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The Vers Podcast #2
The Romantic
Parker
When it comes to The Vers, the queer podcast I host with my best friends, I’m The Romantic. The one who’s looking for love in all the wrong places. If there’s a jerk close by, I’ll find him. I’m beginning to think my Mr. Right doesn’t exist.
It’s definitely not Elliott Delgado Weaver, the shameless flirt who keeps asking me out. We’re not supposed to run into each other in Vegas or get drunk together. We definitely aren’t supposed to wake up married…only, we do.
Before we can figure out what to do, Elliott’s family finds out. He doesn’t want to let them down by telling them it was a drunken mistake. My parents had the perfect marriage until my mom passed, and since I’d hate for my father to discover what I did, Elliott and I decide to pretend we’re in love and stay married for six months. Better to amicably divorce later than own up to our screw up, right?
All I’ve ever wanted is my happily ever after, and now I live with a serial hookup artist who never planned on settling down.
But then, why is Elliott so good to me? He takes me on dates, makes me laugh, and touches me like I’m someone to cherish. He’s shown me I’m a sucker for praise, and lucky for me, he loves giving it to me. Our marriage is playing tricks on my heart because suddenly I’m wishing my happy ending can be with the husband who doesn’t think love is for him.
The Romantic is a wake up married, opposites attract romance with tons of praise, an unforgettable massage, found family, and sweet moments on the pier.
When it comes to The Vers, the queer podcast I host with my best friends, I’m The Romantic. The one who’s looking for love in all the wrong places. If there’s a jerk close by, I’ll find him. I’m beginning to think my Mr. Right doesn’t exist.
It’s definitely not Elliott Delgado Weaver, the shameless flirt who keeps asking me out. We’re not supposed to run into each other in Vegas or get drunk together. We definitely aren’t supposed to wake up married…only, we do.
Before we can figure out what to do, Elliott’s family finds out. He doesn’t want to let them down by telling them it was a drunken mistake. My parents had the perfect marriage until my mom passed, and since I’d hate for my father to discover what I did, Elliott and I decide to pretend we’re in love and stay married for six months. Better to amicably divorce later than own up to our screw up, right?
All I’ve ever wanted is my happily ever after, and now I live with a serial hookup artist who never planned on settling down.
But then, why is Elliott so good to me? He takes me on dates, makes me laugh, and touches me like I’m someone to cherish. He’s shown me I’m a sucker for praise, and lucky for me, he loves giving it to me. Our marriage is playing tricks on my heart because suddenly I’m wishing my happy ending can be with the husband who doesn’t think love is for him.
The Romantic is a wake up married, opposites attract romance with tons of praise, an unforgettable massage, found family, and sweet moments on the pier.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2023
443 people are currently reading
1166 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
116 books7,107 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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September 1, 2023
The Romantic is book two in The Vers Podcast series by Riley Hart. Let me start by saying that I adored book one in the series, The Loner. I have been so excited about Parker’s book and I do love the accidental marriage trope. But, this book didn’t work out as well as I hoped it would and I didn’t enjoy it like I hoped I would.
Parker Hansley is thirty three years old and owns a bakery, Beach Buns, in Santa Monica. He and his three best friends also have a queer podcast that is wildly popular, The Vers. He’s been friends with the three other men since they were kids and they are as close as any family could be. Parker is known as The Romantic in the group. He believes in love, witnessed it with his parents before his mom passed away. But he is unlucky with love. He somehow attracts the worst of the worst and his dates are wildly horrible. They discuss his bad luck often on the podcast.
Elliott Delgado Weaver is thirty four years old and is a city planner in Los Angeles. Elliott is not the least bit interested in finding love. His parents love each other deeply. His dad is a congressman. It’s just not something that interests him. So he’s just in it for all the great sex!
Parker and Elliott met a year ago by accident but Parker realized quickly that Elliott was a player. Even though for a full year, Elliott has flirted shamelessly with him and repeatedly asked him out, he always refuses. When these two accidentally realize they are both in Las Vegas at the same time, they have a wild, drunken night of fun and laughter and wake up with wedding rings and a marriage certificate! But with a politician dad, word gets out fast and they decide to stay married for six months so they don’t hurt their families. Of course, the more time these two spend together, the more the feelings start to develop.
“I’ve been trying to get you to date me for a year. You’re my husband. Can’t I get you to give it a try now?”
So, as fun as this sounded, it just didn’t work. Elliott realizes quickly that Parker has a praise kink. This is a new one for me. But it got old very quickly. And for me, it made the sexy times just weird. I wasn’t able to feel their connection at all. I actually started skimming the sex scenes. I did enjoy spending time with the group and I always enjoy their “Beach Bum hugs!” I liked seeing how well Declan and Sebastian are doing. The next book in the series will be The Realist. Whether or not I will read it is still unknown.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Parker Hansley is thirty three years old and owns a bakery, Beach Buns, in Santa Monica. He and his three best friends also have a queer podcast that is wildly popular, The Vers. He’s been friends with the three other men since they were kids and they are as close as any family could be. Parker is known as The Romantic in the group. He believes in love, witnessed it with his parents before his mom passed away. But he is unlucky with love. He somehow attracts the worst of the worst and his dates are wildly horrible. They discuss his bad luck often on the podcast.
Elliott Delgado Weaver is thirty four years old and is a city planner in Los Angeles. Elliott is not the least bit interested in finding love. His parents love each other deeply. His dad is a congressman. It’s just not something that interests him. So he’s just in it for all the great sex!
Parker and Elliott met a year ago by accident but Parker realized quickly that Elliott was a player. Even though for a full year, Elliott has flirted shamelessly with him and repeatedly asked him out, he always refuses. When these two accidentally realize they are both in Las Vegas at the same time, they have a wild, drunken night of fun and laughter and wake up with wedding rings and a marriage certificate! But with a politician dad, word gets out fast and they decide to stay married for six months so they don’t hurt their families. Of course, the more time these two spend together, the more the feelings start to develop.
“I’ve been trying to get you to date me for a year. You’re my husband. Can’t I get you to give it a try now?”
So, as fun as this sounded, it just didn’t work. Elliott realizes quickly that Parker has a praise kink. This is a new one for me. But it got old very quickly. And for me, it made the sexy times just weird. I wasn’t able to feel their connection at all. I actually started skimming the sex scenes. I did enjoy spending time with the group and I always enjoy their “Beach Bum hugs!” I liked seeing how well Declan and Sebastian are doing. The next book in the series will be The Realist. Whether or not I will read it is still unknown.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 22, 2023
***3.75 rating***
" The Romantic, who had bad luck with men before, finds his own happily ever after, after accidentally getting married. That's like a romance novel. The story practically writes itself"
Summary:
The Romantic is the second installment of the Vers Podcast series; it follows one of our cutest Beach Bums, Parker Hansley, the Romantic. Parker is a hopeless romantic; we were introduced to him in Declan's book The Loner. Parker's story picks up where we left off in the first book, where our brooding loner, Declan, found his happily ever after with Sebastian. Parker is envious of what Declan and Bastian have and wishes more than ever for his own happily ever after and Mr. Right. For Parker, it has been hard to find the right man to settle down with. He hasn't had the best luck with men. Either they want sex, cheat on him, or are not what our sweet Parker is looking for. Parker loves the idea of love and the fairytale that such romance presents. When presented with an unexpected encounter with Elliot Delgado Weaver, a shameless flirt, Parker thinks nothing of him, at least romantically. Sure, he is handsome and knows all the right things to say, but he is precisely what Parker tries to stay away from. After all, Parker wants it all, the man, the marriage, and the family. Elliot wants the opposite, even though his parents are happily married. Regardless of what either man wants, fate has a different plan for them. Could it be kismet? Not likely, at least from their perspective. However, a trip to Vegas changes all that. A drunken encounter and a good time leave logic and rationality out the door. What could possibly go wrong? A marriage neither planned for occurs out of a drunken affair, and our boys are forced to deal with the consequences of their actions. In this story, what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas. Elliot and Parker, therefore, navigate an interesting, colorful marriage. Maybe they are meant to be together after all?😉
Tropes: Wake-up married, Opposites attract, found a family
Thoughts on the Romantic:
The Romantic was a cute, fluffy romance👬💕. It felt like a gay hallmark film. Sweet but with low angst. I didn't expect anything less, tbh. It was fun to read about Parker and Elliot's journey and how they navigated their marriage, even if it resulted from a fateful drunken night in Vegas. What I liked about this book mainly was Parker's hesitation and fear of real commitment. He goes on about how he wants to find the One and Mr. Right, but when presented with the opportunity of marriage with Elliot, he is scared shitless. His fears and vulnerabilities were very relatable, and our Mr. Realist, Marcus, told it best when it came to Parker messing up a real thing with Elliot:
'You've spent your life going after the worst possible guys for you, ones you knew would fuck up. You might not have felt this way before, but you have sabotaged relationships with decent men in the past, and something inside you is doing the same here. Because as much as you want love and romance, you're scared of having it. I think you're scared you'll lose it like your dad did, and it's easier to tell yourself you can't find the right man or that you have had bad luck than it is to really put your heart out there and risk it getting broken. You'd rather be alone than know what it feels like to have someone and then lose them. You deserve more, sweetheart."
