Reviewed by Taylor

Title: The Backup Boyfriend

Series: The Backup Boyfriend Chronicles

Author: River Jaymes

Publisher: Self-pub

Length: 225 Pages

Blurb: 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…

Review:

Everything about this book just worked for me and I’d probably tag it as a guilty pleasure.  I’m a huge sucker for books where the two main characters have to pretend to be in a relationship, even more so when it’s to piss off another character.  I’m a huge fan of men that don’t label themselves or what they love sexually and fall for the person.  I love books where one is the privileged one versus the everyman worker.

Dr. Alec Johnson has just had his long-term boyfriend, Tyler, breakup with him unexpectedly and without reason.  Deciding that he wants to make some changes he buys a motorcycle and Alec’s friend Noah sends him to his friend Dylan Booth for advice with the new purchase.  After purchasing the bike, he grabs some lessons from Dylan, befriends him, and then Dylan comes up with the idea to pretend to be boyfriends to make Alec’s ex jealous after Alec must attend some events with Tyler.  Comeeeee onnnnn!! This is like guilty-pleasure dreams.

I wouldn’t really classify this as Gay for You either.  I know many people might and have but I don’t think at any point Dylan was straight and then just became gay for Alec.  For me, Dylan closed himself off to people and relationships, and he went with what was easy and uncomplicated for himself.  He did grow close to one or two people but there was always that fear that they’d be taken away from him or leave him, so he shut them out and shut himself down.  The idea that he could love a woman or a man was both equally open to him and equally closed off.  The gender was neither here nor there.  He just happened to start a friendship and sexual relationship with Alec and he fell in love.  And that scared the living crap out of him.  As it would have with anyone else.  Women were probably easier for Dylan for a variety of reasons, and it just so happens he fell hardest for men.  But I think that idea of sexuality is much more realistic and relatable to me than stricter labels or ideas.  I know some men who have had sex with both genders equally but date more men or vice versa.  I know some women who only date men, enjoy sex with both genders, but can’t ever seem to feel an emotional connection with women like they can with men.  So I really, truly appreciate how the author wrote Dylan and Alec’s slow relationship in that aspect.  The sex happens quickly but everything else happened slower, with doubt and trepidation, and naturally.

However, that’s not to say this book is all internal examination and drama.  The sex is off-the-charts hot.  Completely stupid, ridiculous hot.  I can reread those scenes over and over and over.

I loved the secondary characters, and the fact that Tyler saw the truth of his and Alec’s relationship and was strong and wise enough to leave was pretty powerful and awesome.  And…I can’t WAIT for his book!!!  Oh God, River Jaymes, do you understand how badly I need Tyler’s cold façade to crack into his inner man slut.

Loved the characters, the fun escape, the sex sex sex sex sex, the refreshing take on relationships and sexuality and I look forward to more in this series!

Rating:                               

Buy Links: Amazon