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Good Bad Idea #3
Fancy Love
Callum O’Rourke
Someone as young and inexperienced as me didn’t stand a chance with a playboy like Rune. Yet despite being total opposites, I’m lucky enough to call him my friend. To want anything more than that would be greedy, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing he would teach me how to satisfy the passionate desire I felt for him.
I learned the hard way falling for your best friend ends in disaster, so why can’t I stop thinking about experiencing my first time with Rune?
Rune Tourneau
The only relationships I’m interested in are meaningless hookups with no strings attached. But when I meet Callum, his sweet innocence and pretty face charm me. I know he’s too pure for someone as jaded as me, but it’s hard to ignore the temptation to show him what real pleasure is.
I’ve never been interested in having a boyfriend before, so why am I so desperate to make him mine?
Love Fancy is the third book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a first time, opposites attract, age gap 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.
Someone as young and inexperienced as me didn’t stand a chance with a playboy like Rune. Yet despite being total opposites, I’m lucky enough to call him my friend. To want anything more than that would be greedy, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing he would teach me how to satisfy the passionate desire I felt for him.
I learned the hard way falling for your best friend ends in disaster, so why can’t I stop thinking about experiencing my first time with Rune?
Rune Tourneau
The only relationships I’m interested in are meaningless hookups with no strings attached. But when I meet Callum, his sweet innocence and pretty face charm me. I know he’s too pure for someone as jaded as me, but it’s hard to ignore the temptation to show him what real pleasure is.
I’ve never been interested in having a boyfriend before, so why am I so desperate to make him mine?
Love Fancy is the third book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a first time, opposites attract, age gap 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.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2020
181 people are currently reading
245 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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December 23, 2025
Fancy Love is book three in the Good Bad Idea series by A.F. Zoelle. This is the story of two men, one who didn’t believe in love, and the other who believed he’d never have it. In truth, they were just waiting for each other.
Callum O’Rourke is twenty years old. He is Ambrose’s younger brother (from book two) and is from Ireland. He’s only been in the States for a few months. Callum is gay but was brought up in a strict religious household. After his father found out, he was kicked out of their home so he came to the states to live with his brother. He got a job as the personal assistant to Xander Dandridge and he loved his job. Callum is shy and awkward, a people pleaser. He is a sunshiney person who loves life but after what happened in Ireland, he’s convinced that the love he sees in his brother and his boyfriend will never find him.
Rune Tourneau is thirty years old and is a world famous model. Rune doesn’t believe in love. He doesn’t like being hugged or showing or accepting any kind of affection. Even his hook ups are now leaving him feeling empty. But then his brother, who is a friend of Callum’s boss, has the best idea. He convinces Rune he needs a new friend and he has just the person, Callum!
Even with a ten year age difference, they quickly realize that they have so much in common but both are feeling much more than friendship for the other. But Callum is completely inexperienced when it comes to sex. He also is convinced that someone like Rune would never be attracted to him. Rune is suddenly having all these urges to hug Callum, to hold him, to protect him. Things he’s never felt before.
“He felt like mine, mine to hold, to protect, to love.”
These two were so cute. Callum was such a bow tie wearing, adorkable sweetheart! At times their shared love of history got a little too detailed and I would end up skimming a bit over some of that. But all in all, it was a sweet story of finally finding the person you were always intended to be with.
Callum O’Rourke is twenty years old. He is Ambrose’s younger brother (from book two) and is from Ireland. He’s only been in the States for a few months. Callum is gay but was brought up in a strict religious household. After his father found out, he was kicked out of their home so he came to the states to live with his brother. He got a job as the personal assistant to Xander Dandridge and he loved his job. Callum is shy and awkward, a people pleaser. He is a sunshiney person who loves life but after what happened in Ireland, he’s convinced that the love he sees in his brother and his boyfriend will never find him.
Rune Tourneau is thirty years old and is a world famous model. Rune doesn’t believe in love. He doesn’t like being hugged or showing or accepting any kind of affection. Even his hook ups are now leaving him feeling empty. But then his brother, who is a friend of Callum’s boss, has the best idea. He convinces Rune he needs a new friend and he has just the person, Callum!
Even with a ten year age difference, they quickly realize that they have so much in common but both are feeling much more than friendship for the other. But Callum is completely inexperienced when it comes to sex. He also is convinced that someone like Rune would never be attracted to him. Rune is suddenly having all these urges to hug Callum, to hold him, to protect him. Things he’s never felt before.
“He felt like mine, mine to hold, to protect, to love.”
These two were so cute. Callum was such a bow tie wearing, adorkable sweetheart! At times their shared love of history got a little too detailed and I would end up skimming a bit over some of that. But all in all, it was a sweet story of finally finding the person you were always intended to be with.
not-for-me-dnf
April 5, 2022Rune Tourneau, about 30, is a super famous commercial actor. He is recognized everywhere, and he is out-of-this-world good looking. Call me uneducated, but I couldn't recognize any commercial actor. Luckily, 20 year old Ireland immigrant Callum O’Rourke doesn't, either, and Rune is intrigued when his brother sets him up with this potential new "best friend" (not a date, oh no!). Finally someone who sees him for who he is, not as a famous commercial actor.