When faced with the truth, Parker must confront his fears and see whether the love he wants is the one he can handle. I won't go into so much detail, but his worries when it comes to love and romance will be explained in the book. His relationship with his sweet father is a factor, but that is as much as I will say.
Further, what I also enjoyed about this book was Elliot's acceptance of his feelings for Parker. Mr. I can't commit is in for it with Parker, and the podcast crew is there to witness it all. Elliot is a delight and is not all he is portrayed to be. There is more to him than meets the eye.
Now, if it was so great, why is it not a 4-star read?
Well, the sex scenes were, at times, cheesy af, lol. There is some praise kink and dirty talk, but it was not my cup of tea. The plot also, at times, felt predictable, hence why the 3.75 rating. I know not everyone liked the Loner, but I enjoyed Declan's story more. Don't get me wrong, it was cute to witness Elliot and Parker falling in love, but I prefer our broody loner more. This whole series is very low angst, and I like it for that reason. It works; the friendships and dynamic between the podcasters and their lovers are delightful. I wished Corbin's (the Charmer) story was next, but I know Marcus, the group's dad, is next on the list. Overall, The Vers has been enjoyable so far, and if you are a hopeless romantic like our sweet Parker, this will be your cup of tea.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
" The Romantic, who had bad luck with men before, finds his own happily ever after, after accidentally getting married. That's like a romance novel. The story practically writes itself"
Summary:
The Romantic is the second installment of the Vers Podcast series; it follows one of our cutest Beach Bums, Parker Hansley, the Romantic. Parker is a hopeless romantic; we were introduced to him in Declan's book The Loner. Parker's story picks up where we left off in the first book, where our brooding loner, Declan, found his happily ever after with Sebastian. Parker is envious of what Declan and Bastian have and wishes more than ever for his own happily ever after and Mr. Right. For Parker, it has been hard to find the right man to settle down with. He hasn't had the best luck with men. Either they want sex, cheat on him, or are not what our sweet Parker is looking for. Parker loves the idea of love and the fairytale that such romance presents. When presented with an unexpected encounter with Elliot Delgado Weaver, a shameless flirt, Parker thinks nothing of him, at least romantically. Sure, he is handsome and knows all the right things to say, but he is precisely what Parker tries to stay away from. After all, Parker wants it all, the man, the marriage, and the family. Elliot wants the opposite, even though his parents are happily married. Regardless of what either man wants, fate has a different plan for them. Could it be kismet? Not likely, at least from their perspective. However, a trip to Vegas changes all that. A drunken encounter and a good time leave logic and rationality out the door. What could possibly go wrong? A marriage neither planned for occurs out of a drunken affair, and our boys are forced to deal with the consequences of their actions. In this story, what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas. Elliot and Parker, therefore, navigate an interesting, colorful marriage. Maybe they are meant to be together after all?😉
Tropes: Wake-up married, Opposites attract, found a family
Thoughts on the Romantic:
The Romantic was a cute, fluffy romance👬💕. It felt like a gay hallmark film. Sweet but with low angst. I didn't expect anything less, tbh. It was fun to read about Parker and Elliot's journey and how they navigated their marriage, even if it resulted from a fateful drunken night in Vegas. What I liked about this book mainly was Parker's hesitation and fear of real commitment. He goes on about how he wants to find the One and Mr. Right, but when presented with the opportunity of marriage with Elliot, he is scared shitless. His fears and vulnerabilities were very relatable, and our Mr. Realist, Marcus, told it best when it came to Parker messing up a real thing with Elliot:
'You've spent your life going after the worst possible guys for you, ones you knew would fuck up. You might not have felt this way before, but you have sabotaged relationships with decent men in the past, and something inside you is doing the same here. Because as much as you want love and romance, you're scared of having it. I think you're scared you'll lose it like your dad did, and it's easier to tell yourself you can't find the right man or that you have had bad luck than it is to really put your heart out there and risk it getting broken. You'd rather be alone than know what it feels like to have someone and then lose them. You deserve more, sweetheart."
When faced with the truth, Parker must confront his fears and see whether the love he wants is the one he can handle. I won't go into so much detail, but his worries when it comes to love and romance will be explained in the book. His relationship with his sweet father is a factor, but that is as much as I will say.
Further, what I also enjoyed about this book was Elliot's acceptance of his feelings for Parker. Mr. I can't commit is in for it with Parker, and the podcast crew is there to witness it all. Elliot is a delight and is not all he is portrayed to be. There is more to him than meets the eye.
Now, if it was so great, why is it not a 4-star read?
Well, the sex scenes were, at times, cheesy af, lol. There is some praise kink and dirty talk, but it was not my cup of tea. The plot also, at times, felt predictable, hence why the 3.75 rating. I know not everyone liked the Loner, but I enjoyed Declan's story more. Don't get me wrong, it was cute to witness Elliot and Parker falling in love, but I prefer our broody loner more. This whole series is very low angst, and I like it for that reason. It works; the friendships and dynamic between the podcasters and their lovers are delightful. I wished Corbin's (the Charmer) story was next, but I know Marcus, the group's dad, is next on the list. Overall, The Vers has been enjoyable so far, and if you are a hopeless romantic like our sweet Parker, this will be your cup of tea.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 23, 2023
A really good enjoyable book. Kept me smiling the whole time. I love waking up in Vegas married and fake marriage and this one was so good. Their relationship was so sweet and of course I love all the podcast friends. Looking forward to book three.
I do have this pet peeve - but I hate when characters in romance novels say “I feel like a character in a romance novel” or “I can’t believe this is happening, this is something that only happens in romance novels” 🙄🙄
I just have a hard time giving this author five stars because i swear she wrote one sex scene years ago and copies and pastes it into every book with minor changes. I make a point to wait a month or so between reading her books and it still sticks out to me how similar they feel.
I do have this pet peeve - but I hate when characters in romance novels say “I feel like a character in a romance novel” or “I can’t believe this is happening, this is something that only happens in romance novels” 🙄🙄
I just have a hard time giving this author five stars because i swear she wrote one sex scene years ago and copies and pastes it into every book with minor changes. I make a point to wait a month or so between reading her books and it still sticks out to me how similar they feel.
