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Good Bad Idea #2
Love Means More
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Ambrose O’Rourke
I’ve only met one person I couldn’t seduce—Augie Murphy, the man I love who thinks I’m straight. When I have a chance to be his fake boyfriend, it’s too much temptation to resist. It turns out that’s literally true, since I get carried away with a passionate kiss. He thinks it’s just a game, but it’s so much more than that.
How do I convince my best friend I want to be his boyfriend for real?
August “Augie” Murphy
Ambrose is handsome, irresistible, and completely off-limits. That didn’t stop my stupid heart from falling in love with my best friend the first day we met. When he suggests we pretend to be boyfriends on a double date, my curiosity defeats my common sense. Even if we’re only pretending for one night, I want to know what it’s like to be loved by him.
Is it possible to turn my fake boyfriend for a night into my real one forever?
Love Means More is the second book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novella features fake boyfriends in a friends to lovers bisexual awakening romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.
Ambrose O’Rourke
I’ve only met one person I couldn’t seduce—Augie Murphy, the man I love who thinks I’m straight. When I have a chance to be his fake boyfriend, it’s too much temptation to resist. It turns out that’s literally true, since I get carried away with a passionate kiss. He thinks it’s just a game, but it’s so much more than that.
How do I convince my best friend I want to be his boyfriend for real?
August “Augie” Murphy
Ambrose is handsome, irresistible, and completely off-limits. That didn’t stop my stupid heart from falling in love with my best friend the first day we met. When he suggests we pretend to be boyfriends on a double date, my curiosity defeats my common sense. Even if we’re only pretending for one night, I want to know what it’s like to be loved by him.
Is it possible to turn my fake boyfriend for a night into my real one forever?
Love Means More is the second book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novella features fake boyfriends in a friends to lovers bisexual awakening romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2020
293 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
A.F. Zoelle
10 books125 followersA.F. Zoelle loves spicing up her angst with some fiery heat. Her books are a dramatic wild ride, but there’s always a guaranteed happily ever after. She embraces the philosophy of “the more the merrier” when it comes to her passionate characters finding their perfect partners. But sometimes she’s in the mood for something more light-hearted. If you are too, check out her Ariella Zoelle books.
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February 26, 2023
Love Means More is book two in the Good Bad Idea series by A.F. Zoelle. This is a cute, sexy, fun little book that definitely made me smile.
Ambrose O’Rourke and August (Augie) Murphy met in their freshman year of college. They quickly became best friends and are now twenty six years old. Ambrose is from Ireland. He was raised in a very strict, religious home where anything other than male/female relationships was considered a sin. But he always suspected he might be bi-sexual but kept it repressed. When he came to America and met August, he was attracted to him but his upbringing made it feel wrong. The older he got, the more he knew it wasn’t wrong but still kept it hidden because Augie was his best friend and he couldn’t risk it.
August always knew he was bi. And he knew from the start he was in love with Ambrose. But he kept both of these facts hidden throughout their friendship. Then came the trip to Vegas for their friend’s wedding. When Ambrose suggests posing as fake boyfriends for one night for a double date, August can’t resist. He’ll finally see what it feels like to be the boyfriend of the man he has loved for almost a decade.
These two were so cute. Some bumping and grinding and a sexy kiss finally opens the door to so much more. But this is their chance to really be truthful and to admit all their secrets to each other. If they are brave enough. Throw in plenty of surprises from both of their families and they’ve got their hands full. What I loved, though, is that through everything, the strong bond of their friendship held them together. Even with all the new truths between them, they supported one another. They never faltered.
The next book, book three, in the series is Ambrose’s younger brother, Callum’s book in Love Fancy.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Ambrose O’Rourke and August (Augie) Murphy met in their freshman year of college. They quickly became best friends and are now twenty six years old. Ambrose is from Ireland. He was raised in a very strict, religious home where anything other than male/female relationships was considered a sin. But he always suspected he might be bi-sexual but kept it repressed. When he came to America and met August, he was attracted to him but his upbringing made it feel wrong. The older he got, the more he knew it wasn’t wrong but still kept it hidden because Augie was his best friend and he couldn’t risk it.
August always knew he was bi. And he knew from the start he was in love with Ambrose. But he kept both of these facts hidden throughout their friendship. Then came the trip to Vegas for their friend’s wedding. When Ambrose suggests posing as fake boyfriends for one night for a double date, August can’t resist. He’ll finally see what it feels like to be the boyfriend of the man he has loved for almost a decade.
These two were so cute. Some bumping and grinding and a sexy kiss finally opens the door to so much more. But this is their chance to really be truthful and to admit all their secrets to each other. If they are brave enough. Throw in plenty of surprises from both of their families and they’ve got their hands full. What I loved, though, is that through everything, the strong bond of their friendship held them together. Even with all the new truths between them, they supported one another. They never faltered.
