2022.
As the first story (chronologically) in the Moo U line of Bowen’s multi-author/multi-series World of True North, this was a most excellent introduction to the environment of this Vermont-based university and its hockey playing hunks.
Now that I’ve met these characters, and had a taste of their world, I can’t wait to read more!
Once again, Sarina Bowen smashes it out of the park with this latest new adult romance.
Boyfriend follows college-aged MCs, Abbi and Weston, as they join forces and pretend to be a couple, in order to face some difficult family members during their trips home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Although not the most original premise in the world, this is a fake-relationship trope done right.
I just adored Abbi and Weston as characters, each well-drawn and vibrant personalities, that complimented one another effortless, making their friendship and eventual (very real) romance easy to believe in and root for.
This was exactly the feel-good, sexy-sweet, morish read I needed in the moment, hence my first 5-star rated novel of 2022.
As the first story (chronologically) in the Moo U line of Bowen’s multi-author/multi-series World of True North, this was a most excellent introduction to the environment of this Vermont-based university and its hockey playing hunks.
Now that I’ve met these characters, and had a taste of their world, I can’t wait to read more!
November 4, 2024
Abbi + Weston
Weston is the star of the Moo U Hockey team and a frequent customer at the bar where Abbi jobs. Abbi is super in crush with Weston but she thinks she'd never stand a chance with him... But then he's pretending to be her boyfriend for her stepfamily's Thanksgiving dinner. Super sparky, but nothing happens. A month later Abbi is Weston's fake date to his sister's engagement party and family Christmas celebrations.
Let the fun times begin ...
════════════════
This story was just adorable.
We all know many of those fake-date romances, but this one was really cute! Funny, sparky, adorable, a bit heartbreaking with all their family problems. Very vermonty and wintery. I just adored Abbi and Weston!
It was nothing new or mega different and exciting, but I loved reading it. It was a super sweet love story!
Tiny rant - not really about Sarina or the story, but ... What I never understand in romances. When a guy or girl has really bad romance examples in their parents with divorce and fighting and whatnot. Why do they always think they can or should never fall in love themselves? That's so silly and cliché! Why don't they go the other way and say: I'm gonna prove them all wrong, I'm gonna find the most amazing partner and we'll have the most amazing marriage ever?! That would be something I'd like to read!
Anyway - this was really cute and collegey and I could read books like these every day for forever!
Oh ... another tiny little thing I didn't get. The tattoos. Why? It was just mentioned a couple of times and for me it didn't work for the story at all. Weston doesn't seem like a tattoo guy at all! It was just weird ... But that's probably just me and my reading weirdness - and the fact that I'm not a tattoo fan.
BOYFRIEND was a sweet + cute + funny + sexy + collegy + vermonty love story!
Run to your nearest amazon for your own Weston - he'll be sold out in no time!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
December 23, 2023
2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The characters, the banter, the premise.
The Not-So-Good: The pacing. The depth of feelings as a reader.
The Bad: The lack of real conflict and the ending.
Overall: This was cute and I definitely liked the beginning, where it sucked me in, the most. It was just a little too fluffy for me. It was too underdeveloped for some things and even felt rushed at times and this feels like it was because of the length. For example, their shared "ILYs" seemed sudden even though I'll admit they were headed that way. Not a win for me, but I'm sure others will really enjoy it!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Abbi and Weston's story. They've both been crushing on each other as Abbi is a waitress at Weston's hockey team's after game hangout bar. When Abbi overhears that Weston offers himself up as a fake date for Thanksgiving, she decides to hire him because she needs a buffer to her uncomfortable step-step family's event. Weston isn't eager to have it end at Thanksgiving and ends up asking Abbi to act as his fake girlfriend for Christmas with his uncomfortable family dynamics. They start up a friends with benefits relationship that has them developing stronger feelings, there is some past baggage they have to work through, and there are some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Abbi and Weston's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. I thought this flowed well and I never skimmed, however, it was on the short side (245 pages on my kindle app) and I thought it could've been longer to include either more of a conflict, depth, or more closure.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings (though their mutual crushes started before this happened)
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Weston. I liked how positive he always was and kind, but I also wanted him to allow himself to be a little vulnerable more often.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Abbi. I appreciated her strength and how hard she tried to get past all the crappy life circumstances she was given, but I also wanted her to stick up for herself a little more.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Kind of, but very short
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but I would've liked a farther jump ahead to get what I would consider a HEA. I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The characters, the banter, the premise.
