Sometimes it happens. A book everyone else loves doesn't rock your world. It's a good book with a good story but for some unforeseen reason it never connect with you. Well that's what happened to me with this story.

♥♥♥ 3.25 STARS ♥♥♥

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“Of all the looks you send me, I love that one the best.”

"Which expression would that be?"

"The one that says 'you're a moron, but you're my fucking moron."

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If you have read the previous book in this series, than you know who Tyler was. I was not left with a good impression of him in the last book, in fact, I just plainly did not like him. But now in his book, you get to learn about his life which made my heart hurt for him. I understood why he was the way he was. I am happy to say that he totally redeemed himself in this one. I really liked him. He was a volunteer doctor and it was amazing to see him in action helping people.





We also get to learn about Tyler's first relationship with his college roommate Memphis. It seems that Tyler never got over him after things ended between them. And boy did it end...horribly. I swear I felt for Tyler, even if I understood why Memphis did what he did. Still, it sucked. Memphis I liked, and I enjoyed getting to know what he was going through in the past that made him leave. Memphis is a stunt man by profession and a cancer survivor, twice. Things have been tough for him. I really loved all the steamy scenes between Tyler and Memphis. They were smoking hot! Like that elevator scene...LORDY! And I loved all of their reminiscing of the past.

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“Your family wants you here, Memphis. Julissa wants you here. And just as important, I want you here.”

"Tyler--"

"I love you."

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I liked the story for the most part, but, I did not like how Memphis would sometimes treat Tyler. I thought Memphis would have grown and been less selfish considering how it went for them the last time. I didn't like that he was kind of stringing Tyler along. I loved how much stronger Tyler was as a result from the past. I just wish I could have seen that strength during the moments that he needed to be tough so he wouldn't let Memphis treat him the way he did. I also didn't really like Memphis' ex-wife. She annoyed me a lot.





Overall, it was an enjoyable read. It had awesome steam and some funny moments. It was great seeing the characters from the first book in this one too. We even get a little insight as to what is happening with them. I really liked the ending and how Tyler didn't give up this time. It was so sweet it had my heart melting. The epilogue was the best and it was also quite hilarious. While I didn't end up loving this as much as the first book, it was still very enjoyable.




View all my reviews

Kindle edition: 279 pages

My Opinion:

Classify as a Friends to Lovers or Gay for You story.

The Backup Boyfriend was cute, but it did have some eye-rolling  moments.  And that's why it's getting a three star review.  There were no surprises.  This book was a little too cookie cutter, in the box, by the numbers storyline.

Backup Boyfriend is like cotton candy. Sweet, fluffy, but in reality not much to it. It's fun and then quickly forgotten. 

I'd recommend this book for someone new to the m/m romance genre or wants a quick sexy read at the beach.

Official Book Description:

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…

Both January and February have been a surprise to me on the amount of books I read. On both months I actually read more than I thought I would so instead of the 140 books I planned to read on 2014, I updated my yearly goal to 200. 

I started re-listening to the Black Dagger Brotherhood this month to prepare myself to the 12th book in the series which will be out on about a month. I didn't realize it's going to be a problem but as it seems I can't really monitor re-reads in a good way here. On GoodReads I just added a different addition (I read the ebook, not I'm listening to the audio book version) so it's like separate books. But here if I mark a read book as to read when I finish it I"m left with the exact same number of books read as before.. I can't wait for BL to change the book database. No matter how much I LOVE BL platform I always look for review and series on GR making it impossible to leave GR and just be here which I hope I will be able to.. right now, I'm dealing with the mess of updating everything both here and there. 

Though I had 14 books (some of them short novellas) to read on February Goals I ended up reading 5 more! (see what I mean about raising the bar to 200 books a year?):

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) - J.R. Ward (Audio Book)
Southern Winterland (By Degrees #0.5) - Taylor V. Donovan
The Reader - Bernhard Schlink
The Backup Boyfriend (The Boyfriend Chronicles, #1) - River Jaymes
Rescue Me - Serena Bell (a free novella for valentine's day)

I thought it would be nice. like last month, doing a recap of the highlights of the previous month:

Author of the month: (Deeper) Robin York (Ruthie Knox):

I'll start by saying Ruthie is probably my favorite author so it was no surprise I loved her also by the pen name Robin York (for New Adult books). I have my issues with Young Adult books as you may already know, so I'm glad that the "New Adult" section was sort of re-invented. I guess it was always there, just not with this label. I'm loving this genre! and since we are talking about Robin in particular - I loved this book and the issue it addressed - revenge porn. This topic has a lot of heads lately and I didn't hear of any book relating to this subject. As I wrote in the review, I loved how real it felt, how the characters felt genuine. It's not a surprise, that's the magic work of Robin being able to write characters you feel you might stumble across in real life. They are never perfect, they are just so true. and that's exactly how both Caroline and West felt like. I HIGHLY recommend this book - and you should keep in mind that the second (and last) book in the series - Harder - will be out on 1st July. I also recommend everything by Ruthie Knox. Right now "About Last Night" is 0.99 $ on Amazon which is one of my absolute favorites books!  

