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The Boyfriend Chronicles #2
The Boyfriend Mandate
Stuntman and two-time cancer survivor Memphis Haines excels at beating the odds. When he's presented with the opportunity to help his ex-boyfriend with a charity event, he jumps at the chance to make up for the devastating way he left Tyler ten years ago. Memphis might have taken the college geek's virginity, but the former mathelete is now a hell of a head turner. And Dr. Tyler Hall's cool reserve is a challenge Memphis can't resist. A self-confessed rule breaker and line crosser, he'll keep turning up the heat with a single goal in mind: to melt the man's composure.
Tyler Hall sticks to one simple mandate: no more dating ex-boyfriends. Ever. He certainly isn't interested in hooking up with Memphis Haines, the ex who jumps off buildings, dodges explosions, and poses for designer underwear ads. Ten years ago, falling for Memphis changed Tyler's life. The man's abrupt departure turned his world inside out. But he moved on long ago. Besides, he has a clinic for the homeless to run, patients to take care of, and no time to deal with the trouble his ex brings. Memphis, however, seems determined to rehash the past. And his boxer-dropping grin, hard body, and confident charm are resurrecting ultra-hot memories best not remembered, making Tyler's rule harder and harder to keep…
CONTENT WARNING: This book contains Man-on-Man action, adult situations and *ahem* language.
Tyler Hall sticks to one simple mandate: no more dating ex-boyfriends. Ever. He certainly isn't interested in hooking up with Memphis Haines, the ex who jumps off buildings, dodges explosions, and poses for designer underwear ads. Ten years ago, falling for Memphis changed Tyler's life. The man's abrupt departure turned his world inside out. But he moved on long ago. Besides, he has a clinic for the homeless to run, patients to take care of, and no time to deal with the trouble his ex brings. Memphis, however, seems determined to rehash the past. And his boxer-dropping grin, hard body, and confident charm are resurrecting ultra-hot memories best not remembered, making Tyler's rule harder and harder to keep…
CONTENT WARNING: This book contains Man-on-Man action, adult situations and *ahem* language.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2014
135 people are currently reading
1445 people want to read
About the author
River Jaymes
8 books1,137 followersBy day, River works as a (mostly) mild mannered physician in a remote Alaskan town. And she’s accumulated the wacky stories that come with the job. At night, the author’s inner badass comes out to play. River likes to read and write books with varying levels of humor and plenty of hot, steamy sex between two hunky men.
River's other interests include medicine, snow, sled dogs, snow, snowmachines, snow, medivacs in the middle of the night, snow . . . you get the drift.
River's other interests include medicine, snow, sled dogs, snow, snowmachines, snow, medivacs in the middle of the night, snow . . . you get the drift.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews
January 30, 2015
3.5 stars
Disclaimer: This review has been truncated because reviewer has no brain cells left following the large quantities of booze she consumed at GRL Chicago.
And moving right along...
Loved:
Memphis and Tyler together; they had a nice synergy and connection.
The epilogue, which was bittersweet, tender, and funny.
The elevator scene. *ahem*
Liked:
Dylan and his I-don't-give-advice-ever advice.
Noah. Because. He's NOAH.
Tyler realizing it's not all about him.
Not so much:
Memphis's ex-wife, who was TOO present. We get it: Memphis loved her once. But their relationship was vaguely defined, and I was so tired of her being there. All. The. Fucking. Time.
Memphis' disappearing act(s).
Slightly awkward writing; in many of the scenes, the MCs were referred to by various stand-in nouns: the stuntman, the ex-boyfriend, the doctor, the guy. This broke the flow of the story.
The phrase Jesus Haploid Christ, which was bizarrely overused.
I did enjoy this one and am looking forward to Noah and Dr. Cowboy Boots, because you know THAT'S happening.
Disclaimer: This review has been truncated because reviewer has no brain cells left following the large quantities of booze she consumed at GRL Chicago.
And moving right along...
Loved:
Memphis and Tyler together; they had a nice synergy and connection.
The epilogue, which was bittersweet, tender, and funny.
The elevator scene. *ahem*
Liked:
Dylan and his I-don't-give-advice-ever advice.
Noah. Because. He's NOAH.
Tyler realizing it's not all about him.
Not so much:
Memphis's ex-wife, who was TOO present. We get it: Memphis loved her once. But their relationship was vaguely defined, and I was so tired of her being there. All. The. Fucking. Time.
Memphis' disappearing act(s).
Slightly awkward writing; in many of the scenes, the MCs were referred to by various stand-in nouns: the stuntman, the ex-boyfriend, the doctor, the guy. This broke the flow of the story.
The phrase Jesus Haploid Christ, which was bizarrely overused.
I did enjoy this one and am looking forward to Noah and Dr. Cowboy Boots, because you know THAT'S happening.
October 16, 2014
3.5 - 3.75 Stars
This is one of those reviews that's really hard for me to write...because while I enjoyed the story, there were several issues that kept me from really enjoying or just plain loving it.
With that said, I'm going to fall back on the tried and true bullet point style review and try to keep spoilers tagged and to a minimum...
Things I liked:
1) Tyler.
Yup, believe or not, Jaymes managed to take Tyler, a character who came off as a bit of adick cold fish in the first book, and she made him relatable. She gave him a back story that made you as the reader appreciate things he had been through and how they made him the way he is today. They also made me admire his calm under pressure.
2) Memphis and Tyler's Smexy Times
HOT.
3) Memphis' Cancer History Story...and how it affected him...I won't get too into this as it's hard to do without spoilers...
4) Dylan Booth Cameos.
Things I Didn't Like:
1) Tyler.
What's that you say? He was also the first point in my things I liked category?
Yes, yes he was.
While Tyler's back story and his history with Memphis served to make him more relatable, his behavior upon Memphis' arrival also kind of irked me.
It's like he became a wet noddle.
It was like he lost all the strength and backbone he had displayed in the beginning and throughout the first book and he just became Memphis' emotional punching bag.
Seriously?!
And the worst part? Tyler just took it.
And I did not like this.
I also did not like that after leaving Tyler back in the day, not only was Tyler the one to re-approach Memphis (this is divulged early on so I'm not spilling the beans here) but Memphis never really once chased Tyler - or really did much of anything to get him back.
Sure, he .
So I felt like he was just jerking Tyler around.
Literally and figuratively.
And I wanted Tyler to tell Memphis to FUCK. OFF.
2) MEMPHIS.
See #1.
3) Overuse of Specific Epithets and Awkward Writing.
Memphis must have said or thought the words "Judas Priest" a hundred times throughout this book...second only to Tyler's use of the good old "Jesus Haploid Christ." I'm sorry, maybe I'm outta the loop, but I was unaware that Jesus had the middle name of Haploid.
Also, I don't remember this being the case in the first book, but Jaymes must have used the words "his boyfriend" or "his ex-boyfriend" a thousand times throughout this book.
Writing examples...from half of ONE chapter:
"How could his boyfriend sound so calm?...Tyler looked into his boyfriend's amazing hazel eyes...guilt washed over his boyfriend's face...Tyler sent his boyfriend a small grin...The way his boyfriend glanced at the door made it clear he had some reservations...'Why not?' his boyfriend said...Tyler could see the tension around his boyfriend's eyes..."
Oh. My. God.
I could go on, but I am afraid my computer will get stuck on the "B"-"O"-"Y"-"F"-"R"-"I"-"E"-"N" and "D" keys from overuse.
Soooooooooooooooooo distracting.
Between the "boyfriends" and the "Judas Priest / Jesus Haploid Christs" I was ready to bang my head against a wall. It was so in your face and distracting that it definitely impeded the flow - and thus some of my enjoyment - of the story.
Overall, however, it was a really cute book with good characters and a good heartfelt story line; there were just a few things that seriously irked me along the way. Maybe these things won't bother other readers to the same degree.