The Not-So-Good: The pacing. The depth of feelings as a reader.
The Bad: The lack of real conflict and the ending.
Overall: This was cute and I definitely liked the beginning, where it sucked me in, the most. It was just a little too fluffy for me. It was too underdeveloped for some things and even felt rushed at times and this feels like it was because of the length. For example, their shared "ILYs" seemed sudden even though I'll admit they were headed that way. Not a win for me, but I'm sure others will really enjoy it!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Abbi and Weston's story. They've both been crushing on each other as Abbi is a waitress at Weston's hockey team's after game hangout bar. When Abbi overhears that Weston offers himself up as a fake date for Thanksgiving, she decides to hire him because she needs a buffer to her uncomfortable step-step family's event. Weston isn't eager to have it end at Thanksgiving and ends up asking Abbi to act as his fake girlfriend for Christmas with his uncomfortable family dynamics. They start up a friends with benefits relationship that has them developing stronger feelings, there is some past baggage they have to work through, and there are some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Abbi and Weston's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. I thought this flowed well and I never skimmed, however, it was on the short side (245 pages on my kindle app) and I thought it could've been longer to include either more of a conflict, depth, or more closure.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings (though their mutual crushes started before this happened)
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Weston. I liked how positive he always was and kind, but I also wanted him to allow himself to be a little vulnerable more often.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Abbi. I appreciated her strength and how hard she tried to get past all the crappy life circumstances she was given, but I also wanted her to stick up for herself a little more.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Kind of, but very short
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but I would've liked a farther jump ahead to get what I would consider a HEA. I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
December 12, 2022
3.5 “Westie” stars
Boyfriend gets off to a strong start as Abbi & Weston begin fake dating to help each other out through some uncomfortable family situations during the holidays. A nice mix of some genuine bonding over those uncomfortable family traumas, developing friendship, fun ‘n flirty banter, & falling harder for each other as they grow closer (they had basic little pre-existing crushes on each from afar). This part flowed & well laid out/felt more purposeful. They had good chemistry & were adorable, amusing, & engaging.
It’s not that the after the holidays portion was bad per se — I was still mostly interested, still liked them —, but idk as the remainder went, the plot & some of the dialogue seemed less thought out, kinda haphazard & a bit cheesy. Also, Abbi’s creep of step-stepbrother had me uneasy most of the time(as intended, I’m sure). . It’s not a big deal by any means, but I thought the cover didn’t really go with this book…a misrepresentative, I guess.
In a nutshell, Boyfriend is basically one of those reads that starts with a bang, but goes out with (somewhat of) a whimper.
Boyfriend gets off to a strong start as Abbi & Weston begin fake dating to help each other out through some uncomfortable family situations during the holidays. A nice mix of some genuine bonding over those uncomfortable family traumas, developing friendship, fun ‘n flirty banter, & falling harder for each other as they grow closer (they had basic little pre-existing crushes on each from afar). This part flowed & well laid out/felt more purposeful. They had good chemistry & were adorable, amusing, & engaging.
It’s not that the after the holidays portion was bad per se — I was still mostly interested, still liked them —, but idk as the remainder went, the plot & some of the dialogue seemed less thought out, kinda haphazard & a bit cheesy. Also, Abbi’s creep of step-stepbrother had me uneasy most of the time(as intended, I’m sure). . It’s not a big deal by any means, but I thought the cover didn’t really go with this book…a misrepresentative, I guess.
In a nutshell, Boyfriend is basically one of those reads that starts with a bang, but goes out with (somewhat of) a whimper.
November 27, 2024
”Rent a boyfriend for the holiday. For $25, I will be your Thanksgiving date. I will talk hockey with your dad. I will bring your mother flowers. I will be polite, and wear a nicely ironed shirt…”
BOYFRIEND
● Weston & Abbi
● both are students
● hockey / waitress
● college sports romance
● fake dating
● friends with benefits
● for $25 Weston will be your date for Thanksgiving dinner
● dual pov
● standalone
I'm not sure what this style of series is called but I really love the concept: 11 interconnected books written by 11 different authors.