The next book, book three, in the series is Ambrose’s younger brother, Callum’s book in Love Fancy.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 14, 2021
Meh.
It was cute, kind of disappointing, HELLA CHEESY and repetitive with it's CONSTANT reassurance.
The Sex Alphabets was the best part though ✨
It was cute, kind of disappointing, HELLA CHEESY and repetitive with it's CONSTANT reassurance.
The Sex Alphabets was the best part though ✨
September 22, 2020
Eloping in Vegas is contagious
But Ambrose and August are still trying to figure out what and who they are. But as they question and get closer, other parts of their lives change, too. Ambrose's father makes a mess of the family by drinking too much. His younger brother comes to California. Then his mother. Then Rhys and Luci return from Greece with great honeymoon pictures and memories.
August's father and younger brother spend more time with him. Both brothers become best friends. Sometimes things work well even if it is hard to figure out. Love can fix most problems if there is trust.
But Ambrose and August are still trying to figure out what and who they are. But as they question and get closer, other parts of their lives change, too. Ambrose's father makes a mess of the family by drinking too much. His younger brother comes to California. Then his mother. Then Rhys and Luci return from Greece with great honeymoon pictures and memories.
August's father and younger brother spend more time with him. Both brothers become best friends. Sometimes things work well even if it is hard to figure out. Love can fix most problems if there is trust.
April 27, 2021
Sweet as Sugar
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one was delightful. Two best friends who were secretly in love. I worried at first that I was going to spend almost the entire book waiting for them to come clean with each other, but Ambrose just couldn’t let it go. If you love a sweet story that just makes you smile, you’ll love this.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one was delightful. Two best friends who were secretly in love. I worried at first that I was going to spend almost the entire book waiting for them to come clean with each other, but Ambrose just couldn’t let it go. If you love a sweet story that just makes you smile, you’ll love this.
May 22, 2020
I tried to like this story, but failed.
The beginning was quite good, but then the story felt dragged and a bit boring. Also, a too much telling didn't work for me. I got bored easily.
Guess this book is not my cup of tea.
The beginning was quite good, but then the story felt dragged and a bit boring. Also, a too much telling didn't work for me. I got bored easily.
Guess this book is not my cup of tea.
April 17, 2022
Not as good as the first one. Felt pretty shallow. Full review to come.
dnf
August 20, 2023I didn’t like the characters nor did I like the idea of getting laid by someone else because you think your best friend doesn’t want you even tho you didn’t ask, or trying to start a 4some to try to get some time with said best friend. Also said best friend was immature. Also no thanks I just don’t like this. DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2020
I received this book from the publisher/Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
OMG, I am just so hyped about this book as it is Ambrose and August (Augie). I just fell in love with these two guys when I read the first book (which was about Rhys and Lucien). I was hoping that these two guys would get together and I was eager to see some hot scenes between them.
Meet Ambrose and August/Augie. Two sweet guys who have had the hots for each other for YEARS. But just like our previous couple… these two are thinking that the other party doesn’t hold an interest in them. In the case of Augie > Ambrose I can imagine. Given what we learn about August, what he has said in the past, and how he acts now. I can imagine that he may be VERY hesitant to tell his best friend he loves him. Heavens knows how he would react. I love to see how they thought about each other and that they were both filled with lust. 😛 Oh boy!
I am glad that it didn’t take that long for the two to find out that they loved/liked/wanted each other, that the feeling was mutual. Thank Lord!
The sex scenes were HOT. SO HOT. It is already quite warm and uncomfortable here due to the weather and imagine adding some hot swoony steamy scenes to that. *fans herself* I had a big laugh at that Ambrose had practised… I am not saying on who or what, but it had me constant in stitches.
I love that the author added religion to the mix. We find out that Ambrose grew up in a very Catholic family, with a very strict father who was very clear on how he felt about gay people. And we learn how that has affected him and how hard it was for him to break free of that and all the prejudice that had been poured into his head. But that isn’t the only thing when his brother pops up in his life again. I really found it well written and I am glad that the author touched this topic and wrote about it so well.
I absolutely love that, unlike the first book, we don’t have any unnecessary drama. Throughout the book I kept being worried that there would be something happening. That worrying did take away a bit of the fun for the book for me.
I am also glad that when a certain character popped up he didn’t go dating a certain other guy. I want to tell more but I don’t want to spoil anything. I will just say this, brothers.
We also see Rhys and Lucien again and I was just squeeing in delight. Yay!