January 16, 2024
4 Stars
The Romantic is the second book in The Vers Podcast series and sees the return of the loveable quartet of queer friends, Parker, Declan, Marcus, and Corbin, who are all doing their best to live their most happy and authentic lives, while unconditionally being there for one another as best-friends and found family.
This story focuses on Parker, a baker and the unequivocal romantic of the group, who finds his true love in a very non-Parker sort of way, after he drunkenly marries his frenemy, Elliott, when they serendipitously find themselves together in Las Vegas.
Not wanting to disappoint Parker’s father or Elliott’s politically inclined parents, the two men decide to fake their way through a pretend marriage (that’s not actually pretend), until they can amicably find a way to end the ruse with the least amount of fallout as possible.
The problem, naturally, is that Parker and Elliott are actually the perfect match, and it’s only with forced proximity and the development of a deeper connection, forced upon them by the fake-relationship circumstances, that these two realise they have a hell of a lot more between them than attraction and a mishap marriage.
It wasn’t anything ground-breaking when it came to fake-relationships or marriage of convenience type stories, but I still very much liked the way this one played out. The attraction between Parker and Elliott was sizzling from their few snarky interactions in book one, but it was the slow-burn nature of their developing feelings that snuck up on me and made me fall in love with the pair.
Much like with book one, The Loner, my favourite element of the story were the friendships between the core-four—the Beach Bums, as they referred to themselves—Parker, Declan, Marcus, and Corbin. These friendships run DEEP and the bond they share is easily felt with every interaction, whether fun and witty, or emotionally charged and full of support and love. I buy hook, line, and sinker that these guys are each other’s lifelines and greatest champions in life, particularly adoring the way they are there in a hot minute with the advice and unconditional love when times get extra tough.
Like with love-interest Sebastian in book one, Elliott was a very lucky guy to win the heart of one of these amazing men, and extra lucky to have his new love with Parker come with the added bonus of three new friends for life. I love the way the group is growing so far, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow when Marcus (and later Corbin) finds the love of their lives, too.
******************************
The Vers Podcast Series
Book 1 - The Loner (4 Stars)
Book 2 - The Romantic (4 Stars)
Book 3 - The Realist (4 Stars)
Book 4 - The Charmer (4.5 Stars)
The Romantic is the second book in The Vers Podcast series and sees the return of the loveable quartet of queer friends, Parker, Declan, Marcus, and Corbin, who are all doing their best to live their most happy and authentic lives, while unconditionally being there for one another as best-friends and found family.
This story focuses on Parker, a baker and the unequivocal romantic of the group, who finds his true love in a very non-Parker sort of way, after he drunkenly marries his frenemy, Elliott, when they serendipitously find themselves together in Las Vegas.
Not wanting to disappoint Parker’s father or Elliott’s politically inclined parents, the two men decide to fake their way through a pretend marriage (that’s not actually pretend), until they can amicably find a way to end the ruse with the least amount of fallout as possible.
The problem, naturally, is that Parker and Elliott are actually the perfect match, and it’s only with forced proximity and the development of a deeper connection, forced upon them by the fake-relationship circumstances, that these two realise they have a hell of a lot more between them than attraction and a mishap marriage.
It wasn’t anything ground-breaking when it came to fake-relationships or marriage of convenience type stories, but I still very much liked the way this one played out. The attraction between Parker and Elliott was sizzling from their few snarky interactions in book one, but it was the slow-burn nature of their developing feelings that snuck up on me and made me fall in love with the pair.
Much like with book one, The Loner, my favourite element of the story were the friendships between the core-four—the Beach Bums, as they referred to themselves—Parker, Declan, Marcus, and Corbin. These friendships run DEEP and the bond they share is easily felt with every interaction, whether fun and witty, or emotionally charged and full of support and love. I buy hook, line, and sinker that these guys are each other’s lifelines and greatest champions in life, particularly adoring the way they are there in a hot minute with the advice and unconditional love when times get extra tough.
Like with love-interest Sebastian in book one, Elliott was a very lucky guy to win the heart of one of these amazing men, and extra lucky to have his new love with Parker come with the added bonus of three new friends for life. I love the way the group is growing so far, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow when Marcus (and later Corbin) finds the love of their lives, too.
******************************
The Vers Podcast Series
Book 1 - The Loner (4 Stars)
Book 2 - The Romantic (4 Stars)
Book 3 - The Realist (4 Stars)
Book 4 - The Charmer (4.5 Stars)
March 7, 2023
This was one of those books for me that makes me go “okay I’ll finish this chapter and then I will go to sleep” just to turn around and say “another chapter wouldn’t hurt” and “why do I even need sleep anyway?” I am so obsessed with this series.
This one is about the romantic of The Vers (a podcast hosted by four best friends) and the man he hates (who he really doesn’t). We got a little glimpse of Parker and Elliot in the last book and saw them banter with each other, so that was enough for me to know it was going to be good. I had no idea how they would get together, but I can promise that the way it happened never would’ve crossed my mind.
Parker is in Las Vegas for a few days and Elliot also happened to be there. It should’ve clicked in my head as soon as I read Vegas. Drunk marriage. Elliot and Parker woke up with the 3 signs. No memory of the night before, a pounding headache, and the ugliest rings known to man. Before Parker and Elliot could even think of plans to make this go away, people catch wind of it. Elliot comes from a pretty prominent family, so it made headlines fast. They decided that they would keep up the lie. Elliot didn’t want to disappoint his family, and Parker didn’t want his father to be upset either. The plan was to stay married for 6 months and then amicably divorce. Simple right?
I loved Parker and Elliot so much. I enjoyed watching them learn to live together and falling for each other. I also very much enjoyed watching them discover the kinks they had. Parker was a sucker for praise and Elliot loved giving it. Yum.
I also enjoyed every single character in this book. Well every character that mattered. That’s rare in books. Usually there is someone evil lurking, but these characters were great. Elliot’s parents are great and so it Parker’s dad. I am also in love with all the characters in The Vers, and I can’t wait to read their books. Marcus’s book is next and hello daddy. I’m also super excited for Corbin’s as well. Maybe I can talk the author into releasing the rest of the books tomorrow.
As I said before, I am so in love with this series, and I want everyone else to give it a read and tell me you agree. Please and thanks bye.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review
This one is about the romantic of The Vers (a podcast hosted by four best friends) and the man he hates (who he really doesn’t). We got a little glimpse of Parker and Elliot in the last book and saw them banter with each other, so that was enough for me to know it was going to be good. I had no idea how they would get together, but I can promise that the way it happened never would’ve crossed my mind.
Parker is in Las Vegas for a few days and Elliot also happened to be there. It should’ve clicked in my head as soon as I read Vegas. Drunk marriage. Elliot and Parker woke up with the 3 signs. No memory of the night before, a pounding headache, and the ugliest rings known to man. Before Parker and Elliot could even think of plans to make this go away, people catch wind of it. Elliot comes from a pretty prominent family, so it made headlines fast. They decided that they would keep up the lie. Elliot didn’t want to disappoint his family, and Parker didn’t want his father to be upset either. The plan was to stay married for 6 months and then amicably divorce. Simple right?
I loved Parker and Elliot so much. I enjoyed watching them learn to live together and falling for each other. I also very much enjoyed watching them discover the kinks they had. Parker was a sucker for praise and Elliot loved giving it. Yum.
I also enjoyed every single character in this book. Well every character that mattered. That’s rare in books. Usually there is someone evil lurking, but these characters were great. Elliot’s parents are great and so it Parker’s dad. I am also in love with all the characters in The Vers, and I can’t wait to read their books. Marcus’s book is next and hello daddy. I’m also super excited for Corbin’s as well. Maybe I can talk the author into releasing the rest of the books tomorrow.