BOYFRIEND
● Weston & Abbi
● both are students
● hockey / waitress
● college sports romance
● fake dating
● friends with benefits
● for $25 Weston will be your date for Thanksgiving dinner
● dual pov
● standalone
I'm not sure what this style of series is called but I really love the concept: 11 interconnected books written by 11 different authors.
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Jason Clarke & Emma Wilder
Length: 7H 06M
October 19, 2021
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in one sitting. Boyfriend by Sarina Bowen. That’s the review.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
May 22, 2022
3.5 stars
September 7, 2023
Boyfriend is part of the Moo U series, set in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. It was originally released as a novella introducing the Moo U hockey players in the series, but is now a complete standalone novel. And that’s the best thing that happened in 2021, because it is glorious.
It is a rent-a-boyfriend/fake relationship that evolves into a friends to lovers and friends with benefits love story. And the cherry on top? Only one bed. And it is that seamless transition between tropes that makes this story so great and unputdownable. It just flows so naturally.
Weston and Abbi are great together. Their chemistry is incendiary, their banter is hilarious and good-natured. There’s so much attraction and longing. And heat! So much heat! It’s simply perfection.
Weston is such a great guy. He’s adorable and sweet and hot. He’s swoony. And his inner monologue is hilarious. He’s just not boyfriend material. Or so he thinks. His parents’ divorce did a number on him, so he’s definitely against commitment.
Abbi hasn’t had an easy life. She’s smart and funny, extremely dedicated, and so strong. She’s determined to graduate college a year early and be independent. Her family situation is not a good one, so she’s mostly on her own.
The way Abbi and Weston start their fake relationship is so funny and well done. And the way they connect is even more so. You can feel the longing and the chemistry between them from the very beginning. It’s sweet and heartwarming. The way their relationship evolves is so flawlessly developed that it feels natural and you can’t help but root for them. But it’s not only the attraction that grows stronger between them, but all the feelings. You can see how they get to know each other, how they slowly expose their hidden vulnerabilities to each other, and how their feelings start to change.
Boyfriend is such a great story. It’s beautifully written, and perfectly paced. There’s lots of Vermonty and hockey details that make it shine, and all the feels that make it an emotional and lighthearted read. I loved everything about it and I highly recommend it.
It is a rent-a-boyfriend/fake relationship that evolves into a friends to lovers and friends with benefits love story. And the cherry on top? Only one bed. And it is that seamless transition between tropes that makes this story so great and unputdownable. It just flows so naturally.
Weston and Abbi are great together. Their chemistry is incendiary, their banter is hilarious and good-natured. There’s so much attraction and longing. And heat! So much heat! It’s simply perfection.
Weston is such a great guy. He’s adorable and sweet and hot. He’s swoony. And his inner monologue is hilarious. He’s just not boyfriend material. Or so he thinks. His parents’ divorce did a number on him, so he’s definitely against commitment.
Abbi hasn’t had an easy life. She’s smart and funny, extremely dedicated, and so strong. She’s determined to graduate college a year early and be independent. Her family situation is not a good one, so she’s mostly on her own.
The way Abbi and Weston start their fake relationship is so funny and well done. And the way they connect is even more so. You can feel the longing and the chemistry between them from the very beginning. It’s sweet and heartwarming. The way their relationship evolves is so flawlessly developed that it feels natural and you can’t help but root for them. But it’s not only the attraction that grows stronger between them, but all the feelings. You can see how they get to know each other, how they slowly expose their hidden vulnerabilities to each other, and how their feelings start to change.
Boyfriend is such a great story. It’s beautifully written, and perfectly paced. There’s lots of Vermonty and hockey details that make it shine, and all the feels that make it an emotional and lighthearted read. I loved everything about it and I highly recommend it.
October 1, 2021
Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4-4.5 stars
I loved heading back to Moo U and Boyfriend definitely hit the spot. This new adult sports romance had so many awesome tropes like: fake dating, friends with benefits to lovers, caring for someone who isn't feeling well, and a personal favorite - there's only 1 bed. It was such a feel good and funny book, while also addressing some very serious topics. These topics might be upsetting to some readers, however, so I recommend checking the content warnings below.
Weston and Abbi were so playful and I loved their banter and back and forth. I thought they complemented each other very well and it was so sweet how their relationship began and evolved. It snuck up so perfectly on them both and their chemistry was incredibly hot. I appreciated that there wasn't a lot of drama between Weston and Abbi and that the majority of the angst was external to them. I wasn't a huge fan of the Price storyline and I did feel that it dragged on a little too long and the resolution felt rushed. There is also some push away, but it was addressed very quickly and was understandable given both of their histories and concerns. The epilogue had me smiling ear to ear and couldn't have been more perfect for these two.
This audiobook is fantastic! Jason Clarke can do no wrong. He is one of my very favorite narrators and I am always impressed by his performances. Paired with Emma Wilder, it really doesn't get better than this! The casting was spot on and their voices complemented each other so well. I highly recommend experiencing this one on audio!
CW: death of parent (automobile related), grief, sexual harassment and intimidation and physical assault (on page), parental infidelity, strained parental relationship, alcohol and drunken outburst (on page), financial uncertainty and concerns
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4-4.5 stars
I loved heading back to Moo U and Boyfriend definitely hit the spot. This new adult sports romance had so many awesome tropes like: fake dating, friends with benefits to lovers, caring for someone who isn't feeling well, and a personal favorite - there's only 1 bed. It was such a feel good and funny book, while also addressing some very serious topics. These topics might be upsetting to some readers, however, so I recommend checking the content warnings below.
Weston and Abbi were so playful and I loved their banter and back and forth. I thought they complemented each other very well and it was so sweet how their relationship began and evolved. It snuck up so perfectly on them both and their chemistry was incredibly hot. I appreciated that there wasn't a lot of drama between Weston and Abbi and that the majority of the angst was external to them. I wasn't a huge fan of the Price storyline and I did feel that it dragged on a little too long and the resolution felt rushed. There is also some push away, but it was addressed very quickly and was understandable given both of their histories and concerns. The epilogue had me smiling ear to ear and couldn't have been more perfect for these two.
This audiobook is fantastic! Jason Clarke can do no wrong. He is one of my very favorite narrators and I am always impressed by his performances. Paired with Emma Wilder, it really doesn't get better than this! The casting was spot on and their voices complemented each other so well. I highly recommend experiencing this one on audio!
CW: death of parent (automobile related), grief, sexual harassment and intimidation and physical assault (on page), parental infidelity, strained parental relationship, alcohol and drunken outburst (on page), financial uncertainty and concerns
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
October 15, 2021
I absolutely loved this story, fake dating and nice characters are always a win for me.
Abbi is one of the waitress of the Bisuit, the best thing of her working there is the eye candy when the hockey team's table is occupied. She has a thing for Weston, a Moo U hockey player, and when she sees him hang a flyer on the restaurant bulletin where he offers to be the fake boyfriend to take home for Thanksgiving, she decides to contact him. Their day goes so well that when Weston asks Abbi to go home with him for Christmas, she accepts without even thinking about it. Now that they know each other better will the line between fake and real blur leaving them confused? Or will never be a future for them as a couple?
I just adored Abbi and Weston, I turned pages so fast to reach to the happy ending they deserved.
They are so sweet, they have so much in common, they understand each other family's troubles even if they are different.
It was really enjoyable to read about their fake dates and the blooming of their true feelings.
I fell in love with Sarina Bowen's writing after reading one book of hers and now many years and many books laters that love has been consolidated.
I would recommend this if you're looking for something get lost in a good story for a few hours.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
July 21, 2022
4.5**** stars
This is the first book in the "Moo U“ series and I loved this story.
Abby and Weston start out as fake boyfriend/girlfriend and they go so perfectly well together that they decide to keep seeing each other casually as friends with benefits until the school year is up and they both start their separate lives after college. I loved that Abby wasn’t delusional at all about what their arrangement meant even though she started to lose her heart to Weston. Then of course, this heartthrob of a hockey player usually only ever does one night of fun with a girl.
