Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Clueless Romeo

SERIES:  Guys Next Door, Book 3

AUTHOR: Baylin Crow

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH: 246 pages

RELEASE DATE:  April 30, 2022

BLURB: 

Roman—I’m not your typical matchmaker. For one, I’m a man who’s covered in tattoos.

Despite my appearance, there’s a reason ninety-five percent of my clients seek out my services based on referrals. I’m good at what I do. But lately I’ve grown bored with the same daily routine.

Then an unexpected request piques my interest.

CJ, the former college basketball star who recently rented the office suite next to mine, isn’t looking to place a ring on someone’s finger any time soon. He’s interested in something else entirely.

It’s a challenge. Something new.

He wants to date casually and explore his curiosity in other men—but that’s not my end goal. I specialize in forevers, and I’m determined to find him the perfect guy.

There’s an unforeseen problem with my plan. After spending time with him, I find myself a little curious too.

I’ve never been with a man.

I’ve never been annoyed to see my strategy working.

And I’ve never deliberately set a client up for failure.

Clueless Romeo is book three in the Guys Next Door series. It’s a steamy story about two guys who are bi-curious…or maybe it’s more than that.

REVIEW: 

In Clueless Romeo, Baylin Crow creates a low-angst, super sexy, dual bisexual awakening romance between next-door neighbors CJ and Roman.  Roman is a successful matchmaker who prides himself on his perfect track record of successful matches.  But he’s too good and longs for a challenge – someone who he has to puzzle over to find the right partner.  Ironically, it turns out Roman’s challenge lies in matching himself, something he did not intend and doesn’t know how to handle.  CJ suspects he’s bisexual but has never explored it and doesn’t know how to even move forward to figure it out.  He meets Roman and they immediately take to each other, both thinking it’s just friendship.  CJ acknowledges his attraction but thinks Roman is straight.  Roman thinks he is straight so he’s shocked and confused by his attraction to CJ.  

The story arc itself plays out somewhat predictably, although Crow throws in some twists.  CJ and Roman’s relationship is captivating, especially as they dance around their feelings for each other.  The romance is rushed, though, with an instalust/instalove relationship that plays out over a matter of days.  Crow also squanders some opportunities to add depth and texture to the story by delving into, for example, the ethical aspect of Roman’s professional obligation to make a perfect match for a client, Nate, and his personal need to stake a claim to CJ. Crow only scratches the surface of Nate’s character.  Perhaps (hopefully) Nate will be the subject of a later romance in this series.  CJ’s relationship with his twin Caleb also presented an opportunity for further exploration. 

Notwithstanding, Crow overwhelmingly succeeds with the development of CJ and Roman’s relationship which is very much centered on the push/pull confusion, particularly for Roman, of wanting each other but not understanding why.  Crow creates an antagonistic, almost love/hate dynamic between CJ and Roman that is hot as hell.  The chemistry between them suffuses the story so when they give in, it’s explosive.

Clueless Romeo is an enjoyable, sweet, sexy fare that had me eager for a reread.  Even if you haven’t read the other stories in this series, I recommend you read this one.  

RATING: 

BUY LINK: 

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