Except - Callum actually falls for his good looks and is gushing and instantly horny for the pretty guy. This had nothing to do with the "real him"! Hypocritical much?
I knew going in that it would be sweet, naive and simple. I am afraid I did not expect it to be THAT sweet, naive and simple.
Instalust/love and a couple of guys pretending to be set up as friends when they are quite obviously set up to date. Also a couple of guys who think of each other in a way as if they knew each other for at least weeks, not a couple of days.
Did I say instalust? This was way over the top, unrealistic, unbelievable, more stupid than simple.
DNF at 54% - I was still hoping for the Cinderella feeling, I should have known better after 18 highlights with notes like "WTF?" ;-)
Except - Callum actually falls for his good looks and is gushing and instantly horny for the pretty guy. This had nothing to do with the "real him"! Hypocritical much?
I knew going in that it would be sweet, naive and simple. I am afraid I did not expect it to be THAT sweet, naive and simple.
Instalust/love and a couple of guys pretending to be set up as friends when they are quite obviously set up to date. Also a couple of guys who think of each other in a way as if they knew each other for at least weeks, not a couple of days.
Did I say instalust? This was way over the top, unrealistic, unbelievable, more stupid than simple.
DNF at 54% - I was still hoping for the Cinderella feeling, I should have known better after 18 highlights with notes like "WTF?" ;-)
May 15, 2024
series is getting betterm i love that there was no unnecessary drama or the breakup you are waiting for before the book ends. i just love how the book is just "the story of how me and the love of my life met" like the vibes are chill its refreshing and idgaf if he doesnt have that much depth. this book is longer than others and this ones the cutest and is longer but sometimes i feel like the top and bottom dynamics is kinda cliche anw. oh and i hate age gaps so i just ignored that part a bit.
July 26, 2020
3.5 stars.
Awww that was a really sweet, feeling-good story.
Callum is young, shy, and innocent, more innocent than most guys at twenty years.
He lives with his brother and partner.
When the opportunity shows up to meet a guy who has the same interest as he has, he’s all in, until he meets him. Rune is the most stunning beautiful man Callum has ever seen.
Even though his body screams to reach out he wants to be a real good friend.
Rune is a one night guy, not interested in a relationship. His brother who has good intentions, arranged a date for him, a guy ten years younger, but he could be a friend, a good friend. Rune is reluctant but agrees. Most guys he met before want him for his looks and are superficial.
Rune can’t understand this guy who doesn’t seem to recognize him, he’s a famous model and Callum seems honestly oblivious.
One really sweet friendship blooms. Callum reaches into Rune’s soul, a place no one ever touched.
“You won’t take it personally if I choose pancakes?”
Two opposites, it was appealing to watch Rune teach Callum lust and love.
A story with delicious food and interesting conversations.
It had all the utterly romantic moments. First times, finding everything with the other. Almost fairytale-ish. It was about souls finding their missing parts. Finding your other half.
Sometimes It was even balancing on too much and too perfect, but every time it just went back to acceptable. For my pleasure and more excitement, I would have loved some struggle or even hurt comfort, because I missed that it didn’t reach four stars.
I think the author is just as a geek as the mc’s are. A lot of conversations between both men about literature was extendedly written, I loved it. The fun of it, you could feel it.
Really well done.
Overall a smoothly written, nicely paced, entertaining sweet story, with an emphasis on sweet.
Awww that was a really sweet, feeling-good story.
Callum is young, shy, and innocent, more innocent than most guys at twenty years.
He lives with his brother and partner.
When the opportunity shows up to meet a guy who has the same interest as he has, he’s all in, until he meets him. Rune is the most stunning beautiful man Callum has ever seen.
Even though his body screams to reach out he wants to be a real good friend.
Rune is a one night guy, not interested in a relationship. His brother who has good intentions, arranged a date for him, a guy ten years younger, but he could be a friend, a good friend. Rune is reluctant but agrees. Most guys he met before want him for his looks and are superficial.
Rune can’t understand this guy who doesn’t seem to recognize him, he’s a famous model and Callum seems honestly oblivious.
One really sweet friendship blooms. Callum reaches into Rune’s soul, a place no one ever touched.
“You won’t take it personally if I choose pancakes?”
Two opposites, it was appealing to watch Rune teach Callum lust and love.
A story with delicious food and interesting conversations.
It had all the utterly romantic moments. First times, finding everything with the other. Almost fairytale-ish. It was about souls finding their missing parts. Finding your other half.
Sometimes It was even balancing on too much and too perfect, but every time it just went back to acceptable. For my pleasure and more excitement, I would have loved some struggle or even hurt comfort, because I missed that it didn’t reach four stars.
I think the author is just as a geek as the mc’s are. A lot of conversations between both men about literature was extendedly written, I loved it. The fun of it, you could feel it.
Really well done.
Overall a smoothly written, nicely paced, entertaining sweet story, with an emphasis on sweet.
December 15, 2021
This has to be the best (and my favorite) couple 🥰
August 5, 2020
First of all, these covers are HORRIBLE!!!!!!! It is a nightmare for anyone who's not completely color blind. I really checked who made them, and to my surprise, a real graphics company did. Definitely
no one should pay for this visual headache. But back to the book. The first book in this series were cool, but unfortunately I can see a downward trend. The further - the worse. 'Love Fancy' is too insta. Too naive.
no one should pay for this visual headache. But back to the book. The first book in this series were cool, but unfortunately I can see a downward trend. The further - the worse. 'Love Fancy' is too insta. Too naive.