I so loved the reference to Ed Sheran’s "Shape of you“ - That song was just purrrrfection for this story and Abby and Westi. I’ve listened to it on repeat after that for daaays *lol
All in all I had a fun time with these truly lovable characters. Especially Weston as he was an attentive, supportive and very protective (fake)boyfriend. Also their respective family-issues both needed to deal with were interesting and I wanted to know how it all played out.
***********
The audio was really enjoyable with the performance of Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke. Jason has a truly hot voice but tbh, I’m not sure if he was the right fit for an early twenty college student with his very mature and deep voice.
This is the first book in the "Moo U“ series and I loved this story.
Abby and Weston start out as fake boyfriend/girlfriend and they go so perfectly well together that they decide to keep seeing each other casually as friends with benefits until the school year is up and they both start their separate lives after college. I loved that Abby wasn’t delusional at all about what their arrangement meant even though she started to lose her heart to Weston. Then of course, this heartthrob of a hockey player usually only ever does one night of fun with a girl.
I so loved the reference to Ed Sheran’s "Shape of you“ - That song was just purrrrfection for this story and Abby and Westi. I’ve listened to it on repeat after that for daaays *lol
All in all I had a fun time with these truly lovable characters. Especially Weston as he was an attentive, supportive and very protective (fake)boyfriend. Also their respective family-issues both needed to deal with were interesting and I wanted to know how it all played out.
***********
The audio was really enjoyable with the performance of Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke. Jason has a truly hot voice but tbh, I’m not sure if he was the right fit for an early twenty college student with his very mature and deep voice.
October 30, 2021
4.5 Abbi and Weston Stars
Gorgeous, sexy , fun and at times very poignant fake relationship trope romance set in Moo U.
Weston is the Captain of the Uni's Ice Hockey Team and is subsequently revered by virtually everyone. He is very lovable, very hot and very determined to never have a relationship because he witnessed his own parents marriage implode. That said , he is harbouring a huge crush on the waitress at the restaurant where the Hockey Team are often to be found post matches.
Abbi is the waitress who is working a couple of jobs to get her through College and she also has a thing for Weston but each of them are unaware of the other's attraction . Finally , they get together in a fake relationship but slowly it starts to feel much less fake and much more real.
Weston is a great Hero. What you see is what you get and he doesn't play games but he does push away when he feels himself falling for Abbi.
“Come on, man.”Patrick slaps my shoulder. “Back on the horse. Maybe you can find another playmate for the night. Someone to take your mind off her.”
“That's not happening,” I snap. Not only am I not in the mood, I'd never do that to Abbi
As a heroine, Abbi ticks all the boxes - she is strong, funny, incredibly likeable and she gave this reader's heartstrings a huge tug. I cried for Abbi because of what she had gone through and I also wanted to reach into my kindle and bitch slap a secondary character for what he did.
It was interesting that Weston was not necessarily bound for the NHL post College , he is looking to be a Paediatrician which I thought made a refreshing change in a sports themed romance.
Overall, a really lovely romance which touched on some tough themes but had a good balance of humour and fun too. Interesting characters that I wanted to know more about. I loved it.
HEA? Yes , but I would have liked an epilogue looking more into the future. That said, I was certain these two were a forever couple - they are perfect for each other.
Cheating? No
Be Aware....
Gorgeous, sexy , fun and at times very poignant fake relationship trope romance set in Moo U.
Weston is the Captain of the Uni's Ice Hockey Team and is subsequently revered by virtually everyone. He is very lovable, very hot and very determined to never have a relationship because he witnessed his own parents marriage implode. That said , he is harbouring a huge crush on the waitress at the restaurant where the Hockey Team are often to be found post matches.
Abbi is the waitress who is working a couple of jobs to get her through College and she also has a thing for Weston but each of them are unaware of the other's attraction . Finally , they get together in a fake relationship but slowly it starts to feel much less fake and much more real.
Weston is a great Hero. What you see is what you get and he doesn't play games but he does push away when he feels himself falling for Abbi.
“Come on, man.”Patrick slaps my shoulder. “Back on the horse. Maybe you can find another playmate for the night. Someone to take your mind off her.”
“That's not happening,” I snap. Not only am I not in the mood, I'd never do that to Abbi
As a heroine, Abbi ticks all the boxes - she is strong, funny, incredibly likeable and she gave this reader's heartstrings a huge tug. I cried for Abbi because of what she had gone through and I also wanted to reach into my kindle and bitch slap a secondary character for what he did.
It was interesting that Weston was not necessarily bound for the NHL post College , he is looking to be a Paediatrician which I thought made a refreshing change in a sports themed romance.
Overall, a really lovely romance which touched on some tough themes but had a good balance of humour and fun too. Interesting characters that I wanted to know more about. I loved it.
HEA? Yes , but I would have liked an epilogue looking more into the future. That said, I was certain these two were a forever couple - they are perfect for each other.
Cheating? No
Be Aware....
November 2, 2021
Abbi has been a lone wolf ever since her mom passed away 3-years earlier. When she didn’t attending college classes, she’s working her butt off as a waitress at a local restaurant. One of her favorite parts of the job, though, is admiring Moo U’s hockey team that comes in every weekend & after every game, specifically their star player, Weston.
Every year, Weston posts an ad to be another student’s fake date for Thanksgiving. For $25, Weston will schmooze the family and be the man of their dreams and then Weston doesn’t have to face his trainwreck of a family. Abbi decides to cash in on Weston’s flyer & take him home as a buffer with her ex-step family.
Weston & Abbi hit it off from the get-go and it’s as if their fake date felt 100% real. At the end of the night, neither of them want to say goodbye so instead, Weston asks Abbi to attend his family Christmas with him. And whether or not it’s a smart idea, Abbi says yes…
Boyfriend by Sarina Bowen is part of SB’s Moo U series, set in the True North world, each book written by a different author. I love fake dating romances and Sarina Bowen is a favorite author of mine so to no surprise, I loved this. It was funny, charming and Weston was totally swoon-worthy. I loved how vulnerable & strong Abbi was, too. They were really cute together & overall this was a great read. 4.5/5 stars.
Every year, Weston posts an ad to be another student’s fake date for Thanksgiving. For $25, Weston will schmooze the family and be the man of their dreams and then Weston doesn’t have to face his trainwreck of a family. Abbi decides to cash in on Weston’s flyer & take him home as a buffer with her ex-step family.
Weston & Abbi hit it off from the get-go and it’s as if their fake date felt 100% real. At the end of the night, neither of them want to say goodbye so instead, Weston asks Abbi to attend his family Christmas with him. And whether or not it’s a smart idea, Abbi says yes…
Boyfriend by Sarina Bowen is part of SB’s Moo U series, set in the True North world, each book written by a different author. I love fake dating romances and Sarina Bowen is a favorite author of mine so to no surprise, I loved this. It was funny, charming and Weston was totally swoon-worthy. I loved how vulnerable & strong Abbi was, too. They were really cute together & overall this was a great read. 4.5/5 stars.
August 17, 2023
My Thoughts
Sarina Bowen never seems to disappoint! I have been a huge fan of this author for some time but I somehow missed grabbing this book when it was released. Weston and Abbi were great together. They both had some family issues that they needed to work out and I loved how they naturally stepped in to help each other. The chemistry between them was amazing. I loved the set up of the story with Abbi hiring Weston to be her fake date for Thanksgiving. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrators did an amazing job with this story. I found this to be a really fun romance filled with incredibly likable characters.
Book Source: Purchased
Sarina Bowen never seems to disappoint! I have been a huge fan of this author for some time but I somehow missed grabbing this book when it was released. Weston and Abbi were great together. They both had some family issues that they needed to work out and I loved how they naturally stepped in to help each other. The chemistry between them was amazing. I loved the set up of the story with Abbi hiring Weston to be her fake date for Thanksgiving. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrators did an amazing job with this story. I found this to be a really fun romance filled with incredibly likable characters.
Book Source: Purchased
October 15, 2021
I'm easy to please. Just give me some good old college romance, a sweet jock, and some steamy smut, and I'm happy.
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