Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Patrick’s To Do List:
1. Tell family I’m gay
2. Make giant cake for anniversary party
3. Convince Connor to be my fake boyfriend for the weekend
4. Try to keep my hands off Connor
5. Make sure Connor doesn’t find out I’ve been in love with him for the last three years

Connor’s Steps for Success:
1. Perfect pole routine for Chrome Stars
2. Continue search for perfect music
3. Survive weekend with Patrick’s family without mauling him while sharing a bed
4. Prevent feelings from exploding like a glitter bomb
5. Make sure Patrick doesn’t find out I’ve been in love with him forever

 

Book Review

Fake boyfriend is one of my favorite tropes, so I started this story knowing I would likely enjoy it, or at least find it pleasant. But, surprise! It was delightful. There were well-rounded main characters, a host of memorable secondary characters, and an amazingly sweet friendship that provided a firm foundation for these two men, Patrick and Connor, who discover what deep down in their hearts they likely already knew—they are perfect for each other, and their love is much more than mere friendship. 

 

Nearly thirty and still a virgin, pastry chef Patrick finally comes out to his family just before his parents’ fifty-year anniversary party, and they insist they bring his best friend Connor with him—but the way he’s talked about Connor over the years leads them to believe Connor is his boyfriend, not just his best friend. Connor, being the affable, outgoing, and great friend he is, agrees immediately. The stage is set.

 

Readers can guess the outcome but not the way in which the author tells the tale, paints the picture of the family reunion and the history of Patrick’s and Connor’s friendship, and shows readers how supportive and loving they are together. Then, readers can angst along with both men after they return from the (very explicit) weekend they spent at the family party, when each begins to wonder how he will tell the other just how much he loves him.

 

The important piece here is that the author’s writing was clear, concise, imaginative, compelling, humorous, and wrapped me up in warm and fuzzy feelings throughout the book. And though this was my first book by Charlie Novak, it certainly won’t be my last. This is a very definite feel-good story and I highly recommend it. 

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the authos via GRRT for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 268 pages/78000 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	12-November-2020
Price	$4.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Kisses-Charlie-Novak-ebook/dp/B08LFWHNF3