I will still definitely read more from this author.
I want Noah's story!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hmmmmmmmm.....
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
HOW did I NOT know this was out!!!!!!?????
This is one of those reviews that's really hard for me to write...because while I enjoyed the story, there were several issues that kept me from really enjoying or just plain loving it.
With that said, I'm going to fall back on the tried and true bullet point style review and try to keep spoilers tagged and to a minimum...
Things I liked:
1) Tyler.
Yup, believe or not, Jaymes managed to take Tyler, a character who came off as a bit of a
2) Memphis and Tyler's Smexy Times
HOT.
3) Memphis' Cancer History Story...and how it affected him...I won't get too into this as it's hard to do without spoilers...
4) Dylan Booth Cameos.
Things I Didn't Like:
1) Tyler.
What's that you say? He was also the first point in my things I liked category?
Yes, yes he was.
While Tyler's back story and his history with Memphis served to make him more relatable, his behavior upon Memphis' arrival also kind of irked me.
It's like he became a wet noddle.
It was like he lost all the strength and backbone he had displayed in the beginning and throughout the first book and he just became Memphis' emotional punching bag.
Seriously?!
And the worst part? Tyler just took it.
And I did not like this.
I also did not like that after leaving Tyler back in the day, not only was Tyler the one to re-approach Memphis (this is divulged early on so I'm not spilling the beans here) but Memphis never really once chased Tyler - or really did much of anything to get him back.
Sure, he .
So I felt like he was just jerking Tyler around.
Literally and figuratively.
And I wanted Tyler to tell Memphis to FUCK. OFF.
2) MEMPHIS.
See #1.
3) Overuse of Specific Epithets and Awkward Writing.
Memphis must have said or thought the words "Judas Priest" a hundred times throughout this book...second only to Tyler's use of the good old "Jesus Haploid Christ." I'm sorry, maybe I'm outta the loop, but I was unaware that Jesus had the middle name of Haploid.
Also, I don't remember this being the case in the first book, but Jaymes must have used the words "his boyfriend" or "his ex-boyfriend" a thousand times throughout this book.
Writing examples...from half of ONE chapter:
"How could his boyfriend sound so calm?...Tyler looked into his boyfriend's amazing hazel eyes...guilt washed over his boyfriend's face...Tyler sent his boyfriend a small grin...The way his boyfriend glanced at the door made it clear he had some reservations...'Why not?' his boyfriend said...Tyler could see the tension around his boyfriend's eyes..."
Oh. My. God.
I could go on, but I am afraid my computer will get stuck on the "B"-"O"-"Y"-"F"-"R"-"I"-"E"-"N" and "D" keys from overuse.
Soooooooooooooooooo distracting.
Between the "boyfriends" and the "Judas Priest / Jesus Haploid Christs" I was ready to bang my head against a wall. It was so in your face and distracting that it definitely impeded the flow - and thus some of my enjoyment - of the story.
Overall, however, it was a really cute book with good characters and a good heartfelt story line; there were just a few things that seriously irked me along the way. Maybe these things won't bother other readers to the same degree.
I will still definitely read more from this author.
I want Noah's story!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hmmmmmmmm.....
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
HOW did I NOT know this was out!!!!!!?????
January 2, 2016
*** 3.5 Stars ***
I have thoughts on this one; I'm just trying to gather them.
~~~
Buddy Read discussion thread started here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I have thoughts on this one; I'm just trying to gather them.
~~~
Buddy Read discussion thread started here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
October 17, 2014
4--
Judas Priest
--Stars!!!
I was a little worried about reading this book, based on my feels for Tyler from The Back-up Boyfriend but I actually liked Tyler a lot after reading this book! More so than Memphis.
I started the book really liking Memphis. But by the end I really questioned his motives with Tyler. At times he seemed really manipulative and I often couldn't tell how he truly felt about Tyler. Was it all a game to him?
I felt like Memphis liked the idea of Tyler being completely wrapped up in him. It's like he threw it in his face.
Tyler and Memphis originally met in college and while the book starts in present day we get some flashbacks to their early relationship. Tyler has always been out, where as Memphis is bi-sexual. Tyler was his first experience with another man.
Memphis is a cancer survivor. He and Tyler are going strong for two years when Memphis disappears without a word to Tyler. Tyler of course, is heartbroken. He has no idea why Memphis left.
Present day Memphis is recently divorced from his wife Julissa. He's a stuntman and underwear model and as a result of his divorce his past is being drug out in to the open. Which means his relationship with Tyler.
This forces Tyler to confront Memphis after all of those years. Memphis wants to right all of his wrongs from the past. He needs Tyler's forgiveness for leaving him.
And while Tyler was very understanding as to Memphis' reasons for leaving, I was never 100% sure how genuine Memphis really was.
Despite my misgivings towards Memphis I did like this one! Memphis and Tyler together had great chemistry. That elevator scene...
Judas Priest and Jesus Haploid Christ were definitely overused. And I kind of wish we had gotten more of Memphis and Tyler together as a couple. The ending fell a little flat for me.
But I can't wait to read Noah's book....he's going to be with the doctor right? Kyland???
I was a little worried about reading this book, based on my feels for Tyler from The Back-up Boyfriend but I actually liked Tyler a lot after reading this book! More so than Memphis.
I started the book really liking Memphis. But by the end I really questioned his motives with Tyler. At times he seemed really manipulative and I often couldn't tell how he truly felt about Tyler. Was it all a game to him?
I felt like Memphis liked the idea of Tyler being completely wrapped up in him. It's like he threw it in his face.
Tyler and Memphis originally met in college and while the book starts in present day we get some flashbacks to their early relationship. Tyler has always been out, where as Memphis is bi-sexual. Tyler was his first experience with another man.
Memphis is a cancer survivor. He and Tyler are going strong for two years when Memphis disappears without a word to Tyler. Tyler of course, is heartbroken. He has no idea why Memphis left.
Present day Memphis is recently divorced from his wife Julissa. He's a stuntman and underwear model and as a result of his divorce his past is being drug out in to the open. Which means his relationship with Tyler.
This forces Tyler to confront Memphis after all of those years. Memphis wants to right all of his wrongs from the past. He needs Tyler's forgiveness for leaving him.
And while Tyler was very understanding as to Memphis' reasons for leaving, I was never 100% sure how genuine Memphis really was.
Despite my misgivings towards Memphis I did like this one! Memphis and Tyler together had great chemistry. That elevator scene...
Judas Priest and Jesus Haploid Christ were definitely overused. And I kind of wish we had gotten more of Memphis and Tyler together as a couple. The ending fell a little flat for me.
But I can't wait to read Noah's book....he's going to be with the doctor right? Kyland???
January 9, 2016
2 Memphis the A*hole Stars(And that's, sadly, not a reference to his bottoming.)
First loves are a bitch to get over, so it doesn't come as a surprise that when Tyler's and Memphis' paths cross ten years after Memphis up and disappeared from Ty's life, things are about to come full circle. And all of Tyler's determination to never get involved with an ex-boyfriend again is about to get tossed down the drain.
This book had much potential. Re-union stories are always fun to watch, the awkwardness, the angst, the past hurts and new hopes. In the right hands a reunion story can be the best kind of high. River Jaymes sadly did not deliver on this one.
The book started well enough. I enjoyed Tyler's initial determination and the dynamics in his relationship with Memphis. I liked how he took charge of the game between them even though it was pretty obvious that he let Memphis manipulate him into intimacy. And then Tyler had to go and become Memphis' lapdog once again. Because Ty's fate was to always run behind Memphis hoping for the crumps he was willing to hand out.
And Memphis? Memphis was a world-class jerk. He Hulk-smashed into Tyler's life ,he manipulated Tyler with his disease and then he started hitting and never really stopped.
