What He Really Needs

by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood

Sometimes, it takes a second chance to get things right.

Cayo Suárez, who is gay, and Ben Roth, an admitted Oblivious Straight Guy, were roommates in law school, but two years after graduating, they have lost touch. After an accidental meeting, Cayo invites Ben to stay with him while Ben looks for his own apartment. There’s only one complication, but it’s a big one—Cayo has been in love with Ben since they met.

What begins as a heartwarming reunion of old friends heats up quickly, and Ben starts to wonder if he’s as straight as he always thought he was. Cayo and Ben reconnect in a most unexpected way, but their jobs complicate things. Cayo works for low-income people at Legal Assistance, and Ben works for the man.

When Ben and Cayo become involved in a controversial case, powerful people with a lot to lose seize control of the situation. They want to bend the case’s outcome to their own nefarious ends, and they’ll destroy anyone who tries to stand up to them. Will Cayo and Ben find a way to save Ben’s career, and their budding relationship, before it’s too late?

What He Really Needs is an action-packed book full of warmth and humor, a first-time bisexual awakening, a healthy dose of suspense, steamy sexy times, and an extraordinarily happy ending.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Gay For You

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2020

Reviews

[My Own Bookshelves · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting blurb caught my eye but

I saw this book posted in a recommendation group. New to me authors and available in KU. So decided to give it a go based on the blurb.
Who do I think will enjoy the story? Although written in 1st person, the style felt more like 3rd. Which 3rd for me is not a preference in contemporary. The storytelling picks up at 50% where the problem to be solved is forefront.
Why two stars? Cayo and Ben sounded like great characters, but in the end, I couldn't engage with the story or care enough about the characters to be invested in the outcome. So don't use my review as a measuring stick and make sure to read a few for those who did enjoy it.
In looking at reviews, there are readers who enjoyed it. For me, I needed more connection to the characters, a smooth story pacing.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

The writing team of Joshua Harwood and Ryan Taylor have released a new legal mystery/friends to lovers romance called What He Really Needs. Ben is struggling with the idea that despite being so sure he is straight, he can no longer deny that he is in love with his best friend. Cayo, on the other hand, is fighting tooth and nail to keep a distance between him and Ben in order to protect his emotions, especially since the last time he admitted his feelings for the guy the result was not speaking to each other for two years and a badly broken heart. However, the heart wants what the heart wants and before long, these two work through their past and Ben ponies up to admit he has always loved Cayo and was in denial.

Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. Just perfect. I was new to these authors, and they totally made me fall in love with their characters and the overall book. Cayo and Ben were everything, and one thing this book was not lacking in was communication, which was so refreshing. There were no misunderstandings in this book, and their relationship blossomed fully on the page. I would classify this book as a friends-to-lovers and kind of as a second-chance friendship turned lovers. There was also a subplot that was very compelling and even in that there was no outlandship acts, and everything really followed. There was not a time in the book I felt like I just needed to accept something, but rather I just believed everything that was happening, as it was not far-fetched or off-base at all. Would recommend this book for someone looking for a sweet read, with tons of feelings and low angst friends-to-lovers. Will definitely be reading more books by this duo!

[Lizva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of steam in the midst of legal antics

Ben and Cayo were roommates in law school who had a falling out. They meet again and have the chance to try a romantic relationship. There is a lot of crying over that, which almost did me in, but i wanted to see what legal action would unfold. But there was no real conflict there. Instead, the duo are the recipients of many totally hapless attempts to derail them. These are interspersed with lengthy bedroom scenes. For me the characters were also too pat. There was no real growth and they are just two hot lawyers with social consciences. Ben has had problems with his Dad, but he still seems to follow his Dad's bidding. I skimmed large sections.

[B.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up

[Emeli Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a fairytale of love and i absolutly adored cayo and ben they were so sweet together so hats off to ryan taylor for a good mix of fluff heat and suspense

[Athira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love friends to lovers and this is a really well written story. There's a bit of angst and some mystery and overall I really enjoyed it.

Cayo and Ben are adorable together. It's steamy, fast paced and a really great second chance romance. It is dual POV and can be read as a standalone.

The secondary characters are really fun too, especially Aaron and Matt.

