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Single Dads Club #2
The Mayor and the Mystery Man
To win this election, I should be trying to kiss babies, not my best friend!
My chances of reelection have gone from slam dunk to nose dive.
What happened? A former hookup sold me out to the press, complete with screenshots. In my defense, between being mayor and parenting twins (double the puberty!), I have zero room for relationships that go beyond one night.
My campaign manager says I need to change the narrative, aka get a boyfriend ASAP to make me seem more (ugh) likeable. The only person I trust with this ruse is my charming best friend Dusty.
Despite living 3,000 miles apart, thanks to endless text chains and 2 a.m. phone calls, we’ve been the constant in each other’s lives, navigating through single dad fails (me) and breakups with cruel ex-girlfriends (all him).
Each day we spend as fake boyfriends feels more real, which is odd because Dusty is straight.
And yet our playful banter is shifting from friendly to flirty.
And he doesn’t stop holding my hand when the crowds leave.
And was he always this attractive?
With reporters sniffing for the truth, exploring these feelings could mean the implosion of my political career and our friendship.
The Mayor and the Mystery Man is book 2 in the Single Dads Club series, but can be read as a standalone. Join Leo and Dusty as they stumble toward their happily ever after!
My chances of reelection have gone from slam dunk to nose dive.
What happened? A former hookup sold me out to the press, complete with screenshots. In my defense, between being mayor and parenting twins (double the puberty!), I have zero room for relationships that go beyond one night.
My campaign manager says I need to change the narrative, aka get a boyfriend ASAP to make me seem more (ugh) likeable. The only person I trust with this ruse is my charming best friend Dusty.
Despite living 3,000 miles apart, thanks to endless text chains and 2 a.m. phone calls, we’ve been the constant in each other’s lives, navigating through single dad fails (me) and breakups with cruel ex-girlfriends (all him).
Each day we spend as fake boyfriends feels more real, which is odd because Dusty is straight.
And yet our playful banter is shifting from friendly to flirty.
And he doesn’t stop holding my hand when the crowds leave.
And was he always this attractive?
With reporters sniffing for the truth, exploring these feelings could mean the implosion of my political career and our friendship.
The Mayor and the Mystery Man is book 2 in the Single Dads Club series, but can be read as a standalone. Join Leo and Dusty as they stumble toward their happily ever after!
274 pages, ebook
First published March 28, 2022
171 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Truman
33 books1,040 followersWelcome! I’m a gay male author who writes MM romance filled with humor, heart, and hot guys. My characters fall into bed and fall in love, usually in that order. Think LOL meets DTF.
I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.
http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/
I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.
http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
May 23, 2025
Hi! A couple quick questions!
1. When is a swastika funny?
I mean, when would you think about a swastika and go, ahahaha, that's funny!
What a great joke!
2. When is a swastika sexy?
3. When would SWASTIKA-SHAPED ANAL BEADS be appropriate in your romance or erotica book?
Not once, but twice.
This is page 3. I have questions for every single person who has read this book since it was published in 2022. Actually, just one question with a couple dozen question marks.
Ahhh, can I have a double-dose of that disgusting shit on the same page? Doubling-down on the Nazi emblem.
There's more, two pages later. Page 5.
?????????????????
Let's talk about global dick for a minute.
Because not everything is about American dicks. (Feel free to skip past Global Dick Stats for Beginners and join me at the bottom of my "review")
Globally, around 39% is the number for circumcized dicks.
The overwhelming majority of that 39% are Muslim circumcized dicks.
That's easy math to follow since there are around 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. (That's approximately 25% of the world population.)
There are around 15.7 million Jews worldwide. (That's approximately 0.2% of the world population.)
Okay, back to American dicks.
Around approximately near to 58% of male newborns in the US are circumcised (this is a decrease over the years according to some not very interesting studies, but feel free to peruse those), and around approximately near to 80% of males aged 14-59 years are circumcised.
In the US, the approximate Abrahamic religion population stats are:
• 67% Christianity
• 2.4% Judaism
• 1.34% Islam
So, trick question.
If anywhere from approximately around near to 58-80% of males in America are circumcised, which group do you think has the largest total amount of cut dicks? ➕➖🧮🟰⁉️⁉️
Worldwide, there are more Muslim cut dicks than any other specific group.
In America, that special number does not belong to Jews or Muslims.
CIRCUMCISION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS NOT A JEWISH THING.
It's an American thing.
Not once in my global dick-trotting days have I ever heard anyone say circumcised dicks are a Jewish thing. Not once.
So, the 'Jewish voters' thing doesn't work because it's not even accurate.
I guess you're going to have to come up with something different than cut dick = Jewish voter jokes*.
Or, hang on. Maybe skip the Nazi symbols make funny sex toys ideas, and just fast forward past your antisemitic urges? You could always do that.