HIT ONE
The It wasn't me, it was you hit. Because the reason Memphis disappeared without a word? See? It was Tyler's fault!
HIT TWO
The It wasn't me, it was you PART 2 hit. The additional reason Memphis couldn't at least explain why he was going?? Tyler was too needy!! See? Still all Tyler's fault!!!!
HIT THREE
The I needed you to feel like I was still a man hit. Because after losing a nut you just had to have someone hanging from your fake one to prove yourself that you still "had it".
HIT FOUR
The I'll make you go through losing me yet again hit. This one took Memphis' selfishness to a whole new level. Because that's exactly the kind of selfish bastard you fucking are!
The one thing I actually liked about Memphis was that he didn't try to pretend that what he had with Jules wasn't real, or great or whatever, just so that his and Tyler's story would be "more". But the author went and took that away from me too.
The book's saving qualities were the appearances from Dylan, Alec and Noah! I freakin' love Noah and I can't wait for his story!!!!
PS. Dear Author, go easy with the "boyfriends", "ex-boyfriends" next time. No need for every other word to be boyfriend. We got it the first hundred times.
“I don’t want to have to live without him again.”
First loves are a bitch to get over, so it doesn't come as a surprise that when Tyler's and Memphis' paths cross ten years after Memphis up and disappeared from Ty's life, things are about to come full circle. And all of Tyler's determination to never get involved with an ex-boyfriend again is about to get tossed down the drain.
This book had much potential. Re-union stories are always fun to watch, the awkwardness, the angst, the past hurts and new hopes. In the right hands a reunion story can be the best kind of high. River Jaymes sadly did not deliver on this one.
The book started well enough. I enjoyed Tyler's initial determination and the dynamics in his relationship with Memphis. I liked how he took charge of the game between them even though it was pretty obvious that he let Memphis manipulate him into intimacy. And then Tyler had to go and become Memphis' lapdog once again. Because Ty's fate was to always run behind Memphis hoping for the crumps he was willing to hand out.
And Memphis? Memphis was a world-class jerk. He Hulk-smashed into Tyler's life ,he manipulated Tyler with his disease and then he started hitting and never really stopped.
HIT ONE
The It wasn't me, it was you hit. Because the reason Memphis disappeared without a word? See? It was Tyler's fault!
HIT TWO
The It wasn't me, it was you PART 2 hit. The additional reason Memphis couldn't at least explain why he was going?? Tyler was too needy!! See? Still all Tyler's fault!!!!
HIT THREE
The I needed you to feel like I was still a man hit. Because after losing a nut you just had to have someone hanging from your fake one to prove yourself that you still "had it".
HIT FOUR
The I'll make you go through losing me yet again hit. This one took Memphis' selfishness to a whole new level. Because that's exactly the kind of selfish bastard you fucking are!
The one thing I actually liked about Memphis was that he didn't try to pretend that what he had with Jules wasn't real, or great or whatever, just so that his and Tyler's story would be "more". But the author went and took that away from me too.
The book's saving qualities were the appearances from Dylan, Alec and Noah! I freakin' love Noah and I can't wait for his story!!!!
PS. Dear Author, go easy with the "boyfriends", "ex-boyfriends" next time. No need for every other word to be boyfriend. We got it the first hundred times.
December 22, 2019
I didn't think I was going to finish this because ... Memphis. I really struggle with selfish, self absorbed characters and hoo boy, Memphis was just all that and then some.
I was a bit apathetic about Tyler in the previous book. As the hero's ex he didn't figure for me at all, so colour me surprised that I really liked him in this book though he definitely drew the short straw by being landed with Memphis. Yeah, I REALLY don't like that bloke despite his health issues that should have plucked at my heartstrings.
A cute story that would've been rated higher but for .... yep, Memphis (who's now officially on my Assholian shelf) 🙄
I was a bit apathetic about Tyler in the previous book. As the hero's ex he didn't figure for me at all, so colour me surprised that I really liked him in this book though he definitely drew the short straw by being landed with Memphis. Yeah, I REALLY don't like that bloke despite his health issues that should have plucked at my heartstrings.
A cute story that would've been rated higher but for .... yep, Memphis (who's now officially on my Assholian shelf) 🙄
November 17, 2014
***4 Second Chance Stars***
I just love it when an author can change your mind about a character. I didn't like Tyler in The Backup Boyfriend, but fell in love with him here. I understand him so much more now and why he is the way he is. He needed to be in control, stoic...cold like ice. So much of his past, those important moments, were completely out of his control. And I loved Memphis with his fears and insecurities, trying to shield his vulnerability with humor, lust and adrenaline.
"Either yell at me for deserting you or fuck the hell out of me."
"All this time, I thought you wanted forgiveness for the way you'd left. In truth, you mostly wanted forgiveness for the why."
"Because I didn't fall in love with you again, Memphis. I just never stopped."
Can I just say....that elevator scene!!!!
River Jaymes does it again for me! Full review to come.
-------------------------------------------------------
Finally a title: The Boyfriend Mandate
and a Release Date: September 23rd
I can't wait!!!
October 29, 2014
Sigh. So it pains me to write that I didn't like this book, and that I was disappointed based on my love for the previous book in the series, but that's the truth. I'm not sure how it happened as reunited lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I love bisexual characters. I love arrogant MCs. I love hot sex (duh). However, all of these aspects separately or combined couldn't overcome unlikable MCs, repetitive writing, and a plot/love story I just couldn't get enthused by.
Memphis is a two-time cancer survivor who proposes a tit for tat situation to his ex-boyfriend, Tyler, and in doing so the two fight, fuck, manipulate, and fall in love. I was probably one of the few who didn't hate Tyler in the first book, The Backup Boyfriend. Gahhhh, there is hardly anything better than a cold, reserved man showing vulnerability, showing passion when he finally breaks, ESPECIALLY when it's a hot, arrogant man to do so. COME ON!!! This had all the components.
So why didn't it work?
For me, I was incredibly distracted by the repetitive phrasing the characters used such as: Jesus Haploid Christ or Christ Almighty. Over and over and over. It got to the point I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Maybe the author thought it was their "thing", but it grated on my nerves.
The main issue, however, and it's huge is that I despised Memphis. And I mean DESPISED. I know people often say reading something makes them want to vomit, but he says something and I literally for the first time in my life, while reading, had bile come up. I almost actually got sick because of something a character said. Everyone might tell a white lie here or there. Everyone might persuade someone unintentionally to get something. But when a character flat out says he's going to manipulate someone and prey on their kindness and sympathy just so he can get fucked? When a character decides to reveal hurtful things about the other character as to why he left or how he viewed him as a boyfriend or hell, even why he fucked him so much, just to clear the air? I can't. I just can't. At one point it felt like maybe Memphis was thinking to himself he was going to use his cancer to get things he wanted and he was telling himself that because he'd never really dealt with his illness, and he was scared and angry and lonely, that he felt he not only earned it, but he needed Tyler and Tyler's affection. Even then, knowing what he knew about his health, and how he was using his illness to his "advantage", I still felt he was jerking Tyler around for his own selfish reasons. So I honestly don't know how to feel. Maybe I'm not giving Memphis enough credit, but I don't like it one bit.
Then there's Tyler. I'm trying to honestly imagine this man dating Alec from the previous book, and how did that happen??? It's bizarre to me. I can't see him with Alec or Memphis, and the version of him from book 1 to book 2 doesn't fit in my head. He had some good moments, especially with Dylan, but I was expecting a different Tyler than the one I got.
That's not to say it was all bad. The elevator scene was riiiii.DICK.ulously hot. I loved Dylan and Alec's side story and the concerns Dylan had felt real and genuine. The moments where Memphis wasn't being a giant douchenozzle were both steamy and sweet with Tyler.
However, your mileage may vary. Plenty of other reviewers have not felt the same as I, but unfortunately, this was just OK to me.
