Title: The Backup Boyfriend
Series: The Boyfriend Chronicles
Author: River Jaymes
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (225 pages)
Publisher: River Jaymes (November 28th, 2013)
Heat: Explicit
Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo
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 Dylan’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: Let’s just get my bias out the way. This is my favourite type of m/m story to read. With that said, while this is my favourite ‘type’ – I often find many leave me wanting more. This was so NOT the case here and I’m able to do my happy dance complete with a twirl. No judging! So let’s begin with the key players. Dylan and Alec are written flawlessly and the reader is able to understand both characters and why they act the way they do. The secondary characters of Noah, a joint friend between Dylan and Alec; and, Alec’s ex, Tyler, are also cleverly written to add colour and texture to the story. They allow the reader to see Dylan and Alec as whole and three-dimensional characters.
Both Dylan and Alec are men that are searching; yet none of them know what they are searching for until they find each other. Somehow they click. But, they must both be willing to give up some things and then to claim others if they are to make a go of a successful relationship. While their relationship begins as a gag, they both soon realize, that there is something very real amidst the fake. And this is done without losing the sense of masculinity with either character. Their vulnerability feels extremely gender appropriate. The reader is allowed to experience their pain, uncertainty, fear and self loathing until they are both able to accept what they mean to each other and what they need to do to remain together. There is no insta-happiness for these men. Additionally, it was refreshing to read a novel where the author took the time to actually make the timeline of this realistic to how men would actually react – once again gender appropriate.
So let’s talk about the heat index shall we? The sex – Lord have mercy – the sex. EPIC! You can hear and feel every zipper pull, every button pop and every suck and slap of skin. And not one bit of it was gratuitous. It was woven so cleverly and meaningfully into the storyline that when it happens, the reader is literally hanging on by a thread waiting for the hookup. The reader is almost able to open the drawer and hand over the Astroglide or KY, they are so entrenched.
Final words: The story feels very real. Dylan and Alec are very believable and the reader thoroughly enjoys watching both men come apart in each other’s arms. And, the way they come back together (yes there are bust ups and breakups) rings true to how two men would try to overcome their issues. Somebody has to be the bigger man to allow the other to not lose face or his sense of masculinity. This is an excellent read. Its length is excellent because it allows you the time and space to meet, get to know and enjoy these two men, their friends and their lives; and, to root for them to find each other, knowing that what they can have together will fulfil each of them.
My favourite words for any review – Buy the book, support the author!