All in all, I just love this book and I love this series and I SO SO need the next book now!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
OMG, I am just so hyped about this book as it is Ambrose and August (Augie). I just fell in love with these two guys when I read the first book (which was about Rhys and Lucien). I was hoping that these two guys would get together and I was eager to see some hot scenes between them.
Meet Ambrose and August/Augie. Two sweet guys who have had the hots for each other for YEARS. But just like our previous couple… these two are thinking that the other party doesn’t hold an interest in them. In the case of Augie > Ambrose I can imagine. Given what we learn about August, what he has said in the past, and how he acts now. I can imagine that he may be VERY hesitant to tell his best friend he loves him. Heavens knows how he would react. I love to see how they thought about each other and that they were both filled with lust. 😛 Oh boy!
I am glad that it didn’t take that long for the two to find out that they loved/liked/wanted each other, that the feeling was mutual. Thank Lord!
The sex scenes were HOT. SO HOT. It is already quite warm and uncomfortable here due to the weather and imagine adding some hot swoony steamy scenes to that. *fans herself* I had a big laugh at that Ambrose had practised… I am not saying on who or what, but it had me constant in stitches.
I love that the author added religion to the mix. We find out that Ambrose grew up in a very Catholic family, with a very strict father who was very clear on how he felt about gay people. And we learn how that has affected him and how hard it was for him to break free of that and all the prejudice that had been poured into his head. But that isn’t the only thing when his brother pops up in his life again. I really found it well written and I am glad that the author touched this topic and wrote about it so well.
I absolutely love that, unlike the first book, we don’t have any unnecessary drama. Throughout the book I kept being worried that there would be something happening. That worrying did take away a bit of the fun for the book for me.
I am also glad that when a certain character popped up he didn’t go dating a certain other guy. I want to tell more but I don’t want to spoil anything. I will just say this, brothers.
We also see Rhys and Lucien again and I was just squeeing in delight. Yay!
All in all, I just love this book and I love this series and I SO SO need the next book now!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 27, 2020
This is a fun and fast read. I liked it a lot more than the first book. August and Ambrose are really cute together.
Best friends to lovers are always special. They have been friends for a long time and they both having feelings for each other but are too scared to confess.
I really liked the second characters, especially both of their brothers. If you're looking for a light hearted romance and a quick read, then pick this up! The sex scenes were hot but also funny! That alphabet game really made me laugh!!
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Best friends to lovers are always special. They have been friends for a long time and they both having feelings for each other but are too scared to confess.
I really liked the second characters, especially both of their brothers. If you're looking for a light hearted romance and a quick read, then pick this up! The sex scenes were hot but also funny! That alphabet game really made me laugh!!
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
May 22, 2020
This wonderful story of friends to loves grabbed my heart from the start...
Ambrose and Augie have been best and close friends since college .. they have always shared their thoughts and truths or have they?
Each have a secret to tell or not to tell....
At a friends wedding they met two girls who are a couple, the girls think the guys are boyfriends, that started lets be Fake boyfriends !
The journey between Ambrose and Augie takes them to a truth they both hold and then the truth is told ..
I loved this book so very much I didn't want it to finish.
The guys are cute and wonderful and love does shine with a brilliance ...
A.F.Zoella is a new to me author and honestly I will be reading more , I hadn't read the first book in this series but now I am .
Ambrose and Augie have been best and close friends since college .. they have always shared their thoughts and truths or have they?
Each have a secret to tell or not to tell....
At a friends wedding they met two girls who are a couple, the girls think the guys are boyfriends, that started lets be Fake boyfriends !
The journey between Ambrose and Augie takes them to a truth they both hold and then the truth is told ..
I loved this book so very much I didn't want it to finish.
The guys are cute and wonderful and love does shine with a brilliance ...
A.F.Zoella is a new to me author and honestly I will be reading more , I hadn't read the first book in this series but now I am .
May 27, 2020
Love Means More is the second book in the Good Bad Idea series by A.F. Zoelle. It's a best friends to lovers story. I really liked it. This one is about August and Ambrose, friends of the couple in the first book.
March 9, 2021
Not a bad sequel but it could have been wrapped in about 100 pages...
August & Ambrose story..how they both were secretly & not so secretly pining for the other.
August & Ambrose story..how they both were secretly & not so secretly pining for the other.
June 4, 2020
Love Means More is the second book in the A Bad Good Idea series by author A.F. Zoelle. This story had some good ideas. But I found the storytelling to be one dimensional. Lots of telling and now showing which made this a hard story to read. This story is told in dual POV. Which helps it some.
Ambrose only person he cannot seduce is the one man he really wants. He really has a great friendship with Auggie and doesn’t want to mess that up.
