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Divorced Men's Club #0.5
Making Him Mine
The prequel story to the Divorced Men’s Club: Leif and Barney.
My best friend is the love of my life … he just doesn’t know it yet. Ever since Barney finalized his divorce, I’ve been his biggest support. He needs a shoulder to cry on? I’ve got him covered. He needs someone to answer his late phone calls? I’m here all night. He needs to be fucked to within an inch of his life? Climb on up, big guy. But when he mentions he’s finally ready to start dating again, watching him meet up with guy after guy is not on my checklist.
It’s time for the best friend gloves to come off.
My best friend is the love of my life … he just doesn’t know it yet. Ever since Barney finalized his divorce, I’ve been his biggest support. He needs a shoulder to cry on? I’ve got him covered. He needs someone to answer his late phone calls? I’m here all night. He needs to be fucked to within an inch of his life? Climb on up, big guy. But when he mentions he’s finally ready to start dating again, watching him meet up with guy after guy is not on my checklist.
It’s time for the best friend gloves to come off.
53 pages, ebook
First published January 10, 2022
25 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
January 26, 2022
3 Stars
This was equal parts sweet and frustrating, with a side of sexy AF.
I love me a best-friends-to-lovers story, but I’m not big on the whole miscommunication thing… and this whole set-up was a bit cringey in that regard, with the lack of communication happening between these grown arse men. I almost gave up about 5 pages in, if I’m being honest, and readers will know exactly why.
The story follows a guy named Barney, who wants a whole lot more with his playboy best friend Leif, whom he currently shares a friends-with-benefits thing with. Leif wants EVERYTHING with Barney too, yet, time and again, he makes Barney believe he’s not one for relationships, .
Barney was sweet as pie and I just wanted the guy to be happy and loved. Leif, on the other hand, needed a good shake, but damn that fucker could put the moves on when so desired. And that declaration at the end? Someone find me a soft place to land, because I right about swooned on the spot.
For a free short—available as a weekly serial for James’ newsletter subscribers—this did its magic and entertained me for the short time it was happening.
I’ll likely be back to read more about the Divorced Men’s Club and its eclectic members as the series unfolds.
This was equal parts sweet and frustrating, with a side of sexy AF.
I love me a best-friends-to-lovers story, but I’m not big on the whole miscommunication thing… and this whole set-up was a bit cringey in that regard, with the lack of communication happening between these grown arse men. I almost gave up about 5 pages in, if I’m being honest, and readers will know exactly why.
The story follows a guy named Barney, who wants a whole lot more with his playboy best friend Leif, whom he currently shares a friends-with-benefits thing with. Leif wants EVERYTHING with Barney too, yet, time and again, he makes Barney believe he’s not one for relationships, .
Barney was sweet as pie and I just wanted the guy to be happy and loved. Leif, on the other hand, needed a good shake, but damn that fucker could put the moves on when so desired. And that declaration at the end? Someone find me a soft place to land, because I right about swooned on the spot.
For a free short—available as a weekly serial for James’ newsletter subscribers—this did its magic and entertained me for the short time it was happening.
I’ll likely be back to read more about the Divorced Men’s Club and its eclectic members as the series unfolds.
January 12, 2022
Saxon is so stupidly hilarious, I had a grin the entire time I was reading this
January 15, 2022
Read this in the e-mails that you get if you're subscribed to this author.
It was short, cute and sweet, these two best friends turned lovers.
Barney is the divorced one, and for the past year, he and his best friend Leif have been having a friends-with-benefits relationship. Leif is a former playboy and Barney was getting over his divorce, so they haven't talked about any potential feelings (and because they're dummies).
They both think the other doesn't want the other in a more serious way. Barney is till under the impression that Leif has been sleeping with other guys during their casual sex relationship, and he hasn't been.
Soon enough they do get their heads out of their asses to admit their love for each other and get their HEA.
A cute introduction to this new series.
It was short, cute and sweet, these two best friends turned lovers.
Barney is the divorced one, and for the past year, he and his best friend Leif have been having a friends-with-benefits relationship. Leif is a former playboy and Barney was getting over his divorce, so they haven't talked about any potential feelings (and because they're dummies).
They both think the other doesn't want the other in a more serious way. Barney is till under the impression that Leif has been sleeping with other guys during their casual sex relationship, and he hasn't been.
Soon enough they do get their heads out of their asses to admit their love for each other and get their HEA.
A cute introduction to this new series.
December 31, 2025
This is the first audiobook I ever managed to make it all the way through. It's a cute story and I liked the narrator.
