My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stories don’t get any sweeter than this. Victor and Todd are perfect for each other even if they initially fight it. They don’t hold back with the snarky comments that fuel their passion for one another. I immediately loved Victor from Life on Pause, with his bright personality and penchant for gifting sex toys. I had my misgivings about Todd but he more than redeemed himself.
“I’ve liked you all along too. Even when I didn’t like you at all.”
The author takes frenemies to lovers (Todd refers to Victor as “Cutie McFuckFace”.), fake boyfriends, and accidental marriage to the next level. Usually with fake boyfriends, there’s a long, drawn-out lead-in but this story jumps right into it without hesitation, and it works. Boy, does it work. The circumstances leading up to the fake relationship seem believable and fit the personalities of the characters.
Of course, lots of alcohol is involved.
“Wine made him want to slow dance and make out.”
(Same, Victor. Same.)
We all know alcohol lowers inhibitions. Pair that with “Eureka Springs–Wedding Capital of the South,” and it’s inevitable that these two would get married.
The morning after is a big shock, of course, but the fun and sexy times don’t stop. The author hits the reader with hilarious tidbits here and there (Victor’s sex toy box labeled “Important Documents” comes to mind.) while not taking away from the characters’ struggles to accept their feelings and make their relationship work. They recognize in each other the things they are missing in life that the other can provide: Todd’s desire to belong, and Victor’s need for love and companionship.
And the chemistry…oh, man. These two are HOT. I’m shocked my Kindle didn’t burst into flames.
Without getting too heavy and preachy, the author’s analysis of marriage transcends sexuality. Marriage can be complicated even in the most ideal situations. Throw in opposite personalities (Victor with his Lisa Frank shirt, and Todd with his button up, preppy look is pretty much the epitome of how different these two are.) and you’ve got lots of mess to sift through. There’s no doubt throughout the story that Victor and Todd are meant for each other. They just take the long way to get to that realization.
This story is sweet (sticky notes!), funny (“I’m a sweet motherfucker.”), and romantic (Todd’s dedication to getting Victor’s overly complicated Starbucks order correct). What more can a reader ask for?
**Advance copy provided by author for honest review.**