August or Auggie, he finds Ambrose handsome and irresistible. And he is off-limits. They are best friends. When he needs a fake boyfriend, Ambrose suggests they be more than just friends.
I liked this story it was good. I just felt it was told rather than shown to me. There are some cute funny moments. I did not read the first book in this series and I was not lost. Overall an okay story.
Three Red Stars
Ambrose only person he cannot seduce is the one man he really wants. He really has a great friendship with Auggie and doesn’t want to mess that up.
August or Auggie, he finds Ambrose handsome and irresistible. And he is off-limits. They are best friends. When he needs a fake boyfriend, Ambrose suggests they be more than just friends.
I liked this story it was good. I just felt it was told rather than shown to me. There are some cute funny moments. I did not read the first book in this series and I was not lost. Overall an okay story.
Three Red Stars
May 5, 2023
This whole trope of "straight man secretly madly in love with his straight male best friend who is also secretly madly in love with him" is hard to pull of in the best of times. It requires a deft hand and usually works best when we get to see why they are best friends to begin with and then watch them come to the realization that their feelings go above and beyond what would be considered friendship. That does not happen here. Here we pop in on a pair of friends who have been one jello shot away from banging for years but have been too plot-bound to do anything about it. It's tedious. They haven't been kept apart by internalized homophobia or even lack of opportunity. It's not that I'm looking for high drama or crazy angst but there has to be some reason that these guys have behaved like this for all the years leading up to this weird fake double date with a lesbian couple.
I hated it.
I hated it.
May 21, 2020
4.5 Stars
Love Means More, the second book in the Good Bad Idea series, is a fun read by AF Zoelle.
Auggie and Ambrose are two best friends who have secretly been in love with one another for a while.
Their story is full of plenty of humor, with barbs, banter, and sexual come-ons. Oh, and some super hot dancing too. It includes first times, homophobia, and a pretend moment that leads to love.
Ambrose's family are homophobic trash, but sometimes one needs to choose love over approval. And in the end, I love Ma.
Love Means More is a sweet and sexy read. I definitely enjoyed this AF Zoelle friends to lovers novella and can't wait for more of this series.
Love Means More, the second book in the Good Bad Idea series, is a fun read by AF Zoelle.
Auggie and Ambrose are two best friends who have secretly been in love with one another for a while.
Their story is full of plenty of humor, with barbs, banter, and sexual come-ons. Oh, and some super hot dancing too. It includes first times, homophobia, and a pretend moment that leads to love.
Ambrose's family are homophobic trash, but sometimes one needs to choose love over approval. And in the end, I love Ma.
Love Means More is a sweet and sexy read. I definitely enjoyed this AF Zoelle friends to lovers novella and can't wait for more of this series.
October 13, 2020
3.5
This was a fun, light read. Very minimal angst (mostly on Augie's side, when he thinks Ambrose is just toying with him), what little misunderstanding there is is cleared up pretty quickly when the MC's *gasp* actually talk to each other and lay their cards on the table (c'mon, they're in Las Vegas. I had to). Once they got on the same page, it was basically I like you, you like me, let's be happy and build something together. Throw in a Dublin accent on ginger Ambrose, and that's just what I needed!
This was a fun, light read. Very minimal angst (mostly on Augie's side, when he thinks Ambrose is just toying with him), what little misunderstanding there is is cleared up pretty quickly when the MC's *gasp* actually talk to each other and lay their cards on the table (c'mon, they're in Las Vegas. I had to). Once they got on the same page, it was basically I like you, you like me, let's be happy and build something together. Throw in a Dublin accent on ginger Ambrose, and that's just what I needed!
April 17, 2021
Not for me
I just couldn't get into this book. Both of these characters annoyed me and the whole premise of going on a double date with another couple before they confessed their feelings didn't work for me.
The first book in this series was ok. Didn't enjoy this one so I will not be continuing on with the series.
I just couldn't get into this book. Both of these characters annoyed me and the whole premise of going on a double date with another couple before they confessed their feelings didn't work for me.
The first book in this series was ok. Didn't enjoy this one so I will not be continuing on with the series.
September 22, 2021
I give up on this series....
I read 4 books by this author and they're all the same.
First one I enjoyed because, duh, very entertaining porn.
Second was still entertaining, but I began to get a feeling of dejavu.
Third I was confused, because - it's the same only different names of characters.
Forth- I'm appalled....
I read 4 books by this author and they're all the same.
First one I enjoyed because, duh, very entertaining porn.
Second was still entertaining, but I began to get a feeling of dejavu.
Third I was confused, because - it's the same only different names of characters.
Forth- I'm appalled....