As I said before, I am so in love with this series, and I want everyone else to give it a read and tell me you agree. Please and thanks bye.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review
March 26, 2023
This series is not it for me. I managed to finish this one unlike the previous one but once again both MC were not fleshed out enough and the whole thing felt shallow. What I LOVE in Riley Hart books is the great communication between the MCs, they may be unsure, discovering things about themselves but they always communicate, even in her more angsty reads. But not here and that's SO disappointing.
We see Parker and Elliot's first meeting and flirting. Then we skip to one year later and are told that Elliot has been flirting with Parker and asking him out during all that time but Parker has been turning him down because right after their first meeting he saw Elliot kissing someone else, but that is not aired out until the end of the book and for a whole year Parker has been turning him down yes but also leading him on. Now we don't see their interactions here but we saw them in the previous book. After one year of this (chapter 2 in this book), they meet by chance in Las Vegas and get drunk and married. They decided to play the part for 6 months (why 6 months? who knows) but fall in love. This would have been fine if I felt them falling in love. We are told they are and yes Elliot is downright perfect throughout the whole book and really wooing Parker. But what is Parker bringing to the relationship? I'm not sure. He is not mean but he lacked a personality IMHO and didn't do enough to deserve Elliot's devotion. I mean Parker is a baker and we never see him bake, he has the podcast, he reads romance and that's about it.
Now onto the praise kink because that was part of why I didn't feel it. Parker has a praise kink, I thought it meant he wanted to be complimented in bed (those sex scenes didn't fully work for me but you may enjoy them) but no he wants to be complimented ALL the time: "how beautiful, perfect, sexy he is" is hammered home all the time. It got to be a bit much and Parker ended up seeming very needy and self centered because he didn't really compliment Elliot. He did stuff for him but it still felt unbalanced and really OTT the amount of praise he needed. That's why when we are told that Parker is very generous, he helps everyone around him, he is the heart of everything and the glue of the group of friends who have the podcast I didn't buy it.
Final nail in the coffin: the third act. I mean I expected it because of the lack of communications throughout (both MCs were thinking in circle "this is fake but why do I feel so much" "he doesn't love me"...) but it still grated me the wrong way. I'll probably still continue with the series since I liked this one more than book 1 so there is hope for the next.
We see Parker and Elliot's first meeting and flirting. Then we skip to one year later and are told that Elliot has been flirting with Parker and asking him out during all that time but Parker has been turning him down because right after their first meeting he saw Elliot kissing someone else, but that is not aired out until the end of the book and for a whole year Parker has been turning him down yes but also leading him on. Now we don't see their interactions here but we saw them in the previous book. After one year of this (chapter 2 in this book), they meet by chance in Las Vegas and get drunk and married. They decided to play the part for 6 months (why 6 months? who knows) but fall in love. This would have been fine if I felt them falling in love. We are told they are and yes Elliot is downright perfect throughout the whole book and really wooing Parker. But what is Parker bringing to the relationship? I'm not sure. He is not mean but he lacked a personality IMHO and didn't do enough to deserve Elliot's devotion. I mean Parker is a baker and we never see him bake, he has the podcast, he reads romance and that's about it.
Now onto the praise kink because that was part of why I didn't feel it. Parker has a praise kink, I thought it meant he wanted to be complimented in bed (those sex scenes didn't fully work for me but you may enjoy them) but no he wants to be complimented ALL the time: "how beautiful, perfect, sexy he is" is hammered home all the time. It got to be a bit much and Parker ended up seeming very needy and self centered because he didn't really compliment Elliot. He did stuff for him but it still felt unbalanced and really OTT the amount of praise he needed. That's why when we are told that Parker is very generous, he helps everyone around him, he is the heart of everything and the glue of the group of friends who have the podcast I didn't buy it.
Final nail in the coffin: the third act. I mean I expected it because of the lack of communications throughout (both MCs were thinking in circle "this is fake but why do I feel so much" "he doesn't love me"...) but it still grated me the wrong way. I'll probably still continue with the series since I liked this one more than book 1 so there is hope for the next.
Read
March 23, 2023DNF @ 18% - I felt a strange responsibility and commitment to this series because I really enjoyed the first book and liked The Vers Podcast group. I don’t enjoy fake marriage tropes but was willing to overlook it for Parker and Elliott. I’m really not liking Parker at all now though, I like him less with each page, it’s dragging for me and I just don’t care.
dnf
August 17, 2023DNF @ 34%. Really enjoyed the first installment but I can’t get myself to read another page of this.
March 22, 2023
Parker and Elliott were really cute together and this was so wholesome. Fairly low angst but I did cry a bit near the end!
It was as sweet as I expected 'the romantic' to be but I think I would have liked a bit more emotional upheaval. Still prefer Declan and Sebastian to Parker and Elliott, but I really feel like Corbin will be my favourite when we eventually get his book - I love stories with emotionally damaged characters!
It was as sweet as I expected 'the romantic' to be but I think I would have liked a bit more emotional upheaval. Still prefer Declan and Sebastian to Parker and Elliott, but I really feel like Corbin will be my favourite when we eventually get his book - I love stories with emotionally damaged characters!
March 24, 2023
i find this a bit boring. cute but a bit boring.
(also i’m not in the mood to write reviews 🫠)
(also i’m not in the mood to write reviews 🫠)
March 22, 2023
Not surprisingly, this book is very swoony and super romantic.
Perhaps more of a surprise is that it's Elliott doing most of the romancing and not our Parker, he of the Verse Podcast nickname The Romantic.
The opening chapters give us their first initial meet-cute when Elliott jumps in to act as Parker's fake boyfriend when he gets stood up once again, only this time in front of an ex who's trying to get back in his pants but doesn't want more.
Elliott asks Parker out for ice cream at the end of their quick 'fake date' but he turns him down, mistaking his friend Vaughan for an earlier hook-up and Elliott leaves.
Regretting his decision, Parker's return to the bar sees him spotting Elliott getting hot and heavy with someone else in the car park 30 minutes later and he's then determined that Elliott is just interested in hook-ups and nothing more without actually talking to him again.
We know from book one that they've been bouncing around each other ever since, Elliott asking Parker out, him turning him down and occasionally being a bit of a judgy arse over it.
Of course, it all becomes clear as the narrative unfolds that there is a genuine connection beyond just physical attraction between them.
What I liked about this book was the dawning awareness that Elliott is aromantic, he's never felt any desire to fall in love, or even explore further a deep relationship, before Parker.
As for Parker, he gets a few home truths and a hard, but fair, wake-up call about his self-sabotaging behaviour when it comes to dating and relationships.
There're some truly sweet and very swoony moments in this book as Elliott realises he likes to make Parker happy and Parker discovers he's got a bit of a praise kink.
And here is where my main niggle with the storytelling comes from. I found the sex dialogue, and some kink parts of the book, a bit too stilted, rather than smouldering, unfortunately.
Not always, but there were a few instances where it felt a bit obvious, turning it cheesy and clumsy, rather than passionate and part of the natural extension of their intimacy.
It's a minor point though and obviously will be something where YMMV given your own personal kink preferences.
Overall it's a lovely, relatively low-angst romance with the wonderful found family of secondary characters adding a few more to their ranks.
I'm looking forward to reading Marcus' book next which I believe is going to be with the lovely twinky barman Kai.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Valentine PR in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Perhaps more of a surprise is that it's Elliott doing most of the romancing and not our Parker, he of the Verse Podcast nickname The Romantic.
The opening chapters give us their first initial meet-cute when Elliott jumps in to act as Parker's fake boyfriend when he gets stood up once again, only this time in front of an ex who's trying to get back in his pants but doesn't want more.
Elliott asks Parker out for ice cream at the end of their quick 'fake date' but he turns him down, mistaking his friend Vaughan for an earlier hook-up and Elliott leaves.
Regretting his decision, Parker's return to the bar sees him spotting Elliott getting hot and heavy with someone else in the car park 30 minutes later and he's then determined that Elliott is just interested in hook-ups and nothing more without actually talking to him again.