Memphis is a two-time cancer survivor who proposes a tit for tat situation to his ex-boyfriend, Tyler, and in doing so the two fight, fuck, manipulate, and fall in love. I was probably one of the few who didn't hate Tyler in the first book, The Backup Boyfriend. Gahhhh, there is hardly anything better than a cold, reserved man showing vulnerability, showing passion when he finally breaks, ESPECIALLY when it's a hot, arrogant man to do so. COME ON!!! This had all the components.
So why didn't it work?
For me, I was incredibly distracted by the repetitive phrasing the characters used such as: Jesus Haploid Christ or Christ Almighty. Over and over and over. It got to the point I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Maybe the author thought it was their "thing", but it grated on my nerves.
The main issue, however, and it's huge is that I despised Memphis. And I mean DESPISED. I know people often say reading something makes them want to vomit, but he says something and I literally for the first time in my life, while reading, had bile come up. I almost actually got sick because of something a character said. Everyone might tell a white lie here or there. Everyone might persuade someone unintentionally to get something. But when a character flat out says he's going to manipulate someone and prey on their kindness and sympathy just so he can get fucked? When a character decides to reveal hurtful things about the other character as to why he left or how he viewed him as a boyfriend or hell, even why he fucked him so much, just to clear the air? I can't. I just can't. At one point it felt like maybe Memphis was thinking to himself he was going to use his cancer to get things he wanted and he was telling himself that because he'd never really dealt with his illness, and he was scared and angry and lonely, that he felt he not only earned it, but he needed Tyler and Tyler's affection. Even then, knowing what he knew about his health, and how he was using his illness to his "advantage", I still felt he was jerking Tyler around for his own selfish reasons. So I honestly don't know how to feel. Maybe I'm not giving Memphis enough credit, but I don't like it one bit.
Then there's Tyler. I'm trying to honestly imagine this man dating Alec from the previous book, and how did that happen??? It's bizarre to me. I can't see him with Alec or Memphis, and the version of him from book 1 to book 2 doesn't fit in my head. He had some good moments, especially with Dylan, but I was expecting a different Tyler than the one I got.
That's not to say it was all bad. The elevator scene was riiiii.DICK.ulously hot. I loved Dylan and Alec's side story and the concerns Dylan had felt real and genuine. The moments where Memphis wasn't being a giant douchenozzle were both steamy and sweet with Tyler.
However, your mileage may vary. Plenty of other reviewers have not felt the same as I, but unfortunately, this was just OK to me.
October 22, 2014
♥♥♥ 3.25 STARS ♥♥♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
“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."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
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.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
“Your family wants you here, Memphis. Julissa wants you here. And just as important, I want you here.”
"Tyler--"
"I love you."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● �� ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
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.
February 21, 2015
4.5 Stars
Tyler and Memphis were
Tyler and Memphis were
November 12, 2019
This is my second read, I think. Tyler was the cold, uptight ex of Alec in book one. He's still pretty uptight and when he's forced to spend time with the man that broke his heart 10 years before, he gets tighter than ever for a while. Memphis is a Peter Pan type of character, a Hollywood stuntman and underwear model. What I liked the most was the great portrayal of a bisexual man. River Jaymes addressed some of the stereotypes in the dialogue without being preachy or making it bisexual education 101 either.
I know some people got irritated with the characters. I felt like I could really understand Memphis and also had to consider the age he and Tyler were when they were together. Who handled anything well at that age? As far as Tyler's expressions, I liked that quirk, since my brother does the same thing. When Tyler finally got angry and cut loose, it was one of the hottest scenes I've ever read. Angry elevator sex! It was a painful journey for Tyler and Memphis, filled with harsh truths and owning up to responsibility. It was a bit angst filled but also warm and humorous with the presence of Noah's inappropriate snark and surprising support from Dylan. Now, finally I can read Noah's story. It should be a he** of a book.
I know some people got irritated with the characters. I felt like I could really understand Memphis and also had to consider the age he and Tyler were when they were together. Who handled anything well at that age? As far as Tyler's expressions, I liked that quirk, since my brother does the same thing. When Tyler finally got angry and cut loose, it was one of the hottest scenes I've ever read. Angry elevator sex! It was a painful journey for Tyler and Memphis, filled with harsh truths and owning up to responsibility. It was a bit angst filled but also warm and humorous with the presence of Noah's inappropriate snark and surprising support from Dylan. Now, finally I can read Noah's story. It should be a he** of a book.
October 20, 2014
3.5 stars
This one was a tough one for me. Maybe just listing things in no particular order is the best way for me to go about this one.
Tyler, who like most people I did not like in The Backup Boyfriend, redeemed himself immediately. I loved him and I felt bad for him, even those times where I wanted to shake him. He was a fantastic character and his back story gave a clear understanding of where he was coming from.
My biggest problem was Memphis. For the majority of the book I did not like him, and even at the end I never fully came around. He not only treated Tyler like crap in the past, he continued to do so throughout most of the book. He was manipulative and did I mention he treated Tyler like crap.
My second big problem was Noah. It was the same problem I had with him in the first book, but it seemed magnified here, but maybe that was just because I didn't like the way Tyler was being treated by Memphis. It is not singular to Noah, because I often have trouble with characters that mean well but get too involved. I understand he has a heart of gold and loves these guys to death, but I don't like the way he goes about doing things. That being said, I know I'll still read his book.
With everyone else manipulating Tyler, it was nice seeing Alec and especially Dylan, who really played more of a part in helping Tyler out. I'm wondering how their news will play out. I think that may even need a book of its own. So while I liked getting to know Tyler better, I think he deserved better.
#TylerDeservedBetter
(I totally stole this from Kade's review)
This one was a tough one for me. Maybe just listing things in no particular order is the best way for me to go about this one.
Tyler, who like most people I did not like in The Backup Boyfriend, redeemed himself immediately. I loved him and I felt bad for him, even those times where I wanted to shake him. He was a fantastic character and his back story gave a clear understanding of where he was coming from.
My biggest problem was Memphis. For the majority of the book I did not like him, and even at the end I never fully came around. He not only treated Tyler like crap in the past, he continued to do so throughout most of the book. He was manipulative and did I mention he treated Tyler like crap.
My second big problem was Noah. It was the same problem I had with him in the first book, but it seemed magnified here, but maybe that was just because I didn't like the way Tyler was being treated by Memphis. It is not singular to Noah, because I often have trouble with characters that mean well but get too involved. I understand he has a heart of gold and loves these guys to death, but I don't like the way he goes about doing things. That being said, I know I'll still read his book.
With everyone else manipulating Tyler, it was nice seeing Alec and especially Dylan, who really played more of a part in helping Tyler out. I'm wondering how their news will play out. I think that may even need a book of its own. So while I liked getting to know Tyler better, I think he deserved better.
#TylerDeservedBetter
(I totally stole this from Kade's review)
August 28, 2015
ETA: I originally gave this book 2 stars. But after thinking about it, I can't say it was "just okay." I didn't like this one at all. Maybe a 1.5, but definitely not 2.
This review may contain spoilers.
So I finally got around to finishing this. And by 'finishing,' I mean very liberally skimming the last 30%. It still counts!
I started this book on Oct 14, and it took me two weeks to finish it. While it was on my currently-reading shelf, I read 12 others books, so clearly I wasn't a fan.
I think the main reason that I didn't enjoy The Boyfriend Mandate so much is that I just didn't connect with either of the MCs. Memphis was a douchebag. That in itself isn't that much of a problem, because I've read many douchebag MCs who I ended up loving, but I didn't connect with him at all. By the 70% mark, I had yet to care about his problems, or his reasons for leaving Taylor. The only thing I felt for him was a passing sympathy for being a two-time cancer survivor. Though that being said, I also can't say that I liked Tyler a whole lot more. To me, both MCs were just bland and cookie-cutter romance novel characters.
