Twenty Questions: A Strangers-To-Friends-To-Lovers MM Romance

Foolish Games #1

by Hope Irving

One unexpected kiss. Two wounded men. Twenty unanswered questions… but only one matters.

When I went on vacation with my boyfriend Alex, I never expected to end up with another man’s lips on mine. My savior, fashion photographer Nino Toussaint, only intended to bring me back to life after a surfing accident nearly ended me. Still, his lips spark a connection that turns my safe world upside down by offering a lifelong friendship worth keeping, even long distance.

Bogged down in a slowly suffocating relationship that oversteps my boundaries, I turn to my new friend as a breather. Doubting Nino will accept me as I am, my overthinking head turns to my favorite game, Twenty Questions, until he raises more life-altering questions.

As life unravels, ghosts from the past continue waking me up at night and haunting me during the daytime. I’m willing to risk everything for a positive answer to this lingering question…
Can Nino be the answer I am truly seeking?

Twenty Questions is book 1 in the Foolish Games Series (M/M - Gay Contemporary Romance).
Twenty Questions features a wary cinnamon roll with spicy kinks and a French Caribbean fashion photographer with trust issues, but these two are so sweet and hot together that they'll melt your heart. No cheating. No cliffhanger. And a guaranteed happy ending... It's a romance after all!
Like my other stories, there's a French flair. This time, you'll get to travel to Bali, the East and West Coast of the US and France. You'll also get a bit of kink between consenting adults.


The Foolish Games Series is a contemporary M/M series with interconnected stories that can be read as a standalone. Each book follows a different couple.
I suggest the following reading order to better enjoy background stories and Easter eggs:
- Seven Minutes In Heaven: prequel to the series (novella); James and Alex's story. An exclusive novella that's only available to my subscribers for now.
- Twenty Questions: Book 1; Ash and Nino's story.
- This or That: Book 2; Mike and Troy's story.

Book 3 is a WIP at the moment. Stay tuned by subscribing to my newsletter or following me on social media.

Twenty Questions was previously published as a novella called Lip Service as part as an anthology that's no longer available. Since then, I've expanded it to a full-length rebranded novel with new content, fresh edits, and more swoons moments between Ash and Nino.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, M M Romance, Amazon

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Hope Irving is a USA Today and Amazon Top 15 Bestselling Author. She lives in Paris, France, and spent a couple of years in Texas, where she earned her MBA. With many friends, relatives, and readers in the States, the US has a big place in her heart. Although French is her mother tongue, she chose to write her novels in English because it simply feels right for her characters.
Hope’s suspenseful and complex love stories are modern fairytales. A natural introvert, she enjoys tormenting her flawed characters with a hint of darkness and sometimes magical elements. Still, her heart melts when love conquers all.
Her work has been described as “genre-defying,” “refreshingly unique,” and “an intriguing rollercoaster read.”

Learn more about Hope’s life in Paris, her love of multi-layered, swoon-worthy heroes that don’t play by the rules, and her book-loving world on her website. To keep up with all the latest, follow Hope on social media or join Hope’s mailing list for exclusive book information and great deals.

Find Hope Irving here: https://linktr.ee/hi_author

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the earlier novella version of this novel, called Lip Service, but this expanded version is so much better. Now we have much more complete versions of our heroes, Ash and Nino, and understand so much more about why they behave as they do. These two are among my all-time favorite couples. They are so different on the surface, but those differences are just what the other needs. These guys are different from many couples since it is a slower burn and many more insecurities which they openly share. However, Ash keeps one huge secret that ends up shattering the bliss. Alas, we have third-act angst and break up. Luckily, both of them have enough money to fly between Paris and LA when they find the need. There are great side characters, both good and evil, and Hope Irving does a great job drawing them all. I hope some of them get their own stories.
I received an ARC for free from the author and left this review voluntarily.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! PHENOMENAL! PAGE TURNER!
Your lips will burn from their first kiss!
Who knew lips could be so tantalizing!
Ash and Nino had a connection from the moment Nino saved Ash. The only problem is Ash is forbidden because he has a boyfriend. There are hidden secrets Ash is holding locked up deep within himself. Nino has never wanted a relationship but feels this pull towards Ash. I was held captive from beginning to end. Weather it was trying to find out what kept Ash so locked up or weather these two would finally give into the desire they both clearly have for each other. Will Ash be able to let go of his past?? Will Nino finally give up on his one night stands and try a relationship?You'll have to read this book and find out. I loved the journey we were taken on throughout the story. This book is intriguing, emotional, entertaining, an insta love, and so much more. This is the second book I've read by Hope and I am a forever fan! This is a must read and deserves way more than five stars.

[Mariansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I was lucky to get an arc from the author, I loved the blurb and was really excited about this story.
The first thing about this story I’d like to rave about is the characters. I got really invested in their story and in their personality. Great written!!! I struggled to put it down and I just wanted to keep on reading to find out how they got together and how things worked out for them.
Another thing about this story I really liked was the writing style. The words just flows from the start, and it’s easy to picture everything inside my head.
Definitely some sweet moments, some hot and some emotional once. I’m so happy Ash and Nino got the HEA they deserve.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lip Service was beautifully written, and while Ashton broke my heart with his lousy luck, I also was in awe of his strength in knowing what he needed and his ability to get it. I LOVED Nino's desire to learn more about Ash and not get caught up in titles but what worked for them as a couple.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jo Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me and I did enjoy this book. It starts with a life saving event and continues as a growing electronic friendship. Nino takes a chance and surprises Ash which keeps the story moving as they full discover each other. A misconstrued event causes Nino to run and now it’s Ash’s turn to just turn up and be persistent. It was nice to see both MC’s grow through the story and everything is well written.

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet slow burn with genuine characters. I liked Ash for knowing what he wants and his strength for dealing and confronting his past to make a better future. I liked Nino for his joy of life, not letting his childhood impacted by his father drag him down and for being open and honest when it came to Ash.
When fate throws these two in each others path Ash is already in a committed relationship with his dom and he and Nino become friends because their banter and chemistry is strong. When Ash is pushed beyond his boundaries by his dom he breaks it off and moves home and that’s when things change in his relationship with Nino. They both work on building a more open respectful relationship while still experimenting and establishing a more traditional d/s dynamic. I especially like the culmination which had the right amount of redemption and angst to make it a fitting end. The story and characters are well plotted, I only had a a bit of trouble connecting with them because it’s a different writing and language style than I am used to but I enjoyed reading Ash and Nino’s story so much.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor and joy of reading this book in ARC, and I loved it! Ash and Nino's relationship is very beautiful, because they have created a bond of love and trust from the very beginning, when Nino saves Ash's life...they become friends before lovers and together they work so that Ash can overcome old ghosts... it has very light, sensual BDSM and great secondary characters! 5 stars!! Much love!! ❤️❤️

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story with two very interesting characters who met in a very unusual situation. Ash certainly managed to pick some very wrong boyfriends in the past, BDSM partners who didn't abide by specific hard limits causing him a lot of unpleasantness. I particularly enjoyed Nino's cultural background, that really added to his character. The MCs had a lovely relationship buildup.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Natasha Lynn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Start

This is a new author to me, and I very much enjoyed the story, it was compelling and held my interest from the start until the end. I Loved the characters and the writing, I’ll definitely read more.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are on holiday but things will take a turn when he almost dies from drowning after a surfing accident. The man who gave him the kiss of life has set his mind thinking of what could be. What is he going to do? What will his boyfriend do? How will they react? Can a couple gain a third member? See just what is going to happen for them all

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read. Nino and Ash work so well and I really enjoyed watch them grow together. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[BA Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars I was excited to get an ARC copy for review!! There are No spoilers in this review. Lip Service is a cute romance that involves some nice surprises. Ashton, a professional shopper, is stuck in a rut with a self-centered and unkind boyfriend. Nino, a fashion photographer, loves his traveling life and doesn’t want a commitment. After they meet by way of an accident, they maintain connection electronically. Eventually… well, I promised, no spoilers. A wonderful surprise in the story is the development of Ashton’s courage and self-confidence. In fact, a scene where he leaves a very difficult and uncomfortable situation is quite refreshing (he doesn’t cave!). Enjoyable read!
NOTE: I score very hard, so a 3.5 from me is really good!