Also, to the beta readers, editors, ARC readers, author friends, and every other person who laid eyes on that book prior to it being published: what the flying fuck.
I didn't think I'd ever have to spell it out for anyone.
I don't want swastikas in my romance books. I don't want Nazi symbol sex toys in my romance books.
*Joke implies it's funny, which it isn't.
1. When is a swastika funny?
I mean, when would you think about a swastika and go, ahahaha, that's funny!
What a great joke!
2. When is a swastika sexy?
3. When would SWASTIKA-SHAPED ANAL BEADS be appropriate in your romance or erotica book?
Not once, but twice.
“And then, of course, I used my favorite sex toy on Damian: anal beads shaped like little swastikas.”
This is page 3. I have questions for every single person who has read this book since it was published in 2022. Actually, just one question with a couple dozen question marks.
“Why go through the trouble of having one-night stands? I know three guys off the top of my head I’d love to set you up with.”
“I’d rather have the swastika anal beads.”
Ahhh, can I have a double-dose of that disgusting shit on the same page? Doubling-down on the Nazi emblem.
There's more, two pages later. Page 5.
“I can see enough to know we’ll have no problem landing the Jewish vote.”
?????????????????
Let's talk about global dick for a minute.
Because not everything is about American dicks. (Feel free to skip past Global Dick Stats for Beginners and join me at the bottom of my "review")
Globally, around 39% is the number for circumcized dicks.
The overwhelming majority of that 39% are Muslim circumcized dicks.
That's easy math to follow since there are around 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. (That's approximately 25% of the world population.)
There are around 15.7 million Jews worldwide. (That's approximately 0.2% of the world population.)
Okay, back to American dicks.
Around approximately near to 58% of male newborns in the US are circumcised (this is a decrease over the years according to some not very interesting studies, but feel free to peruse those), and around approximately near to 80% of males aged 14-59 years are circumcised.
In the US, the approximate Abrahamic religion population stats are:
• 67% Christianity
• 2.4% Judaism
• 1.34% Islam
So, trick question.
If anywhere from approximately around near to 58-80% of males in America are circumcised, which group do you think has the largest total amount of cut dicks? ➕➖🧮🟰⁉️⁉️
Worldwide, there are more Muslim cut dicks than any other specific group.
In America, that special number does not belong to Jews or Muslims.
CIRCUMCISION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS NOT A JEWISH THING.
It's an American thing.
Not once in my global dick-trotting days have I ever heard anyone say circumcised dicks are a Jewish thing. Not once.
So, the 'Jewish voters' thing doesn't work because it's not even accurate.
I guess you're going to have to come up with something different than cut dick = Jewish voter jokes*.
Or, hang on. Maybe skip the Nazi symbols make funny sex toys ideas, and just fast forward past your antisemitic urges? You could always do that.
Also, to the beta readers, editors, ARC readers, author friends, and every other person who laid eyes on that book prior to it being published: what the flying fuck.
I didn't think I'd ever have to spell it out for anyone.
I don't want swastikas in my romance books. I don't want Nazi symbol sex toys in my romance books.
*Joke implies it's funny, which it isn't.
December 30, 2023
4**** stars
TGIF!! I was working my ass off these past few days while riding this nasty cold I caught. Thank fuck for home office and mid-day naps. *yawn
Today Leo and Dusty kept me company with their best-friends-to-lovers, gay-for-you, fake-relationship romance. And while all three are not my fave tropes I enjoyed this book a lot, as well as Nick J. Russo reading it to me.
*************
Single Dads Club Series:
Prequel short - Three Nights with the Manny - 3.5 stars
Book 1 - The Falcon and the Foe - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - The Mayor and the Mystery Man - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - The Barkeep and the Bro - 4.0 stars
TGIF!! I was working my ass off these past few days while riding this nasty cold I caught. Thank fuck for home office and mid-day naps. *yawn
Today Leo and Dusty kept me company with their best-friends-to-lovers, gay-for-you, fake-relationship romance. And while all three are not my fave tropes I enjoyed this book a lot, as well as Nick J. Russo reading it to me.
*************
Single Dads Club Series:
Prequel short - Three Nights with the Manny - 3.5 stars
Book 1 - The Falcon and the Foe - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - The Mayor and the Mystery Man - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - The Barkeep and the Bro - 4.0 stars
December 26, 2022
Best friends to lovers, AND a fake relationship? Count me in 🤘
There seems to be a pattern with this author: while the first books in her series are pretty decent, the ones following up are really good. I’m happy to report that while I liked book 1, I loved book 2 - not L O V E D with capital letters, but still a more than well deserved 4-star-love.
Leo, the mayor of this little town we came to know, is campaigning for re-election, and needs a trustworthy (fake) boyfriend to cover up a minor “sex scandal” (some old hookup who sold his story to a tabloid). He asks his best friend Dusty to help him out, and Dusty (recently dumped and out of work, oh - and straight!) gladly jumps in.