June 11, 2023
DNF @58%, because ALL the books on the series have the same exact plot, a little build up or variety in the plot would be nice, if you just read one instead of the series, I'm sure you'd enjoy it though
August 26, 2020
Brody and Augie had excellent chemistry. I liked the simple complexity of their relationship.
Read
May 2, 2023It got boring very quickly
May 21, 2020
August and Ambrose are best friends and have been for a very long time. What they are both keeping secret is that their feelings for one another have grown to more than friendship. Both men have been keeping their feelings to themselves because they each think that the other isn’t interested! What a mess!
When August and Ambrose attend a wedding of friends that takes a turn… (one of the grooms ends up marrying the best man) they find themselves with a free evening. Ambrose decides that they need some fun – well, he does! He wants to take his mind off his best friend… and introduces himself to two women. When he finds out the women are a couple and have misunderstood his offer of a “double date” he gets Augie to agree to pretend to be his boyfriend.
This isn’t a new concept…but fake boyfriends can be a fun trope! The author does a good job of setting the scene quickly through alternating POVs of the two main characters. It’s in this way that it becomes clear that there’s more to these two men than you may originally think.
Ambrose is Irish and from a very religious family. His own father is a bigot and homophobic and the sentiment has followed Ambrose. In fact, when he was young and originally around August, he often seemed anti-gay himself.
August isn’t innocent. He has kept some things about his life hidden because he’s afraid of the way that Ambrose will react. He doesn’t want to lose his best friend… in spite of the fact that he’s basically been pining away for ten years.
I loved the extra dynamic of both Main characters having interesting little brothers. That really added some interest for me. It looks as though these supporting characters may feature in upcoming books!
The sex scenes were funny and sweet… and hot! There’s been a lot of time for Ambrose and August to fantasize about what would happen if they were ever able to act on their feelings. Once the door is open… they bust through it with abandon!
I haven’t read the first book in this series but that didn’t stop me from understanding what was going on in this one. A lighthearted romance… fun with a bit of drama to keep you going.
When August and Ambrose attend a wedding of friends that takes a turn… (one of the grooms ends up marrying the best man) they find themselves with a free evening. Ambrose decides that they need some fun – well, he does! He wants to take his mind off his best friend… and introduces himself to two women. When he finds out the women are a couple and have misunderstood his offer of a “double date” he gets Augie to agree to pretend to be his boyfriend.
This isn’t a new concept…but fake boyfriends can be a fun trope! The author does a good job of setting the scene quickly through alternating POVs of the two main characters. It’s in this way that it becomes clear that there’s more to these two men than you may originally think.
Ambrose is Irish and from a very religious family. His own father is a bigot and homophobic and the sentiment has followed Ambrose. In fact, when he was young and originally around August, he often seemed anti-gay himself.
August isn’t innocent. He has kept some things about his life hidden because he’s afraid of the way that Ambrose will react. He doesn’t want to lose his best friend… in spite of the fact that he’s basically been pining away for ten years.
I loved the extra dynamic of both Main characters having interesting little brothers. That really added some interest for me. It looks as though these supporting characters may feature in upcoming books!
The sex scenes were funny and sweet… and hot! There’s been a lot of time for Ambrose and August to fantasize about what would happen if they were ever able to act on their feelings. Once the door is open… they bust through it with abandon!
I haven’t read the first book in this series but that didn’t stop me from understanding what was going on in this one. A lighthearted romance… fun with a bit of drama to keep you going.
June 8, 2024
old post reposted
I stumbled across Ariella Zoelle's books on K.M. Neuhold's Facebook fanpage. She promises sweet, fluff, low/no angst, lots of humor, and no slow burn. This is her Good Bad Idea series (which kicks off her Sunnyside universe). The second book is titled "Love Means More."
["Ambrose O’Rourke
I’ve only met one person I couldn’t seduce—Augie Murphy, the man I love who thinks I’m straight. When I have a chance to be his fake boyfriend, it’s too much temptation to resist. It turns out that’s literally true, since I get carried away with a passionate kiss. He thinks it’s just a game, but it’s so much more than that.
How do I convince my best friend I want to be his boyfriend for real?
August “Augie” Murphy
Ambrose is handsome, irresistible, and completely off-limits. That didn’t stop my stupid heart from falling in love with my best friend the first day we met. When he suggests we pretend to be boyfriends on a double date, my curiosity defeats my common sense. Even if we’re only pretending for one night, I want to know what it’s like to be loved by him.
Is it possible to turn my fake boyfriend for a night into my real one forever?"]
If you read the first book, you knew that these two would eventually get their shit together and...get together. Augie was obviously in love then, as he is now; Ambrose's feelings, however, was a fun surprise.