March 27, 2021
This was so sweet I think I need to visit my dentist. I didn’t really care very much for either of the main characters. Even though they didn’t have sex until close to the end I never felt close to Rune or Callum. I also found it weird that they always wore suits and ties.
August 1, 2020
Fancy Love is the third book in the Good Bad Idea series by A.F. Zoelle. This book is about Ambrose's (book 2) younger brother and Rune. It's an age gap, opposites attract, first time, friends to lovers romance and I loved it. This series is really good so far. I really recommend it.
March 31, 2022
Every once in a while I come across this author and like the premise of the book and decide to dive in, then I’m usually underwhelmed. If you want insta-love with low steam and the tropiest of tropes writing, she’s the way to go. I am finally shelving this author though.
April 17, 2022
Full review to come
July 27, 2020
Universal Link
Rune's hookups have been progressively getting hollower and hollower. It's not until he meets a sweet bit of sunshine named Callum that he finally understands why sex is no longer working to fill the hole inside him.
Callum's found a new home, a new family, and new friends in the US after his family disowned him for being gay. But he's still the shy inexperienced guy he always was. That's why he knows that he is far, far out of his new friend's league. Rune is as different from him as night and day. He's a world reknown model and playboy. So what could he possibly see in a shy, inexperienced, and sweet Irish boy who favors expensive silk bow ties? He just doesn't realize that it's his sunny nature and big heart that call to the hollowness inside Rune. Can these two opposites hope to be more than just friends?
This is such a sweet opposites attract little story. Callum and Rune are adorable together as they explore their friendship, their new feelings and attraction, and Rune's epiphany regarding why sex had stopped working for him. I think Callum was my favorite part with his sweetheart personality and his preference for bowties. Gah! So sweet! Paired with broody, sexy Rune just made this story everything a good romance should be - sweet, sexy, and enough depth to satisfy those of us who prefer characters with substance.
ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
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July 28, 2020
Fancy Love is the third installment in the Good Bad Idea series, but you don’t need to read the other two books first. This book stands just fine all on its own. This book focuses on 20-year old Callum O’Rourke and 30 year old Rune Tourneau. It’s an age gap, sunshine/grumpy romance and there are so many things about this that I thought would never work, but that absolutely did.
Callum is all sunshine and light. He is good-natured, open-minded, kind, loyal and absolutely determined to be positive and happy in less than ideal circumstances. Callum is a 20-year old virgin, impeded in exploring his sexuality by a repressive father who ultimately throws him out upon learning Callum is gay. Compound that with Callum’s best friend learning that Callum was romantically interested in him and responding by giving Callum a black eye. So Callum is shipped off to America where he now is very lonely but determined to keep a positive outlook on life, viewing this as a fresh start.
Enter Rune, the complete opposite of the innocent Callum. Rune is world-weary and very jaded. He is so gorgeous and recognizable due to his modeling (and a particularly racy elevator ad), that he has given up on connecting with anyone because people don’t see past his fame and looks to try to understand the person he is underneath. Rune and Callum are set up to meet as friends by Callum’s boss, Rune’s brother. Callum has been living in Ireland and is so sheltered and innocent, he has absolutely no idea who Rune is but immediately connects with him and his inner nerd (Rune has a master's degree in the French Revolution and Callum loves history and reading), looking past his beauty which is sparking reactions in Callum that he’s not experienced before.
I honestly could not see how these two total opposites could possibly work in any believable way, but credit the author’s magical writing, because I fell in love with both of them, and even more so with the two of them as a couple. Rune allows Callum to explore and become more confident in himself and expressing his wants and needs. Callum settles and softens something in Rune, allowing him to feel recognized for the first time for who he really is at heart. Ironically, they are both virgins in many ways and it’s so enjoyable to watch them discover and come alive together.
This book checks all the boxes: lovable characters, a believable romance you are invested in, great writing, hot sex, low angst, deep character development with a plot that is not predictable, and of course, a HEA. Definitely read it and recommend it too - it’s hard to find a book this good that just makes you smile.
Callum is all sunshine and light. He is good-natured, open-minded, kind, loyal and absolutely determined to be positive and happy in less than ideal circumstances. Callum is a 20-year old virgin, impeded in exploring his sexuality by a repressive father who ultimately throws him out upon learning Callum is gay. Compound that with Callum’s best friend learning that Callum was romantically interested in him and responding by giving Callum a black eye. So Callum is shipped off to America where he now is very lonely but determined to keep a positive outlook on life, viewing this as a fresh start.
Enter Rune, the complete opposite of the innocent Callum. Rune is world-weary and very jaded. He is so gorgeous and recognizable due to his modeling (and a particularly racy elevator ad), that he has given up on connecting with anyone because people don’t see past his fame and looks to try to understand the person he is underneath. Rune and Callum are set up to meet as friends by Callum’s boss, Rune’s brother. Callum has been living in Ireland and is so sheltered and innocent, he has absolutely no idea who Rune is but immediately connects with him and his inner nerd (Rune has a master's degree in the French Revolution and Callum loves history and reading), looking past his beauty which is sparking reactions in Callum that he’s not experienced before.