Favorite book of the month: Before You Break (Between Breaths #2) by Christina Lee:

Where to begin... Here we have another author I'm in love with. After reading "All of You" I was hocked! I knew I'll reading anything by Christina. So when I heard 2 more coming in the series I was jumping up and down. Second one in the series is this one and the third one - Whisper to Me - will be out on the 20th of May. I loved both Ella and Quinn. Both of them went through their own personal hell and each coped differently. They both keep their sadness to themselves, both in a way put people in a length away because of what they have been through and it was utterly beautiful seeing them come together. Why do girls love to hear the guys broken and teary eyed? I really don't know. but Quinn being shattered speaking to Ella on the suicide hot line made him even more lovable for me. I'm not the sucker for the tough douche, I rather read of these types of guys, introverts who have a dark past. I feel as though Quinn was made especially for me.  READ IT! even if you haven't read "All of You", both of them can be read as a stand alone. 

Disappointment of the month: Up From the Grave (Night Huntress #7) - Jeaniene Frost:

You know what is really really sad? from the 19 books I read this month I actually have 3 books that felt like utter disappointment for me. and I really had a hard time choosing between them. I settled with this one since I loved this series so much, getting the last one to be so heart breaking (in it's disappointment not in the plot itself) made it THE disappointment of the month. Reading one book and being disappointed, yeah, that happens, but being utterly inlove with a series then having it crushed in front of your eyes is something different entirely. I don't want to write it all again, you can read it in my review. I just felt that the overly cheerful note this book got was exaggerated and felt wrong, not to mention I felt the book was predictable and well, unoriginal. This book won't discourage me from reading anything and everything by Jeanine since she is (also) one of my favorite authors. I can't wait for her new series and naturally can't wait for the next Night Huntress World book as well as the third and last in the Night Prince which is my absolute favorite series. 

Discovery of the month: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover:

If you've read my review of the Slammed series or if you just read my January Recap you know that after all the recommendations I got to Colleen Hoover's book I was SO disappointed with those books. The first I kinda liked but after that.. I was mainly pissed off. But for some reason I was determined to read this one - Hopeless - as well as the next ones in the series. and boy oh boy am I happy I did THAT. this book is simply a master piece. I feel bad writing how much I enjoyed it thinking of all the heart break that went for Sky throughout the book. I'll summarize it by saying it was heart breakingly beautiful. Again we are in the New Adult genre, probably on the lower age - about 17 - but all the characters felt so mature. I loved Holder, I don't think any woman in her right mind wouldn't. He is simply irresistible with how amazing he is. In a way I loved his book - Losing Her - even more. Yet again, Hopeless IS a master piece and Losing Her was mostly the cherry on top of the cream. Read it. It's really a must! But notice Slammed is totally different in right about everything from this one. I loved how Colleen changed from her first books to these ones. 

Fun Break of the month: The Backup Boyfriend (The Boyfriend Chronicles, #1) - River Jaymes

I almost feel like a cheat ;) I added this section only for this particular book :) I knew I HAVE TO mention this one and wasn't sure where exactly since I really wanted to give the podium for the others as well. But this one, well, it was just a book I added, and just decided to read it outside the schedule for no real reason, I just felt like reading MM after not reading the genre for a while. Well, I guess I read SE Jakes recently and actually I was sure I'm going to read 2 of her books but then I just decided on this one. So you get how random this one have been. and HO BOY what a joy this one have been! most of the book is just FUN. no real angst and no real heart shattering moments just two guys you utterly fall inlove with, together as a couple and alone as they are crush worthy men. The story was great, written in a smart and funny way. I loved that even the "bad guy" isn't a really bad guy, and that even the dark places the book went (and they were dark) just made you appreciate the fun parts even more. I loved the ending. I was overly content with the last chapter then there was the epilogue who gave people who are "mushier" that me what they wanted.  Alec is so sweet and Dylan is mouth watering and not just because he is sexy as hell but because for me he was an interesting person with a lot of hidden paths. HIGHLY recommended and i can't wait for the next in the series. I feel like crying I don't even know when it's going to happen. This author only released this title and another short novella. I feel like I "have no choice" but to delve in it as well until Taylor's book is out.  

