Reviewed by Valerie 

TITLE:  Boyfriend by the Hour

SERIES:  Firsts and Forever Stories

AUTHOR:  Alexa Land 

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH: 212 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 31, 2023

BLURB:   

I’ve never worked as an escort before. I never even considered it.

But when a wealthy CEO makes me an offer, it’s too good to turn down. It’s not just about the money, either. He’s never been with a man before, and I love the idea of being his first. Besides, I think he’s hot, so I’m definitely into it.

This arrangement comes with an expiration date, and we agreed that there are no strings attached. The only problem? I’m starting to fall for my client.

Is there any chance this could turn into something real? Or am I headed for heartbreak?

REVIEW:   

Alexa Land has written another sweet romance in her Firsts and Forever Stories series, this time an age gap story featuring a man struggling to figure out the direction of his life and a wealthy businessman longing to explore his bisexuality for the first time. As always, Alexa hits all the right notes to give us an engaging story filled with warm fuzzies.

Twenty-nine year old Timothy, a Pink Victorian denizen, is Romy’s pole dancing buddy from My Brother’s Enemy. Long ago he gave himself a deadline to figure out his life – its direction and how to find happiness – by the time he turns thirty or else he’s returning to school in New York City. He’s been a waiter for eight years, something he doesn’t want to do for the rest of his life. Then “Mr. Tall, Dark, and Mysterious” walks into his restaurant and becomes a regular customer.

Aleksei also has some figuring out to do. He recently ended a decades-long marriage (to a woman) and now desires to be with a man for the first time. He doesn’t want to date or have a relationship, nor does he want hookups, so he offers Timothy a proposition that would benefit them both. Aleksei wants to keep it business-like but Alexa finds a way to show Aleksei’s insecurities and vulnerabilities. She makes him human where he could’ve very easily veered off into a rich, cold, staid CEO stereotype. This book was wisely written with a dual POV so we can get to know these men more fully.

“This was a man who had everything and nothing. He was wealthy, successful, and utterly alone.”

Aleksei doesn’t want to bring feelings into their arrangement but he’s lonely and touch-starved and can’t help being enchanted by Timothy. His culture and parental expectations taught him that emotions are a sign of weakness. When he allows himself to be vulnerable and let his guard down, Timothy cherishes it and he recognizes Aleksei wants to experience more than just sex with a man – he needs intimacy.

The chemistry between Timothy and Aleksei rises off the pages. These are all around adorable characters with charm and depth. I particularly adored Aleksei. Of course, the Pink Victorian found family is present to provide fun, support, and love. As usual, JoJo shines. And no book set in Alexa’s world would be complete without a good dose of Nana. I also enjoyed Daniel, Timothy’s friend and coworker, who eventually moves into the Victorian. You know what that means… his story is up next.

This book is steamy, not just sweet, with some sexy dirty talk and very light kink. And Aleksei in jeans and bare feet instead of his bespoke suits is HOT! That’s just one of many things to enjoy about this delightful read that perfectly fits the tone of the series. If you love Alexa, you’ll love Boyfriend by the Hour. (Also, I’m smitten with this cover model. He’s delish!)

RATING:

BUY LINK: 

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