There was some angst with Ambrose's internalized homophobia, family, his toxic Catholic upbringing, his baby brother, his ma...but everything works out in the end (spoiler alert, I guess). Augie's only angst was his feelings and not fully believing Ambroses's plans/feelings/etc.
But, even with all of the angst (low though...mostly), the fluff and the sweetness made it all okay. As did the super steamy game of naked ABCs they played...
#betonlove #servinglove #lovemeansmore #lovefancy #lovefool #lovedirections #picturelove #lovepractice #ariellazoelle #goodbadidea #goodbadideaseries #sunnyside #sunnysideuniverse #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
I stumbled across Ariella Zoelle's books on K.M. Neuhold's Facebook fanpage. She promises sweet, fluff, low/no angst, lots of humor, and no slow burn. This is her Good Bad Idea series (which kicks off her Sunnyside universe). The second book is titled "Love Means More."
["Ambrose O’Rourke
I’ve only met one person I couldn’t seduce—Augie Murphy, the man I love who thinks I’m straight. When I have a chance to be his fake boyfriend, it’s too much temptation to resist. It turns out that’s literally true, since I get carried away with a passionate kiss. He thinks it’s just a game, but it’s so much more than that.
How do I convince my best friend I want to be his boyfriend for real?
August “Augie” Murphy
Ambrose is handsome, irresistible, and completely off-limits. That didn’t stop my stupid heart from falling in love with my best friend the first day we met. When he suggests we pretend to be boyfriends on a double date, my curiosity defeats my common sense. Even if we’re only pretending for one night, I want to know what it’s like to be loved by him.
Is it possible to turn my fake boyfriend for a night into my real one forever?"]
If you read the first book, you knew that these two would eventually get their shit together and...get together. Augie was obviously in love then, as he is now; Ambrose's feelings, however, was a fun surprise.
There was some angst with Ambrose's internalized homophobia, family, his toxic Catholic upbringing, his baby brother, his ma...but everything works out in the end (spoiler alert, I guess). Augie's only angst was his feelings and not fully believing Ambroses's plans/feelings/etc.
But, even with all of the angst (low though...mostly), the fluff and the sweetness made it all okay. As did the super steamy game of naked ABCs they played...
#betonlove #servinglove #lovemeansmore #lovefancy #lovefool #lovedirections #picturelove #lovepractice #ariellazoelle #goodbadidea #goodbadideaseries #sunnyside #sunnysideuniverse #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
June 1, 2020
Love Means More
MMy Thoughts and Review:
Another super cute and steaMMy novella from Zoelle. This is the second installment in the "Good Bad Idea Series" and it was just as fun as the first. It does, however, stand on its own, so you can absolutely read it without having read book #1. but for those like me who enjoy seeing recurring characters and such, you will get more pleasure (in my opinion), if you meet these two quirky best friends in Vegas, where they are set to attend a friend's wedding.
In book #2, they are still in Vegas and they are each keeping a secret from the other. As they hang out in a bar, it takes a couple of beautiful women to help these best friends "share their secrets."
Just as things begin to move in the right direction for the pair Ambrose gets a call that puts a halt to things and August is left to wonder if Ambrose is ashamed of him after all. A strong Irish-Catholic family can have a large pull on a person.
Things have the potential to get angsty and really heavy because of the subject matter that is dealt with in the story. However, Zoelle approaches the topics of abuse, homophobia, biphobia, and just all-around family dilemmas in a way that leaves the reader still feeling uplifted and validated when each crisis is over.
If you are looking for a good read and a good series to start this summer, you can't go wrong with A.F. Zoelle 's "The Good Bad Idea Series."
4.00 we're-running-out-of-alphabet-stars🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR in exchange for a review.🌈
MMy Thoughts and Review:
Another super cute and steaMMy novella from Zoelle. This is the second installment in the "Good Bad Idea Series" and it was just as fun as the first. It does, however, stand on its own, so you can absolutely read it without having read book #1. but for those like me who enjoy seeing recurring characters and such, you will get more pleasure (in my opinion), if you meet these two quirky best friends in Vegas, where they are set to attend a friend's wedding.
In book #2, they are still in Vegas and they are each keeping a secret from the other. As they hang out in a bar, it takes a couple of beautiful women to help these best friends "share their secrets."
Just as things begin to move in the right direction for the pair Ambrose gets a call that puts a halt to things and August is left to wonder if Ambrose is ashamed of him after all. A strong Irish-Catholic family can have a large pull on a person.
Things have the potential to get angsty and really heavy because of the subject matter that is dealt with in the story. However, Zoelle approaches the topics of abuse, homophobia, biphobia, and just all-around family dilemmas in a way that leaves the reader still feeling uplifted and validated when each crisis is over.