January 13, 2022
My favorite part was when they realized they were each other's perfect person. 🤗 Can’t wait to read Roommate Arrangement!
March 8, 2025
|| 2.0 stars ||
The premise of this was right up my alley, so I was actually kind of excited going into it. And, although, this novella was a total disappointment in its execution, its basic premise was definitely enjoyable, just like I thought it would be.
This novella features a whole lot of pining and a best friends to lovers trope, which I both absolutely adore. The problem, however, is that there is no real starting, middle or end point. It all feels rushed and underdeveloped.
There's no true feel to these characters or their relationship, and their history is a complete mystery to me.
Their untold history only makes it all the more annoying why these two aren't together yet, as, right off the bat, this whole novella is just a big misunderstanding between both the MCs, who principally refuse to have a basic conversation together: Both of them are head over heels in love with the other, and it's entirely unclear why they wouldn't just tell each other or at least try to come clean about their feelings. It was so stupid, honestly.
So, yea, good premise, bad execution. Maybe it could have been better if this had been a full-length novel, although I'm sure the dumb communication would have still been a problem for me then. I also think the MCs are a little bit too old for my liking, which doesn't have to be a dealbreaker, but a story has to be really damn good for me to still like it.
Oh, and also, off-topic, but the whole chocking during sex was so random and really came right out of left field. I was like 'whoa, okaaaay', as it felt so off compared to the rest of their dynamic. It was weird.
Saxon James books:
‘CU Hockey’ series - var. ratings
‘Never Just Friends’ series - var. ratings
‘Frat Wars’ series - var. ratings
‘Puckboys’ series - var. ratings
The Dating Disaster - 3.5 stars
The premise of this was right up my alley, so I was actually kind of excited going into it. And, although, this novella was a total disappointment in its execution, its basic premise was definitely enjoyable, just like I thought it would be.
This novella features a whole lot of pining and a best friends to lovers trope, which I both absolutely adore. The problem, however, is that there is no real starting, middle or end point. It all feels rushed and underdeveloped.
There's no true feel to these characters or their relationship, and their history is a complete mystery to me.
Their untold history only makes it all the more annoying why these two aren't together yet, as, right off the bat, this whole novella is just a big misunderstanding between both the MCs, who principally refuse to have a basic conversation together: Both of them are head over heels in love with the other, and it's entirely unclear why they wouldn't just tell each other or at least try to come clean about their feelings. It was so stupid, honestly.
So, yea, good premise, bad execution. Maybe it could have been better if this had been a full-length novel, although I'm sure the dumb communication would have still been a problem for me then. I also think the MCs are a little bit too old for my liking, which doesn't have to be a dealbreaker, but a story has to be really damn good for me to still like it.
Oh, and also, off-topic, but the whole chocking during sex was so random and really came right out of left field. I was like 'whoa, okaaaay', as it felt so off compared to the rest of their dynamic. It was weird.
Saxon James books:
‘CU Hockey’ series - var. ratings
‘Never Just Friends’ series - var. ratings
‘Frat Wars’ series - var. ratings
‘Puckboys’ series - var. ratings
The Dating Disaster - 3.5 stars
September 10, 2025
this had no right being a novella.
but it was also maybe exactly what it needed to be
but it was also maybe exactly what it needed to be
October 27, 2022
This is a fabulous introduction to Saxon's new series and it's a delicious best friends to lovers romance that worked perfectly for me.
It started off as a newsletter serial but I waited to grab it when the whole thing was available because I knew I wouldn't be able to cope getting snippets bit by bit.
Moving from a friends with benefits scenario, Barney and Leif navigate their way through to realising that their perfect partner might just be in front of them.
It started off as a newsletter serial but I waited to grab it when the whole thing was available because I knew I wouldn't be able to cope getting snippets bit by bit.
Moving from a friends with benefits scenario, Barney and Leif navigate their way through to realising that their perfect partner might just be in front of them.
January 20, 2022
Fun prequel to Saxon James's new series. It's the full story of Leif and Barney so it doesn't leave you hanging, just wets your appetite for what's coming!
April 19, 2024
Every time I read this I feel robbed because I would have loved Leif and Barney to have a full story!
August 15, 2023
Cute and super fast read.
I liked the story, even though at times I felt like screaming and saying can you just talk to each other!! It was fun and loved how everything turned out. Really loved this novella, Barney and Leif are perfect for each other.
Love pretty much anything written by Saxon James, so can’t wait to see what’s next.
I liked the story, even though at times I felt like screaming and saying can you just talk to each other!! It was fun and loved how everything turned out. Really loved this novella, Barney and Leif are perfect for each other.