There were other smaller things which annoyed me throughout the book. Like the ex-wife that was just continually popping up all over the place. Repeatedly overused words and descriptions. And Tyler's phrases ('Judas Priest' and 'Jesus Haploid Christ'). I don't understand why authors can't just use the usual interjections of surprise or dismay. Are interjections like 'oh my god' and 'hell no' just too mainstream?
Oh, and that thing that happens right near the end. One word: OVERKILL.
This book was just boring, and I was also easily distracted by some new releases on my tbr that I really wanted to read. What redeems the book, to a certain extent, is that Tyler and Memphis obviously do love each other, even if neither of them can express their emotions, because both are borderline emotionally stunted. Also the sex was hot, which I suppose is always a bonus.
So, a barely there 2 stars (1 star after the ETA) and I'm not sure whether I'll be reading Noah's story.
This review may contain spoilers.
So I finally got around to finishing this. And by 'finishing,' I mean very liberally skimming the last 30%. It still counts!
I started this book on Oct 14, and it took me two weeks to finish it. While it was on my currently-reading shelf, I read 12 others books, so clearly I wasn't a fan.
I think the main reason that I didn't enjoy The Boyfriend Mandate so much is that I just didn't connect with either of the MCs. Memphis was a douchebag. That in itself isn't that much of a problem, because I've read many douchebag MCs who I ended up loving, but I didn't connect with him at all. By the 70% mark, I had yet to care about his problems, or his reasons for leaving Taylor. The only thing I felt for him was a passing sympathy for being a two-time cancer survivor. Though that being said, I also can't say that I liked Tyler a whole lot more. To me, both MCs were just bland and cookie-cutter romance novel characters.
There were other smaller things which annoyed me throughout the book. Like the ex-wife that was just continually popping up all over the place. Repeatedly overused words and descriptions. And Tyler's phrases ('Judas Priest' and 'Jesus Haploid Christ'). I don't understand why authors can't just use the usual interjections of surprise or dismay. Are interjections like 'oh my god' and 'hell no' just too mainstream?
Oh, and that thing that happens right near the end. One word: OVERKILL.
This book was just boring, and I was also easily distracted by some new releases on my tbr that I really wanted to read. What redeems the book, to a certain extent, is that Tyler and Memphis obviously do love each other, even if neither of them can express their emotions, because both are borderline emotionally stunted. Also the sex was hot, which I suppose is always a bonus.
So, a barely there 2 stars (1 star after the ETA) and I'm not sure whether I'll be reading Noah's story.
April 4, 2019
*** River Jaymes book 2 in the Boyfriend Chronicles tales.
I liked the first one with Alec and his mechanic, Dylan. We see them again here.
This time it's a stronger Doctor Tyler,
and evasive Memphis, a stunt man/underwear model/ex-soccer player.
Memphis left Tyler high and dry years ago, and now, a gossip magazine put them in a predicament.
Tyler
With their association comes talks, regrets, questions, answers, and insecurities. Memphis owes Tyler an apology and the answer to "why"?
Memphis has battled cancer twice and talks to kids at the cancer ward as a volunteer. He also performs dangerous stunts and models underwear.
Tyler and Alec run a clinic, and Tyler cares for some homeless folks, too. I liked Tyler a lot, so sweet, with his battered and bruised heart. Memphis came off as an ass, a thrill seeker, and distanced himself from anything meaningful.
Later we get some answers, and another scare,
and see into his fears, and reasons for his screwed up attitude. Memphis has his ex-wife for a manager, but her role didn't bother me. They worked together, were nice to each other, caring, but nothing more.
This could stand alone, but the reader knowing the continuing characters would help greatly.
I look forward to Noah's story, because he's such a fun character.
ENJOY !!!
=========
I liked the first one with Alec and his mechanic, Dylan. We see them again here.
This time it's a stronger Doctor Tyler,
and evasive Memphis, a stunt man/underwear model/ex-soccer player.
Memphis left Tyler high and dry years ago, and now, a gossip magazine put them in a predicament.
Tyler
With their association comes talks, regrets, questions, answers, and insecurities. Memphis owes Tyler an apology and the answer to "why"?
Memphis has battled cancer twice and talks to kids at the cancer ward as a volunteer. He also performs dangerous stunts and models underwear.
Tyler and Alec run a clinic, and Tyler cares for some homeless folks, too. I liked Tyler a lot, so sweet, with his battered and bruised heart. Memphis came off as an ass, a thrill seeker, and distanced himself from anything meaningful.
Later we get some answers, and another scare,
and see into his fears, and reasons for his screwed up attitude. Memphis has his ex-wife for a manager, but her role didn't bother me. They worked together, were nice to each other, caring, but nothing more.
This could stand alone, but the reader knowing the continuing characters would help greatly.
I look forward to Noah's story, because he's such a fun character.
ENJOY !!!
=========
May 12, 2017
This was an oke read, although it did piss me off at times. To be specific...Memphis pissed me off.
I have read the previous book in this series, but this was a while ago and I can't really remember Ty. Apparently he was a bit of an assshole in that one, but he sure wasn't in this one. I really liked Ty.
Ty and Memphis were roommates and friends in college and later they became lovers. Ty has always known he's gay, but Memphis has just figured out he's bi.
After two years together, Memphis just disappears. No note no phonecall, he just packed his stuff and left Ty behind without any explanation.
Now 10 years later the two of them come face to face again. Ty is a now a doctor, nicknamed "the iceman" , because he never shows his emotions or loses his calm. Memphis is a stuntman/underwear model, whoç battled cancer twice.
After leaving his wife of 5 years, Memphis' sexuality becomes public knowledge. Reporters love dragging up the past, which means his relationship with Ty becomes public knowledge also. Ty has always been out, so this is not the issue. The issue is that reporters are stating that being with Ty is the reason Memphis became straight and back to women. Since Memphis did indeed marry a woman after leaving Ty behind, he wonders if this is true....not a big boost for a man's ego.
Memphis soons finds out that the Ty he's facing now, is not the same Ty and the one he left behind.
This new version of Ty is calm and cool and he can't help but be facinated by the man. He wants two things from Ty...forgiveness and a fuck.
Ty has a new rule about getting back with exes...it never works out, so he doesn't want to go there anymore. Memphis will have to up his gameplan...
I was enjoying this very much, until Memphis stated that the reason he left was because it was hard being Ty's boyfriend...putting all the blame on Ty. I wanted to smack the man in his face !! What an asshole !! I felt very sorry for him that he had to battle cancer not once but twice, nobody should have to go through that, but this was no reason to treat Ty like shit and than also blame him for their break-up. He tried to redeem himself, and he probably did, but I never felt the same way about him after that statement....
I also didn't like the ex wife. She didn't seem like a very nice person to me....for some reason I just didn't like her character. I felt her part was too big. I can understand staying friends with your ex, but I just wanted her to get lost. Especially because to me, she was prove that Memphis didn't give a shit about Ty the first time around. Why else would he up and marry someone else....a woman no less. He kept saying he was sorry for leaving Ty but he had no problem starting a relationship with someone else.... He only started thinking about Ty after his divorce, so yeah I wanted her gone !!
The steam in this one was very nice....especially the elevator....yummy ;)
3 stars from me because I just couldn't forgive Memphis for being an ass !
I'm very curious to see if Noah will get his book. Now he's a character I really liked and I would love tor read about him and the cowboy surgeon ;)
I have read the previous book in this series, but this was a while ago and I can't really remember Ty. Apparently he was a bit of an assshole in that one, but he sure wasn't in this one. I really liked Ty.
Ty and Memphis were roommates and friends in college and later they became lovers. Ty has always known he's gay, but Memphis has just figured out he's bi.
After two years together, Memphis just disappears. No note no phonecall, he just packed his stuff and left Ty behind without any explanation.