We know from book one that they've been bouncing around each other ever since, Elliott asking Parker out, him turning him down and occasionally being a bit of a judgy arse over it.
Of course, it all becomes clear as the narrative unfolds that there is a genuine connection beyond just physical attraction between them.
What I liked about this book was the dawning awareness that Elliott is aromantic, he's never felt any desire to fall in love, or even explore further a deep relationship, before Parker.
As for Parker, he gets a few home truths and a hard, but fair, wake-up call about his self-sabotaging behaviour when it comes to dating and relationships.
There're some truly sweet and very swoony moments in this book as Elliott realises he likes to make Parker happy and Parker discovers he's got a bit of a praise kink.
And here is where my main niggle with the storytelling comes from. I found the sex dialogue, and some kink parts of the book, a bit too stilted, rather than smouldering, unfortunately.
Not always, but there were a few instances where it felt a bit obvious, turning it cheesy and clumsy, rather than passionate and part of the natural extension of their intimacy.
It's a minor point though and obviously will be something where YMMV given your own personal kink preferences.
Overall it's a lovely, relatively low-angst romance with the wonderful found family of secondary characters adding a few more to their ranks.
I'm looking forward to reading Marcus' book next which I believe is going to be with the lovely twinky barman Kai.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Valentine PR in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 23, 2023
Cute Fluff with low angst
I’m kind of mad I didn’t wait for the audiobook because I bet I would’ve liked to even more
He is so beautiful on the cover
I’m kind of mad I didn’t wait for the audiobook because I bet I would’ve liked to even more
He is so beautiful on the cover
June 6, 2023
- drunk wedding/wake up married
- opposites attract
- found family
- praise kink
- forced proximity
After Elliot saves Parker from his annoying ex boyfriend in a bar, he ends up stalking and pestering the cute baker as often as possible because he can't stop thinking about him. & for the next year makes it his mission to flirt and ask him out any time he sees Parker, but he always gets turned down.
When Elliot and Parker run into each other in Vegas, they end up hanging out for the first time and getting so drunk they wake up married. To save their family some heartache, they decide to fake being in love for the next six month and then quietly divorce, except neither Parker or Elliott expect to really fall in love with each other.
I've loved Parker since he appeared on page in Declan's book, and seeing this sweet, hopeless romantic get his own happily ever after ending was the best. Despite Elliott never being one for dating and being a shameless flirt, seeing how much he adored Parker was everything!
- opposites attract
- found family
- praise kink
- forced proximity
After Elliot saves Parker from his annoying ex boyfriend in a bar, he ends up stalking and pestering the cute baker as often as possible because he can't stop thinking about him. & for the next year makes it his mission to flirt and ask him out any time he sees Parker, but he always gets turned down.
When Elliot and Parker run into each other in Vegas, they end up hanging out for the first time and getting so drunk they wake up married. To save their family some heartache, they decide to fake being in love for the next six month and then quietly divorce, except neither Parker or Elliott expect to really fall in love with each other.
I've loved Parker since he appeared on page in Declan's book, and seeing this sweet, hopeless romantic get his own happily ever after ending was the best. Despite Elliott never being one for dating and being a shameless flirt, seeing how much he adored Parker was everything!
March 12, 2023
* 4.5 stars *
The Romantic is the story of the second member of The Vers Podcast who gets his HEA.
Parker has always had bad luck with guys and relationships. He's looking for romance and a husband but after yet another disastrous date he decided to take a break from searching for his other half.
Elliott has never been a relationship guy, he doesn't believe that romance is for him and he isn't looking for love. But Parker has intrigued him from the start and he's been flirting with him for over a year without a result.
When they meet in Las Vegas by chance, they spend a fun night together getting drunk and going all over the city. Waking up married the next day wasn't the plan but it's what happened and they decided to stay married for six months so as not to disappoint their parents, since the news had already gotten out.
So they pretended that their marriage wasn't a drunken mistake but something they both wanted and somewhere in the first weeks of that they decided to start dating for real for the duration of their agreement.
Having fun together was never the issue, what was holding Parker back from accepting a date from Elliott was that they wanted different things. But he though that if he knew that they had an end date he wouldn't end up falling for him. That didn't exactly go according to plan as you can guess.
I always like the relationship buildup in Riley Hart's stories, especially if it's a casual to serious trope where feelings sneak up on the MCs. This book was no exception.
Next up is Marcus's story but I don't know who he's getting paired up with. Maybe Kai?
Anyway, this second book was a great addition to the series and it can even be read as a standalone. I look forward to the other two guys getting their HEAs as well.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
The Romantic is the story of the second member of The Vers Podcast who gets his HEA.
Parker has always had bad luck with guys and relationships. He's looking for romance and a husband but after yet another disastrous date he decided to take a break from searching for his other half.
Elliott has never been a relationship guy, he doesn't believe that romance is for him and he isn't looking for love. But Parker has intrigued him from the start and he's been flirting with him for over a year without a result.
When they meet in Las Vegas by chance, they spend a fun night together getting drunk and going all over the city. Waking up married the next day wasn't the plan but it's what happened and they decided to stay married for six months so as not to disappoint their parents, since the news had already gotten out.
So they pretended that their marriage wasn't a drunken mistake but something they both wanted and somewhere in the first weeks of that they decided to start dating for real for the duration of their agreement.
Having fun together was never the issue, what was holding Parker back from accepting a date from Elliott was that they wanted different things. But he though that if he knew that they had an end date he wouldn't end up falling for him. That didn't exactly go according to plan as you can guess.
I always like the relationship buildup in Riley Hart's stories, especially if it's a casual to serious trope where feelings sneak up on the MCs. This book was no exception.
Next up is Marcus's story but I don't know who he's getting paired up with. Maybe Kai?
Anyway, this second book was a great addition to the series and it can even be read as a standalone. I look forward to the other two guys getting their HEAs as well.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
April 23, 2023
3.5 okay stars! 💕 I think it was a fine, low angst, fluff story about 2 MCs; who are barely acquaintances getting married in Vegas while drunk. Then begins their fake relationship for the next 6 months where they have to pretend in front of family and a few friends that their marriage is real. But fake feelings soon start to feel real as reality sets in and both feel the imminent danger of falling in love thinking that it will be unrequited.. 🙈
All in all it was a nice story, Elliot seemed surreal tbh and I Parker was all over the place.. somehow despite the steamy passion between the two, I didn’t find the chemistry believable. 🤷♀️ It wasn’t the best from RH; but I’m invested in the series and will continue on. Recommended for fans of RH and the series 👍🏻👍🏻
All in all it was a nice story, Elliot seemed surreal tbh and I Parker was all over the place.. somehow despite the steamy passion between the two, I didn’t find the chemistry believable. 🤷♀️ It wasn’t the best from RH; but I’m invested in the series and will continue on. Recommended for fans of RH and the series 👍🏻👍🏻
March 27, 2023
4.5⭐️- Real talk - I wasn’t super excited to read this after The Loner because I found Declan’s book to be a dull and unemotional. It wasn’t bad at all but it wasn’t one I loved.
However, this was so stinking sweet!! Yes there was a bit of conflict and emotional turmoil but it also had a lot of heart. We got so much interaction with The Vers crew that helped to understand their dynamic further. And we got some great stuff with Elliott’s parents and Parker’s dad.
Now for our MCs…
Elliot was so lovable in my opinion. He never hid who he was or what he wanted. He was always honest and forthcoming. I loved how he was relentless with Parker. I didn’t think he was ever too pushy, just a bit of a pest. I do feel like as their relationship progressed he definitely turned into a dream of a husband. He was consistent, affection, lighthearted, understanding and loyal. He may not have thought he was relationship material but he just hadn’t found the right man.