*ARC provided by the author via Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable friends to lovers story. I enjoyed watching Cayo and Ben reconnect and develop their relationship, they were great characters. All in all an entertaining, well-written read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

What He Really Needs is a super sweet friends to lovers romance by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood.

A sucker for gay for you romances, this one gave me all the feels. Ben and Cayo are reunited as roommates after some years of losing touch. Cayo has long been in love with his friend, but Ben has always been straight. Cue Ben's sexual awakening and I became mesmerized by this tale.

Ben, who was married to a woman, never thought of a man sexually before. His sexual awakening is highly enjoyable, with some hot first times. Damn, I love first times and there are plenty here to enjoy! As well, Ben spends some time honestly coming to terms with his sexuality. I found this part to be very well done.

Written in dual pov, this gay for you tale is beautifully written, with a soothing tone and a fluid style. Both men are completely lovable characters and their slow burn relationship in wonderfully developed. The authors include some great secondary characters, some mystery, and a little bit of angst to round out this emotional story.

I highly recommend What He Really Needs when you're looking for a feel-good, sweet, friends to lovers romance. There's a whole lot of heart and tenderness in riveting tale. My first time reading these authors, I look forward to reading more from them.

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

Cayo Suarez and Ben Roth were roommates at Duke Law School. They were the best of friends, but Cayo--out and proud--had an intense crush on Ben. Ben, having a broken heart and needing the attention of a dear friend, cultivated a close, physical relationship, that was purely platonic--though Ben had other desires too. He wasn't gay--isn't gay--though his brother is. He just loved how Cayo loved him--like a brother, that he sometimes fantasized about.

They had a huge falling out right before graduation--when Cayo confessed his deep love, and Ben freaked the F out. Ben behaved VERY badly, using a no-no slur and hurting Cayo emotional and physically in the moment. Cayo hasn't responded to any of Ben's attempts to make amend in the two years since, but he's mystified to find Ben dancing in a gay club in DC when he knows for a fact Ben took a soulless lawyer job for a corporate firm in NYC, while Cayo took the Legal Assistance position in DC Ben had claimed to want when they were students.

Cayo is so shook by Ben's advent in his life again, that he takes charge to find out Ben's story--what he's doing in DC. Ben's shook too, but he's wanted to make amends to Cayo for two long years. Cayo was his bestest of best friends, but Ben isn't gay--he's always dated women, except for a few hand jobs with a fellow teammate on the swim team way back in high school...

Okay, to be clear, Ben isn't straight. He spends a LOT of the book trying to figure out if he has a label, actually, but the long and short of this is Ben is sure he loves Cayo, as more than a friend or roomie. He needs Cayo's care, and wants his whole heart, too. Cayo immediately makes forgiveness happen--he's been holding his anger close for too long and desperately missed is best friend. He's not eager to rush into a relationship, however. He does invite Ben to take his spare room while Ben does an apartment hunt; he's recently been transferred to the DC branch of his conglomerate law firm.

Their close contact ignites all the need Ben can manage. He's so needy, and it's not long before he initiates non-platonic contact. Still, he's convinced he's not gay--and Ben's brother and brother-in-law (his brother's husband) are quick to take him to task. Whatever, he's not "gay", he's definitely into Cayo, which means he's willing to love a man--and whatever his sexuality, Ben needs to be honest and caring to Cayo. Cayo is upset that Ben may be playing him--and he's nervous to fall for a man who's only ever been with women. Cayo is afraid if Ben is bisexual he may want to go back to women, and he'll lose his best friend as well as the man he's loved his whole adult life.

I'll cut to the chase, Ben and Cayo are a solid couple--once Ben owns up to his love for Cayo. The next complication is a court case. Cayo is representing the plaintiff in a sex-discrimination suit, and Ben is--through a series of coincidences--representing the defendant, who happens to be a sexist scumbag. A wealthy sexist scumbag. That's where the suspense comes in.Cayo's amazing in the courtroom, and Ben...falls flat. But, a few days later, Cayo receives priviliged information and implication is that Ben sent it to him. It's super shady, and both Ben and Cayo are worried about Ben's job. He's at risk for firing and a board complaint.

In the meantime, Ben and Cayo are deepening their relationship. This book brings the smut, and I loved every moment of Ben's initiation into the gayest of gay sex. It's super fun, and enjoyably dirty, which I was delightfully surprised to experience. Ben spends his days figuring out how to make Cayo's life easier, and gets some extenuating circumstances to reveal his caretaking nature. Like I mentioned, there's shady business happening, and it leads to destruction of property, relocation, kidnapping and threats to life and profession.

This story comes complete with some cameos from characters in previous books. It's billed as a standalone, and works that way, but I'm sure there were novels that featured Ben's brother Aaron, and also his close friend and legal confidant Liam. Both of these men are settled, married gay men, who are also lawyers. Their support and counsel shepherd Ben in his journey to self-acceptance. I was curious about their back stories, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of Ben and Cayo's story. There's a bit of intrigue and some definite suspense, but those moments end quickly and we have lots of time to focus on the deep love and dirty sexytimes that bind Ben and Cayo together.

I really like this story, and how Ben and Cayo overcome their differences in old hurts, and present disparities in wealthy and experience to find the common ground that will support their nascent relationship. I liked this story, and was intrigued about the previous books, as well. You can tell the authors are lawyers, because they are meticulous about finding the loopholes and knotting them up. It was a good story with cool elements of reconnection and accepting one's life, even if it's not going according to plan. I liked the supporting characters and would be interested to read on if we see Ben and Cayo in a new circumstance.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben and Cayo had been roommates for years, Ben feeling that Cayo was like a caring brother to him, a person he could confide in and would do anything for him. But Ben had always insisted he was “straight” and not open to admitting to anything else. So when Cayo told Ben that he loved him, Ben freaked out and left.

Two years later they unexpectedly run into each other and eventually, with some reservations, resume their friendship. But Ben is confused as to why he still can’t stop thinking about Cayo. Cayo is likewise worried that Ben will leave again and not sure he should put his heart out there a second time.

This story really hooks the reader as two very likable characters try to deal with their honest feelings and find the courage to claim their happiness and future. Ben lets labels scare him off from what his heart keeps telling him. Will he be unable to accept who he is and move forward? Aside from their sorting out this serious personal issue, they have a court case in common that put them both on opposite sides of the case, and Ben’s career is in jeopardy. So the reader is fully immersed in their story and the tension surrounding them concerning what happens in the courtroom. This is well-written and you will find yourself emotionally involved with these two as they try to find their HEA.

[Amy Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this was my first book by them and I have to thank my friend who recommended to me. This book was so real and so authentic feeling. I loved Cayo and Ben and the connection they have. I mean sure they knew each other in Law School but that made it so much better. They knew each other and had a friendship. Cayo had feelings for Ben but hid them for years. He never thought Ben would be anything other then a close friend. Little did either of them know, Ben was about come clean for the first time. Everything regarding this was handle so well and with so much heart. There was no hate or anything. I guess it helps that their families already knew and loved them. Yes this book is about the love story of Cayo and Ben but its much more then that. There's someone out there trying to sabotage Ben's career and tear him down. This is when the book gets interesting and the characters bond even more closer. Taking down the bad guys made these guys realize what is most important in life. I really liked this book and the characters in it mixed with the little bit of mystery..I'm not sure what you'd call it. I will definitely be reading more from these guys in the future!

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written and engaging friends-to-lovers, second chance romance. There are some lingering hurt feelings between the old law school friends when Ben takes a new job, leaving him in the same city as Cayo for the first time in years. Ben hurt Cayo pretty badly and their friendship didn't quite recover. I honestly wanted to smack past Ben! But what I loved was how Ben took responsibility for what happened and made every effort to rekindle their friendship. Cayo, the gorgeous and forgiving human that he is, lets Ben crash with him. He is, however, adamant about putting up barriers to stop his heart falling for Ben again, and let's just say that Ben, when he realises how he feels, has to work pretty hard to take these barriers down. Although Ben does have his moments of doubt and insecurity, once he's committed, he's all about the surprisingly sweet romantic gestures and worshipping the ground Cayo walks on. Add in an intriguing legal suspense plotline, and this book had the whole package for me!

[2kasmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cayo and Ben went through law school as best friends and roommates. Then something happens and its another two years before they see one another again. In an accidental meeting and an incredible twist of fate, they end up at the same place at the same time.

Ben has had feelings for Cayo that he does not understand. He is still coming to terms with how he is feeling and what he is going to do about it. Only now, it may be too late. With work and fate at opposite ends, this may be a story of ships in the night.

I found this book to have a very quick pace. I was not a real fan of the approach. I found it choppy and disruptive. The story itself is sound, if not fast. Being a true believer that best friends can be more, I gave it a true chance. In the end, I was glad I read the whole thing.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the real deal. Exceptionally well-written with characters who engage you from the first time you meet them, the book will give you all the feelings and make you think about some things, too. There's a story here, not just a quick read so you can go on to the next book. What He Really Needs is about relationships, longing, and resistance. It explores trust lost and the work to regain it. Finally, it has the happiest ending of any book I've read for years. Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood have outdone themselves. People who don't like it just don't get the difficulty some people have of coming to terms with their bisexuality. Give this one a go. The story of a gay man, a straight man who realizes he's bi, and their hard-earned love will have you standing and cheering by the end. (By the way, there's a good dose of adventure in here too, to make it even more interesting!)

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Read

First time I have read a book by these authors and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Ben and Cayo were both likeable characters, Cayo had loved Ben for years since they shared a room at law school. Ben had always loved Cayo but had convinced himself that he was not in love with him as he was definitely straight and to prove the point he slept with lots of women. But deep down he knew the thoughts he had about Cayo and the way he always liked to touch him were not the actions of a straight man. After two years apart they meet in DC and this time Ben gives in to his feelings. The storyline had more than the usual gay romance and best friends to lovers with Ben being set up, losing his job, a kidnapping, threats and all Ben’s lawyer friends banding together to help Ben and Cayo out. All the side characters were well defined with warmth and humour.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written story with characters that are interesting and real with their flaws and insecurities, as well as a bunch of great secondary characters. Ben and Cayo have a genuine connection between them that had a pause but returns quickly and becomes stronger than ever once they get themselves sorted out. Their passion is as intense as their love and a lot of emotions - and a bit of kink - are involved and possibilities explored before they finally get their wonderfully sweet HEA. Along with the romantic side there is a work situation that goes from bad to worse and slightly dangerous before it too is resolved. Overall, this is a really enjoyable story that I would definitely recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What He Really Needs is another big winner from Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood. Cayo and ben are such a cute, lovable couple, and you pull for them from the beginning to the end. The book deals with Cayo’s longstanding love and Ben’s denial. As often the case with love, resistance is futile. Ben can deny how he feels until he is blue in the face, but it doesn’t change anything. Of course, by the time they get their personal relationship sorted, there’s a big challenge facing them head-on. Bad people with a lot of power don’t care who they hurt to get what they want, but they meet their match in our two heroes. A sweet story, amazing characters, awesome supporting cast, and hot, hot, hot sex all contribute to making this a book you won’t soon forget. You’ll love What He Really Needs!

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this amazing, well written, intense at times book. I also love how we see characters from other books make an appearance in this book. Cayo and Ben are so sweet together. I love how Cayo didn't just dismiss Ben's feelings for him and in general. Cayo had to remember they were once friends and he, and Ben's family, help Ben battle his inner demons. Labels don't define us. Cayo and Ben are lawyers and I enjoyed it when they had to go before the judge together as opposing counsel. I don't want to spoil it but this book will make you laugh and cry. It'll have you on the edge of your seat and cheering at the end.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for more from these amazing authors.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mikki James - Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cayo and Ben; two roommate ripped apart by a confession; Cayo was in love with Ben. Two years later they run into each other at a gay club. All the feelings Cayo thought were behind him resurface; but this time Ben might finally be ready to admit that he feels something toward Cayo too. Ben has always identified as straight and admitting anything different is a struggle, but if he doesn't push past the "labels" he may miss out on a second-chance romance.

Mixed in with the romance is the struggle Ben endures as he adapts to a new firm; a harsh boss and someone out to destroy his career and harm his true love. The book has a perfect balance of action and romance and will keep you on your toes.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cayo and Ben were in school together and while there they did not appear to play for the same team. They graduate from law school and lose touch and then when they meet again their reunion offers a chance for Cayo to see if his feelings just might be requited when he invites Ben to stay with him while Ben is looking for housing. I liked this story because there is so much going on that requires us to realize that you can grow and change and that can lead to unexpected things. But it also reminds us that sometimes you have to fight beyond outside influences for what is important to you. And it is often not work. Good emotional story with enough tension to keep you hooked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cat LeFey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the blurb hints that this is somewhat a mystery novel, it's not really. It's mostly second-chance romance and erotica. The mystery subplot is almost a side note, and the characters dont spend a lot of time worrying about it. Not much action, lots of legalese. I don't think this is a standalone, there were some plot points and secondary characters that I feel like I was supposed to know. I agree with the other reviewers that mention the unaddressed bi-phobia from the MCs. The writing was not consistent, some parts had too much detail, bogging things down, and other parts had too little, where it was hard to follow and things moved too fast. Plotting issues and pacing issues, which might be because it's a dual-author work.

[James Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs

This is the first book I have read by these authors. I enjoyed it and more of their books will be added to my list. I will give this book a 4/5. Ben, who is straight, and Cayo, who is gay have history. Cayo told Ben how he felt about him during law school and was hurt badly. They did not speak for two years. Now they are in the same city and living together working as lawyers. Ben gives Cayo mixed signals. But Cayo resists him even though he really cares for Ben. The two men end up working as opposing council on a case and the sparks fly. In the midst of this case Ben needs to decide what and who he wants. Cato needs to trust Ben. Both men need to be careful because this case is becoming dangerous.

[Nissy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Cay's reunion was not as smooth as Ben would have wanted it. Because of Ben's scariness he said and did some hurtful things to Cay. Once best friends, he knew he had to get Cay back. Now he was going to go after his man. However, it wasn't instant, but it did finally get there. There were insecurities that both had to work on and get to the I love you place. I really enjoyed their journey and thought they both really deserved their HEA. The story was well written and held me captive til the end. Totally enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends first, sets a stronger foundation. Ben and Cayto were college room mates,for 3 years. Graduate law school. They depended on each other, they trusted each other, they supported each other. A year after Ben's girlfirend, Amy left, Cayto, reveals his true feelings. Ben, caught unawares, reacted poorly. They reunite a few years later and talked. Absolutely, well written. The authors explored the feelings, reactions and consequences of these two men with sensitivity, dignity and respect. Does Cayto forgive Ben? Does Ben find love with Cayto? Can Cayto trust Ben again? Good story, nicely written! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Cay and Ben were swoonworthy! Their bantering was fantastic and had me laughing really hard. I loved that is was a first time, second chance HEA. Ben and Cay make the other a better person and they will do anything for each other. This book as mystery, drama, steam and lots of love. Mr. Ryan and Mr. Joshua have done wonderful job with this book and I am glad that I found their work as I am a huge fan now; I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben and Cayo were roommates for years until Cayo told Ben that he loved him. Ben reacted badly and took off. Two years later they meet back up and resume their friendship. Ben has always identified as straight but he can’t get Cayo out of his head. Cayo’s already been hurt by Ben before and he’s not sure he can take another chance. This is a wonderful heartfelt story with just a small mystery in the background. I really enjoyed reading this. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cayo Suáraz & Ben Roth have known each other for more than two years at one time they were room mates.
Cayo is gay and proud of who he is . Ben is straight. Cayo loves Ben he always has & now Ben is staying with Cayo ~~ how difficult will that be ?

The journey Cayo & Ben take isn’t an easy one .
Suspense, drama , intrigue added with Ben wondering if he is completely straight!
Ben’s career, can that be saved? Both men have a lovely soft nature that you can feel as you read this lovely book. A well written story that I certainly recommend .

[Marsha Salmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood! This is both friends to lovers and bi awakening in the same story- both favorite tropes of mine. It is well written with great character development. I fell in love with Cayo from the very beginning. He was so in love with Ben but afraid to ruin their friendship. However, what I loved most was Ben’s persistence once he realized how he truly felt about Cayo. This book has some drama but is lower angst- just right in my opinion! Give this book a try! You will not be sorry!

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to read. It is a real page turner, once you pick it up it is hard to put down. A love story between lawyers. Ben and Cayo are roommates in college and lose touch for a while. Cayo has been in love with Ben for several years. Cayo works for Legal Assistance. Cayo and Ben become involved with the same case only on different sides and Ben's boss wants them to win. Will Ben and Cayo find what they are looking for? Will Ben finally admit to his feelings?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.