Now 10 years later the two of them come face to face again. Ty is a now a doctor, nicknamed "the iceman" , because he never shows his emotions or loses his calm. Memphis is a stuntman/underwear model, whoç battled cancer twice.
After leaving his wife of 5 years, Memphis' sexuality becomes public knowledge. Reporters love dragging up the past, which means his relationship with Ty becomes public knowledge also. Ty has always been out, so this is not the issue. The issue is that reporters are stating that being with Ty is the reason Memphis became straight and back to women. Since Memphis did indeed marry a woman after leaving Ty behind, he wonders if this is true....not a big boost for a man's ego.
Memphis soons finds out that the Ty he's facing now, is not the same Ty and the one he left behind.
This new version of Ty is calm and cool and he can't help but be facinated by the man. He wants two things from Ty...forgiveness and a fuck.
Ty has a new rule about getting back with exes...it never works out, so he doesn't want to go there anymore. Memphis will have to up his gameplan...
I was enjoying this very much, until Memphis stated that the reason he left was because it was hard being Ty's boyfriend...putting all the blame on Ty. I wanted to smack the man in his face !! What an asshole !! I felt very sorry for him that he had to battle cancer not once but twice, nobody should have to go through that, but this was no reason to treat Ty like shit and than also blame him for their break-up. He tried to redeem himself, and he probably did, but I never felt the same way about him after that statement....
I also didn't like the ex wife. She didn't seem like a very nice person to me....for some reason I just didn't like her character. I felt her part was too big. I can understand staying friends with your ex, but I just wanted her to get lost. Especially because to me, she was prove that Memphis didn't give a shit about Ty the first time around. Why else would he up and marry someone else....a woman no less. He kept saying he was sorry for leaving Ty but he had no problem starting a relationship with someone else.... He only started thinking about Ty after his divorce, so yeah I wanted her gone !!
The steam in this one was very nice....especially the elevator....yummy ;)
3 stars from me because I just couldn't forgive Memphis for being an ass !
I'm very curious to see if Noah will get his book. Now he's a character I really liked and I would love tor read about him and the cowboy surgeon ;)
October 20, 2014
More like 3.5. I truly TRULY hated Memphis. But Tyler...I loved him. in my eyes, he never had to redeem himself. Some relationships just don't work, and I totally understood where he was coming from in the last book, even if I still felt for Alec and yeah Tyler def handled it wrong. Regardless, Tyler really did come together beautifully as a character here. So in the end with Memphis's manipulation and Noah's buttinski ass I just thought he deserved way better. And can I say I really sympathized with Julissa as well. She knew Memphis would never love her like he did Tyler so of course she was oddly territorial. I found her bitchy-ex-wife rather deserved. Just my opinion. Memphis hurt everyone being selfish. But... the writing and Tyler truly made this a great read.
#TylerDeservedBetter
#TylerDeservedBetter
June 5, 2020
3.5
I can’t help but feel this wasn’t the narrator for the series.
March 19, 2024
Somehow I forgot how many layers this book has. I surely remembered that hot elevator scene, which was even hotter than it was in my memory, but there were other things I had clearly forgotten. Or not appreciated well enough because I did bump my rating up to 5 stars. Sure, there were some annoying things but all in all I had a great time listening to this book. I fell in love with Tyler and Memphis. I loved these 2 and how they both tried to hold on to this second chance at love they were offered, despite Memphis’s cancer history and possible future. I loved how Memphis finally managed to break through Tyler’s high walls and uptight boundaries.
I think it’s such a shame this author has stopped publishing. I love the first book in this series too (The backup boyfriend) and this one was just as good. The writing, the humor, the characters, I really appreciated all of it. And this was second chance love, which is truly my favorite trope. All this extra tension caused by their mutual memories of how things used to be between them…I just really love it!
Be aware of the possible trigger of one of the mc’s having dealt with the loss of a close person, also of one mc having dealt with a life threatening illness more than once. There’s an ex-wife involved too but she is sweet and supportive, not a character who is very present throughout the story. Also, the sex scenes are totally hot!
I enjoyed Marc Bachmann’s narrating, but I would understand if there are some readers who don’t. He takes a bit of getting used to, I guess.
Anyway, I can only highly recommend this book, either in print or on audio.
I think it’s such a shame this author has stopped publishing. I love the first book in this series too (The backup boyfriend) and this one was just as good. The writing, the humor, the characters, I really appreciated all of it. And this was second chance love, which is truly my favorite trope. All this extra tension caused by their mutual memories of how things used to be between them…I just really love it!
Be aware of the possible trigger of one of the mc’s having dealt with the loss of a close person, also of one mc having dealt with a life threatening illness more than once. There’s an ex-wife involved too but she is sweet and supportive, not a character who is very present throughout the story. Also, the sex scenes are totally hot!
I enjoyed Marc Bachmann’s narrating, but I would understand if there are some readers who don’t. He takes a bit of getting used to, I guess.
Anyway, I can only highly recommend this book, either in print or on audio.
March 23, 2024
This storytelling was veeeery different than in the first installment. Yeah, this was very different, to put it mildly.
I'm giving this book 2.75⭐ and won't round it down because I honestly like this small group of friends and even though the writing wasn't that good with this one, not to mention the main love story was quite disappointing, the book doesn't have a negative undertone, some references were more hilarious than not and I'll read the next installment.
You'll also want to read the bonus story on the author's website before you read this book.
🟣 Second chance romance
🟢 A doctor/underwear model, stuntman
🟠 Ex boyfriends - to - lovers
🔵 Cancer survivor (testicular)
🟢 Gay/bisexual
🟡 Writing wasn't that good
🟣 Main love story not satisfying
🔵 Read it with a grain of salt, try to find it funny, otherwise you won't like it
🌶️ Some smut, good; both vers
I have very conflicting feelings about this love story.
It starts picking up at about 30% and really goes somewhere at about half way in.
The main love story isn't as good as it could've been and I'm on the fence about Tyler getting the true love of his life. It didn't sound like it. The relationship development wasn't much worked on and suddenly the MMCs both loved each other again after a decade of something that should've stayed in the past, so the feelings presented weren't really believable.
Tyler, who was Alec's ex boyfriend and an asshole side character in the previous installment, really surprised me. He's a strong, fleshed out character, an amazing guy who's a physician and everything about him worked for me. He's had a tougher upbringing being adopted, finding his bio mom and going through her dying when he was in college, then coming out to his adoptive parents and them basically renouncing him and finally meeting Memphis, being his roommate in college and later on his boyfriend.
Memphis, on the other hand, was an asshole. Is, was, always will be an asshole in my book. He was Tyler's first boyfriend, the guy who lived with him over a year, then dumped him without a word.
Sure, he redeemed himself a little bit by the end, but absolutely not enough for me to like him.
"“Lately I’ve lived on one- handed encounters with myself. Not that I mind, cuz, ya know, I’m pretty hot and all,” Memphis said, taking a moment to enjoy the you’re hopeless look Tyler shot him."
Memphis is a testicular cancer survivor (having only one nut in college - this is important info for later on) so when he left Tyler like a coward without a word after realising his cancer was back, Memphis stayed away for a decade, never tracking Tyler down, never so much as a word of explanation of what went wrong. He had a very critical relapse (and lost another nut), almost died and then went on to marry a woman and become a stuntman and an underwear model, so there's that.
When Tyler had to get in touch with Memphis again for a campaign Noah was putting together, they went down the memory lane and tried to talk about why they fell apart. Tyler realised Memphis had been sick at the time and then tried to take the blame for it, rationalising how he would've been a dead weight, since he was a little bit clingy, an introvert who was very much into his studies and apparently that bothered Memphis a lot.