If you are looking for a good read and a good series to start this summer, you can't go wrong with A.F. Zoelle 's "The Good Bad Idea Series."
4.00 we're-running-out-of-alphabet-stars🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR in exchange for a review.🌈
May 31, 2020
This is not a slow burn, even though these fellas have been best friends for a long time. The years of pining are talked about, but we begin when those days have the potential to be over. Ambrose came up with a new way to ‘fake it ‘til ya make it’ in order to see where the night goes. Now he just needs to get August on board.
This was a fun, fairly quick read. It’s the second in a series, and can be read alone, but there are some spoilers for book one. If that bothers you, then I would recommend starting the series in order. There are no cliffhangers, but the books overlap each other.
The writing was consistent throughout, so it was an easy read. I enjoyed Ambrose and August’s characters, and I found them to be well written. The banter between them was easy and full of wit and humor. Which is testament to how long they’ve known each other. It was because of that history that the story didn’t feel rushed. On the other hand, getting to hear their inner dialogue, along with outward conversations, we learned about their past. It made it feel genuine.
I’m drawn to fluffy romances with only a little angst, and this fit the bill to a T. The fact that it also had a bi awakening storyline was a bonus for me. I really enjoyed this story, and highly recommend it.
***I voluntarily accepted an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
This was a fun, fairly quick read. It’s the second in a series, and can be read alone, but there are some spoilers for book one. If that bothers you, then I would recommend starting the series in order. There are no cliffhangers, but the books overlap each other.
The writing was consistent throughout, so it was an easy read. I enjoyed Ambrose and August’s characters, and I found them to be well written. The banter between them was easy and full of wit and humor. Which is testament to how long they’ve known each other. It was because of that history that the story didn’t feel rushed. On the other hand, getting to hear their inner dialogue, along with outward conversations, we learned about their past. It made it feel genuine.
I’m drawn to fluffy romances with only a little angst, and this fit the bill to a T. The fact that it also had a bi awakening storyline was a bonus for me. I really enjoyed this story, and highly recommend it.
***I voluntarily accepted an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
April 27, 2023
I was nervous about this book, as I stopped #1 in the series about 5% in because “it’s not cheating if it’s with a guy, right?” was a death knell. (Infidelity is a hard pass for me.) I wasn’t super comfortable with the start of this one, where rather than just confessing his feelings, Ambrose decided that it was a great idea to pick up two women he wasn’t really interested in so that he and Augie could sleep with them and maybe he’d get to kiss Augie. It felt excessive and manipulative. Fortunately, it didn’t work, as they were gay and assumed that Ambrose and Augie were a couple, and after a bit of angst where Augie assumed Ambrose had to be playing with him, they were finally on the same page.
From that point, I really enjoyed the book. I liked that we actually spent time with them as a couple, and not just having sex. I really liked Callum, Ambrose’s Mom, and Felix and Augie’s connection to his family. It was so awesome that Ambrose had outgrown his upbringing and could be a solid support for Callum. (It’s pretty low angst here, with occasional lingering tension of working out past bad choices and how the future could look.) The sexy ABCs made me laugh out loud, as did Augusto (lol). I really enjoyed how caring and full of laughter they could be, spending time together and learning how to transition from friends to partners.
From that point, I really enjoyed the book. I liked that we actually spent time with them as a couple, and not just having sex. I really liked Callum, Ambrose’s Mom, and Felix and Augie’s connection to his family. It was so awesome that Ambrose had outgrown his upbringing and could be a solid support for Callum. (It’s pretty low angst here, with occasional lingering tension of working out past bad choices and how the future could look.) The sexy ABCs made me laugh out loud, as did Augusto (lol). I really enjoyed how caring and full of laughter they could be, spending time together and learning how to transition from friends to partners.
May 25, 2020
I loved the first book in this series and Love Mean More doesn't disappoint as the second. It's a friends to lovers romance with little angst for the couple.
The story is fun and enjoyable as we join Augie and Ambrose at the friend's wedding (happened in book one) in Las Vegas. They have spent years individually longing for each other and are completely unaware of what the other is going through. Circumstances lead to revelations from the both and a very satisfying HEA.
Even without reading their previous years of friendship you can really tell how much they care about and mean to each other and once things heat up between them, the chemistry is off the charts. I love how important friends and family are to both men with their brothers having a special role in their lives as well. We have a bit of mini drama with Ambrose's brother, Callum, towards the end but if anything, it brings them closer together.
Absolutely a must read that is full of fun, friendship and love. It's a short read but so worth it and I'm eager for the next book in the series. I did on occasion get myself muddled up with the MC's names because they're quite similar but it in no way stopped me enjoying the story.