[Susan Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lip Service by Hope Irving has two damaged MCs who eventually find happiness with each other. In Ash, it is hard for me to believe a child interested in Greek myths would not go to college but instead wind up a personal shopper. I found it quirky that Nino would follow in his father’s footsteps, given their dynamic. It was entertaining to follow their paths crossing around the world while they tried to navigate their relationship. There was an important twist I was not expecting at the end which added a lot to the story. I enjoy chapter titles that are song titles, which I have to check out on YouTube. It deepens my reading pleasure. The book blurb should mention the story includes BDSM/pain kink. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an unusual way that Nino and Ash meet and are attracted, but there is definitely a connection there. I liked the way their long distance relationship allowed them to build a friendship that could deepen into so much more. I'm a fan of stories where one of the MCs has past boyfriends that are around to cause trouble and Ash clearly hasn't made the best choices before meeting Nino. The author also does a great job portraying Nino's ability to overthing everything until he can't see the forest for the trees. These two have some real roadblocks to overcome and I loved watching them do that alone and together.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flow! The heat! The swoon! I’m floored.
This author has really hit her stride in writing MM, which she has a knack for. Photographer Nino saves surfer Ash from drowning while he’s vacationing in Bali. Their intense connection begins—and thankfully does not end—there. A long-distance friendship develops, which builds when one appears on the other’s doorstep. Navigating a broken heart and secret desires, they (finally!) arrive at their own happy ever after. The story had development and progression and was smooth and seamless so that the reader could “fall right in.” 5 stars!

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was well written and easy to read. It was nice to see the relationship grow from friends to lovers after such a unique way of meeting. There were issues to overcome, but they did it, and in the end it was just a great book.

[Kiki Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is giving someone mouth to mouth considered a meet cute? When Ash and Nino meet in Twenty Questions by Hope Irving there is an instant connection. But Ash is on vacation with his not great (soon to be gone) boyfriend. So…

They begin a long distance friendship that helps Ash slowly gain courage and grow his self confidence.

Ash loves surfing, Greek mythology, and overthinking things. He’s used to being dominated by past boyfriends, so watching him slowly become his own man is so satisfying. He’s sweet and a little bit kinky.

Fashion photographer Nino is prone to snap decisions and refusing to settle down. As he and Ash grow closer, he starts to rethink his doubts on love.

I loved their journey from friends to lovers. There is an awful ex who won’t be named that nearly ruins things. Bravo to Ash for having the courage to fight for Nino and making him listen. They are destined to be together.

Both men have to work through their issues and insecurities, but they do. There’s steam, heart, and a story that will keep you engaged.

I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review Opinions are my own, and I really liked this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, and I very much enjoyed Ash and Nino’s story. The writing style is excellent, both main characters are dimensional, quirky but still very real. I loved the opening of the book, it’s wonderfully discombobulated, the reader not quite sure what is happening to Ash. The plot and characters are very engaging. I loved all their conversations, the Twenty Questions game they play a really creative way to get to know these characters. Ash’s journey in this was particularly well done, I loved seeing him grow stronger and more confident. The slow burn pace makes perfect sense for these two, as they sort out what they need from each other. Loved the characters and the writing, I’ll definitely read more from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was well-written and had genuine emotion and connection. The MC’s had an instant connection and their chemistry was amazing. The story was engaging and I loved how they got to know each other better with their little game of twenty questions. It made their romance more genuine and deeper. You could tell how much they were attracted to each other from the start and then after they met again when they allowed themselves to feel something real. Being this was my first time reading a book from this author, I am looking forward to reading the whole series and any other works available.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into this story, and I was pulled in deeper and deeper as it progressed (couldn’t put it down in the end). The story gave me all sorts of feelings – frustration with Ash, anger at his previous boyfriends, shock and concern at something that happened, some astonishment too. I loved how Nino allowed the relationship to evolve, even changing his hard limits over time. Ash is not really one to safeword, but I love it when one is used. This story is a lot about consent, communication and trust. These guys had it, though there were mistakes made and they had to fight for their HEA.

[Debra McEathron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story wasn't what I was expecting. It is about two guys finding and dealing with family and past Doms. The story was a little hard to follow with several guys involved. The story was okay not what I was interested in reading though I skimmed most of it. This story is part of a book set called desire After Dark.

[BooksA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The beginning was just wow..It intrigued me then captured me and before i knew it, it had drawn me in and i was unable to put the book down and ended up reading it in one go. Ash and Nino were just beautiful characters and you just rooted for them all the way x

[Arllau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and it won't be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet emotional story of Ashton and Nino.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.

[Geboyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting, but a good read nonetheless. I enjoy a good slow burn and this one hit the spot for me.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great read. Hot, sexy, all the feels.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars ⭐️

Sweet and Spicy, a little hard to follow at times but ended up being a cute read.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Didi Ps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex ends up being saved by Nino on a beach, & they end up meeting again a short while later. Ash has a bf, but this is a bit sad & complicated. Nino is happy with his life as it is. However, they both feel a pull that's stronger than either of them.

"I need a breather. (...) You are MY breather."

They're both s bit haunted by events in their pasts.

I live Ash's friend/client Michael.

This book had a bit of drama, some complications along the way, which made it a great story to read.

I loved the epilogue, too.

I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.