“All the way up until the end of our relationship, I was…” Memphis paused as they turned a corner onto the next street. “I was still sorta obsessing about my one- nut status and my abilities to perform in bed, and you…” “Basically, I―”
“Coped by screwing me senseless instead of BASE jumping off of radio towers,” Tyler filled in, his tone dry. “Yeah.” His snort bounced off the brick walls. “Pretty much.”
My god, what an asshole.
When Memphis wanted to get intimate with Tyler again, since he thought his cancer was back and he didn't want to leave this world without saying how sorry he was, I thought Tyler gave in much too soon. I kept waiting for Tyler to be the strong character he was in the previous book, I kept waiting for him to be firm and not let Memphis near, but he just helped the guy and stayed with him, cared for him, I mean what??
And even if he did give in too soon, Tyler should've made Memphis pay a little bit, one way or the other. If it were me, I'd make that bitch stay on his knees in however way I wanted for a week, at least. The nerve of that guy, seriously. And then we got the dramatic story of his hospital experience like that was supposed to make everything alright.
"But what the hell was Tyler supposed to say with the recent interruption? You broke my heart, but I forgive you, now let’s have dinner with the woman you married?"
I did believe in Tyler's feelings for Memphis, he never stopped loving the guy, but never believed Memphis had a capacity for feeling as deep as Tyler about someone. He let Tyler down once, he's the kind of guy who's bound to do it again. Hands down. Tyler will probably have to carry the weight of this relationship exclusively on his shoulders. Because Memphis is a superficial dick.
Memphis was given another chance and got a dream boyfriend for doing basically nothing. He didn't grovel, he didn't change as much, he let Tyler top him and that was the only change in their dynamic. Which, I'm definitely glad it happened. Definitely. I would've wanted more smut and more of Tyler getting his way with Memphis, you know, torture him a bit, make the fucker pay, but yeah, Tyler is too good of a man for that.
🔵 The writer is a physician, right? So here's my one issue - well, one of many - with this book.
Memphis had both of his testicles removed and he had hormone replacement therapy. The way this issue was presented was ridiculous.
"“Forget losing my balls and experiencing PMS, eating these will definitely turn me into a woman,” he said, ignoring the protest."
"Screw you, Harry and Lefty, and your little girly hormones, too."
"Jesus Christ, the dude knew just how to reduce him to a mess of girly emotions."
...excuse me?
What a weird way of portraying a guy's experience of losing his testicles and the emotions behind it. I think that's making fun of the guy going through it, it's a heavy experience and to limit that to some fucking girly hormones now that he doesn't have his balls anymore is distasteful.
It's not funny, dear author, you're a doctor, you should know better. It's almost like his balls are just an afterthought - oh hey, Harry and Lefty are cut off. 😐
There are better ways of telling us with humour how Memphis was dealing with it. If Memphis' struggle were presented in a more serious manner, more depth would be added to his character and the story would improve tremendously.
🔵 Another thing was the constant use of
Jesus Haploid Christ
Christamighty
Jesus H. Christ
Judas Priest
holy Christ on a stick
Holy mother- effing Christ
Halle- freaking- lujah
Yeah, my head hurts from the amount of times this was used in the book.
I don't mind if someone is religious and this is their way of using cuss words instead of shit and fuck, but to read that multiple times over and over all throughout the book, I mean, the writing loses its quality, it looks like the story had no editor or someone got drunk, heavily.
"Memphis broke their kiss. “Still my submissive bitch, huh?” he said, dimples flashing.
“Always,” Tyler said with a grin.
Memphis’s face grew serious. “Love you.” Judas Priest…"
Not impressed.
I honestly hope Noah's story is better.
November 5, 2017
*** ARC kindly provided by River Jaymes***
Gorgeous cover!! One of the best in 2014! River Jaymes, You did an amazing job.
My most anticipated book in 2014 finally in my hand. Damn, I've been waiting forever for this one.
I hated Tyler for leaving Alec in book 1. But to know him better, changed everything . You know, assumption is a mother of all fuck up?
Yes, finally I know his 'reason why did he leave' Alec after living together for 2 years.
To know Tyler, makes me love him more and more. He's a broken soul, too bad Memphis didn't have a communication knowledge ten years ago, so they had to suffer from losing the one you love.
I hated Memphis when he leave Tyler , just disappeared like that?
I know..his reason and all...but, still...
I love seeing the unselfish and angel side of Tyler all the time. Maybe that's why Memphis can't really run away from him.
But I feel like it's a lack of effort from Memphis to stay with Tyler if it's not for Noah and the guys.
And the elevator sex, was EPIC, people!
It was crazy, reckless and not very nice, but hey! That one saved my rating....They're just... HOT, DAMN!
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Overall, I loved this book, this is sweet, with low angst, just like what I need.
And I can't wait for Noah and that Doctor sexy cowboy boots to come!!!!!
Hurry up River!!!!
He’d fallen in love with Memphis Haines all over again. He’d fallen. And the knowledge changed everything.
Gorgeous cover!! One of the best in 2014! River Jaymes, You did an amazing job.
My most anticipated book in 2014 finally in my hand. Damn, I've been waiting forever for this one.
I hated Tyler for leaving Alec in book 1. But to know him better, changed everything . You know, assumption is a mother of all fuck up?
Yes, finally I know his 'reason why did he leave' Alec after living together for 2 years.
"“It took me a while to realize Alec was more focused on Tyler the potential husband than on Tyler the individual.” He unscrewed the lid to a bottle of antiseptic and picked up a cotton ball. “I left him because I finally figured out he cared more about getting married than he did about marrying me.”
To know Tyler, makes me love him more and more. He's a broken soul, too bad Memphis didn't have a communication knowledge ten years ago, so they had to suffer from losing the one you love.
I hated Memphis when he leave Tyler , just disappeared like that?
I know..his reason and all...but, still...
I love seeing the unselfish and angel side of Tyler all the time. Maybe that's why Memphis can't really run away from him.
But I feel like it's a lack of effort from Memphis to stay with Tyler if it's not for Noah and the guys.
And the elevator sex, was EPIC, people!
It was crazy, reckless and not very nice, but hey! That one saved my rating....They're just... HOT, DAMN!
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Overall, I loved this book, this is sweet, with low angst, just like what I need.
And I can't wait for Noah and that Doctor sexy cowboy boots to come!!!!!
Hurry up River!!!!
October 17, 2014
One word that killed this book for me: Memphis
I just wasn't a fan. He was so self centered.
I just wasn't a fan. He was so self centered.
October 20, 2014
Review to come
I can say with great honesty that I loved book 1 WAY MORE.
2.5-3 stars
I can say with great honesty that I loved book 1 WAY MORE.
2.5-3 stars
January 14, 2015
3.5 stars
This book surprised me.
It was way more emotional than I had anticipated it to be. I love second-chances stories, but this one had this underlying sadness through it all. And it tugged at me, man!
Tyler and Memphis dated in college for 2 years until one day, Memphis just up and left and never came back. No explanation. No warning. No goodbye. Ten years later, Tyler is an accomplished doctor with a free clinic in San Francisco and Memphis is a divorced stuntman/underwear model who gives the term "adrenaline junkie" a whole new definition. Their worlds are brought back together for a fundraiser for Tyler's clinic.
If you've read book 1 in the series, The Backup Boyfriend, you might remember Tyler as this uptight jerk (or that's how I vaguely remember him). In book 2, you come to know Tyler a LOT better and I really, really liked him. Some people might not take to his cold-as-ice facade, but I liked how focused he was...how in control of his emotions he tried to be. Shit, how often in our books do the adults act like utter children? But Tyler...he felt like an emotional ADULT...and I liked that.
On the total opposite end of the spectrum is Memphis. Memphis...well, I found him to be selfish, not at all charming, and a bit of a jerk. I didn't sense he had Tyler's feelings in his mind at all. And though he had a LOT to be bitter about in life, I wasn't warmed by his character.
