Book Review: A Likely Story (Rent-a-Boyfriend #2) by Merry Farmer

Sadonna

Reviewed by Sadonna

 

 

TITLE:  A Likely Story

SERIES:  Rent-a-Boyfriend

AUTHOR: Merry Farmer

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  252 pages

RELEASE DATE:  July 10, 2026

BLURB:

He needed a fake boyfriend to save his career. He found the love of his life instead.

Drew Oberlin became an overnight sensation after starring in a breakout queer TV series. But all that fame comes with a price. As accusations of queerbaiting threaten his skyrocketing career, Drew’s ambitious girlfriend devises the perfect PR solution: hire a fake boyfriend through Rent-A-Boyfriend while filming in London. A few staged photos, a carefully crafted romance, and the internet will finally believe Drew is the real deal.

Enter Lee Cresswell, bestselling indie fantasy author, hopeless romantic, and Drew’s very unexpected fake boyfriend.

Lee only signed up with Rent-A-Boyfriend for “research” while preparing to write contemporary romance novels. He never expected to be thrown into the spotlight beside one of the most famous actors in the world. Or to fall hard for him almost immediately.

What starts as a publicity stunt quickly becomes dangerously real. As Drew experiences a life-changing bi-awakening and finally confronts the truth about himself, the chemistry between him and Lee becomes impossible to fake. But when Drew’s furious ex exposes the truth behind their relationship, both men are forced to decide what matters more: protecting their career or risking everything for love.

Set against the glamorous backdrop of London and packed with swoony tension, scandal, found family, and heartfelt queer self-discovery, A Likely Story is a steamy, emotionally charged queer celebrity romance perfect for fans of fake dating, bisexual awakening, forced proximity, and messy Hollywood scandals.

REVIEW:

Drew Oberlin has shot to international fame practically overnight thanks to a small TV series that landed big.  It’s a queer show and his friendship with his co-star has led to some parasocial craziness from the fans.  And allegations of queer-baiting.  But he’s got a girlfriend – Jessica – an actress with big ambitions too.  When the rumors and social media stories get to be too much, Jessica suggests he hire a fake boyfriend. She’s found a flier for Rent-a-Boyfriend and things this will solve all their problems.  Despite misgivings, Drew calls.

Lee Cresswell is a moderately successful indie romance author.  He also is Drew’s best friend/manager Abby’s favorite author.  He’s done a few fake boyfriend gigs with the service.  He’s been mostly writing fantasy books, but wants to try his hand at contemporary gay romance.  These dates have given him lots of great ideas for stories 😉  Imagine his surprise when he meets Javier and the new “job” date and it’s hottest actor on the planet at the moment, Drew Oberlin.  He’s even more surprised to know that Drew knows who he is!  They hit it off right away and Lee thinks this could be fun.

Drew and Lee go to a concert together starring Drew’s costar from his breakout TV show.  They have a great time, people take pictures and the “fake” romance is off.  Except that Drew has a great time with Lee.  And he wants to kiss Lee.  And maybe more.  Perhaps he’s not as straight as he’s always thought he was.

The more time Drew spends with Lee, the more he thinks about him.  He really isn’t sure what’s happening.  But he is definitely liking this fake relationship that seems very real.  Who doesn’t like it, even though it was her idea?  Jessica.  Uh-oh.  This could be bad.

Despite this starting off as one thing, Drew and Lee really are so good together.  But this was only supposed to be a job.  What happens when the feelings get real and suddenly both of their careers might be in jeopardy if this doesn’t go well.

I loved this story!  First of all Drew and Lee are both adorable. They are both such good guys.  They both wanted to do the right thing and really cared about each other immediately.  The supporting characters here are also so well-written.  I loved Abby and Lee’s mom and his bestie Diana, another romance writer.  Both men have a lot to lose in the end.  There is plenty of humor and heart in this one as well as a slow-burn acknowledgement of sexuality that really moved the story along at a realistic pace.  I really wanted these two to get to a very happily ever after 🙂  This is a delightful fake boyfriend trope story and will leave readers giddy and smiling.  Highly recommended.

 

RATING:

BUY LINK:

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