Parker was kind of a turd at times. He was so up in his own head that he really lacked the ability to let things flow and enjoy life. He was so focused on finding his forever person that he didn’t allow himself the opportunity to actually get to know anyone. He was such a good friend and son but didn’t see how much value he had. I loved how much of a praise kink he had and how much it surprised him. He really did come alive with Elliot.
Both men were trying to protect themselves but ultimately found they didn’t need to with each other. The passion and intimacy were both intense at moments but also soft and vulnerable.
However, this was so stinking sweet!! Yes there was a bit of conflict and emotional turmoil but it also had a lot of heart. We got so much interaction with The Vers crew that helped to understand their dynamic further. And we got some great stuff with Elliott’s parents and Parker’s dad.
Now for our MCs…
Elliot was so lovable in my opinion. He never hid who he was or what he wanted. He was always honest and forthcoming. I loved how he was relentless with Parker. I didn’t think he was ever too pushy, just a bit of a pest. I do feel like as their relationship progressed he definitely turned into a dream of a husband. He was consistent, affection, lighthearted, understanding and loyal. He may not have thought he was relationship material but he just hadn’t found the right man.
Parker was kind of a turd at times. He was so up in his own head that he really lacked the ability to let things flow and enjoy life. He was so focused on finding his forever person that he didn’t allow himself the opportunity to actually get to know anyone. He was such a good friend and son but didn’t see how much value he had. I loved how much of a praise kink he had and how much it surprised him. He really did come alive with Elliot.
Both men were trying to protect themselves but ultimately found they didn’t need to with each other. The passion and intimacy were both intense at moments but also soft and vulnerable.
March 30, 2023
3.75/5 stars
I actually like this! I was pleasantly surprised since my last couple of reads have been questionable so far. Parker and Elliot were very cute. The only reason it’s not rated 4 stars is because it was a little too cutesy and romantic for me. I know it’s literally called “The Romantic” but I still like “The Loner” better. Something about Declan and Sebastian just put them i’ve the top.
“You really like spoiling your lovers, don’t you?” I shook my head. “I like spoiling you. This is very much a Parker thing.”
I love RH’s writing still. It is very addicting and just easy to read for me. I’m very excited for Marcus’ book. I think he might get with Kai and it might be roommates?, hopefully.
I actually like this! I was pleasantly surprised since my last couple of reads have been questionable so far. Parker and Elliot were very cute. The only reason it’s not rated 4 stars is because it was a little too cutesy and romantic for me. I know it’s literally called “The Romantic” but I still like “The Loner” better. Something about Declan and Sebastian just put them i’ve the top.
“You really like spoiling your lovers, don’t you?” I shook my head. “I like spoiling you. This is very much a Parker thing.”
I love RH’s writing still. It is very addicting and just easy to read for me. I’m very excited for Marcus’ book. I think he might get with Kai and it might be roommates?, hopefully.
June 22, 2023
This series until now (book 2) is being to much fun, Riley books are hit or miss to me, but until now this series is good
March 11, 2023
I could not wait to read Parkers story, I was so excited that Elliott was his guy. We got a glimpse of the back and forth banter between these two from the first book in the series, The Loner. You don’t have to read it to follow their journey, but I think there are some fun interactions between them that helped the buildup of their relationship (IMO).
I do have to say that one thing I determined is I’m not a huge fan of the fake marriage trope. This in and of itself did not lessen my enjoyment of these two, but overall, I simply think I’d choose not to gravitate towards this trope moving forward. However, this is Riley Hart, I love her work, and regardless I am in love with this series.
Parker is definitely The Romantic, but Elliott proved himself tenfold here. I was actually surprised with how much I loved and adored Elliott. He brought his A game where Parker was concerned. The sweet, loving and caring interactions between them were the stuff dreams are made of. So excited for more of The Vers guys ❤️❤️❤️
I do have to say that one thing I determined is I’m not a huge fan of the fake marriage trope. This in and of itself did not lessen my enjoyment of these two, but overall, I simply think I’d choose not to gravitate towards this trope moving forward. However, this is Riley Hart, I love her work, and regardless I am in love with this series.
Parker is definitely The Romantic, but Elliott proved himself tenfold here. I was actually surprised with how much I loved and adored Elliott. He brought his A game where Parker was concerned. The sweet, loving and caring interactions between them were the stuff dreams are made of. So excited for more of The Vers guys ❤️❤️❤️
May 31, 2023
DNF 14%
I just couldn't stand Parker. He was looking for 'the one', but rejected Elliott when he asked him to get some ice cream together. After this rejection, Parker saw Elliott again with someone else, and then he got angry because that meant he was replaceable. After just rejecting the guy. Wtf?
Naturally, Parker hated Elliott ever since and judged him for dating people and hooking up. Because that's not exactly what Parker had been doing while looking for 'the one', right? Oh wait, it is. But because Parker is a so-called romantic, he gets to slut-shame Elliott.
Elliott, who is just a good guy who doesn't want to hurt anyone, finds out Parker is looking for 'the one'. Because Elliott isn't, he decides to apologize to Parker for his ceaseless flirting and he promises he won't do it again. Parker gets irrationally angry at this, because he thinks he's entitled to the flirting without giving Elliott anything in return other than glares and more rejections. Oh, and don't forget he blatantly told Elliott he hates him.
Parker was an asshole and a hypocrite and he didn't deserve someone like Elliott.
I just couldn't stand Parker. He was looking for 'the one', but rejected Elliott when he asked him to get some ice cream together. After this rejection, Parker saw Elliott again with someone else, and then he got angry because that meant he was replaceable. After just rejecting the guy. Wtf?
Naturally, Parker hated Elliott ever since and judged him for dating people and hooking up. Because that's not exactly what Parker had been doing while looking for 'the one', right? Oh wait, it is. But because Parker is a so-called romantic, he gets to slut-shame Elliott.
Elliott, who is just a good guy who doesn't want to hurt anyone, finds out Parker is looking for 'the one'. Because Elliott isn't, he decides to apologize to Parker for his ceaseless flirting and he promises he won't do it again. Parker gets irrationally angry at this, because he thinks he's entitled to the flirting without giving Elliott anything in return other than glares and more rejections. Oh, and don't forget he blatantly told Elliott he hates him.
Parker was an asshole and a hypocrite and he didn't deserve someone like Elliott.
March 25, 2023
This author is hit or miss for me and this was definitely a miss. These characters do not behave like 34 year olds. Repetitive, juvenile, sappy. Parker’s entire sense of humour is telling the people he loves that he hates them. Tedious. Misunderstandings, lack of communication and lots of blushing.
April 2, 2023
❤️Review❤️
“Always breaking my heart, beautiful.” The same look he always got when I called him pretty washed over his face. Like it lit a fire inside him and made him want to swoon.”
Riley Hart’s books are like a giant hug. I can always count on her books to make me swoon and feel all warm and fuzzy. The Romantic, book 2 in the Vers Podcast series, was no exception. ❤️🤗
Highlights:
❤️wake up married
❤️”fake” the relationship
❤️praise kink 🥵
❤️great families and friends
❤️swoon worthy moments
❤️podcast
I’ve been rooting for Parker to get his HEA since book 1. His romantic history has hit many rough patches, and he more than deserved his Prince Charming. In book 1, Elliot comes off as too cocky and it was a turn off for me, but oh my goodness, I was so wrong about him. Elliot was amazing and his dynamic with Parker was electric. Seriously, he could call me beautiful and tell me how good I am all day long and I would love it. Praise kink must be my thing too…..😏🙌🏻!
Favorite quote(s):
“I’m crazy about you too. It’s annoying as shit.”
“Oh yes, I was right. Parker was definitely a little praise slut, and damn, knowing this did unexpected things to me too.”
“I want to date you, gorgeous. I want to learn more about you. I want to find all the ways I can to make you come and to make you laugh. It makes me feel… fuck, I don’t know… powerful, yeah, but also important, like I’m doing something good. Even more than that, because making you laugh makes me feel good. It’s weird as fuck.”
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am excited for the rest of this series. Marcus’ story is going to be amazing. ❤️❤️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
“Always breaking my heart, beautiful.” The same look he always got when I called him pretty washed over his face. Like it lit a fire inside him and made him want to swoon.”
Riley Hart’s books are like a giant hug. I can always count on her books to make me swoon and feel all warm and fuzzy. The Romantic, book 2 in the Vers Podcast series, was no exception. ❤️🤗
Highlights:
❤️wake up married
❤️”fake” the relationship
❤️praise kink 🥵
❤️great families and friends
❤️swoon worthy moments
❤️podcast
I’ve been rooting for Parker to get his HEA since book 1. His romantic history has hit many rough patches, and he more than deserved his Prince Charming. In book 1, Elliot comes off as too cocky and it was a turn off for me, but oh my goodness, I was so wrong about him. Elliot was amazing and his dynamic with Parker was electric. Seriously, he could call me beautiful and tell me how good I am all day long and I would love it. Praise kink must be my thing too…..😏🙌🏻!
Favorite quote(s):
“I’m crazy about you too. It’s annoying as shit.”
“Oh yes, I was right. Parker was definitely a little praise slut, and damn, knowing this did unexpected things to me too.”
“I want to date you, gorgeous. I want to learn more about you. I want to find all the ways I can to make you come and to make you laugh. It makes me feel… fuck, I don’t know… powerful, yeah, but also important, like I’m doing something good. Even more than that, because making you laugh makes me feel good. It’s weird as fuck.”
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am excited for the rest of this series. Marcus’ story is going to be amazing. ❤️❤️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
April 12, 2023
This was so stinking adorable! I'm still smiling after finishing it! 😊 I loved it just as much as The Loner but in a different way. This one felt more tropey to me and I still ate it up. Parker is such a sweetheart and I was already rooting for his HEA since the last book. I wasn't sure how much I was going to like Elliott, but the man came through. Every single time he called Parker "beautiful" I melted. I swooned so much as their relationship developed. I loved that Parker had a praise kink and Elliott was more than happy to accommodate it. 🔥 The ending felt a bit rushed to me, and the way the parents found out could have been better, but it all worked out I suppose. The pier scene made up for my grumblings about that, despite hoping Elliott would be the one to propose.
Above all, I am still madly in love with the Vers boys and their friendship. Their connection is so sweet. It feels like a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa on a cold, rainy day. I can't wait to get more of those heartwarming feelings in the next books. Looks like Marcus and Kai are up next and I can't wait!
Above all, I am still madly in love with the Vers boys and their friendship. Their connection is so sweet. It feels like a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa on a cold, rainy day. I can't wait to get more of those heartwarming feelings in the next books. Looks like Marcus and Kai are up next and I can't wait!
March 15, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Romantic by Riley Hart is the second stand alone in The Vers Podcast series. While each book in the series follows a member of a group of friends who host a queer podcast, this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I didn't read the first, and it no way impacted my enjoyment of this one.
"I didn't want to let myself see that you're special, but how could I not?"
Ya'll know I'm a sucker for the fake relationship trope and I also love the waking up married trope, which I need more of in my life. Parker and Elliot are both sweethearts and I loved the way they first meet, even if it's tainted a bit by Elliot's promiscuity. Elliot loves sex and his partners know going in that it's no strings attached fun. He's never been romantically in love with someone, and that's ok. From the first time he says this I knew he was going to end up being Demiromantic and I loved seeing the representation of it! Parker was adorable, and his only fault in my opinion was how judgy he was of Elliot's lifestyle in the beginning. Yet his kind heart, relationship with his friends, and his dream of finding the love his parents had was the sweetest.
he held me tighter, and I obeyed, using and praising him like the good boy he was.
Parker and Elliot's relationship doesn't lack sexual attraction at any point. The only thing holding them back is the fact that they each know they can't be what the other needs and don't want to make their eventual divorce any harder. When Elliot, early on discovers Parker's praise kink, it makes the sexual tension between them build until Parker can't hold back anymore. The sex scenes with the praise and dirty talk is off the charts steamy. Their emotional relationship builds at it's own pace, and they slowly grow a friendship into love as Elliot woo's Parker with dates, attention and laughter.
"A kiss would distract me..."
"Keep dreaming, husband." [...]
"Can't blame a guy for trying."
Overall, The Romantic is a fun and steamy fake relationship romance that has a drunk Vegas wedding and filled with Demiromantic rep, friendship, meet the parents, date nights, dancing, private messages, a surprise getaway, jockstraps, dirty talk , praise kink and great steam.
The Romantic by Riley Hart is the second stand alone in The Vers Podcast series. While each book in the series follows a member of a group of friends who host a queer podcast, this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I didn't read the first, and it no way impacted my enjoyment of this one.
"I didn't want to let myself see that you're special, but how could I not?"
Ya'll know I'm a sucker for the fake relationship trope and I also love the waking up married trope, which I need more of in my life. Parker and Elliot are both sweethearts and I loved the way they first meet, even if it's tainted a bit by Elliot's promiscuity. Elliot loves sex and his partners know going in that it's no strings attached fun. He's never been romantically in love with someone, and that's ok. From the first time he says this I knew he was going to end up being Demiromantic and I loved seeing the representation of it! Parker was adorable, and his only fault in my opinion was how judgy he was of Elliot's lifestyle in the beginning. Yet his kind heart, relationship with his friends, and his dream of finding the love his parents had was the sweetest.
he held me tighter, and I obeyed, using and praising him like the good boy he was.
Parker and Elliot's relationship doesn't lack sexual attraction at any point. The only thing holding them back is the fact that they each know they can't be what the other needs and don't want to make their eventual divorce any harder. When Elliot, early on discovers Parker's praise kink, it makes the sexual tension between them build until Parker can't hold back anymore. The sex scenes with the praise and dirty talk is off the charts steamy. Their emotional relationship builds at it's own pace, and they slowly grow a friendship into love as Elliot woo's Parker with dates, attention and laughter.
"A kiss would distract me..."
"Keep dreaming, husband." [...]
"Can't blame a guy for trying."
Overall, The Romantic is a fun and steamy fake relationship romance that has a drunk Vegas wedding and filled with Demiromantic rep, friendship, meet the parents, date nights, dancing, private messages, a surprise getaway, jockstraps, dirty talk , praise kink and great steam.
March 26, 2023
I mean swoony swoon!!! Elliott has got game!! He’s charming, and cocky and so full of goodness!! He was amazing for Parker, he filled him up with praise and confidence, these two had a special chemistry.
What would you do if you woke up in Vegas next to the guy you didn’t like, married?? You’d stay married of course!!
Neither Parker or Elliott wanted to let down their family’s so they had to suck it up and pretend to like each other, which is easier said than done, especially when your friends are not 100% on board.
I loved seeing these two try to work together and figure out what real marriage is about, learning about each other and the things they enjoyed, learning to care for each others needs and taking things slowly. Enjoying dates and being together was so fun and sweet with the yummy spice thrown in to top off the delicious combo!
Loved the Demiromantic rep.
I’m really liking this series and I’m looking forward to Marcus’s book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book content-
💗Wake up married
💗Praise kink
💗Forced proximity
💗Podcast
💗Found Family
💗Opposites attract
💗Demiromantic rep
What would you do if you woke up in Vegas next to the guy you didn’t like, married?? You’d stay married of course!!
Neither Parker or Elliott wanted to let down their family’s so they had to suck it up and pretend to like each other, which is easier said than done, especially when your friends are not 100% on board.