What I loved most: quite often, when you have a friendship of >20 years turn into more, it’s some hard-to-swallow insta thingy. Here, the timeline (and the accompanying thought process) is believable. Dusty is confused by his sudden urges and desires, but he’s always keeping in mind that this is his best friend, his other half - and that trust he has in their relationship is so beautiful. Leo, who’s been crushing on Dusty for ages, tries very hard to keep his feelings at bay, because he doesn’t want to risk his friendship.
What I really like about this series: the characters are in their 40s, and much more mature when it comes to feelings. They actually talk to each other, and they’re too old for some fabricated bullshit drama. Nevertheless, the steam is high, even if the drama is low.
Not quite a 5 star read, but I definitely enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to dive into the final book of this series.
There seems to be a pattern with this author: while the first books in her series are pretty decent, the ones following up are really good. I’m happy to report that while I liked book 1, I loved book 2 - not L O V E D with capital letters, but still a more than well deserved 4-star-love.
Leo, the mayor of this little town we came to know, is campaigning for re-election, and needs a trustworthy (fake) boyfriend to cover up a minor “sex scandal” (some old hookup who sold his story to a tabloid). He asks his best friend Dusty to help him out, and Dusty (recently dumped and out of work, oh - and straight!) gladly jumps in.
What I loved most: quite often, when you have a friendship of >20 years turn into more, it’s some hard-to-swallow insta thingy. Here, the timeline (and the accompanying thought process) is believable. Dusty is confused by his sudden urges and desires, but he’s always keeping in mind that this is his best friend, his other half - and that trust he has in their relationship is so beautiful. Leo, who’s been crushing on Dusty for ages, tries very hard to keep his feelings at bay, because he doesn’t want to risk his friendship.
What I really like about this series: the characters are in their 40s, and much more mature when it comes to feelings. They actually talk to each other, and they’re too old for some fabricated bullshit drama. Nevertheless, the steam is high, even if the drama is low.
Not quite a 5 star read, but I definitely enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to dive into the final book of this series.
June 15, 2024
3.5 stars
♡ Friends to Lovers
♡ Fake dating
The Mayor and the Mystery Man was a fun time.
After a hook-up publishes an article about his one night stand with the Leo complete with texts and suggestive pics, the Mayor and his team is in crisis mode. With elections on the horizon, they have to come up with a plan to fix his image and secure his re-election.
Enter Dusty, his very (straight) best friend. Dusty isn't having the best time on the west coast; his roommates are entitled slobs, his girlfriend was cheating on him, and his job is kaput. So the fake dating plan comes at the perfect time. He gets to move in with his best friend and get a fresh start. But what are these new feelings he's noticing he has about Leo...
♡ Friends to Lovers
♡ Fake dating
The Mayor and the Mystery Man was a fun time.
After a hook-up publishes an article about his one night stand with the Leo complete with texts and suggestive pics, the Mayor and his team is in crisis mode. With elections on the horizon, they have to come up with a plan to fix his image and secure his re-election.
Enter Dusty, his very (straight) best friend. Dusty isn't having the best time on the west coast; his roommates are entitled slobs, his girlfriend was cheating on him, and his job is kaput. So the fake dating plan comes at the perfect time. He gets to move in with his best friend and get a fresh start. But what are these new feelings he's noticing he has about Leo...
Read
May 23, 20253.5 stars
cute but very plain and predictable. it wasn’t boring but also nothing really happened. i will probably forget about this in like two minutes and a half.
cute but very plain and predictable. it wasn’t boring but also nothing really happened. i will probably forget about this in like two minutes and a half.
April 4, 2022
I hate politicians with a vengeance for personal reasons, but this book was alright. 🤭🤭
This story was what you'll spect from the blurb, sweet, funny, not very deep, had a community sense, small town love, warmth.
It wasn't very real but it was fun. And yes things went too smoothly sometimes, but I repeat: it was fun.
It could have been a little shorter, books that are coming out are long people. What is happening? But I didn't skip anything except the epilog so 🤣🤣🤣
I still hate politicians though 💅🏻💅🏻
This story was what you'll spect from the blurb, sweet, funny, not very deep, had a community sense, small town love, warmth.
It wasn't very real but it was fun. And yes things went too smoothly sometimes, but I repeat: it was fun.
It could have been a little shorter, books that are coming out are long people. What is happening? But I didn't skip anything except the epilog so 🤣🤣🤣
I still hate politicians though 💅🏻💅🏻
December 30, 2024
Oh my goodness this was adorable! 🥰 This entire series is right up my alley. I loved this one as much as the first in the series. It was cute, funny, and well-paced. Something about AJ Truman's writing style really works for me. I already can't wait to start the next in the series!
May 6, 2022
The Mayor and the Mystery Man lacked a some of the humor that made me fall in love with the first book but what it lacked in humor it gave back in the epic pining these two men had going on.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this one had it nailed. We have Leo, the mayor. After a scandal with an ex lover leaking his sexy pictures in the middle of his re electing campaign he turns to his straight best friend Dusty to pretend to be his boyfriend. What follows is a classic tale of Dusty maybe not being so straight after all.
Just as in the first book we got two characters that are very different from each other. As the mayor Leo has a role to stick to and sometimes he might stick to that perfect persona a little too well. Dusty on the other hand is a drifter. Having done a little bit of a lot of different thing, never really settled down. Together however, they are on fire. The kids didn't play as big of a role here, but there was some really sweet moments, especially between Dusty and Leo's son Ari.
I can't wait for Mitch's story up next.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this one had it nailed. We have Leo, the mayor. After a scandal with an ex lover leaking his sexy pictures in the middle of his re electing campaign he turns to his straight best friend Dusty to pretend to be his boyfriend. What follows is a classic tale of Dusty maybe not being so straight after all.
Just as in the first book we got two characters that are very different from each other. As the mayor Leo has a role to stick to and sometimes he might stick to that perfect persona a little too well. Dusty on the other hand is a drifter. Having done a little bit of a lot of different thing, never really settled down. Together however, they are on fire. The kids didn't play as big of a role here, but there was some really sweet moments, especially between Dusty and Leo's son Ari.
I can't wait for Mitch's story up next.
February 27, 2023
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this story more than I thought. There wasn’t much relationship drama, it was mainly outside forces that got in the way.
I will say it was a quick transition from friends (one “straight”) to having sex haha it was like blink and you miss it. Yes there was a build up of them hanging out but when the relationship turn more sexual it happened faster than I thought it would.
Overall a great addition to the series, but could definitely be read on its own.
Nick J Russo did amazing with this sweetie, and I hope he does the spin-off with the teachers of Sourwood!!
I enjoyed this story more than I thought. There wasn’t much relationship drama, it was mainly outside forces that got in the way.
I will say it was a quick transition from friends (one “straight”) to having sex haha it was like blink and you miss it. Yes there was a build up of them hanging out but when the relationship turn more sexual it happened faster than I thought it would.
Overall a great addition to the series, but could definitely be read on its own.
Nick J Russo did amazing with this sweetie, and I hope he does the spin-off with the teachers of Sourwood!!
March 22, 2022
Leo is forty-two, divorced, has a twin, and is the mayor of a lovely town. There are some hot fires to extinguish. Hot as in hot pics of Leo and another guy, sold by a former hookup.
It’s time to get serious, the elections are near, serious as in finding a boyfriend, or a fake one.
Leo knows one person who can fill in as his fake boyfriend, Dusty his straight best friend.
For Dusty the offer came right on time, he was just dumped by his girlfriend, lost his home and job.
With a nice build-up, they finally are getting where I wanted them, and omg it was hot and fun at the same time. Nothing embarrassing or awkward at all! It all went very naturally.
They are fun, competitive af, sexy, and did I say fun?
They survived every bump on their way, even the nasty ones. From friends for life to hot lovers.
Nothing fake to find here.
A vividly written story, with lovable characters, it was friendly, with good-humored teasing, no stress, just a great read!
It’s time to get serious, the elections are near, serious as in finding a boyfriend, or a fake one.
Leo knows one person who can fill in as his fake boyfriend, Dusty his straight best friend.
For Dusty the offer came right on time, he was just dumped by his girlfriend, lost his home and job.
With a nice build-up, they finally are getting where I wanted them, and omg it was hot and fun at the same time. Nothing embarrassing or awkward at all! It all went very naturally.
They are fun, competitive af, sexy, and did I say fun?
They survived every bump on their way, even the nasty ones. From friends for life to hot lovers.
Nothing fake to find here.
A vividly written story, with lovable characters, it was friendly, with good-humored teasing, no stress, just a great read!
July 22, 2023
A solid 4 votes, Mr. Mayor!!! 👍👍👍👍
What do you know? 2 winner out of 2 narrations I tried. Such a hit! Even as someone who's not fond of audiobooks, I understand now why he's a crowd favorite. Thank you Kati *☆･ﾟ readsRomance and Ninni for your constant ringing endorsements on Nick J. Russo. My curiosity got the best of me so, I finally tried his narrations. I'm having a blast so far! ❤️
Now, onto the story. A.J. Truman's character who I didn't expect much from won me over... Again! Guess you have a knack for this. ❤️ In Book 1, Cal's POV of Leo made him sound like a great friend but a sketchy politician so I wasn't as excited at first. And yes, he still seemed like a sketchy, uptight politician in the start of Book 2. LOL But the version of Leo with Dusty? Aces! He's warm, fun, and attractive when he shows his true self around Dusty. Also, his genuine care for the town was a plus!
As I've said when I started, the first 2 chapters got me all soft, giggly, and excited. I got so invested and went scampering to read the blurb to make sure I'm shipping the right people. (yes, I tend not to read blurbs🤣) Gosh! Just them exchanging messages or talking on the phone was so endearing. How could I find forty-ish men cute and adorable?! Unbelievable.
Anyway, I know the plot itself was a tad predictable. Sweet fluff in a small town. However, what made me enjoy this book a lot was the recounting of the MCs old times, shenanigans, funny facts, and demonstration of how much they know each other. Dusty was also very easy to like and had genuine love for and confidence in Leo even before their romance evolved. Staying awake until 2AM just for the off chance of Leo calling? I want someone like that, please. 😍
Another major thing I like was how even though they eventually crossed the line and pursued a romantic relationship, their affection as friends didn't peter out but became more meaningful and frequent instead. Some stories with friends-to-lovers couples lost their camaraderie, friendly banter, and innocent intimacy once they enter a romantic relationship. It just evolved into sexual and complicated relationship matters and the years of friendship just went down the drain. I appreciated the way it was merged in here without feeling like they're either still on the friend zone or trashing their long history altogether.
What do you know? 2 winner out of 2 narrations I tried. Such a hit! Even as someone who's not fond of audiobooks, I understand now why he's a crowd favorite. Thank you Kati *☆･ﾟ readsRomance and Ninni for your constant ringing endorsements on Nick J. Russo. My curiosity got the best of me so, I finally tried his narrations. I'm having a blast so far! ❤️
Now, onto the story. A.J. Truman's character who I didn't expect much from won me over... Again! Guess you have a knack for this. ❤️ In Book 1, Cal's POV of Leo made him sound like a great friend but a sketchy politician so I wasn't as excited at first. And yes, he still seemed like a sketchy, uptight politician in the start of Book 2. LOL But the version of Leo with Dusty? Aces! He's warm, fun, and attractive when he shows his true self around Dusty. Also, his genuine care for the town was a plus!
As I've said when I started, the first 2 chapters got me all soft, giggly, and excited. I got so invested and went scampering to read the blurb to make sure I'm shipping the right people. (yes, I tend not to read blurbs🤣) Gosh! Just them exchanging messages or talking on the phone was so endearing. How could I find forty-ish men cute and adorable?! Unbelievable.
Anyway, I know the plot itself was a tad predictable. Sweet fluff in a small town. However, what made me enjoy this book a lot was the recounting of the MCs old times, shenanigans, funny facts, and demonstration of how much they know each other. Dusty was also very easy to like and had genuine love for and confidence in Leo even before their romance evolved. Staying awake until 2AM just for the off chance of Leo calling? I want someone like that, please. 😍
Another major thing I like was how even though they eventually crossed the line and pursued a romantic relationship, their affection as friends didn't peter out but became more meaningful and frequent instead. Some stories with friends-to-lovers couples lost their camaraderie, friendly banter, and innocent intimacy once they enter a romantic relationship. It just evolved into sexual and complicated relationship matters and the years of friendship just went down the drain. I appreciated the way it was merged in here without feeling like they're either still on the friend zone or trashing their long history altogether.
Our relationship was as rock solid as ever. It hadn't changed. It had evolved into something stronger and more wonderful than I had ever imagined. Friends, lovers, mayor, and grand duke. These were merely words. The real magic between us couldn't be contained by a label.
June 16, 2024
The Mayor and the Mystery Man was a quick and fun read. It was just as good as the first book in the Single Dads Club series! This friends to lovers story was full of so many cute moments and lots of spicy scenes!! 🏳️🌈👨❤️👨🥵🍆
February 5, 2025
Really loving this series. As I mentioned in the review for the first book the suburban single dad set up is really appealing to me. I like that the main characters are more mature (mostly 40s). I appreciate the maturity that the characters display when dealing with their challenges—which makes the books not overly dramatic and fairly low angst. I love how each book takes on a specific trope—enemies to lovers, fake boyfriends, age gap.
I can’t decide which of the first two books I liked best—all four of the main characters so far have been distinct and interesting and likable. Book 2’s Leo is probably the sexiest of the characters so far.
And again—I’m never NOT going to take a moment to point out how amazing Nick J Russo is as an audiobook narrator.
Heading straight to book three.
I can’t decide which of the first two books I liked best—all four of the main characters so far have been distinct and interesting and likable. Book 2’s Leo is probably the sexiest of the characters so far.
And again—I’m never NOT going to take a moment to point out how amazing Nick J Russo is as an audiobook narrator.
Heading straight to book three.
February 22, 2023
The transition from "straight man" to "the most bottomy bottom" is so unreal that it bothered me. All the sex scenes were written as if the MC's were a heterosexual couple. It felt out of sorts.
April 14, 2022
This was so fun and exactly what I needed at this time. This isn't a cozy mystery, but it has that warm and fuzzy small-town feel of one of those. A mayor's race, friends to lovers, lovable friends, bakeries, and so much laughing. Cheers to also having middle-aged characters that felt so full of life, yet also a bit lost in that "what do I do with my second half of this existence" feeling. Definitely can relate.
I loved Leo so much, and he's exactly like many of my friends. Many of his lines or feelings legit made me el oh el. Dusty is warm and sweet, someone I wanted to just to take in with all his goodness.
This is a new to me author, but now I want to read all of their books! I found a gem.
I loved Leo so much, and he's exactly like many of my friends. Many of his lines or feelings legit made me el oh el. Dusty is warm and sweet, someone I wanted to just to take in with all his goodness.
This is a new to me author, but now I want to read all of their books! I found a gem.
March 16, 2024
Yes to friends to fake boyfriends to lovers.
Leo is one sexy mayor and Dusty is a sweet laid back dude. And their relationship is perfection. They never stop being best friends even when their attraction and physical relationship starts. I loved how Dusty just accept his shift in sexuality without question. And the moment when they declare their love to each other 🥹🥹🥹🥹
The political rivalry leading up to the election was stressful, because, my dudes, Leo's political opponent was playing dirty af.
Another win. Take me to Sourwood.
Leo is one sexy mayor and Dusty is a sweet laid back dude. And their relationship is perfection. They never stop being best friends even when their attraction and physical relationship starts. I loved how Dusty just accept his shift in sexuality without question. And the moment when they declare their love to each other 🥹🥹🥹🥹
The political rivalry leading up to the election was stressful, because, my dudes, Leo's political opponent was playing dirty af.
Another win. Take me to Sourwood.
May 5, 2025
This man took a moment during the intermission for his mayoral debate to rim and plug the other MC so he could have something to look forward to during the second half (as he demolished his rival).
So yeah. There were hot bits.
There was also the 'infinity and beyond' thing, and phrases like 'I had to get the chimney ready for Santa' so.....some cringey bits, too..
Some complaints.
I feel like we got a fully fleshed out Leo but this was less so for Dustin. The book seemed more focused on how he fit into Leo's life/election/parenting than him as a separate entity. Felt unbalanced given it was dual POV.
Without a doubt, some sweet bits.
Leo, having spent most of his life with an unrequited crush on his best friend...Dustin, having spent his life thinking himself straight(and unlovable because he just COULDN'T make things work with any girlfriend) but could and DID have a very platonic but intimate relationship with Leo long distance for multiple years....
Them looking back at pictures of themselves from college twenty years ago and seeing that the googly eyes for each other were mutual even then....something about that was adorable.
Of course, by then, they'd figured out the feeling bits but it was still very reaffirming.
Dustin, knowing he'd been lovable all along, he'd been IN love, just not in a way he'd thought viable.
Leo, finally no longer needing to hide the history of his feelings for Dustin, learning that they were seemingly inevitable from even back then....yeah. I loved that for them.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the political run subplot. Leo is unbelievably scandal-ridden for such a straightlaced MC.
No way this fuddy-daddy mayor had multiple personal scandals in the course of like a month, just before the hardest election of his career thus far. It's really giving Fitzgerald Grant III.
I totally WOULD have said that there's no WAY on earth a politician can tell so many lies, have so many scandals and get nabbed EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. yet STILL win the election, would have sworn it required TOO much suspension of disbelief but WELL.......👀
Continued(yet surprising) enjoyment of this series.
Continued because I adore older MCs. The stakes are higher, the miscommunication is less far fetched and idk. I just relate more to these MCs in their 40s than I find myself relating to the MCs in their late teens and early twenties.
Alas. Age is catching up with me, after all.
Surprising, because I usually detest kids in my romance novels, and I don't know if this is less of an issue because the ones in this series are so far older (tweens and teens) so they're less intrusive on their parents dating lives, or because they're simply NOT that present in the stories regardless, even when their existence is mentioned. Either way, it's working for me.
Nick J. Russo is honestly always a whole star qualifier for whichever book he narrates.
Also, I lowkey started writing this review with the full intention of giving this 3* but idk, it's kinda seeming like I got 4* enjoyment out of this.
What the hell, sure.
So yeah. There were hot bits.
There was also the 'infinity and beyond' thing, and phrases like 'I had to get the chimney ready for Santa' so.....some cringey bits, too..
Some complaints.
I feel like we got a fully fleshed out Leo but this was less so for Dustin. The book seemed more focused on how he fit into Leo's life/election/parenting than him as a separate entity. Felt unbalanced given it was dual POV.
Without a doubt, some sweet bits.
Leo, having spent most of his life with an unrequited crush on his best friend...Dustin, having spent his life thinking himself straight(and unlovable because he just COULDN'T make things work with any girlfriend) but could and DID have a very platonic but intimate relationship with Leo long distance for multiple years....
Them looking back at pictures of themselves from college twenty years ago and seeing that the googly eyes for each other were mutual even then....something about that was adorable.
Of course, by then, they'd figured out the feeling bits but it was still very reaffirming.
Dustin, knowing he'd been lovable all along, he'd been IN love, just not in a way he'd thought viable.
Leo, finally no longer needing to hide the history of his feelings for Dustin, learning that they were seemingly inevitable from even back then....yeah. I loved that for them.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the political run subplot. Leo is unbelievably scandal-ridden for such a straightlaced MC.
No way this fuddy-daddy mayor had multiple personal scandals in the course of like a month, just before the hardest election of his career thus far. It's really giving Fitzgerald Grant III.
I totally WOULD have said that there's no WAY on earth a politician can tell so many lies, have so many scandals and get nabbed EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. yet STILL win the election, would have sworn it required TOO much suspension of disbelief but WELL.......👀
Continued(yet surprising) enjoyment of this series.
Continued because I adore older MCs. The stakes are higher, the miscommunication is less far fetched and idk. I just relate more to these MCs in their 40s than I find myself relating to the MCs in their late teens and early twenties.
Alas. Age is catching up with me, after all.
Surprising, because I usually detest kids in my romance novels, and I don't know if this is less of an issue because the ones in this series are so far older (tweens and teens) so they're less intrusive on their parents dating lives, or because they're simply NOT that present in the stories regardless, even when their existence is mentioned. Either way, it's working for me.
Nick J. Russo is honestly always a whole star qualifier for whichever book he narrates.
Also, I lowkey started writing this review with the full intention of giving this 3* but idk, it's kinda seeming like I got 4* enjoyment out of this.
What the hell, sure.
April 18, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This is the ultimate friends-to-lovers story. The reader is able to feel how much Leo and Dusty love each other, both as friends and more. We can also feel the friendship from the others in the Single Dads Club – Mitch (whose story is next) and Cal and Russ. There’s also the sense of community one gets from a small town. You’re able to see who stands behind Leo and who doesn’t. There are also Leo’s twins who are pretty amazing. I wasn’t overly thrilled with Leo early on when he openly compared the two because they had different interests that their father didn’t understand. Dusty did, but Dusty was the favorite uncle of sorts. Even so, Leo gets his act together in that regard pretty quickly so it’s all good.
I loved seeing Cal and Russ again. Cal is still the unorganized mess and Russ is still the anal-retentive ‘if you’re not ten minutes early, you’re late’ Russ we both hated and loved in The Falcon and the Foe.
There’s humor, which I love. There’s just enough to keep the story from dragging during the political parts, but not so much it gets annoying. Leo and Dusty are really as different as night and day, but they work and they work well.
I can’t wait to read Mitch’s book, The Barkeep and the Bro, though I admit I’m a little hesitant with Mitch’s love interest being his daughter’s ex. Even so, I have no doubt it’ll be just as good as the first two.
A really good book.
Full review can be found at -
This is the ultimate friends-to-lovers story. The reader is able to feel how much Leo and Dusty love each other, both as friends and more. We can also feel the friendship from the others in the Single Dads Club – Mitch (whose story is next) and Cal and Russ. There’s also the sense of community one gets from a small town. You’re able to see who stands behind Leo and who doesn’t. There are also Leo’s twins who are pretty amazing. I wasn’t overly thrilled with Leo early on when he openly compared the two because they had different interests that their father didn’t understand. Dusty did, but Dusty was the favorite uncle of sorts. Even so, Leo gets his act together in that regard pretty quickly so it’s all good.
I loved seeing Cal and Russ again. Cal is still the unorganized mess and Russ is still the anal-retentive ‘if you’re not ten minutes early, you’re late’ Russ we both hated and loved in The Falcon and the Foe.
There’s humor, which I love. There’s just enough to keep the story from dragging during the political parts, but not so much it gets annoying. Leo and Dusty are really as different as night and day, but they work and they work well.
I can’t wait to read Mitch’s book, The Barkeep and the Bro, though I admit I’m a little hesitant with Mitch’s love interest being his daughter’s ex. Even so, I have no doubt it’ll be just as good as the first two.
A really good book.
Full review can be found at -
August 14, 2025
Fun and quick, but for a friends-to-lovers the whole “what are these feelings I’m feeling” phase was practically non-existent (and to me, that’s the best part!)
March 26, 2022
I have a weakness for best friends for life to ‘you're the one for me’ lovers, especially when it’s been a long time coming. I will never get enough of it.
These two, Leo and Dusty, do not disappoint. Best friends from college, they’ve been through it all together over the past 20 years. Calling each other at night like schoolgirls, texting each other every day. So when Leo needs a fake boyfriend to help his re-election campaign Dusty is more than happy to leave his disastrous life behind and help him out.
What you really need to know is that they fit perfectly. They have such a wonderful connection - playful and fun, but they can also call each other on their crap. They may also have a bit of a competitive streak which leads to all manner of fun. And should we talk about their chemistry? Let’s just say that their first time together is fire!! But what I loved the most was that they never doubted each other. They always have full and complete faith in their friendship. The only people they were kidding with their fake relationship were themselves!
This is a really enjoyable read, with some wonderful characters and plenty of humor, heat, and love.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
These two, Leo and Dusty, do not disappoint. Best friends from college, they’ve been through it all together over the past 20 years. Calling each other at night like schoolgirls, texting each other every day. So when Leo needs a fake boyfriend to help his re-election campaign Dusty is more than happy to leave his disastrous life behind and help him out.
What you really need to know is that they fit perfectly. They have such a wonderful connection - playful and fun, but they can also call each other on their crap. They may also have a bit of a competitive streak which leads to all manner of fun. And should we talk about their chemistry? Let’s just say that their first time together is fire!! But what I loved the most was that they never doubted each other. They always have full and complete faith in their friendship. The only people they were kidding with their fake relationship were themselves!
This is a really enjoyable read, with some wonderful characters and plenty of humor, heat, and love.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
September 2, 2024
I liked this one. The only downside was I could not tell the main characters apart. The narration was good enough but he seemed to use the same voice for both men.
December 4, 2024
Loved this one! It was funny and sweet and such an entertaining, low-angst read. I’m a sucker for BFFs to lovers, especially when the author keeps up the playful bff banter the MCs had before getting together. Leo is probably one of my favorite characters from AJ Truman’s books. His relationship with Russ is perfect.
September 5, 2024
Sweet friends to lovers romance! :)
I had a great time listening to this book about Leo and Dusty finding love and happiness while battling all the ups and downs of a political campaign.
Perfectly narrated by Nick J. Russo!
I had a great time listening to this book about Leo and Dusty finding love and happiness while battling all the ups and downs of a political campaign.
Perfectly narrated by Nick J. Russo!
October 25, 2022
Znowu miłe, znowu przyjemne, i znowu całkowicie przeciętne.
Dodatkowym minusem jest polityka, której pasjami nie znoszę - nawet, jeżeli są to małomiasteczkowe wybory na burmistrza...
Dodatkowym minusem jest polityka, której pasjami nie znoszę - nawet, jeżeli są to małomiasteczkowe wybory na burmistrza...
March 20, 2022
This is such a sweet lovely friends to lovers tale. I enjoyed it even more than book 1 (which I liked quite a bit). If you're a fan of fun banter, bi-awakening, and a true friends to lovers story with two people who end up perfect for each other, this is definitely the book for you. I liked the way the fake relationship was done, and it really did transition realistically into being so much more. Honestly, it was just a fun read with great characters and such a sweet story. Definitely recommend
March 15, 2022
4.5
This was a lot of fun and it made me smile the whole way through. I loved the friendship and genuine affection between Leo and Dusty and how things naturally progressed. The practice kissing was funny and I loved Leo's reaction to it.
Though there were no real surprises it was a highly enjoyable read. I love the town and supporting characters and I'm so looking forward to Mitch's book
This was a lot of fun and it made me smile the whole way through. I loved the friendship and genuine affection between Leo and Dusty and how things naturally progressed. The practice kissing was funny and I loved Leo's reaction to it.
Though there were no real surprises it was a highly enjoyable read. I love the town and supporting characters and I'm so looking forward to Mitch's book
March 4, 2024
AJ Truman thankfully kept up with the witty banter that made me fall head over heals for the Falcon and the Foe!
Dusty & Leo are the great best friends to lovers where you can actually see it happening because of their bantar and will do anything to see the other happy! These two are hilarious and sweet all at once!
Looking forward to Mitchs story and this amazing fun series!
Dusty & Leo are the great best friends to lovers where you can actually see it happening because of their bantar and will do anything to see the other happy! These two are hilarious and sweet all at once!
Looking forward to Mitchs story and this amazing fun series!
June 16, 2023
I’m a big fan of A. J. Truman and this book certainly didn’t disappoint me. I put off reading it because I didn’t love Leo in the first book. I should have known that A. J. wouldn’t let me down. I love the trope of straight guys discovering they like men, and friends to lovers is also a favorite when done right. This book is a winner.
April 1, 2022
RTC but this has a lot of tropes I enjoy in books, it was super sweet and a lot of fun to read. I just really enjoyed reading this one.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
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