Love pretty much anything written by Saxon James, so can’t wait to see what’s next.
January 16, 2022
This was a nice and funny read. I enjoyed it. It also was a nice prequel to Roommate Arrangement.
January 13, 2022
The perfect "book" for my lunch break - not really a book, it's more of an appetiser for Saxon's new series, the Divorced Men's Club.
Short and sweet, it's the story of two friends with benefits who both want more, but shy away from initiating the next step, afraid that a rejection might destroy their friendship. There's banter, there's sex, and quite a few likable characters. Definitely made me want to read more!
Short and sweet, it's the story of two friends with benefits who both want more, but shy away from initiating the next step, afraid that a rejection might destroy their friendship. There's banter, there's sex, and quite a few likable characters. Definitely made me want to read more!
March 23, 2022
3,5 ⭐
This was short, sweet, hot and a little bit frustrating. ❤️ It was interesting to see how the DMC was formed.
This was short, sweet, hot and a little bit frustrating. ❤️ It was interesting to see how the DMC was formed.
January 12, 2022
Cute prequel novella!
January 14, 2022
2.5 stars
February 22, 2025
Leif and Barney
— novella
— best friends to lovers
— FWB to more
— pining
— miscommunication
Sooooo 40 year old men who are best friends, but can’t have a conversation?
Not really my favorite, but it’s nice to see the origin of the DMC. The switch from their miscommunication/FWB situation to them actually dating was super quick. Nothing really developed there so for me this was just missing something.
I would have liked to see more of their relationship developing, but for a quick prequel novella it’s an ok, quick read to set up how the DMC started.
.
.
.
.
Potential spoilers
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
— novella
— best friends to lovers
— FWB to more
— pining
— miscommunication
Sooooo 40 year old men who are best friends, but can’t have a conversation?
Not really my favorite, but it’s nice to see the origin of the DMC. The switch from their miscommunication/FWB situation to them actually dating was super quick. Nothing really developed there so for me this was just missing something.
I would have liked to see more of their relationship developing, but for a quick prequel novella it’s an ok, quick read to set up how the DMC started.
.
.
.
.
Potential spoilers
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
January 11, 2022
Best friends to oblivious idiots in love. Just my jam. 😂
Can’t wait to read the real series!
Can’t wait to read the real series!
August 1, 2024
For so few pages, it surely packs a lot of sex into the story.
I liked it, I guess... the only bothering factor was how quickly it ended and the switch up from a hookup to a relationship.
I was really happy to return to this world again, it actually makes me want to reread the series and continue the ones I haven't read yet.
I liked it, I guess... the only bothering factor was how quickly it ended and the switch up from a hookup to a relationship.
I was really happy to return to this world again, it actually makes me want to reread the series and continue the ones I haven't read yet.
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November 23, 2025
Miscommunication is the third MC in this story, and the only reason why I'm not giving it 4 stars is because I HATE HER! Miss, go away- why are people so reluctant to talk to each other!!? Seriously this story would have been all of two pages, and a pretty simple convo between two people who loved one another.
Still, it was pretty fun. And hot.
Still, it was pretty fun. And hot.
January 4, 2023
2.5 stars. Good grief, these two are as hard-headed as it gets with both of them unwilling to just spit their feelings out to each other. And it doesn’t seem clear why that is for Leif. Also, there’s a few other things in this story that seem random, or have no explanation or background to explain them. I know it’s a short story, but I’ve read much shorter stories with more depth than this. Anyway, I’m glad they finally figured it out.
January 13, 2022
3 stars
cute little prequel between Leif and Barney and gives backstory to how the DMC started
cute little prequel between Leif and Barney and gives backstory to how the DMC started
February 8, 2022
3.5
A great way to set up the new series though I did get frustrated and wonder why they just couldn't talk to each other
A great way to set up the new series though I did get frustrated and wonder why they just couldn't talk to each other
March 14, 2022
"I have no idea how he can miss just how perfect he is, but it doesn’t matter, I’ll love him enough for the both of us."
sweet and cute
sweet and cute
March 8, 2022
3.5 stars
September 20, 2022
This was a sappy, sexy read, featuring two men in their 40's, just how I like them!
It's so hot to read about mature men getting it on, I can't even tell you. 🔥
These two, after years of friendship and a year of hooking up, finally find their way to each other!
Gaaah, it was sweeeet and hotttt!
The setting is a small town of Kilborough, where a couple of old friends organize a Divorced Men's Club.
A super sexy prequel!!!