I loved seeing these two try to work together and figure out what real marriage is about, learning about each other and the things they enjoyed, learning to care for each others needs and taking things slowly. Enjoying dates and being together was so fun and sweet with the yummy spice thrown in to top off the delicious combo!
Loved the Demiromantic rep.
I’m really liking this series and I’m looking forward to Marcus’s book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book content-
💗Wake up married
💗Praise kink
💗Forced proximity
💗Podcast
💗Found Family
💗Opposites attract
💗Demiromantic rep
March 23, 2023
~ 4.5
Loved:
* A mix of my favorite tropes: wake-up married, faked husbands turn real, opposites attract, forced proximity, casual to serious
* Both MCs with distinct voices - not once I had to question whose POV I was reading
* The romance, growing connection between MCs, the dates, dancing together, thoughtful and caring gestures towards each other, laughter and banter
* Organic relationships development
* Secondary characters
* Found family - I still love the Vers crew and look forward to Marcus and Corbin stories
Niggles:
I would prefer if the MCs confessed their feelings earlier and without unnecessary melodrama. But that's more about my personal preferences than a book.
Loved:
* A mix of my favorite tropes: wake-up married, faked husbands turn real, opposites attract, forced proximity, casual to serious
* Both MCs with distinct voices - not once I had to question whose POV I was reading
* The romance, growing connection between MCs, the dates, dancing together, thoughtful and caring gestures towards each other, laughter and banter
* Organic relationships development
* Secondary characters
* Found family - I still love the Vers crew and look forward to Marcus and Corbin stories
Niggles:
I would prefer if the MCs confessed their feelings earlier and without unnecessary melodrama. But that's more about my personal preferences than a book.
December 16, 2024
Shockingly didn’t love this as much as I thought I would based on how much I enjoyed Parker in book one.
He turned out to be a bit too whiney and pessimistic in this which is confusing bc he’s labeled the romantic one of the group. I was expecting him to try and make his fake husband fall in love with him but it was the opposite? He had so many doubts and was forcefully pushing him and love away. Elliot was chasing him and I don’t think he got enough credit for how good he was to him. Especially for someone who never thought he’d fall in love and was possibly demiromantic.
Not bad just not what I was expecting
He turned out to be a bit too whiney and pessimistic in this which is confusing bc he’s labeled the romantic one of the group. I was expecting him to try and make his fake husband fall in love with him but it was the opposite? He had so many doubts and was forcefully pushing him and love away. Elliot was chasing him and I don’t think he got enough credit for how good he was to him. Especially for someone who never thought he’d fall in love and was possibly demiromantic.
Not bad just not what I was expecting
April 7, 2023
Better than the first one but still very boring.
October 8, 2023
surprisingly a little more bearable than the first one. mind you, im not saying it was good, just not as bad.
The way the friendship is described and shoved in our faces it grates on my nerves, it feels fabricated, i cant feel the genuine connection even after 2 books. It's just everyone repeating "omg they are so close, they are family, bla bla bla.." It falls under tell and not show category.
Same goes for Corbins character. He'll say something completely dull and everyone around him will be like "oh, thats Corbin for you, he is the best, so lovable, he is fragile and has issues" 🙄 where are the issues? where is the character depth? Just because you tell me that this character is lovable doesnt mean he is! SHOW MEEEE!
Why do i keep reading this? I think i just hope that the subsequent book itll be better.
(Just opened the next one but i think I'm gonna stop there, "baby boy" is where my limit is apparently)
The way the friendship is described and shoved in our faces it grates on my nerves, it feels fabricated, i cant feel the genuine connection even after 2 books. It's just everyone repeating "omg they are so close, they are family, bla bla bla.." It falls under tell and not show category.
Same goes for Corbins character. He'll say something completely dull and everyone around him will be like "oh, thats Corbin for you, he is the best, so lovable, he is fragile and has issues" 🙄 where are the issues? where is the character depth? Just because you tell me that this character is lovable doesnt mean he is! SHOW MEEEE!
Why do i keep reading this? I think i just hope that the subsequent book itll be better.
(Just opened the next one but i think I'm gonna stop there, "baby boy" is where my limit is apparently)
March 4, 2023
"When I get married, I want it to be for love."
"...I didn't remind him that he'd already gotten married, and it was, in fact, not for love."
Dear sweet Parker. What have you gotten yourself into now? As the self proclaimed Romantic of the Vers Podcast group he sure looks for love in all the wrong places. Some of his dates described were literally the stuff of nightmares. *cringes in sympathy.* So what's a Romantic to do when he wakes up after drunkenly marrying the man he swore to never give a chance? Why pretend to be happily married for 6 months before deciding on an amicable divorce. Easy peasy right? Wrong.
Elliott has his own reasons for staying in the marriage as well. It's a mutual decision so there's no one person pushing for this while the other begrudgingly agrees. In theory this could have worked, if it wasn't for the fact that both these men are wildly drawn to one another and their attraction is fueled in part by a heaping helping of lust. I will give it to them, they tried. It just so happens their chemistry was stronger than their willpower to stay away. Oh and Elliott also discovers Parkers secret praise kink and uses it to his full advantage.
I loved how Parker explains exactly what he's looking for in a relationship, while simultaneously not opening his eyes and realizing Elliott has spent much of their marriage doing just those things. Elliot is a closet sweetheart. He's kind and caring, exactly the type of man Parker deserves. He pays attention and then uses what he's learned to do nice things for Parker. I also adored how much Parker fit in with Elliott's family. He fell in love with them right along with Elliott it felt like. It was beautiful and made even better with how much they loved him in return. They didn't care who he was as long as he made their son happy. A-plus parents if you ask me.
It was a bit of a longer road for these two to get their heads out of their behinds. Elliott had some self discovery to work through, and Parker had to get over his preconceived opinions of Elliott from the past. He also had to realize how in denial he was about his feelings, and thankfully he had his friends to help him with that. It was all worth it because their HEA ending was absolutely beautiful. A perfect ending for a man of Romance.
"...I didn't remind him that he'd already gotten married, and it was, in fact, not for love."
Dear sweet Parker. What have you gotten yourself into now? As the self proclaimed Romantic of the Vers Podcast group he sure looks for love in all the wrong places. Some of his dates described were literally the stuff of nightmares. *cringes in sympathy.* So what's a Romantic to do when he wakes up after drunkenly marrying the man he swore to never give a chance? Why pretend to be happily married for 6 months before deciding on an amicable divorce. Easy peasy right? Wrong.
Elliott has his own reasons for staying in the marriage as well. It's a mutual decision so there's no one person pushing for this while the other begrudgingly agrees. In theory this could have worked, if it wasn't for the fact that both these men are wildly drawn to one another and their attraction is fueled in part by a heaping helping of lust. I will give it to them, they tried. It just so happens their chemistry was stronger than their willpower to stay away. Oh and Elliott also discovers Parkers secret praise kink and uses it to his full advantage.
I loved how Parker explains exactly what he's looking for in a relationship, while simultaneously not opening his eyes and realizing Elliott has spent much of their marriage doing just those things. Elliot is a closet sweetheart. He's kind and caring, exactly the type of man Parker deserves. He pays attention and then uses what he's learned to do nice things for Parker. I also adored how much Parker fit in with Elliott's family. He fell in love with them right along with Elliott it felt like. It was beautiful and made even better with how much they loved him in return. They didn't care who he was as long as he made their son happy. A-plus parents if you ask me.
It was a bit of a longer road for these two to get their heads out of their behinds. Elliott had some self discovery to work through, and Parker had to get over his preconceived opinions of Elliott from the past. He also had to realize how in denial he was about his feelings, and thankfully he had his friends to help him with that. It was all worth it because their HEA ending was absolutely beautiful. A perfect ending for a man of Romance.
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