I honestly could not see how these two total opposites could possibly work in any believable way, but credit the author’s magical writing, because I fell in love with both of them, and even more so with the two of them as a couple. Rune allows Callum to explore and become more confident in himself and expressing his wants and needs. Callum settles and softens something in Rune, allowing him to feel recognized for the first time for who he really is at heart. Ironically, they are both virgins in many ways and it’s so enjoyable to watch them discover and come alive together.
This book checks all the boxes: lovable characters, a believable romance you are invested in, great writing, hot sex, low angst, deep character development with a plot that is not predictable, and of course, a HEA. Definitely read it and recommend it too - it’s hard to find a book this good that just makes you smile.
August 3, 2020
Fancy Love: Good Bad Idea #3
MMy Thoughts and Review:
This charming little series by Zoelle has been a delightful ray of sunshine. The characters are a lot of fun and this extends beyond the MCs. I always love when secondary characters add color and flair to a story and those found in the GBI series add an extra layer to every scene they are in.
The world created here is like a gorgeous stained glass window full of beauty and light. Callum, whom we met in book two, had a rough past after coming out to his Irish Catholic father. Even though he has his brother, friends, and a good job in America now, he's still very much an introvert. He also has yet to know what a real kiss or touch feels like.
The world knows him as, "The Elevator Guy," but few know the real Rune beyond his modeling career. So, when his brother sets him up, on a blind coffee date, Rune isn't sure what to make of the adorable guy wearing the bow-tie with the sexy as sin Dublin accent.
Callum treats him like a regular guy and not like he just wants to use him. To Rune, that makes Callum more appealing than anything.
Before long the two very different men discover a bond they wrongly name friendship. Thankfully they have friends and family to help them out and aptly define not only who they are to one another, but who they are to themselves.
Fancy Love, like the two novies before it, is super cute with more sweetness than even Willy Wonka could make! Close to negative on the angst scale with a supercharge of friends, family, food, and sMMexy fun!
If you need an escape and you don't want anything too heavy on your heart, you needn't look further. This is such a fun series! I 💜 it! You don't have to read in order or as a series either. Each book can stand alone, just more fun (IMO) together.
4.00 chocolate-chip-pancake-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR in exchange for my review.⚔️
MMy Thoughts and Review:
This charming little series by Zoelle has been a delightful ray of sunshine. The characters are a lot of fun and this extends beyond the MCs. I always love when secondary characters add color and flair to a story and those found in the GBI series add an extra layer to every scene they are in.
The world created here is like a gorgeous stained glass window full of beauty and light. Callum, whom we met in book two, had a rough past after coming out to his Irish Catholic father. Even though he has his brother, friends, and a good job in America now, he's still very much an introvert. He also has yet to know what a real kiss or touch feels like.
The world knows him as, "The Elevator Guy," but few know the real Rune beyond his modeling career. So, when his brother sets him up, on a blind coffee date, Rune isn't sure what to make of the adorable guy wearing the bow-tie with the sexy as sin Dublin accent.
Callum treats him like a regular guy and not like he just wants to use him. To Rune, that makes Callum more appealing than anything.
Before long the two very different men discover a bond they wrongly name friendship. Thankfully they have friends and family to help them out and aptly define not only who they are to one another, but who they are to themselves.
Fancy Love, like the two novies before it, is super cute with more sweetness than even Willy Wonka could make! Close to negative on the angst scale with a supercharge of friends, family, food, and sMMexy fun!
If you need an escape and you don't want anything too heavy on your heart, you needn't look further. This is such a fun series! I 💜 it! You don't have to read in order or as a series either. Each book can stand alone, just more fun (IMO) together.
4.00 chocolate-chip-pancake-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR in exchange for my review.⚔️
July 25, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better. Fancy Love is now my favorite installment! It can be read as a stand alone, but there are some recurring characters that pop in from previous books. Zoelle has outdone herself with details that make the reader easily get absorbed into the story. Explanations of gourmet food, French history, and clothes add an extra layer that made me enjoy the chapters even more. Sometimes, I find an over amount of details to take away from the romance; but I did not find that to be the case here. And do not even get me started on the absolutely amazing addition of the pictures of beautifully designed ties at the beginning of each chapter that match the character! That was a creatively surprising feature that I did not realize I would enjoy so much. Favored tropes change with my mood and right now I am enamored with the grumpy/sunshine variety. Fancy Love has notes of that with an adorable sunshine character in Callum. (The only downfall in reading the book in print is that I would have really enjoyed hearing his Irish accent in an audio form. That would be awesome.) I wasn't sure that I was going to like Rune's character, but he ended up convincing me that he was capable of falling in love for real and his care with Callum was illustrated in a believable way. Age gap is difficult to pull off for me to like, but I found Rune and Callum's journey in their relationship satisfying without being cringy, as it sometimes can be for this reader. All in all, I really enjoyed this story and the fact that it took me longer to read is because I kept re-reading pages due to liking the words so much. I would easily recommend Fancy Love if you are looking for a fairly high-heat, well-written story featuring an age gap between two very opposite characters in meltingly sweet scenes that can absorb you into some very well-spent reading hours.