Well, That's it for my February Recap. 

I feel like adding up more since I really had good books on my menu this month even though I had my disappointments. 

Hope you enjoyed! 

March Goals are in a bit! :)

WOW! I started this one yesterday, didn't really know what to expect and every sentence I read in this book made me fall in love with it. Everything about it. I thought to myself, what happen to these kinds of easy reads? Where you begin reading and even when there's tension in the air it is still light, and somehow funny (thought the angst comes later on). I got to this one through Danielle's blog.

 I loved both Dylan and Alec, no matter how different they are who they are with each other made the difference. Their romance was beautiful even if it doesn't seem like romance, maybe it's more for both of them figuring out what they want, who they want and sticking with it, going after their hearts.

It all started when Alec buys a motorcycle he can't even ride.. just to make himself feel better after Tyler his boyfriend (nearly husband) for the last two years broke up with him.

Self note here – Didn't I do that as well? Well, I didn't BUY a motorcycle after a two years relationship that was close to a marriage broke to pieces I just "upgraded" my motorcycle license to include heavy duty motorcycles (even though I didn't see one in my near or far future). It felt good, ya know?

Back to our story, which is MUCH more interesting than my boring life.. Trying to figure out his motorcycle and how to manage it he goes to Dylan who owns a motorcycle shop.

Alec who blabbers when feeling anxious kinda outed his life problems to Dylan who found the information a tidy bit on the lines of TMI.. Then he meets Alec's ex when he comes to tune Alec's motorcycle and his protective side kicks in. He can't see Alec feeling like shit and how Tyler behaves around him. So he kinda accidentally stats that he and Alec are sleeping together. Why the hell did he have to do that? Now as it turns out he is half forced to play the backup boyfriend at an event both Alec and Tyler will be on.

Alec totally freaks out during that event and since Dylan had no idea what to do he kisses Alec. What he meant to happen isn't really what happened and not just in the kiss prospective but in everything else that happens between him and Alec.

Alec is the commitment kinda guy. He wants to live in his urban house, with his husband, probably kids too.  But Dylan is a different story entirely, as Noah puts it "Dylan is as straight as it gets" and he also doesn't do relationships, with women OR men.. The only thing they are compatible in are motorcycles. Yet something blooms between the both of them. Noah – as a friend to both of them, tries to talk them from acting on their mutual attraction. He knows Dylan NONE commitment personality and he knows Alec ALL commitment personality and he knows Alec will just end up hurt. But as it seems no one actually listens to Noah though he has good thinking and actually good advice (well, sometimes..).

Dylan is unable to stay away from Alec since he finds him a good friend (plus the benefits..) and Alec just wants Dylan and for a change he is willing NOT to think about anything besides having fun with Dylan. But how long can THAT last?

What's the deal with Alec and his "obsession" with relationships? What's the deal with Dylan NOT wanting any, and not willing to try and "tag" himself as straight, gay or bi. There's more to Dylan's story than Alec who is pretty much – what you see is what you get. But he is also cute as hell, I can see all the tiny things that Dylan adores in Alec. I can also see the attraction that Alec finds in Dylan who is really a very unique person. Never thought about it until this book, but actually that's a little "advantage" in reading MM Romance – you get to fall for TWO guys at the same time! Hehe

It was a quick read simply because I couldn't put it down. The pace was excellent the dialogues and interaction between the two of them felt very genuine to me. I could both feel Alec and Dylan and their issues. And even though you want to hate Tyler from the start you soon realize that he is somehow misunderstood in the whole situation. I can't wait for the next book in the series about him! I didn't see anything online about it, but it's mentioned in the last page when the book concludes.

Oh, which reminds me – I loved the ending. The whole last chapter was SUCH a HEA for me though to some people it wouldn't be. So for those of you who want more there's an Epilogue who delivers it. But I, personally, didn't need it. I almost closed the kindle on the last word with a stupid happy smile. Then I reminded myself there WAS an epilogue somewhere around here, tapping the screen – oh, here it is!   

I'm not sure how many books will be in the series, but I really hope Noah will have a book as well. His character is GREAT! Though he is nosy as hell, and will say whatever he wants to say (appropriate or not) and mostly in the most INappropriate situations..  he is just what both Alec and Dylan needs and if not, he is what the plot needs.

LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! HIGHLY recommended!