Saturday, February 8, 2014

Review: The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes

The Backup Boyfriend (The Boyfriend Chronicles #1) by River Jaymes
Published November 28th 2013
Professionally, Dr. Alec Johnson has almost reached his goals. As this year’s recipient of a humanitarian award with his ex, Dr. Tyler Hall, Alec’s work with the homeless is about to be recognized. Unfortunately, his personal life sucks because now he has to attend several events alongside Tyler—with his ex’s new boyfriend in tow. In an attempt to lift his mood and break out of his rut, Alec purchases a motorcycle he has no idea how to start.

Dylan Booth doesn't have time for Dr. Clueless and his fickle 1964 Harley, but the cocky mechanic can’t say no to the request for help. Having spent his teen years on the streets, and losing his best friend to HIV, Dylan decides teaching the do-gooder how to ride is the least he can do. But watching Alec flounder in his ex's company throws Dylan into protector mode, and the confirmed hetero introduces himself as Alec's new boyfriend.

The ex suspects Dylan is lying.

Alec claims Dylan’s plan is insane.

And Dylan’s not sure he can fake being gay.

But he’s a master bullshitter, and the phony PDA soon turns ultra-hot. Alec can’t afford to get attached, and Dylan’s learned everyone eventually leaves. Unfortunately, playing the backup boyfriend is starting to feel way too real…

CONTENT WARNING: This book contains Man-on-Man action, adult situations, and language.

My Thoughts
"This is the messiest, geekiest kink ever.” Dylan’s voice held a hint of awe. “Why the hell is this a total turn-on?”

LOVE!

What a great story, with humorous dialog, easy to care for characters, and an interesting plot. Well done!

Alec has been struggling to heal from the hurt of his two-year relationship breakup. And what starts off as a reckless impulse buy to add some irrational excitement into his life, turns out to be a huge mistake when he realizes he can’t ride the Harley he purchased. With the help of a hot sexy mechanic and after a few pleaded requests, Dylan agrees to teach him how to handle his bike. However, when Alec’s ex shows up to pick up some belongings and Dylan sees the discomfort Alec is going through, he jumps in to help him out and lands the role of ‘backup boyfriend.”

What starts off as a favor and a fake date, turns out to be much more when Dylan realizes he’s suddenly emotionally invested and not sure what to do next.

From the beginning, I had a soft spot for Alec. He was geeky, handsome and vulnerable all in one serving. LOVED HIM! I loved his tendency for nervous babbling and adored his honest reaction to those around him. I’m not quite sure I could forgive his ex for his sudden abandon, but I was comforted with Alec’s eventual ability to cope.

The relationship between Alec and Dylan was wild and intense from the beginning, so I was glad to see these two finally find stable ground. Their shared moments and light banter was engaging and heartfelt, and I believed these two were perfect for each other from the beginning.

Overall, The Backup Boyfriend had balanced moments of excitement and sincerity leaving me with a sense that these characters were worthy of my attention. I’m not sure how I’ll react to the next story seeing as we get a chance to glimpse into Tyler’s past. I never really connected with him or felt any emotional pull with this character, but I enjoyed River Jaymes’s writing enough, so I'll definitely give it a try. Great story!
4 Suns

2 comments:

  1. I really loved this book and I think Tyler's book will be pretty good because with River's writing she'll give us a reason to feel for him. Even more than Tyler I want Noah's story, I love him!

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  2. Great review, Sarlene. I can't wait until the sequel too. I hope she really hurries up and writes it. I really liked the book too. There were a lot of slow scenes and that annoying friend character Noah, drove me crazy. I kept wishing the author would just kill the character off so I wouldn't have to hear his judgmental, annoying, meddling comments. -- Jamie Lake (author of "The Trainer")

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