June 28, 2023
This book really wasn’t for me I found it very boring to the point were half way through I began to skim read it however I thought that Callum and rune were really cute which was the reason why I’ve given it 2 stars.
July 23, 2020
Fancy Love is a riveting read by AF Zoelle. The third book in the A Good Bad Idea series, it is a beautiful love story between complete opposites.
A romance where a bow tie leads to taking a chance and meeting a stranger, all in the hopes of making a friend. Oh, how fun!
Callum is a young, inexperienced young man. Rune is a famous model who's successful, but is lonely. Upon meeting, the attraction is instant, with Callum left dumbfounded. It's a very cute moment, with Rune left refreshed that Callum doesn't know who he is.
These are two men who connect from the start, with common interests, endless things to talk about, and they compliment one another wonderfully. They are two history geeks who love bow ties. I love the way they are each able to offer something wonderful to the other, each teaching the other something important about love.
The author excels in illustrating the problem of not being able to trust people when you are famous. Callum longs for nothing, but he can't trust anyone. This leaves him falling for the young nerd who doesn't know who he is. Their world couldn't be farther apart, making for an extraordinary tale.
The writing is wonderful, smooth and fluid, with two complex characters, and a magnificent storyline. It has stellar internal monologue and perfect dialogue.
Written in alternating 1st person pov, every single thought, feeling, and moment is as if the reader is there too. Of course, past characters are ever present, as they are the ones who arrange this meeting.
Fancy Love is a sweet and sexy story. I loved every single second of this AF Zoelle story and can't wait for more of this fantastic series. I can't recommend this entire series enough!
A romance where a bow tie leads to taking a chance and meeting a stranger, all in the hopes of making a friend. Oh, how fun!
Callum is a young, inexperienced young man. Rune is a famous model who's successful, but is lonely. Upon meeting, the attraction is instant, with Callum left dumbfounded. It's a very cute moment, with Rune left refreshed that Callum doesn't know who he is.
These are two men who connect from the start, with common interests, endless things to talk about, and they compliment one another wonderfully. They are two history geeks who love bow ties. I love the way they are each able to offer something wonderful to the other, each teaching the other something important about love.
The author excels in illustrating the problem of not being able to trust people when you are famous. Callum longs for nothing, but he can't trust anyone. This leaves him falling for the young nerd who doesn't know who he is. Their world couldn't be farther apart, making for an extraordinary tale.
The writing is wonderful, smooth and fluid, with two complex characters, and a magnificent storyline. It has stellar internal monologue and perfect dialogue.
Written in alternating 1st person pov, every single thought, feeling, and moment is as if the reader is there too. Of course, past characters are ever present, as they are the ones who arrange this meeting.
Fancy Love is a sweet and sexy story. I loved every single second of this AF Zoelle story and can't wait for more of this fantastic series. I can't recommend this entire series enough!
August 26, 2020
Okay, Rune and Callum are freaking adorable! This series just keeps getting and better. I can’t wait for Felix and Xander!!
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 third book is titled "Love Fancy."
["Callum O’Rourke
Someone as young and inexperienced as me didn’t stand a chance with a playboy like Rune. Yet despite being total opposites, I’m lucky enough to call him my friend. To want anything more than that would be greedy, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing he would teach me how to satisfy the passionate desire I felt for him.
I learned the hard way falling for your best friend ends in disaster, so why can’t I stop thinking about experiencing my first time with Rune?
Rune Tourneau
The only relationships I’m interested in are meaningless hookups with no strings attached. But when I meet Callum, his sweet innocence and pretty face charm me. I know he’s too pure for someone as jaded as me, but it’s hard to ignore the temptation to show him what real pleasure is.
I’ve never been interested in having a boyfriend before, so why am I so desperate to make him mine?"]
My gooooood!!! D: This book was so damn good!! Like fuuuuuuuuck. Callum was so sweet and innocent and hopeful and sunshiny. And Rune was life-ruined and older and pessimistic and a grump. But Callum made Rune's rain clouds go away, and together they embarked on a lovely and perfect friendship that bled into a romance that bled into happily ever after. It was perfect.
If only Jules took all of that "no, bro, it's love" speech to heart and realized he was in love with Xander...then again, their book is up next, so maybe he did.
#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 third book is titled "Love Fancy."
["Callum O’Rourke
Someone as young and inexperienced as me didn’t stand a chance with a playboy like Rune. Yet despite being total opposites, I’m lucky enough to call him my friend. To want anything more than that would be greedy, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing he would teach me how to satisfy the passionate desire I felt for him.
I learned the hard way falling for your best friend ends in disaster, so why can’t I stop thinking about experiencing my first time with Rune?
Rune Tourneau
The only relationships I’m interested in are meaningless hookups with no strings attached. But when I meet Callum, his sweet innocence and pretty face charm me. I know he’s too pure for someone as jaded as me, but it’s hard to ignore the temptation to show him what real pleasure is.
I’ve never been interested in having a boyfriend before, so why am I so desperate to make him mine?"]
My gooooood!!! D: This book was so damn good!! Like fuuuuuuuuck. Callum was so sweet and innocent and hopeful and sunshiny. And Rune was life-ruined and older and pessimistic and a grump. But Callum made Rune's rain clouds go away, and together they embarked on a lovely and perfect friendship that bled into a romance that bled into happily ever after. It was perfect.
If only Jules took all of that "no, bro, it's love" speech to heart and realized he was in love with Xander...then again, their book is up next, so maybe he did.
#betonlove #servinglove #lovemeansmore #lovefancy #lovefool #lovedirections #picturelove #lovepractice #ariellazoelle #goodbadidea #goodbadideaseries #sunnyside #sunnysideuniverse #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
July 20, 2020
This book was the first book I've read from this author and it was brilliant! Callum is a 20 year old Irishman that was shipped off to America to live with his brother, when his father found out he was gay. Callum's only experience with a guy was when he told his best friend he liked him and got a black eye for it. How is he supposed to attract a guy when he has no experience? It's bad enough he is in a new country with few friends. His boss thinks that Callum and his brother, Rune, would be great friends....they both are a bit introverted and seem to have more in common than they know. They are set up to meet at a cafe and they are both pleasantly surprised. Callum is in awe of how beautiful Rune is and Rune is amazed that Callum has no idea who he really is. Rune loves the fact that Callum is interested in the Rune that he just met....not the Rune that is a famous model. After always being objectified because of his career, Rune finds incredible comfort being around Callum. He didn't realize how much he missed just being a friend to someone with no expectations. Callum just thoroughly enjoys Runes company and friendship...he just wishes there was more. The more time these two spend together, the deeper their attraction becomes. Could someone as beautiful and experienced as Rune fall for an innocent like Callum? Is Callum ready to lose his virginity to someone 10 years older than him, who will probably laugh at his inexperience? You never really know what you're looking for until you find it! This book was sexy and sweet and left me smiling. Can't wait to read more by this author!
July 25, 2020
I am a big fan of the Good Bad Idea series and Love Fancy is a great addition! We get to read about Callum (Brody's younger brother, met at the end of book two) and Rune.
It's a perfect, little to no angst, sweet and fluffy romance. The two men balance each other well with Rune's experience met with Callum's innocence, both in need of friendship and someone to share their interests with. It takes times for both men to accept that they are worthy of love and affection and it's a wonderful romance to read. Callum is adorable in his stuttering nervousness when it comes to meeting Rune and anything intimate they may get up to. Rune cuts a strong figure with a lot of insecurities, not something outsiders would expect with his career. The joy they share in their enjoyment of history really shines through. Brody and Jules are perfect older brothers. Full of love and support for their younger siblings and offering a shoulder to cry on and bolstering words in moments of need especially as neither deem themselves worthy to love or be loved. In Rune's case it's the push he needs to make a connection with anyone, something he hasn't done in years. For Callum, it's the courage to go on after leaving Ireland in such dire circumstances.
Cannot recommend the book and series enough though they can all be read as a stand alone. Such an easy story to fall into and enjoy, looking forward to the next! I am also a big fan of the chapter headers, they perfectly fit the characters.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
It's a perfect, little to no angst, sweet and fluffy romance. The two men balance each other well with Rune's experience met with Callum's innocence, both in need of friendship and someone to share their interests with. It takes times for both men to accept that they are worthy of love and affection and it's a wonderful romance to read. Callum is adorable in his stuttering nervousness when it comes to meeting Rune and anything intimate they may get up to. Rune cuts a strong figure with a lot of insecurities, not something outsiders would expect with his career. The joy they share in their enjoyment of history really shines through. Brody and Jules are perfect older brothers. Full of love and support for their younger siblings and offering a shoulder to cry on and bolstering words in moments of need especially as neither deem themselves worthy to love or be loved. In Rune's case it's the push he needs to make a connection with anyone, something he hasn't done in years. For Callum, it's the courage to go on after leaving Ireland in such dire circumstances.
Cannot recommend the book and series enough though they can all be read as a stand alone. Such an easy story to fall into and enjoy, looking forward to the next! I am also a big fan of the chapter headers, they perfectly fit the characters.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
April 7, 2022
Callum is getting used to life in America after such an upheaval at home. He's making friends, has a job and is still unabashedly himself. Brody described him as something like buttoned-up. He definitely is but is ready to explore more of himself now that he's in a safe place and in his own words, become less awkward. Rune is just the opposite, not himself at all. He's comfortable with who he is but doesn't think anyone else would be. He hides those sides of himself and resists any kind of emotional involvement. His own brother, Jules, needs to force him to hug. Rune knows he wants more but doesn't know how to get there. When the two meet, it's instant chemistry. Callum is blown away that someone so gorgeous is also so nice and smart and willing to give him the time of day. Rune is in awe that Callum is truly interested in him for who he actually is, it also helps that Callum does not know who Rune is yet. The two form a bond and decide to give friendship a try. Both fail miserably stopping at friendship but we get a sweet treat seeing these two discover they both deserve what they desire, being loved for who they are.
September 17, 2020
I love this series. This book featured a hot af model and a virginal little Irish office worker. They came from completely different worlds but were actually so similar: very very lonely. Callum is young and sweet and completely innocent. He has zero experience with dating let alone anything of a sexual nature. Rune, the supermodel, can have anyone he wants and frequently does. He's not a relationship guy. His brother suggests he make friends with someone who works in the brother's office. They don't meet as potential dates, they meet just because they both could use a friend. Of course Rune is cynical and believes that Callam will realize who exactly he is and start fawning all over him and hoping to bask in his star power. He's in for a rude awakening because little Callam has been sheltered his whole life and has no clue who Rune is. Rune loves this and a beautiful friendship begins. When Callam's friends finally meet Rune they let slip who he actually is and this leads to Callam googling him later. He comes across a particularly provocative video of him and this leads to Callam indulging in a little self love. Which he confesses to Rune the very next day because he feels so guilty and ashamed of himself. How Rune reacts is perfect and you'll have to read this story to see how it all turns out!
July 23, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and suffice to say, it definitely won’t be my last.
Callum was sweet and adorable. The way he babbled when he came face to face with Rune, made me laugh and smile.
Rune felt like something was missing in his life but meeting Callum literally changes everything. Callum saw the real Rune; the one no one wanted to see.
Callum and Rune were both nerdy in their own ways especially, when they discussed history. These two were looking for friendship but ended up finding something so much more along the way.
Callum and Rune’s journey to a HEA was beautiful, sweet and sexy in all the right places. The book ended far too soon, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these two gorgeous men - their journey felt incomplete. An epilogue further down the road would have been nice
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Callum was sweet and adorable. The way he babbled when he came face to face with Rune, made me laugh and smile.
Rune felt like something was missing in his life but meeting Callum literally changes everything. Callum saw the real Rune; the one no one wanted to see.
Callum and Rune were both nerdy in their own ways especially, when they discussed history. These two were looking for friendship but ended up finding something so much more along the way.
Callum and Rune’s journey to a HEA was beautiful, sweet and sexy in all the right places. The book ended far too soon, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these two gorgeous men - their journey felt incomplete. An epilogue further down the road would have been nice
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
July 30, 2020
My Rating : 3.5😁
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Thank you @gayromancereviews for the gifted copy.
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This book is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. It's a small age gap romance with a lot of finding self worth and battling inner demons. I loved the character portrayal of Callum. He was really sweet, caring and had a straightforward look on life without any complexity. And Rune was a hardened through experience kind of guy with a cynical outlook on life. The contrast in the characteristics made it even better to read about. It's medium short book that has a plot with insta-love and that was the only thing that I didn't like about it. They meet for 2 times before they face their problems, realize them and take action aka confess their love. If it was over a period of few months over shared memories, I would have loved it even more! But it still had amazing conversations, meet-cute scenes, good writing and a good ending!
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Thank you @gayromancereviews for the gifted copy.
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This book is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. It's a small age gap romance with a lot of finding self worth and battling inner demons. I loved the character portrayal of Callum. He was really sweet, caring and had a straightforward look on life without any complexity. And Rune was a hardened through experience kind of guy with a cynical outlook on life. The contrast in the characteristics made it even better to read about. It's medium short book that has a plot with insta-love and that was the only thing that I didn't like about it. They meet for 2 times before they face their problems, realize them and take action aka confess their love. If it was over a period of few months over shared memories, I would have loved it even more! But it still had amazing conversations, meet-cute scenes, good writing and a good ending!
August 15, 2020
Utterly sweet and adorable contemporary love story
Yes it’s got all the things my lizard brain needs right now to forget the world sucks right now.
A sweet and innocent boy struggling adorably with his insecurities, and an older more jaded MC softened and disarmed by his younger romantic foil.
The tropes aren’t new but it’s catnip to me and I loved how this was handled. It was just a feel good low angst almost fairytale love story that utterly charmed me.
What I loved is Rune acknowledges the power difference and the potential to manipulate and groom Callum and instead of leaning into that harmful trope he establishes heathy lines of consent being patient and kind while Callum explores what he wants and needs. Sorry but enthusiastic consent is hot and I love seeing it in romance. 😘
I started with this book but I plan to go back and read the rest of the series I could tell who were MCs from previous books but it worked very well as a stand alone.
Yes it’s got all the things my lizard brain needs right now to forget the world sucks right now.
A sweet and innocent boy struggling adorably with his insecurities, and an older more jaded MC softened and disarmed by his younger romantic foil.
The tropes aren’t new but it’s catnip to me and I loved how this was handled. It was just a feel good low angst almost fairytale love story that utterly charmed me.
What I loved is Rune acknowledges the power difference and the potential to manipulate and groom Callum and instead of leaning into that harmful trope he establishes heathy lines of consent being patient and kind while Callum explores what he wants and needs. Sorry but enthusiastic consent is hot and I love seeing it in romance. 😘
I started with this book but I plan to go back and read the rest of the series I could tell who were MCs from previous books but it worked very well as a stand alone.
October 28, 2020
Cuteness overload
I loved the characters, and the story is so cute and sweet it gave me cavities. It’s a good, low angsts, and sweet story. However, I felt like It was missing some drama to make it more exciting and interesting. I don’t know, maybe I’m nitpicking, or I’m just used to reading romance books that have that dramatic factor where something goes wrong and then everything gets resolved at the end and they live happily ever after. I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but I wanted and needed some drama. Also, I’ve never met an Irish person with a thick accent before, so I didn’t get some of the slang one of the main characters used, some I just guessed or deduced based on the situation, but I was lost most of the time. I felt like the book could have do without some of them, and still keep the character’s Irish heritage. Other than this, I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
I loved the characters, and the story is so cute and sweet it gave me cavities. It’s a good, low angsts, and sweet story. However, I felt like It was missing some drama to make it more exciting and interesting. I don’t know, maybe I’m nitpicking, or I’m just used to reading romance books that have that dramatic factor where something goes wrong and then everything gets resolved at the end and they live happily ever after. I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but I wanted and needed some drama. Also, I’ve never met an Irish person with a thick accent before, so I didn’t get some of the slang one of the main characters used, some I just guessed or deduced based on the situation, but I was lost most of the time. I felt like the book could have do without some of them, and still keep the character’s Irish heritage. Other than this, I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
December 17, 2022
I’m speechless…
I’m really not even sure how to put what I’m feeling into words, honestly. Is there another MC I’ve read that comes close to the sheer preciousness of Callum? Nope. He’s.. I’m low on adjectives to explain how I think he’s a genuine treasure that needs protecting at all costs. And let’s not even get started on how watching Rune come alive with a little love and devotion was wonderful beyond reason. The story was spectacular and as always, just sunshine and happy vibes personified. I feel like it had a bit of an abrupt ending, but I’m overlooking that because this was the best slow burn I’ve ever read. I want more Callum and Rune. I want to like, dive into their daily routines and read how they’re doing more than I think is healthy. I have to keep reminding my idiot brain and heart that these aren’t real people. 100/10, recommend this book to anyone looking to find MCs worth adoring.
I’m really not even sure how to put what I’m feeling into words, honestly. Is there another MC I’ve read that comes close to the sheer preciousness of Callum? Nope. He’s.. I’m low on adjectives to explain how I think he’s a genuine treasure that needs protecting at all costs. And let’s not even get started on how watching Rune come alive with a little love and devotion was wonderful beyond reason. The story was spectacular and as always, just sunshine and happy vibes personified. I feel like it had a bit of an abrupt ending, but I’m overlooking that because this was the best slow burn I’ve ever read. I want more Callum and Rune. I want to like, dive into their daily routines and read how they’re doing more than I think is healthy. I have to keep reminding my idiot brain and heart that these aren’t real people. 100/10, recommend this book to anyone looking to find MCs worth adoring.
July 19, 2020
My favourite of the series so far! I absolutely loved both Rune and Callum. My heart broke for Rune - he was so lost in the beginning and not used to anyone actually caring about the real him. Callum is an adorable ray of sunshine in his life, and they hit it off straight away as they both geek out about history. And Rune isn't the only one with insecurities; Callum is inexperienced and struggles with his self-esteem and thinking that anyone could actually want him. They're perfect for one another, and although it takes a bit of time and some pining, Rune's brother finally gets him to see that he needs Callum in his life. This is a light and fluffy age gap romance that, although it can be read as a standalone, has an amazing cast of side characters who are all going to get their stories soon. It's definitely worth reading them all!
July 25, 2020
This is a new author to me & I was impressed with this delightfully, sweet MM romance. The plot is well-written & interesting with well-developed, endearing & perfectly flawed characters that have undeniable chemistry between them & this ultimately complements their relationship.
There is: a young & rather naive young man (Cullum O’Rourke) comes into contact with a lonely but jaded male model (Rune Tourneau) & there is an instant connection, drama, some intrigue, friendship, humor, memories, insecurities, anxiety, loneliness, attractions, secrets, trust-issues, self-esteem issues, discovery, emotional turmoil, regrets, compromises, contentment, some steam & a delightful happy ending. I look forward to future books from this author & would recommend this delightful MM romance to people who enjoy reading this genre.
There is: a young & rather naive young man (Cullum O’Rourke) comes into contact with a lonely but jaded male model (Rune Tourneau) & there is an instant connection, drama, some intrigue, friendship, humor, memories, insecurities, anxiety, loneliness, attractions, secrets, trust-issues, self-esteem issues, discovery, emotional turmoil, regrets, compromises, contentment, some steam & a delightful happy ending. I look forward to future books from this author & would recommend this delightful MM romance to people who enjoy reading this genre.
July 30, 2020
A feel good romance with low angst and two opposites who prove love conquers all
I am a huge fan of this series and this edition is no exception. Third in the series, this book features adorkable Callum and hot as sin, grumpy as all get out Rune. While this can be read successfully as a standalone, the characters and their relationships build on each other so I would suggest reading them in order. An added plus is that the entire series is amazing and worth the read. If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine, dorky/model-worthy, age gap (it’s not large and certainly does not show in the characters) or just a feel-good romance, I recommend this book, and series, to you. These thoughts and opinions are honest and unbiased written after reading an advanced readers copy. However I would like to say I did purchase the book after it’s release to add to my personal library.
I am a huge fan of this series and this edition is no exception. Third in the series, this book features adorkable Callum and hot as sin, grumpy as all get out Rune. While this can be read successfully as a standalone, the characters and their relationships build on each other so I would suggest reading them in order. An added plus is that the entire series is amazing and worth the read. If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine, dorky/model-worthy, age gap (it’s not large and certainly does not show in the characters) or just a feel-good romance, I recommend this book, and series, to you. These thoughts and opinions are honest and unbiased written after reading an advanced readers copy. However I would like to say I did purchase the book after it’s release to add to my personal library.
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