It's so hot to read about mature men getting it on, I can't even tell you. 🔥
These two, after years of friendship and a year of hooking up, finally find their way to each other!
Gaaah, it was sweeeet and hotttt!
The setting is a small town of Kilborough, where a couple of old friends organize a Divorced Men's Club.
A super sexy prequel!!!
August 29, 2024
"Wait. Can I ask … you knew I was forty and divorced, why did you agree to a date?”
The assessing look he gives me makes me squirm. “You’re forty and divorced. I have serious Daddy issues, and those two things are catnip.”
Aaand I’m sorry I asked.
I really enjoyed Roommate Arrangement, and I knew before I headed straight into book 2 that I'd need to find out where the DMC got its roots! I liked the little bit of plot/romance between these MC's, and even some of the light sub-tones of body image and mental health. I wouldn't have minded stretching out the pages a bit for more But overall, still a nice way to preclude what promises to be a top-rated series for me!
"I think it’s bullshit. And the more people I talk to, the more I’m thinking we should get together to talk about it.”
I chuckle. “Like some kind of AA meeting?”
“Sort of. It should be a positive thing. Somewhere we can support each other when no one else can. Divorce shouldn’t be the dirty word people are making it into—why the hell should any of us stay married if we’re not happy?"
And thus, the Divorced Men's Club was born, and I can head into Platonic Rulebook happily to find out how Griff is going to bag his HEA next!
October 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Sweet but eh…I was hoping for more.
I was very excited about the idea of a plus size main character but as I have come to realize Saxon James is bad at physical description of her characters in general.
I have read at this point three books by James and in all of them the pattern is that the reader is given the bare minimum physical attribute set up so the sexual intercourse can function but nothing else.
If the author doesn’t think eye color is a significant identifying feature then we are not told the mcs eye color…case in point here. I don’t even know what color are Barney’s hair…
It’s an issue: rather than blank room syndrome the blank is on the characters
With longer books I can somehow forgive it, I gave book 1 and 3 in the DMC series 3.5-3 stars and it was deserved but I admit it’s actually a pretty low rating for me.
I think contrary to my previous enthusiasm I may need a break from the series to forget some of my disappointment so I can give Griffin’s and Art’s books a fair try
Sweet but eh…I was hoping for more.
I was very excited about the idea of a plus size main character but as I have come to realize Saxon James is bad at physical description of her characters in general.
I have read at this point three books by James and in all of them the pattern is that the reader is given the bare minimum physical attribute set up so the sexual intercourse can function but nothing else.
If the author doesn’t think eye color is a significant identifying feature then we are not told the mcs eye color…case in point here. I don’t even know what color are Barney’s hair…
It’s an issue: rather than blank room syndrome the blank is on the characters
With longer books I can somehow forgive it, I gave book 1 and 3 in the DMC series 3.5-3 stars and it was deserved but I admit it’s actually a pretty low rating for me.
I think contrary to my previous enthusiasm I may need a break from the series to forget some of my disappointment so I can give Griffin’s and Art’s books a fair try
July 31, 2024
Leif has always loved Barney, but they were only ever best friends. They started up a FWB situation after Barney’s divorce. Only when Barney decided to start dating and end the FWB thing, did they realize they really only wanted each other.
I love the fact that Barney is on the thicker side, Leif loved him as he was AND was so body positive it made me wish he was real. We all need people to love us even on the days we don’t love ourselves and Leif was this person for Barney.
Tropes, K!nks & other things:
💕pining
💕bathroom 🌶️
💕ch0k!ng
💕plus size rep
💕divorced MMC
I love the fact that Barney is on the thicker side, Leif loved him as he was AND was so body positive it made me wish he was real. We all need people to love us even on the days we don’t love ourselves and Leif was this person for Barney.
Tropes, K!nks & other things:
💕pining
💕bathroom 🌶️
💕ch0k!ng
💕plus size rep
💕divorced MMC
July 28, 2025
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
It was cute, I enjoyed the two guys. The scenes were steamy. I'm sure they will be prominent background figures in the DMC going forward, since they got their own little story. It didn't really get me excited to read the DMC, but that's okay. It was a setup book, and a short one at that.
other note:
Since I have issues locating this, It's not on amazon but is on Saxon's site. that was where I located it.
Spice: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
It was cute, I enjoyed the two guys. The scenes were steamy. I'm sure they will be prominent background figures in the DMC going forward, since they got their own little story. It didn't really get me excited to read the DMC, but that's okay. It was a setup book, and a short one at that.
other note:
Since I have issues locating this, It's not on amazon but is on Saxon's site. that was where I located it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews