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Keeping It Casual
Dustin
I moved to Mineral Creek so I could focus on my son. After my recent breakup, small-town life is exactly what we need, and I’m determined to stay single.
But the town’s resident matchmakers have other ideas. Every second person I meet tries to set me up with Mineral Creek’s one other gay single Dad.
Jeremy. King.
I’ve heard those two words so many times since we moved here. I might explode if the name is uttered one more time.
But when I finally meet the man himself, any potential combustion will be due to the chemistry between us.
Jeremy
My Mineral Creek neighbors have looked out for me since my divorce and are now determined to set me up with the new guy in town.
I feel bad that everyone is hounding Dustin to ask me out. I want to get them off his back. Enter my brilliant idea: the fake date.
Convincing the Mineral Creek matchmakers that we’re not compatible would be much easier if we’d kept to our script of uncomfortable silence instead of talking for so long that the restaurant kicked us out when they closed.
But nothing changes the fact that Dustin doesn’t want a boyfriend, and I’m not able to offer my heart to anyone anyway.
We can keep things casual between us, right?
This light-hearted, low-angst 36,000-word MM romantic novella is full of fun banter, steamy times and sweet times between two adorable guys who are desperately trying to pretend they are not falling in love.
I moved to Mineral Creek so I could focus on my son. After my recent breakup, small-town life is exactly what we need, and I’m determined to stay single.
But the town’s resident matchmakers have other ideas. Every second person I meet tries to set me up with Mineral Creek’s one other gay single Dad.
Jeremy. King.
I’ve heard those two words so many times since we moved here. I might explode if the name is uttered one more time.
But when I finally meet the man himself, any potential combustion will be due to the chemistry between us.
Jeremy
My Mineral Creek neighbors have looked out for me since my divorce and are now determined to set me up with the new guy in town.
I feel bad that everyone is hounding Dustin to ask me out. I want to get them off his back. Enter my brilliant idea: the fake date.
Convincing the Mineral Creek matchmakers that we’re not compatible would be much easier if we’d kept to our script of uncomfortable silence instead of talking for so long that the restaurant kicked us out when they closed.
But nothing changes the fact that Dustin doesn’t want a boyfriend, and I’m not able to offer my heart to anyone anyway.
We can keep things casual between us, right?
This light-hearted, low-angst 36,000-word MM romantic novella is full of fun banter, steamy times and sweet times between two adorable guys who are desperately trying to pretend they are not falling in love.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2023
225 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Jax Calder
30 books1,046 followersJax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
dnf
July 26, 2025dnf @38%
Not feeling this. Seemed fun in the beginning, but they start hooking up too soon and I'm not interested in reading that for the next 100 pages. And I don't like characters like Dustin. He says one thing but does the opposite. Talking about sending mixed signals.
I usually enjoy this author's writing, but this feels formulaic and bland.
Not feeling this. Seemed fun in the beginning, but they start hooking up too soon and I'm not interested in reading that for the next 100 pages. And I don't like characters like Dustin. He says one thing but does the opposite. Talking about sending mixed signals.
I usually enjoy this author's writing, but this feels formulaic and bland.
May 7, 2023
4**** stars
Ever since I had such a blast with The Anonymous Hookup I was longing for Jax Calder to throw another one of these fabtastic novellas at us. So here’s a new one and I really really liked it.
Single dad Dustin moves with his teenage son from the city to a small town where everyone is in each others’ business. And the whole town seems driven by the idea of setting the new guy up with the town’s darling and other single dad. And these people are quite insistent.
Well, Dustin is swallowing his tongue as the man standing before him is drop-dead gorgeous! And the attraction is def mutual. And not only that, they hit it off as friends right away too. But after struggling with fatherhood and a relationship before he’s adamant that there will be no serious dating right now. So Dustin and Jeremy keep it casual —friends with benefits and the bestest and hottest sex either of them ever had.
But when had that ever worked out long term, right?
This was low-angst and super lovely! Sure, there was a bit of drama in the last part but it was resolved quickly and these two were off to their HEA. ♡
Ever since I had such a blast with The Anonymous Hookup I was longing for Jax Calder to throw another one of these fabtastic novellas at us. So here’s a new one and I really really liked it.
Single dad Dustin moves with his teenage son from the city to a small town where everyone is in each others’ business. And the whole town seems driven by the idea of setting the new guy up with the town’s darling and other single dad. And these people are quite insistent.
“Honestly, Steph, I think I’ll spontaneously combust if I hear the words ‘Jeremy King’ one more time,” I say as I finish fixing the gate and straighten up. Only to find a guy standing on the footpath directly in front of me. […]
He’s holding a plate of muffins in one hand. He lifts his gaze to meet mine, […] “Hi, I’m Jeremy King.”
Well, Dustin is swallowing his tongue as the man standing before him is drop-dead gorgeous! And the attraction is def mutual. And not only that, they hit it off as friends right away too. But after struggling with fatherhood and a relationship before he’s adamant that there will be no serious dating right now. So Dustin and Jeremy keep it casual —friends with benefits and the bestest and hottest sex either of them ever had.
But when had that ever worked out long term, right?
This was low-angst and super lovely! Sure, there was a bit of drama in the last part but it was resolved quickly and these two were off to their HEA. ♡
February 17, 2023
~3.5~
Set in a small New Zealand town, Keeping It Casual is a fluffy, low-angst, high-steam story about two single dads who fall in love as the entire town cheers them on.
Indeed, the minute he arrives, Dustin is told that he must meet Jeremy King. And meet Jeremy he does.
It's lust at first handshake and anything but casual.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit, and the ending is swoony.
I'm knocking off half a star because the "twist" at the end involving the kids just wasn't believable. If Lucy, Jeremy's daughter, had been closer in age to Lachie, Dustin's son, then maybe. But she's 9!
I don't think the twist was even necessary. It's not at all improbable that the MCs would have kept running into each other in such a small town.
Set in a small New Zealand town, Keeping It Casual is a fluffy, low-angst, high-steam story about two single dads who fall in love as the entire town cheers them on.
Indeed, the minute he arrives, Dustin is told that he must meet Jeremy King. And meet Jeremy he does.
It's lust at first handshake and anything but casual.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit, and the ending is swoony.
I'm knocking off half a star because the "twist" at the end involving the kids just wasn't believable. If Lucy, Jeremy's daughter, had been closer in age to Lachie, Dustin's son, then maybe. But she's 9!
I don't think the twist was even necessary. It's not at all improbable that the MCs would have kept running into each other in such a small town.
dnf
February 24, 2025DNF at 40%.
There’s nothing wrong with this at all, it just couldn’t hold my attention after they started fucking 🤷♀️
There’s nothing wrong with this at all, it just couldn’t hold my attention after they started fucking 🤷♀️
May 12, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Jeremy is such a smug lmao
I didn’t like the small town vibes in this one. I don’t like it’s idea overall but this was annoying. It’s cute, but everyone can’t leave people’s business alone that I’d feel trapped if I was living in this town.
Anyway, they were cute and their story was easy. Just another sweet low angst novella. Their chemistry was there, but wasn’t as strong as I thought it would be. Probably because I didn’t like them that much individually or because they had sex too much. I didn’t care much. The story did get a little cuter at the end so I upped it to 3.5 stars :)
Jeremy is such a smug lmao
I didn’t like the small town vibes in this one. I don’t like it’s idea overall but this was annoying. It’s cute, but everyone can’t leave people’s business alone that I’d feel trapped if I was living in this town.
Anyway, they were cute and their story was easy. Just another sweet low angst novella. Their chemistry was there, but wasn’t as strong as I thought it would be. Probably because I didn’t like them that much individually or because they had sex too much. I didn’t care much. The story did get a little cuter at the end so I upped it to 3.5 stars :)
Read
August 27, 2024Dnf 48% no rating.
I recently read a few sweet short stories by this author, and hoped for a lovely novella, but I'm bored by the lacklaster writing, unfunny jokes and uninspired plot.
I recently read a few sweet short stories by this author, and hoped for a lovely novella, but I'm bored by the lacklaster writing, unfunny jokes and uninspired plot.
February 10, 2023
[3.4~3.5] small town, single dads, a nominally fake date, and a broiling attraction unable to be reined in.
The Anonymous Hookup is the last story by this author that i've read in recent memory, and while i couldn't help but compare the two in my head, what's remained consistent is how smooth her stories go down. they're unbelievably easy to digest in a single sitting, which i can confirm having read this at the end of a work week when my brain simply doesn't brain properly. nothing short of a miracle!
now i consciously try to be more lenient with novellas because i understand, more often than not, the relationship development will be on the insta side - a sacrifice my slow-burn loving heart must make. but since the romance is already forced to work within the confines of a limited space, you will always find me suggesting that less time be allocated to detailing their numerous clandestine romps in favor of more scenes of the mcs doing mundane activities together. at least they had the chemistry and fit as a couple, but i'm ravenous for more substance of the fluffy kind.
regardless, the sweet romantic gestures and reveals at the end forced my hand to round up. i'm a simple gal 😆
Thank you to GRR and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of the book. This is my honest review :)
The Anonymous Hookup is the last story by this author that i've read in recent memory, and while i couldn't help but compare the two in my head, what's remained consistent is how smooth her stories go down. they're unbelievably easy to digest in a single sitting, which i can confirm having read this at the end of a work week when my brain simply doesn't brain properly. nothing short of a miracle!
now i consciously try to be more lenient with novellas because i understand, more often than not, the relationship development will be on the insta side - a sacrifice my slow-burn loving heart must make. but since the romance is already forced to work within the confines of a limited space, you will always find me suggesting that less time be allocated to detailing their numerous clandestine romps in favor of more scenes of the mcs doing mundane activities together. at least they had the chemistry and fit as a couple, but i'm ravenous for more substance of the fluffy kind.
regardless, the sweet romantic gestures and reveals at the end forced my hand to round up. i'm a simple gal 😆
Thank you to GRR and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of the book. This is my honest review :)
May 14, 2023
Single-dads-smalltown-fluff.
When Dustin Knight moves away from Auckland to a small town, he’s immediately made aware that there’s another gay single father in town: Jeremy King. Who happens to be his almost neighbour. And while Jeremy isn’t totally against getting to know Dustin better —after all, he does look a bit like Pierce Brosnan - Dustin is hell bent on focusing on his teenage son.
Wanting to stop the well meaning meddlers, they agree on a fake date, to prove to the world that they have absolutely nothing in common. You can imagine how well this plan goes, and things proceed as these things tend to do.
It’s not a deep book, it’s light and full of banter, perfect to take your mind off from everything else for a few hours.
3.5 stars rounded up, because I’ve been just in the right frame of mind for fluff.
When Dustin Knight moves away from Auckland to a small town, he’s immediately made aware that there’s another gay single father in town: Jeremy King. Who happens to be his almost neighbour. And while Jeremy isn’t totally against getting to know Dustin better —after all, he does look a bit like Pierce Brosnan - Dustin is hell bent on focusing on his teenage son.
Wanting to stop the well meaning meddlers, they agree on a fake date, to prove to the world that they have absolutely nothing in common. You can imagine how well this plan goes, and things proceed as these things tend to do.
It’s not a deep book, it’s light and full of banter, perfect to take your mind off from everything else for a few hours.
3.5 stars rounded up, because I’ve been just in the right frame of mind for fluff.
February 9, 2023
there is just something about fluffy romcoms that gives me inner peace.
sure, there were some things that i didn’t like: the whole town was too nosy and the fake date came out nowhere, but when you’re reading a fluffy novella you just have to get along with the silliness.
the kids were too damn cute. literally. i absolutely adored them.
the romance was so swoony, literal fairytale like.
super cute novella.
sure, there were some things that i didn’t like: the whole town was too nosy and the fake date came out nowhere, but when you’re reading a fluffy novella you just have to get along with the silliness.
the kids were too damn cute. literally. i absolutely adored them.
the romance was so swoony, literal fairytale like.
super cute novella.
February 24, 2023
This was cute with low angst and lots of fluff. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but there were a few things, including the unrealistic aspects of the story, that bumped it down to 3.5. That being said, it is a rom-com, so I cannot complain.
I received an arc for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an arc for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2025
Objectively this would be a 3.5* book, let's say - but I'm definitely rounding it down to 2.5⭐, a huge reason for it being Dustin, one of the main characters. He completely ruined what could've been a pretty decent small town love story.
🟣 Small-town, two single gay dads
🔵 Age gap - about 32/38
🟡 Both tall, dark and handsome
🟠 Both gay (one previously married to a woman)
🟢 Jeremy's part of all dialogues is funny, he's a great character
🌶️ Sex is descriptive, a good amount of it, their first times are pretty great; oral, penetrative; t/b
So, Dustin.
This guy moves to a small town of Mineral Creek because he wants his teenage son to grow up away from the big city and wrong crowds, but also because he's broken up with his long-term boyfriend and he needs a fresh start.
The whole town tries to set him up with Jeremy, the other local single gay dad, who's a fantastic character. He's a sweet, wonderful man who has instant chemistry with Dustin and knows Dustin doesn't want a relationship and Jeremy sticks to that, he doesn't cross any lines, he's just being a really good friend, a friend with benefits no less and a really caring, sweet person.
What bothered me tremendously was Dustin's mixed signals that were constant and not really fair to Jeremy.
Dustin was having sex with Jeremy, but at the same time giving him hope, so to speak, by always flirting, comforting him, all of that, even though he knew he'll have to disappoint Jeremy eventually and won't want anything serious with him. When Dustin thought it's gone far enough between them, he cut Jeremy off, multiple times. Almost ghosted, too, at one point.
So my thing was - they're close neighbours, they're in a small town, the least you could do is cut off the intimacy and just remain a polite acquaintance, saving the guy a heartbreak, give it to him straight, right? Especially because Jeremy is a really decent guy.
The cherry on top comes when Dustin's kid gets hurt and I immediately knew where the story was going to go - Jeremy would somehow be "blamed" for it. You know, because Dustin was hooking up with Jeremy and that took his attention away from his son supposedly (it didn't, Dustin and his son weren't together as much anyway in the book, almost no dialogues or any kind of family events whatsoever).
So, again, as many times before, Dustin takes a big step back and cuts off contact and tells Jeremy this is not what he maybe thinks it is.
Dustin's just an ass and I honestly didn't get his reasoning. Here he finds a really nice, fantastic guy, they both have crazy chemistry between them and they're really good friends, so of course, of course, the first thing you should do in cases such as these is tell the guy to fuck off, because there's just that many guys like that lying around everywhere and you can't be bothered at the moment. You've got your kid to think about! You know, the one you hardly mention or talk to during the day.
A stupid story. I'm sorry, it was just ridiculously infuriating.
I hoped Jeremy would meet a hot guy in the meantime, have a secret, sexy affair, since he didn't have as much experience being married most of his life, so no, I think Dustin got away with it too easily.
Him making it up to Jeremy was doing the Tangled version of the boat ride, are you kidding? That's it??
I'd do it, sure, but with another hot guy and I'd make Dustin watch.
Jeremy was too kind and too perfect almost and Dustin just reminded me of a guy who's really good at stringing someone along.
In my opinion he definitely didn't deserve Jeremy.
🟣 Small-town, two single gay dads
🔵 Age gap - about 32/38
🟡 Both tall, dark and handsome
🟠 Both gay (one previously married to a woman)
🟢 Jeremy's part of all dialogues is funny, he's a great character
🌶️ Sex is descriptive, a good amount of it, their first times are pretty great; oral, penetrative; t/b
So, Dustin.
This guy moves to a small town of Mineral Creek because he wants his teenage son to grow up away from the big city and wrong crowds, but also because he's broken up with his long-term boyfriend and he needs a fresh start.
The whole town tries to set him up with Jeremy, the other local single gay dad, who's a fantastic character. He's a sweet, wonderful man who has instant chemistry with Dustin and knows Dustin doesn't want a relationship and Jeremy sticks to that, he doesn't cross any lines, he's just being a really good friend, a friend with benefits no less and a really caring, sweet person.
What bothered me tremendously was Dustin's mixed signals that were constant and not really fair to Jeremy.
Dustin was having sex with Jeremy, but at the same time giving him hope, so to speak, by always flirting, comforting him, all of that, even though he knew he'll have to disappoint Jeremy eventually and won't want anything serious with him. When Dustin thought it's gone far enough between them, he cut Jeremy off, multiple times. Almost ghosted, too, at one point.
So my thing was - they're close neighbours, they're in a small town, the least you could do is cut off the intimacy and just remain a polite acquaintance, saving the guy a heartbreak, give it to him straight, right? Especially because Jeremy is a really decent guy.
The cherry on top comes when Dustin's kid gets hurt and I immediately knew where the story was going to go - Jeremy would somehow be "blamed" for it. You know, because Dustin was hooking up with Jeremy and that took his attention away from his son supposedly (it didn't, Dustin and his son weren't together as much anyway in the book, almost no dialogues or any kind of family events whatsoever).
So, again, as many times before, Dustin takes a big step back and cuts off contact and tells Jeremy this is not what he maybe thinks it is.
Dustin's just an ass and I honestly didn't get his reasoning. Here he finds a really nice, fantastic guy, they both have crazy chemistry between them and they're really good friends, so of course, of course, the first thing you should do in cases such as these is tell the guy to fuck off, because there's just that many guys like that lying around everywhere and you can't be bothered at the moment. You've got your kid to think about! You know, the one you hardly mention or talk to during the day.
A stupid story. I'm sorry, it was just ridiculously infuriating.
I hoped Jeremy would meet a hot guy in the meantime, have a secret, sexy affair, since he didn't have as much experience being married most of his life, so no, I think Dustin got away with it too easily.
Him making it up to Jeremy was doing the Tangled version of the boat ride, are you kidding? That's it??
I'd do it, sure, but with another hot guy and I'd make Dustin watch.
Jeremy was too kind and too perfect almost and Dustin just reminded me of a guy who's really good at stringing someone along.
In my opinion he definitely didn't deserve Jeremy.
February 11, 2023
This was so sweet. Jax Calder definitely has a formula, but it works for me. I spent the majority of this novella believing it to be a solid 3 stars worth of marshmallow fluff and ooey gooey goodness, but the cute surprises and grand gestures at the end had the romantic in me grabbing the wheel and steering us towards a full 4. For the record, that's the same part of me that cries over commercials and still can't get over episode 3 of The Last of Us, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Jeremy was just the sweetest man ever. I wanted to build a wall around him and demand a list of intentions from anyone trying to get through. I did not want to see that man get hurt. Eliciting even a single tear from him would have been morally reprehensible. Dustin came dangerously close to the receiving end of my stink eye multiple times, but managed to stay in my good graces. His "reasons" for keeping things "casual" were loose at best and ridiculous at worst, but being a parent is enough to make anyone a little batty so I gave him some leeway. There were a few situations that lent themselves to manufactured drama and I cannot express how relieved I was when the author made the decision to bypass that low hanging fruit. Had she not, this review would have been very different.
Now, what's going on with Jasper and Beau???
Jeremy was just the sweetest man ever. I wanted to build a wall around him and demand a list of intentions from anyone trying to get through. I did not want to see that man get hurt. Eliciting even a single tear from him would have been morally reprehensible. Dustin came dangerously close to the receiving end of my stink eye multiple times, but managed to stay in my good graces. His "reasons" for keeping things "casual" were loose at best and ridiculous at worst, but being a parent is enough to make anyone a little batty so I gave him some leeway. There were a few situations that lent themselves to manufactured drama and I cannot express how relieved I was when the author made the decision to bypass that low hanging fruit. Had she not, this review would have been very different.
Now, what's going on with Jasper and Beau???
April 27, 2023
Nothing out of the ordinary.
February 15, 2023
A sweet novella about second chances and unexpected feelings.
The start of their relationship was cute and different—a whole town determined to set them up while they're determined not to start dating. But their first date doesn't go as planned because even they can't deny the chemistry between them.
It's a light, angst-free read.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
The start of their relationship was cute and different—a whole town determined to set them up while they're determined not to start dating. But their first date doesn't go as planned because even they can't deny the chemistry between them.
It's a light, angst-free read.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
February 10, 2023
Ciężko mi było utrzymać uwagę na losach Jeremy'ego i Dustina, bo historia była troszkę nudnawa. Bohaterowie byli mili, ich dzieciaki fajne, ale nie czułam się zaangażowana.
3,5 gwiazdki.
3,5 gwiazdki.
July 4, 2025
4.5 stars!! Loved this low-angst, sweet novella about 2 single dads and how they fall in love, despite a meddling match-making town.
March 26, 2023
So fun and so cute. Very quick read. I always enjoy reading this author’s novellas. I can always guarantee I will be kicking my feet and giggling when reading from her.
March 9, 2024
Just what I was looking for: uncomplicated, sweet and sexy.
October 1, 2025
Just hear me out and then go read this, mkay?
HE. GIVES. HIS. MAN. A. TANGLED. INSPIRED. CONFESSION.
Go. Shoo. Read it.
HE. GIVES. HIS. MAN. A. TANGLED. INSPIRED. CONFESSION.
Go. Shoo. Read it.
October 11, 2023
4.5⭐️ Super adorable and sweet novella. Jax does novellas so well. They never feel unfinished or too short. Just a great comfort read.
August 10, 2023
By far one of the most charming novellas I’ve read. Jax really packed every page with content! Naturally I would’ve loved more but I am so satisfied with this story!!
We really got to experience the heat between Jeremy and Dustin get to know each other as friends while trying to initially keep their chemistry at bay. With heat like theirs, they couldn’t tap it down for long! They were compatible in nearly every way!!
Dustin had moved from a big city to escape the temptations and dangers his young teen son was facing. Dustin was coming out of a long term relationship that he felt distracted him from his duties as a father. He was not only not looking for a relationship but he was actively trying to avoid it.
But here’s the thing - Jeremy was one of the best men Dustin had ever met. Jeremy was funny, charming and kind. He was also a single dad. He’s divorced his wife two years prior finally coming to terms with his sexuality. While he may not have been terribly experienced, he knew what he wanted and recognized his worth.
The passion and friendship between these two men felt so evolved! Just because this was a shorter book, we still got so much detail!! We even got the most romantic grand gesture and surprise from their kids!! This was superb!!
We really got to experience the heat between Jeremy and Dustin get to know each other as friends while trying to initially keep their chemistry at bay. With heat like theirs, they couldn’t tap it down for long! They were compatible in nearly every way!!
Dustin had moved from a big city to escape the temptations and dangers his young teen son was facing. Dustin was coming out of a long term relationship that he felt distracted him from his duties as a father. He was not only not looking for a relationship but he was actively trying to avoid it.
But here’s the thing - Jeremy was one of the best men Dustin had ever met. Jeremy was funny, charming and kind. He was also a single dad. He’s divorced his wife two years prior finally coming to terms with his sexuality. While he may not have been terribly experienced, he knew what he wanted and recognized his worth.
The passion and friendship between these two men felt so evolved! Just because this was a shorter book, we still got so much detail!! We even got the most romantic grand gesture and surprise from their kids!! This was superb!!
February 8, 2023
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
Dustin is the new guy in the small town of Mineral Creek, and, as a single gay dad, he doesn't arrive without attention. From his first day in town, the people in the town are already wanting to set him up with Jeremy King, another single gay dad in town. But after Dustin's history, he isn't eager to hop into a new relationship.
Jeremy is the town's golden boy, and everyone wants the best for him after his divorce. Even though he loves them, they constantly toe the line of going too far. So, when the town won't get off his back about dating Dustin, Jeremy proposes they fake date just to get everyone off their backs. However, it might be harder to separate fun from feelings than he thought.
Attractive Forces was easily in my top 3 books of 2022. So when I got an ARC of Keeping it Casual, I was excited to read another novel by Jax Calder. This one certainly did not disappoint. I expected to be left wanting more of Dustin and Jeremy after the book, and while I did, I felt like the novella tells their story so well. It felt complete, and not like other novellas where I feel like something is missing.
Keeping it Casual releases February 9th!
Dustin is the new guy in the small town of Mineral Creek, and, as a single gay dad, he doesn't arrive without attention. From his first day in town, the people in the town are already wanting to set him up with Jeremy King, another single gay dad in town. But after Dustin's history, he isn't eager to hop into a new relationship.
Jeremy is the town's golden boy, and everyone wants the best for him after his divorce. Even though he loves them, they constantly toe the line of going too far. So, when the town won't get off his back about dating Dustin, Jeremy proposes they fake date just to get everyone off their backs. However, it might be harder to separate fun from feelings than he thought.
Attractive Forces was easily in my top 3 books of 2022. So when I got an ARC of Keeping it Casual, I was excited to read another novel by Jax Calder. This one certainly did not disappoint. I expected to be left wanting more of Dustin and Jeremy after the book, and while I did, I felt like the novella tells their story so well. It felt complete, and not like other novellas where I feel like something is missing.
Keeping it Casual releases February 9th!
February 8, 2023
Jax Calder is the best at sweet and sexy novellas. Keeping it Casual was amazing. This story is about two single dads, Dustin and Jeremey, in a small New Zealand town who end up being perfect for one another. Their chemistry and banter were top notch and I ate it up!! I honestly would love a full length book with these two. Couldn’t get enough!!
If you are in the mood for something short, sweet, and full of heat, then I recommend checking this book out!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
If you are in the mood for something short, sweet, and full of heat, then I recommend checking this book out!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
January 20, 2024
This was very low angst and sweet, shorter than I expected but it was enough to tell a complete story and make the romance believable. It's set in a small town in New Zealand. Jeremy and Dustin are both single dads and they were cute together. Their kids help set them up, and the entire town is cheering for them.
March 12, 2023
Jax Calder, take all my money!!
I’m reeaaaaally liking this author. At least the fluffy books so far.
I’m reeaaaaally liking this author. At least the fluffy books so far.
February 8, 2023
Jaka to była urocza, miła , wesoła i gorąca historia. Dzieci były dziećmi , kobiety były fajne , fajne dialogi, małe miasteczko no czego chcieć więcej. Polecam
February 17, 2023
Another Jax Calder book that I loved. Sweet, simple, easy to read, sexy, cute kids. What's not to like.
February 21, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“Is it possible to win a prize that’s not up for grabs?”
Haha, remember when I said I had sworn of all novellas, that I was done with them forever...
I lied...and I'm glad I did, because this was a very sweet lighthearted fluffy romance between two single dads, Dustin and Jeremy, who end up as neighbors in a cozy New Zealand town, where everyone knows everyone. Like literally! It was nice to see that everyone in town was openly rooting for them to end up together. Even if Dustin and Jeremy were instantly attracted to each other, and felt the chemistry between them, Dustin wants to focus more on his son, and decides to just keep it casual. Yeah, that's not going to happen. 😅😅
Throw in two other adorable and unexpected matchmakers to the mix, then you're in for a really adorable fest of romance and just all round familial feels and lovable bonding that certainly served as a nice read during breakfast.
And surprisingly, in this novella, I wasn't put off with how quickly their relationship moved or the lack of complete character growth. We did get enough into their backgrounds that made me see them as real people and I was immediately smitten with both their children. The style of writing was also very light and still full of witty dialogue and flirty quips from our couple.
The raison d'etre for them to somehow see that they cannot be great together, didn't really feel very strong to me, but hey. I'm not a single dad. I'm not Dustin who wants to genuinely be there for his son, and when he wasn't, because he was too wrapped up with Jeremy, then he made the choice to just be friends.
But, love prevails and ortunately, all parties included in this relationship get their happily ever after, including this satisfied reader. ✨✨
“Is it possible to win a prize that’s not up for grabs?”
Haha, remember when I said I had sworn of all novellas, that I was done with them forever...
I lied...and I'm glad I did, because this was a very sweet lighthearted fluffy romance between two single dads, Dustin and Jeremy, who end up as neighbors in a cozy New Zealand town, where everyone knows everyone. Like literally! It was nice to see that everyone in town was openly rooting for them to end up together. Even if Dustin and Jeremy were instantly attracted to each other, and felt the chemistry between them, Dustin wants to focus more on his son, and decides to just keep it casual. Yeah, that's not going to happen. 😅😅
Throw in two other adorable and unexpected matchmakers to the mix, then you're in for a really adorable fest of romance and just all round familial feels and lovable bonding that certainly served as a nice read during breakfast.
And surprisingly, in this novella, I wasn't put off with how quickly their relationship moved or the lack of complete character growth. We did get enough into their backgrounds that made me see them as real people and I was immediately smitten with both their children. The style of writing was also very light and still full of witty dialogue and flirty quips from our couple.
The raison d'etre for them to somehow see that they cannot be great together, didn't really feel very strong to me, but hey. I'm not a single dad. I'm not Dustin who wants to genuinely be there for his son, and when he wasn't, because he was too wrapped up with Jeremy, then he made the choice to just be friends.
But, love prevails and ortunately, all parties included in this relationship get their happily ever after, including this satisfied reader. ✨✨
January 30, 2023
It really takes a lot for me to rate a novella 5 stars if it’s not related to a series I’ve read and loved. I always find there just isn’t enough time to get properly invested in the characters to make a novella amazing for me. Keeping It Casual is absolutely one of the exceptions.
I loved Jeremy and Dustin right from the very start. This book is absolutely hilarious. I lost track of the amount of times I laughed out loud while reading this book. Jeremy’s humour is spot on! The banter between these two ah!!!! Right from the start they had such an amazing flow between them.
As it sometimes happens with romances with HEAs this book was very predictable. I was right with pretty much everything I was thinking would happen but I didn’t even care as it was written so well and this was just a perfect book to relax and unwind with on a Sunday evening!
The residents in this small town were hilarious. As someone who just moved to a small town I absolutely relate to Dustin. I couldn’t believe the amount of people who knew the house we bought and had even been in it before! It was fun to read about all their meddling neighbours! And their kids. I love when kids play a realistic and important role in single father romances. The kids were great and really added to the story. I really hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!
I loved Jeremy and Dustin right from the very start. This book is absolutely hilarious. I lost track of the amount of times I laughed out loud while reading this book. Jeremy’s humour is spot on! The banter between these two ah!!!! Right from the start they had such an amazing flow between them.
As it sometimes happens with romances with HEAs this book was very predictable. I was right with pretty much everything I was thinking would happen but I didn’t even care as it was written so well and this was just a perfect book to relax and unwind with on a Sunday evening!
The residents in this small town were hilarious. As someone who just moved to a small town I absolutely relate to Dustin. I couldn’t believe the amount of people who knew the house we bought and had even been in it before! It was fun to read about all their meddling neighbours! And their kids. I love when kids play a realistic and important role in single father romances. The kids were great and really added to the story. I really hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!
February 9, 2023
This was just what I needed. A sweet,fluffy, single dads book with perfect spice!!
Jeremy is the towns physiotherapist and he’s co-parenting with his ex wife to raise their spunky 10 year old daughter. He’s looking for love and a relationship but in the small town he lives in there’s not much chance of that! Until the new guy moves in round the corner!!
Dustin and his 14 year old son move to a new town to start fresh from his break up and his son starting to hang with the wrong crowd. Unfortunately when you live in a small town and your gay they tend to want to pair you up with another gay man!! He just happened to be a sexy hunk of a man, who I go on a fake date with, but how do I tell him I just want to keep it casual?
This was a great light, low angst, single dad with all the spice novella! It had all the feels and it sucked me in with a great story that had a cute little twist at the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book content-
🤍Fake dating
🤍Single dads
🤍Small town
🤍Undeniable chemistry
🤍Low angst
Jeremy is the towns physiotherapist and he’s co-parenting with his ex wife to raise their spunky 10 year old daughter. He’s looking for love and a relationship but in the small town he lives in there’s not much chance of that! Until the new guy moves in round the corner!!
Dustin and his 14 year old son move to a new town to start fresh from his break up and his son starting to hang with the wrong crowd. Unfortunately when you live in a small town and your gay they tend to want to pair you up with another gay man!! He just happened to be a sexy hunk of a man, who I go on a fake date with, but how do I tell him I just want to keep it casual?
This was a great light, low angst, single dad with all the spice novella! It had all the feels and it sucked me in with a great story that had a cute little twist at the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book content-
🤍Fake dating
🤍Single dads
🤍Small town
🤍Undeniable chemistry
🤍Low angst
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