The story is fun and enjoyable as we join Augie and Ambrose at the friend's wedding (happened in book one) in Las Vegas. They have spent years individually longing for each other and are completely unaware of what the other is going through. Circumstances lead to revelations from the both and a very satisfying HEA.
Even without reading their previous years of friendship you can really tell how much they care about and mean to each other and once things heat up between them, the chemistry is off the charts. I love how important friends and family are to both men with their brothers having a special role in their lives as well. We have a bit of mini drama with Ambrose's brother, Callum, towards the end but if anything, it brings them closer together.
Absolutely a must read that is full of fun, friendship and love. It's a short read but so worth it and I'm eager for the next book in the series. I did on occasion get myself muddled up with the MC's names because they're quite similar but it in no way stopped me enjoying the story.
May 28, 2020
4 Stars!
I was really eager to read Ambrose and Augie's story after I finished the first book in the series and it was well worth the wait.
It took me a bit to get past Ambrose and Augie, because they came across as being very immature at first, with the whole trying to hide their feelings for each other by apparently hooking up with others. Once they finally got past that and started talking, I began warming up to them and really liked them. The transition from best friends to lovers was a bit fast, but they'd been in love with each other for years already and once they were on the same page relationship-wise, it was full-steam ahead. They were fun and sweet and hot together and I just loved them both with their younger brothers.
All in all, Love Means More was a very entertaining read and while Luci and Rhys are still my favorite couple in the series, I really liked Ambrose and Augie, too. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I was really eager to read Ambrose and Augie's story after I finished the first book in the series and it was well worth the wait.
It took me a bit to get past Ambrose and Augie, because they came across as being very immature at first, with the whole trying to hide their feelings for each other by apparently hooking up with others. Once they finally got past that and started talking, I began warming up to them and really liked them. The transition from best friends to lovers was a bit fast, but they'd been in love with each other for years already and once they were on the same page relationship-wise, it was full-steam ahead. They were fun and sweet and hot together and I just loved them both with their younger brothers.
All in all, Love Means More was a very entertaining read and while Luci and Rhys are still my favorite couple in the series, I really liked Ambrose and Augie, too. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
May 29, 2020
As a hard-core reader, I can honestly say I read a lot. But sometimes you found books so difficult to read, or so sad, or with a lot of triggers, in summary a book so intense that left you as an emotional wreck... So, when I first read the first book on this series, I discovered that the book simply put... made me happy... really. So I started reading and re reading it as a comfort book, I mean a book you can read when you feel bad after reading a difficult book or because the times we are living and that helps you to recover quickly your emotional health. Saying this when I received book 2 as an ARC I jumped to the opportunity and immediately read it... and read it... and read it. The book is amazing... The friends to lovers story of Ambrose and August is sweet and endearing, full of romantic dialogues, situations and hot scenes. You can read it knowing that even the low, low angst in the story is going to make you feel good. I have now another fantastic comfort book. Thank you, Ms Zoelle. I can't wait to read book 3!
October 26, 2020
Sweet, funny and cute.
I’m pleasantly surprised because I actually didn’t expect the story to be so sweet and cute. With the way the characters were portrayed before, mostly Ambrose, I thought there was going to be more drama and heartaches, but thankfully there isn’t. I dare say is a pretty low angsts story, that has very few sad and dramatic moments, with the funny and cute moments winning over all.
Now, to address the elephant in the room “if I liked it that much why 4 stars instead of 5?” Well, I know this is a series and most likely what I’m going to say it’s going to be answered later on in next books, but I just could not help wanting to know more about Callum, Felix, and Xander. Also, I found the ending a little boring and inconclusive, but then again, this is a series and maybe we will be seeing more of August and Ambrose later on in the other stories. I just wished the author would’ve added at least a little peek of what the next story is about. Other that this, I think the story is good, the characters are hilariously funny and cute, and I loved them.
I’m pleasantly surprised because I actually didn’t expect the story to be so sweet and cute. With the way the characters were portrayed before, mostly Ambrose, I thought there was going to be more drama and heartaches, but thankfully there isn’t. I dare say is a pretty low angsts story, that has very few sad and dramatic moments, with the funny and cute moments winning over all.
Now, to address the elephant in the room “if I liked it that much why 4 stars instead of 5?” Well, I know this is a series and most likely what I’m going to say it’s going to be answered later on in next books, but I just could not help wanting to know more about Callum, Felix, and Xander. Also, I found the ending a little boring and inconclusive, but then again, this is a series and maybe we will be seeing more of August and Ambrose later on in the other stories. I just wished the author would’ve added at least a little peek of what the next story is about. Other that this, I think the story is good, the characters are hilariously funny and cute, and I loved them.
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