The chemistry between the two was undeniable and the author actually did a really good job of unlayering the history, explaining the why's, dropping little bombs of info here and there...and kept me on my toes and engaged for most the story. The end was rushed a bit, but I was surprised to find it had me in tears and grouchiness towards Memphis aside, I wanted for this couple's HEA.
It was good to catch up on the cast of characters from book 1. Doesn't take a genius to decipher book 3 will be about Noah...and I like this author's writing style enough to definitely give it a go. If she could turn me around to like Tyler, I'm guessing/hoping she'll be able to turn me around to like Noah eventually too.
February 10, 2015
LIVE!!! The Boyfriend Mandate by River Jaymes
http://amzn.to/1xOXGvp
Tyler and Memphis's second chance romance is #mustread
Readers meet Tyler Hall in book 1 The Backup Boyfriend as Tyler is Alec’s business partner in the Front Street Clinic and ex-boyfriend. You hear hints of Memphis Haines in The Backup Boyfriend as he is Ty’s ex, yes this is a second chance romance.
And no you do not need to read book 1 to love this book, Ms Jaymes does an amazing job pulling the reader right in as Tyler comes to Memphis due to an article in the press; the press yes the press as you see Memphis is now a big time Hollywood Stuntman and poster child for cancer survivors having batten cancer twice.
I loved the connection Memphis and Tyler has but more than that I loved that this book centered around them getting to know each other again. 10 years later these men are very different people especially Tyler. Ms Jaymes did a wonderful job at showing the backstory but an even better job at having these men communicate about how thing went wrong. Yes, it was often painful to read but in the end the happy developed is not one they could have had 10 years prior. These now successful men needed to grow-up to have their forever happy.
This was the kind of book I did not want to put to down; I wished I could have curls up and living in this world from cover to cover.
There are some truly wonderful scenes with secondary characters in this book; Memphis with his family when Ty and he were younger and the scene with Memphis with teen cancer survivors toward the end was just wow, watching him open up touched my heart.
If you have read book 1 you will love the scenes with Alec and Dylan. And as before Noah is still just as funny. I truly thought tying Dylan’s and Noah’s painful past helped moved the story forward.
In the end Tyler is now the man Memphis needs and Memphis truly is Tyler’s forever happy.
I am very much looking forward to book 3 Noah’s book, this man who is always joking but who the reader knows deep down lost part of his heart when he lost Rick…. well I can’t wait to see Ky (shh you meet Ky in the epilogue) help Noah heal.
Thank you Ms Jaymes for a cast men who have taken up residence in my heart.
http://amzn.to/1xOXGvp
Tyler and Memphis's second chance romance is #mustread
Readers meet Tyler Hall in book 1 The Backup Boyfriend as Tyler is Alec’s business partner in the Front Street Clinic and ex-boyfriend. You hear hints of Memphis Haines in The Backup Boyfriend as he is Ty’s ex, yes this is a second chance romance.
And no you do not need to read book 1 to love this book, Ms Jaymes does an amazing job pulling the reader right in as Tyler comes to Memphis due to an article in the press; the press yes the press as you see Memphis is now a big time Hollywood Stuntman and poster child for cancer survivors having batten cancer twice.
I loved the connection Memphis and Tyler has but more than that I loved that this book centered around them getting to know each other again. 10 years later these men are very different people especially Tyler. Ms Jaymes did a wonderful job at showing the backstory but an even better job at having these men communicate about how thing went wrong. Yes, it was often painful to read but in the end the happy developed is not one they could have had 10 years prior. These now successful men needed to grow-up to have their forever happy.
This was the kind of book I did not want to put to down; I wished I could have curls up and living in this world from cover to cover.
There are some truly wonderful scenes with secondary characters in this book; Memphis with his family when Ty and he were younger and the scene with Memphis with teen cancer survivors toward the end was just wow, watching him open up touched my heart.
If you have read book 1 you will love the scenes with Alec and Dylan. And as before Noah is still just as funny. I truly thought tying Dylan’s and Noah’s painful past helped moved the story forward.
In the end Tyler is now the man Memphis needs and Memphis truly is Tyler’s forever happy.
I am very much looking forward to book 3 Noah’s book, this man who is always joking but who the reader knows deep down lost part of his heart when he lost Rick…. well I can’t wait to see Ky (shh you meet Ky in the epilogue) help Noah heal.
Thank you Ms Jaymes for a cast men who have taken up residence in my heart.
November 23, 2014
This one is difficult to review. I never thought I could love ‘The Ice Man’ as much as I finally did. In the first book he was just a frozen douchebag.
After getting to know him and his sad past I fell for him head over heels.
Memphis is another story. Yes, he is a cancer survivor but no, I never warmed up to him, I tried to understand him, tried to like him but I failed. How he treated Tyler... this guy will always be a NoGo for me.
Despite me not liking Memphis the Boyfriend Mandate was a good and entertaining book with a bunch of adorable characters and I will definitely read the next in the series. I want Doctor-sexy-cowboy-boots and Noah’s story! Soonish! :)
November 2, 2014
I wanted to love this book, but honestly, I don't like Memphis that much... After reading the first book, I thought that it would be Tyler the one that I wouldn't love. But actually, I like him... he has reasons to be "ice man". After all that he went through, no wonder why he is like that. But Memphis, being someone that had cancer and survived it, had a really shitty behaviour with Tyler. Not only when he left him, but after, when they meet again. He was abusive and self-centered. For someone who wanted forgiveness, didn't fight very hard for it. Tyler deserved better!
The best of this book: Noah!!!!
The best of this book: Noah!!!!
March 9, 2017
This one just didn't measure up to the first book. Sure, the sex scenes were hot, but I didn't feel it like I did with the previous book. There was just something about Alec and Dylan that was missing from Memphis and Tyler. I wasn't even someone who disliked Tyler in book 1, I just didn't connect with him here.
May 24, 2017
I really loved this story (Memphis jerkiness aside). Wow, these men are so in love - like truly IN LOVE! with each other. I loved seeing those flash back moments where Memphis and Tyler get together in college and then go see Memphis's family. Those past connections really cemented how close these two were. When Memphis's cancer returns while he is in college, he runs away from Tyler and doesn't even leave a note. He just vanishes and Tyler always wondered WHY. We learn later that (long story short) Memphis didn't want to put Tyler through what Memphis assumed was going to be his death. Memphis didn't think Tyler would be able to handle it and Memphis knew that he himself couldn't stand to see Tyler suffer. So he left. And now he's back!
I loved seeing Noah and Dylan and Alex again. Of course Noah always steals the show and I can't wait to read his story. Highly recommend this one and the audio narration was very well done. Nice clear voice and I thought he captured Tyler and Memphis very well.
I loved seeing Noah and Dylan and Alex again. Of course Noah always steals the show and I can't wait to read his story. Highly recommend this one and the audio narration was very well done. Nice clear voice and I thought he captured Tyler and Memphis very well.
March 5, 2019
El primero de esta serie me encantó y esperaba mucho de esta historia de segundas oportunidades, que me ha gustado pero sin más.
October 14, 2014
It's Up! October 14, 2014. And free to borrow with Prime or Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon-->The Boyfriend Mandate (The Boyfriend Chronicles Book 2)
River Jaymes posted on FB that she is uploading this book right now (October 13, 2014)! Stand by to see when it goes live.
http://www.amazon.com/River-Jaymes/e/...
Book #1 is also free to borrow on Amazon using Prime KOLL and KU!
http://www.amazon.com/Backup-Boyfrien...
Amazon-->The Boyfriend Mandate (The Boyfriend Chronicles Book 2)
River Jaymes posted on FB that she is uploading this book right now (October 13, 2014)! Stand by to see when it goes live.
http://www.amazon.com/River-Jaymes/e/...
Book #1 is also free to borrow on Amazon using Prime KOLL and KU!
http://www.amazon.com/Backup-Boyfrien...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews