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The Dating Game
Their bromance will change the rules of the game.
When I told my brother I’d do anything to save our dad’s diner, I should have been more specific. What I meant was I’d auction off a couple of old jerseys, not go on a reality dating competition to drum up business until the old man can retire.
But as a former NFL quarterback, I know a thing or two about taking one for the team, so I suit up, hop on a plane, and head out to a L.A. where I’ll spend the next several weeks wooing a beautiful nurse who’s on the hunt for a husband.
Only, in a surprise twist absolutely no one saw coming, she’s not the person I want. Falling for the suave, confidant man who sleeps just across the hall, though? That's another show entirely.
When I told my brother I’d do anything to save our dad’s diner, I should have been more specific. What I meant was I’d auction off a couple of old jerseys, not go on a reality dating competition to drum up business until the old man can retire.
But as a former NFL quarterback, I know a thing or two about taking one for the team, so I suit up, hop on a plane, and head out to a L.A. where I’ll spend the next several weeks wooing a beautiful nurse who’s on the hunt for a husband.
Only, in a surprise twist absolutely no one saw coming, she’s not the person I want. Falling for the suave, confidant man who sleeps just across the hall, though? That's another show entirely.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2020
90 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Norinne
57 books416 followersUSA Today bestselling author Rebecca Norinne writes sexy romance from the heart. When not banging away at the keyboard, she is watching rugby, playing board games, or drinking a pint of craft beer.
Originally from California, she now resides in New England with her husband and two cats where she is renovating a house built in the 1700s and trying valiantly not to be eaten alive by mosquitos.
For more information, please visit http://www.rebeccanorinne.com.
Originally from California, she now resides in New England with her husband and two cats where she is renovating a house built in the 1700s and trying valiantly not to be eaten alive by mosquitos.
For more information, please visit http://www.rebeccanorinne.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 20, 2021
The Dating Game is a cute but short story about two men who fall in love with one another unexpectedly. Although it's fun to read, the book had its flaws. So, 3 stars out of 5.
Oliver decides to compete on the Bachelorette. However, not for the reason why all of the other men are there. He hopes as a former NHL player, to gain more popularity in order to save his father's restaurant. Elijah on the other hand, is present because he actually wants to find love. Soon both men strike up a genuine friendship and confide in each other about personal things. Like Elijah saying he is bisexual, also Oliver's real reason why he competes to win over Allie. But Oliver is also struggling with who he is and his sexuality. And Elijah offers him help with figuring himself out... By letting Oliver kiss him. Both men weren't prepared for what that kiss would mean to them.
Although The Dating Game is a fun, light and enjoyable read, I felt like something was missing. The story as well as its characters weren't developed enough and lacked depth. Which was such a shame! This book had so much potential?! The plot is so unique as well as both MC's were likable. But like HUGE CHUNKS of the plot were missing. Sometimes even 'key moments' that were skipped or glossed over. I am not really a fan of these fragmented stories. Personally, I prefer a continuous story so the plot feels more coherent and that there's a real development in the story and its characters. Which was clearly missing in this book.
The Dating Game is definitely a recommendation if you are looking for a light friends to lovers story which is easy to read within a few days. I wish there was more drama or better said more depth to the story, but overall, this is a cute and fun book!
Oliver decides to compete on the Bachelorette. However, not for the reason why all of the other men are there. He hopes as a former NHL player, to gain more popularity in order to save his father's restaurant. Elijah on the other hand, is present because he actually wants to find love. Soon both men strike up a genuine friendship and confide in each other about personal things. Like Elijah saying he is bisexual, also Oliver's real reason why he competes to win over Allie. But Oliver is also struggling with who he is and his sexuality. And Elijah offers him help with figuring himself out... By letting Oliver kiss him. Both men weren't prepared for what that kiss would mean to them.
Although The Dating Game is a fun, light and enjoyable read, I felt like something was missing. The story as well as its characters weren't developed enough and lacked depth. Which was such a shame! This book had so much potential?! The plot is so unique as well as both MC's were likable. But like HUGE CHUNKS of the plot were missing. Sometimes even 'key moments' that were skipped or glossed over. I am not really a fan of these fragmented stories. Personally, I prefer a continuous story so the plot feels more coherent and that there's a real development in the story and its characters. Which was clearly missing in this book.
The Dating Game is definitely a recommendation if you are looking for a light friends to lovers story which is easy to read within a few days. I wish there was more drama or better said more depth to the story, but overall, this is a cute and fun book!
December 19, 2020
I wanted a better story and rep.
January 5, 2021
Cute, low angst, friends to lovers 😍 More of a YA/NA on the 🔥 scale 🥰
July 28, 2021
Not my favorite but, it was nice. Mostly because I'm not that into mushy stuff though. Give me a passionate couple who fight on the regular and some snarky banter over mushy any day of my life.
December 20, 2020
I wish this was a real season of the bachelorette, I would sooooooo watch it!
May 25, 2021
Short, Sweet, Uncomplicated
I really enjoyed this low-angst novel about two men falling in love with each other and not the heroine on the Bachelorette-type show they’d signed up for. I thought their friendship turned romance was well-written though I wish the book had been longer so we could have witnessed more moments of their developing closeness rather than having them glossed over. I also wished there had been a bit more detail on the show side of things. Perhaps it was a testament to just how wrapped up in each other Oliver and Elijah were, but I think that would have added an interesting element. We could have seen the difference between how they acted with each other as compared with other contestants, and even Allie, the star of the show. With Elijah’s goal of finding love, it would have been nice to get into his head more as his affections shifted. Or Oliver, who signed on to help his father’s diner, it didn’t seem like he put in all that much effort from the beginning. Even if he wasn’t sold on the idea that his brother proposed, he still agreed to go on the show. So I wanted to see him trying to secure his spot.
Even with my complaints, I enjoyed Elijah and Oliver’s relationship and the exploration of Oliver’s sexuality. This is only the second book that I’ve read where a main character was demi. The side characters were also great: Brett, Allie, Oliver’s family (the coming out/bringing the boyfriend home scene was funny).
I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for light and uncomplicated.
I really enjoyed this low-angst novel about two men falling in love with each other and not the heroine on the Bachelorette-type show they’d signed up for. I thought their friendship turned romance was well-written though I wish the book had been longer so we could have witnessed more moments of their developing closeness rather than having them glossed over. I also wished there had been a bit more detail on the show side of things. Perhaps it was a testament to just how wrapped up in each other Oliver and Elijah were, but I think that would have added an interesting element. We could have seen the difference between how they acted with each other as compared with other contestants, and even Allie, the star of the show. With Elijah’s goal of finding love, it would have been nice to get into his head more as his affections shifted. Or Oliver, who signed on to help his father’s diner, it didn’t seem like he put in all that much effort from the beginning. Even if he wasn’t sold on the idea that his brother proposed, he still agreed to go on the show. So I wanted to see him trying to secure his spot.
Even with my complaints, I enjoyed Elijah and Oliver’s relationship and the exploration of Oliver’s sexuality. This is only the second book that I’ve read where a main character was demi. The side characters were also great: Brett, Allie, Oliver’s family (the coming out/bringing the boyfriend home scene was funny).
I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for light and uncomplicated.
December 27, 2020
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This was cute and exactly what I needed to read just now.
I don't follow The Bachelorette; I'm from Spain and that show it's not aired here… but from time to time similar shows can be seen of TV and I sometimes watch them just for the fun of it LOL I never was interested in books that develop around reality TV dating shows, but when I read the plot of The Dating Game and discovered it was about two suitors falling in love with each other… I was so intrigued!
The story is light and easy to read. Elijah and Oliver meet after entering the show and quickly become friends. They are so very different: Elijah is openly bi while Oliver (who always considered himself straight) isn't really interested in love since he's never felt truly connect to anyway before. They start a beautiful relationship while the show goes on and suitors start to fall, but things shift between them after one fated argument and what started as a cute relationship becomes something that could completely change their lifes.
I particularly liked the message delivered in regards of sexuality. There are many M/M books that try to raise awareness (obviously, right?) on sexuality not being black or white. There still are people out there who think you can just be gay or straight, when truly there are so many things inbetween. I'm not very fond of labels, I think there are too many and that they don't always work for everyone… but at the same time, they also help many others. The most important thing with labels is to use them if you feel like it, if it suits you and helps you to understand what's going with you; but if you don't feel like labelling yourself... then don't!
The pity of this is that labels are usually only explained in LGBT books, the awareness is usually found in books read by people who already are. I wish for there to come a day when this changes.
Getting back to the book… the story is super low-angst, which I loved because that was exactly what I needed. I was dreading that moment when sh*t exploded and our MC's got absurdly appart due to some misunderstanding or the plotting of some horrible supporting characters… but luckily it didn't happened. YAY! It wouldn't have fit the story and would have felt totally forced.
I would recommed reading this story if you are in the mood of something fluffy, cute and heart-warming. A story about two guys that meet and fall in love when they less expect, a romance easy and natural as no other. Nothing epic but that works nonetheless.
This was cute and exactly what I needed to read just now.
I don't follow The Bachelorette; I'm from Spain and that show it's not aired here… but from time to time similar shows can be seen of TV and I sometimes watch them just for the fun of it LOL I never was interested in books that develop around reality TV dating shows, but when I read the plot of The Dating Game and discovered it was about two suitors falling in love with each other… I was so intrigued!
The story is light and easy to read. Elijah and Oliver meet after entering the show and quickly become friends. They are so very different: Elijah is openly bi while Oliver (who always considered himself straight) isn't really interested in love since he's never felt truly connect to anyway before. They start a beautiful relationship while the show goes on and suitors start to fall, but things shift between them after one fated argument and what started as a cute relationship becomes something that could completely change their lifes.
I particularly liked the message delivered in regards of sexuality. There are many M/M books that try to raise awareness (obviously, right?) on sexuality not being black or white. There still are people out there who think you can just be gay or straight, when truly there are so many things inbetween. I'm not very fond of labels, I think there are too many and that they don't always work for everyone… but at the same time, they also help many others. The most important thing with labels is to use them if you feel like it, if it suits you and helps you to understand what's going with you; but if you don't feel like labelling yourself... then don't!
The pity of this is that labels are usually only explained in LGBT books, the awareness is usually found in books read by people who already are. I wish for there to come a day when this changes.
Getting back to the book… the story is super low-angst, which I loved because that was exactly what I needed. I was dreading that moment when sh*t exploded and our MC's got absurdly appart due to some misunderstanding or the plotting of some horrible supporting characters… but luckily it didn't happened. YAY! It wouldn't have fit the story and would have felt totally forced.
I would recommed reading this story if you are in the mood of something fluffy, cute and heart-warming. A story about two guys that meet and fall in love when they less expect, a romance easy and natural as no other. Nothing epic but that works nonetheless.
December 21, 2020
The concept is pretty good, but the excution thou just doesn't live up to the blurb.
The story is rather focused on the realtionship of the two MCs. The reality TV show tho is just a background that in reality, doesn't make any difference in the story. They could very much have met in a coffe shop that it wouldn't have make any difference.
Even the reasons for the MCs to be in the show is rather forgetful. Oliver signed up to bring publicity to his father's restaurant and yet he does NOTHING to archive his goal, if he did the bare minimun would have been a lot. Elijah in the other hands although he has the motto of "finding
love", again he doesn't do much to get a active part in the show. We later on, find out that he's >>also<< in the show to bring new clients to his auction house thing that works at despite he stresses that he is on the show to find love.
The whole thing resumes to they meeting at the first day, becoming friends, they falling in love and coming out with their relationship. That's it. That's the story. We just get to read the inner turmoils of Oliver being a former NFL player questioning his sexuality,( which I was delighted to see that he was demisexual) and discovering the pleasures that sex can give you along with his new best friend. I got very mad tho because they had a lot of cool backgrounds like Oliver and yet they add nothing to the story!
I won't lie, I felt let down by this story. I was bored at the end and skimmed the last few chapters. They even try and squeeze a twist in the end that wasn't enough to bring the story back to its feet. Despite all that, the book is very light and sweet. The MCs have enough to make you keep reading. The word for it is uncomplicated. Safe for the heart. it's that kind of book that you pick up to heal your heart after a very excrutiating agsnt book, so you could believe again that love can be easy and warm.
But if you are looking for all the drama, fighting and that forbidden love kind of thing that you would expect from a romance reality TV show, just go pick something else.
The story is rather focused on the realtionship of the two MCs. The reality TV show tho is just a background that in reality, doesn't make any difference in the story. They could very much have met in a coffe shop that it wouldn't have make any difference.
Even the reasons for the MCs to be in the show is rather forgetful. Oliver signed up to bring publicity to his father's restaurant and yet he does NOTHING to archive his goal, if he did the bare minimun would have been a lot. Elijah in the other hands although he has the motto of "finding
love", again he doesn't do much to get a active part in the show. We later on, find out that he's >>also<< in the show to bring new clients to his auction house thing that works at despite he stresses that he is on the show to find love.
The whole thing resumes to they meeting at the first day, becoming friends, they falling in love and coming out with their relationship. That's it. That's the story. We just get to read the inner turmoils of Oliver being a former NFL player questioning his sexuality,( which I was delighted to see that he was demisexual) and discovering the pleasures that sex can give you along with his new best friend. I got very mad tho because they had a lot of cool backgrounds like Oliver and yet they add nothing to the story!
I won't lie, I felt let down by this story. I was bored at the end and skimmed the last few chapters. They even try and squeeze a twist in the end that wasn't enough to bring the story back to its feet. Despite all that, the book is very light and sweet. The MCs have enough to make you keep reading. The word for it is uncomplicated. Safe for the heart. it's that kind of book that you pick up to heal your heart after a very excrutiating agsnt book, so you could believe again that love can be easy and warm.
But if you are looking for all the drama, fighting and that forbidden love kind of thing that you would expect from a romance reality TV show, just go pick something else.
December 22, 2023
Easy read, low angst, cute, and with a bit of spice. 🔥
I enjoyed the Bachelorette concept and even though the story is not long it was able to tell a really nice story. Both characters are so likeable and I love self discovery stories! No need to use up all your brain power bc it doesn't have a very complicated plot and if you're just looking for something fun and sexy then you can give this a shot.
I enjoyed the Bachelorette concept and even though the story is not long it was able to tell a really nice story. Both characters are so likeable and I love self discovery stories! No need to use up all your brain power bc it doesn't have a very complicated plot and if you're just looking for something fun and sexy then you can give this a shot.
February 7, 2021
Solid 4 star rating. Set in a Bachelorette-type reality show, this is some sweet sweet bi/demi representation. This was an unexpected gem of a book. While it had some cliches going on (to be expected in a book set in a reality show), the discussions about demisexuality were great, and it was just a lot of fun. Allie and Brett were adorable, too.
January 13, 2021
I reeeeally loved the idea of this book and was super excited to read about it. I don’t watch the Bachelorette or anything but if it had something like this in it? You bet your ass I’d be glued to the TV.
I wish this book was longer though. I feel like it would’ve come across even better if Oliver and Elijah’s friendship at the beginning was drawn out more and added in more of the times that they spent together. By 30% or so they were already hooking up and I think with adding in that Oliver was a “demisexual” and attracted to those he cared about and had an emotional connection with, that definitely should’ve been expanded upon more before they hooked up. It felt a bit rushed.
Also, we did get like 1 or 2 handjob and blowjob scenes but the rest was fade to black and I needed more detail. Seeing as this book was only 157 pages, it definitely could’ve been fluffed up a bit with some more sex scenes at least.
Still, I did enjoy reading this but I think it definitely could’ve been a favorite had it been a little bit longer with more details.
This was around a 3.75⭐️ for me.
I wish this book was longer though. I feel like it would’ve come across even better if Oliver and Elijah’s friendship at the beginning was drawn out more and added in more of the times that they spent together. By 30% or so they were already hooking up and I think with adding in that Oliver was a “demisexual” and attracted to those he cared about and had an emotional connection with, that definitely should’ve been expanded upon more before they hooked up. It felt a bit rushed.
Also, we did get like 1 or 2 handjob and blowjob scenes but the rest was fade to black and I needed more detail. Seeing as this book was only 157 pages, it definitely could’ve been fluffed up a bit with some more sex scenes at least.
Still, I did enjoy reading this but I think it definitely could’ve been a favorite had it been a little bit longer with more details.
This was around a 3.75⭐️ for me.
December 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! I really needed a heart-warming story with characters I loved & supported from page one to the end, and this delivered. I am a lover of romance and reality dating shows so this hit the right spot. Both Elijah and Oliver were immensely likable from the jump, and I rooted for them from the moment they met. I loved that the circumstances under which they met was the primary conflict, and that they never hurt each other or engaged in selfish behaviors that can turn me off characters.
I loved how sensitively the author dealt with Oliver’s sexuality, and how bold he was in embracing his new awareness of himself when his eyes were opened. The two main characters were vulnerable with each other when it would have been easy to fall into patterns of hiding their pain. I loved every step of their journey!
I loved how sensitively the author dealt with Oliver’s sexuality, and how bold he was in embracing his new awareness of himself when his eyes were opened. The two main characters were vulnerable with each other when it would have been easy to fall into patterns of hiding their pain. I loved every step of their journey!
December 22, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and it won't be the last. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and easy to read. The characters draw you in from the very beginning and hold you until the end. This is the story of Elijah and Oliver. Both are contestants on a reality dating game. Neither one of them is their to win the girl. Elijah's work wanted him to participate for the free advertising. Oliver is doing the same but for his father's diner. Oliver's brother is the one who came up with idea and who better than the ex football hero Oliver. The descriptions of the participants and their interaction make you feel like you are right there with them. As they hang out together, Elijah and Oliver become good friends. They trust and respect each other. Vowing to stay in contact once the contest is over. That is the beginning of their story.
There is a surprise twist at the end that you will make you smile. This is a great book that I really enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is a surprise twist at the end that you will make you smile. This is a great book that I really enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2020
Sweet Best Friends to Lovers
**First Time Reader**I'm really glad I gave this book a chance. This was wonderfully romantic. Elijah and Oliver joins the reality shows for different reasons but eventually they find love together. I loved how they started out as friends friends first. They were able to communicate soooooo well. Held nothing back...no secrets...This was very refreshing and nice to see. This story had little to no angst. Straight romance. The climax towards the end when Elijah met Oliver's family was pure entertainment. I laughed out loud ...it was so good. They are marvelous as a couple and like I said earlier, I'm so glad I read this...put a smile on my face and made me believe love/romance is still real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
**First Time Reader**I'm really glad I gave this book a chance. This was wonderfully romantic. Elijah and Oliver joins the reality shows for different reasons but eventually they find love together. I loved how they started out as friends friends first. They were able to communicate soooooo well. Held nothing back...no secrets...This was very refreshing and nice to see. This story had little to no angst. Straight romance. The climax towards the end when Elijah met Oliver's family was pure entertainment. I laughed out loud ...it was so good. They are marvelous as a couple and like I said earlier, I'm so glad I read this...put a smile on my face and made me believe love/romance is still real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2021
3 stars
A really good book for anyone in a reading slump or looking for a feel good love story!
It does read like a good quality fanfiction which is good for anyone who has grown up reading that sort of genre. The characters are really likeable, the plot is interesting and the love story is very cute.
Overall I truly enjoyed it!
A really good book for anyone in a reading slump or looking for a feel good love story!
It does read like a good quality fanfiction which is good for anyone who has grown up reading that sort of genre. The characters are really likeable, the plot is interesting and the love story is very cute.
Overall I truly enjoyed it!
January 27, 2021
Por qué se me hizo tan eterno un libro tan corto Y PRECIOSO? aidonou, pero el tema es que lo disfrute muchísimo a pesar de que me faltó el drama y el ESCÁNDALO
May 18, 2021
Short and sweet. No angst or drama. Just a novella about two guys falling in love. I thought the premise was cute too.
December 22, 2020
I thought that this was a really sweet book. Oliver and Elijah were great together. This was a very heartwarming book that left me swooning with the love that Elijah and Oliver had for each other. I loved how excepting some of the characters were of Oliver and Elijah's relationship. I loved the connection and the chemistry between Oliver and Elijah. To me, these two pushed each other to better versions of themselves but also to be true to themselves as the same time. I thought that this book was great and it left me happy and smiling. I would recommend this book as well as Ms. Rebecca as a great author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2020
Oliver goes on a reality dating show hoping it would help save his father's restaurant. He and Elijah another suitor become fast friends and he finds he more attracted him and not to Allie the girl who's heart he suppose to win. I really enjoyed this book.
January 5, 2021
Cancelled
I am incredibly disappointed in this book. The set up is great: what would happen if the suitors in a Bachelorette style reality show fell for each other? But thats kind of where the intrigue just... ends. It doesn't go anywhere, the leads kind of blend together and they don't have their own voices. There isn't really a barrier or threat to their love other than the risk of getting sent home, but they don't do anything to make sure they stay! They touch on the dude bro fellow contestants and the one who we are told over and over will win. Its just so boring, and rather unrealistic. If this was a real show, there would be cameras everywhere and the show runners would have known about their relationship, and it would have been great to see that discovery try to be exploited for the cameras or sabotaged. There are barely any challenges in the whole book, and the show doesn't seem to film or "produce" any of the scenes (i mean, come on, reality shows are so heavily managed to get a villain and other interesting stories). The biggest challenge is Oliver figuring out he is demi. Then it goes on, forever more. The show ends without a big drama, it just conveniently ends. Then it goes on, again. You don't get anything to upset the balance and quick throwaway lines are used to tie up threads. Not sure how they'll live happily ever after? Thats easy, his office goes down in a ball of crime, and he won't be implicated. This book will not challenge you. It will not surprise you. It will not titillate you. It will bore you. The positives? It isn't terribly written? I gave it 2 stars cause I finished it and it didn't actively anger or insult me. I debated giving it 3... but I honestly can't think of something to recommend it unless you like your m/m romances bland, predictable and narrative heavy.
I am incredibly disappointed in this book. The set up is great: what would happen if the suitors in a Bachelorette style reality show fell for each other? But thats kind of where the intrigue just... ends. It doesn't go anywhere, the leads kind of blend together and they don't have their own voices. There isn't really a barrier or threat to their love other than the risk of getting sent home, but they don't do anything to make sure they stay! They touch on the dude bro fellow contestants and the one who we are told over and over will win. Its just so boring, and rather unrealistic. If this was a real show, there would be cameras everywhere and the show runners would have known about their relationship, and it would have been great to see that discovery try to be exploited for the cameras or sabotaged. There are barely any challenges in the whole book, and the show doesn't seem to film or "produce" any of the scenes (i mean, come on, reality shows are so heavily managed to get a villain and other interesting stories). The biggest challenge is Oliver figuring out he is demi. Then it goes on, forever more. The show ends without a big drama, it just conveniently ends. Then it goes on, again. You don't get anything to upset the balance and quick throwaway lines are used to tie up threads. Not sure how they'll live happily ever after? Thats easy, his office goes down in a ball of crime, and he won't be implicated. This book will not challenge you. It will not surprise you. It will not titillate you. It will bore you. The positives? It isn't terribly written? I gave it 2 stars cause I finished it and it didn't actively anger or insult me. I debated giving it 3... but I honestly can't think of something to recommend it unless you like your m/m romances bland, predictable and narrative heavy.
January 22, 2021
No angst!
The premise was so much fun - what if guys on The Bachelorette hooked up or fell in love? Definitely check this out if you’re looking for a short and sweet romance. I loved it!
The premise was so much fun - what if guys on The Bachelorette hooked up or fell in love? Definitely check this out if you’re looking for a short and sweet romance. I loved it!
December 31, 2020
The premise was so appealing that I just set my expectations too high. It immediately reminded me of the tv show UnReal, which I really liked. So I hoped it was a queer version of it.
Sometimes when I really like a synopsis and it's original and different enough from other books I've read, my imagination takes over and builds the ideal story I'd like to read and of course that's almost never the case.
In this case there was a bit of insta-love, which I don't like, and then it was overall mediocre and not all that marvelous.
Sometimes when I really like a synopsis and it's original and different enough from other books I've read, my imagination takes over and builds the ideal story I'd like to read and of course that's almost never the case.
In this case there was a bit of insta-love, which I don't like, and then it was overall mediocre and not all that marvelous.
December 17, 2020
What an amazing story! I just absolutely loved Elijah and Oliver and their journey. I was completely hooked from beginning to end. The author did a great job of bringing these characters to life.
December 17, 2020
3.5 stars, rounding up.
When I read the blurb for this story I was sold. I dnf a book in the beginning of the year that I really liked the first half and had a similar reality show setting. I guess deep down I still had the need to fill that void.
I think the best way to describe this story is simple. As the author herself put it
And I agree. I gotta admit I was expecting something more complicated and kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. It didn't and I'm happy with it.
The story was well written and edited (only one obvious mistake). Told with double POV's it follows Oliver (32yrs) and Elijah (similar age?) as they compete in a dating show, Bachelorette style. Oliver, a former NFL quarterback, is there to bring attention to his father's restaurant and Elijah is trying to find love as every other method has failed.
It was sweet. I honestly wish we had more scenes of them learning about each other as friends first. Still simple, but more detailed. As it is you can know their relationship is progressing but you don't really see it happening. It still works but with more description this would have been so much better. I loved that the relationship helped both with past issues and, for me, that was the highlight of the book.
As individual characters they work as well even though Oliver was a bit better developed than Elijah. The way Elijah supported Oliver and helped him understand himself was special. I wish the author had worked a bit better the demisexual aspect but it was well done anyway.
All in all, this was a sweet and quick read. There were points that could have been worked better but it didn't really affect my overall enjoyment. I'm happy I read it.
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
When I read the blurb for this story I was sold. I dnf a book in the beginning of the year that I really liked the first half and had a similar reality show setting. I guess deep down I still had the need to fill that void.
I think the best way to describe this story is simple. As the author herself put it
I know it’s not currently fashionable to write something that is very simply about two people meeting and falling in love (I suppose I could have tried to make Oliver an NFL quarterback dragon shifter or had Elijah kidnapped by his evil arms-dealing employer and held for ransom), but for the year we’re in, I think we can all use a heartwarming, soul-affirming take on happily ever after. I hope you found that with my heroes.
And I agree. I gotta admit I was expecting something more complicated and kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. It didn't and I'm happy with it.
The story was well written and edited (only one obvious mistake). Told with double POV's it follows Oliver (32yrs) and Elijah (similar age?) as they compete in a dating show, Bachelorette style. Oliver, a former NFL quarterback, is there to bring attention to his father's restaurant and Elijah is trying to find love as every other method has failed.
It was sweet. I honestly wish we had more scenes of them learning about each other as friends first. Still simple, but more detailed. As it is you can know their relationship is progressing but you don't really see it happening. It still works but with more description this would have been so much better. I loved that the relationship helped both with past issues and, for me, that was the highlight of the book.
As individual characters they work as well even though Oliver was a bit better developed than Elijah. The way Elijah supported Oliver and helped him understand himself was special. I wish the author had worked a bit better the demisexual aspect but it was well done anyway.
All in all, this was a sweet and quick read. There were points that could have been worked better but it didn't really affect my overall enjoyment. I'm happy I read it.
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
December 16, 2020
3 and a half stars!
This story was too short for me. So much more could of been added to flesh out the story more. I really enjoyed it and just wished it was longer. They worked so well together and you could tell from their first meeting there was something there. Things escalated quickly, but if you were stuck with someone 24/7 I suppose that would happen quicker than normal. I felt sorry for Oliver and the fact he was so lost with why he had never enjoyed a sex life or relationships. It took Elijah to help him figure it all out. Elijah so believed in finding love, but it just wasn't what he was expecting. I liked that he was honest and didn't ever hide anything. I was nice that they also didn't just jump right in to a physical relationship. I've read another story like this before that was inspired by the same TV show and it was done better as the book was longer so the story was fleshed out more. So much was missing. I would have like to have seen how his brother convinced him to join the show and not just thrown in to the start of the show already. So many good points were glossed over and just mentioned instead of explored, like the whole Rob situation and how the show actually ended. Would of loved more of his move to Boston and exploring their relationship after the show. I suppose with it being a storter book not all the points could be added in, but it would of made it so much better. But I did love Oliver's dad's reaction to meeting Elijah. His dad didn't even bat an eyelid and what he came out with was so funny. It was nice seeing their relationship develop, but I would of loved to see how they coped when others found out about it with Oliver having played for the NFL. But it was an amazing story non the less and I liked that they actually talked to each other when they were worried or confused. It was nice to see communication for once in a book! I was so happy they did get their HEA as they both deserved to find love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story was too short for me. So much more could of been added to flesh out the story more. I really enjoyed it and just wished it was longer. They worked so well together and you could tell from their first meeting there was something there. Things escalated quickly, but if you were stuck with someone 24/7 I suppose that would happen quicker than normal. I felt sorry for Oliver and the fact he was so lost with why he had never enjoyed a sex life or relationships. It took Elijah to help him figure it all out. Elijah so believed in finding love, but it just wasn't what he was expecting. I liked that he was honest and didn't ever hide anything. I was nice that they also didn't just jump right in to a physical relationship. I've read another story like this before that was inspired by the same TV show and it was done better as the book was longer so the story was fleshed out more. So much was missing. I would have like to have seen how his brother convinced him to join the show and not just thrown in to the start of the show already. So many good points were glossed over and just mentioned instead of explored, like the whole Rob situation and how the show actually ended. Would of loved more of his move to Boston and exploring their relationship after the show. I suppose with it being a storter book not all the points could be added in, but it would of made it so much better. But I did love Oliver's dad's reaction to meeting Elijah. His dad didn't even bat an eyelid and what he came out with was so funny. It was nice seeing their relationship develop, but I would of loved to see how they coped when others found out about it with Oliver having played for the NFL. But it was an amazing story non the less and I liked that they actually talked to each other when they were worried or confused. It was nice to see communication for once in a book! I was so happy they did get their HEA as they both deserved to find love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2024
As someone always on the lookout for a decent romance story set in a reality TV show universe, I couldn't pass up reading this story.
Oliver Cooper is a retired, broke NFL quarterback (the youngest ever to win a Super Bowl) who signed up for a reality dating show, Happily Ever After (think The Bachelorette), in hopes of boosting business for his father's failing restaurant. Unlike Oliver, Elijah Crane, 'the openly bisexual art dealer,' came on the show in hopes of finding love. From the moment they meet, both men seem to enjoy spending more time in each other's company than trying to woo the show's heroine, Allie.
The premise of the story seemed promising, but I found the actual execution to be stale and boring. Oliver's reason for coming on the show sounded pretty stupid, something even Elijah pointed out once Oliver came clean to him. The aspect of a reality TV show was handled superficially and quite naively.
Oliver and Elijah are free to hang out together as much as they like, while the reality TV setting conveniently stays in the background as hardly an afterthought apart from a few scenes. They also start a sexual relationship without any of the producers or the show staff noticing, as if cameras or contestants wearing microphones are not a thing. While the second half of the story dragged out, the ending itself felt incredibly rushed, with all the previous issues regarding their lives and relationship after the show neatly wrapped up in a few sentences.
There seems to be a second book planned with one of the secondary characters in this story, its initial release date postponed for a couple of years and maybe planned for this summer, but I am not sure I'm all that interested in reading it.
Themes: dual POV, reality TV, bisexual character, demisexual character, sexual awakening
Oliver Cooper is a retired, broke NFL quarterback (the youngest ever to win a Super Bowl) who signed up for a reality dating show, Happily Ever After (think The Bachelorette), in hopes of boosting business for his father's failing restaurant. Unlike Oliver, Elijah Crane, 'the openly bisexual art dealer,' came on the show in hopes of finding love. From the moment they meet, both men seem to enjoy spending more time in each other's company than trying to woo the show's heroine, Allie.
The premise of the story seemed promising, but I found the actual execution to be stale and boring. Oliver's reason for coming on the show sounded pretty stupid, something even Elijah pointed out once Oliver came clean to him. The aspect of a reality TV show was handled superficially and quite naively.
Oliver and Elijah are free to hang out together as much as they like, while the reality TV setting conveniently stays in the background as hardly an afterthought apart from a few scenes. They also start a sexual relationship without any of the producers or the show staff noticing, as if cameras or contestants wearing microphones are not a thing. While the second half of the story dragged out, the ending itself felt incredibly rushed, with all the previous issues regarding their lives and relationship after the show neatly wrapped up in a few sentences.
There seems to be a second book planned with one of the secondary characters in this story, its initial release date postponed for a couple of years and maybe planned for this summer, but I am not sure I'm all that interested in reading it.
Themes: dual POV, reality TV, bisexual character, demisexual character, sexual awakening
May 30, 2024
old post reposted
And novellas to the rescue when you're too tired to read a full-length novel, but you still wanted to fall in love with people falling in love.
This next post goes out to Rebecca Norinne and her book, "The Dating Game":
["When I told my brother I’d do anything to save our dad's restaurant, I should have been more specific. What I’d meant was I’d auction off a couple of old jerseys, not go on a reality dating show in the hopes of boosting business until he could finally retire.
But since I know a thing or two about taking one for the team, I suit up, hop on a plane, and head to a mansion in L.A. where I’ll spend the next eight weeks.
Thankfully, it’s not as bad as I feared. After all, there are worse things in life than spending time with a smart, beautiful woman. And some of the guys I’m competing against are pretty cool, too—when we aren’t trying to outdo one another for her affections.
Only, in a surprise twist absolutely no one saw coming, she’s not the person I’m falling for. The suave, confidant man who sleeps across the hall, however? That’s a whole different story"]
I wish it was as easy falling in love as books make it out to be.
And figuring out your shit...
Self-depreciating moment over; moving on. These two were just as cute and fluffy and smitten as you'd expect.
And the "poor girl" stuck in the middle?? Don't you worry your ass about her. She'll be just fine. ;)
After I obsessively read the rest of #LucyLennox's books (posts to come in at you in crazy waves), I'll be sure to hit up the rest of Rebecca's and update you on those as well. ;)
#thdatinggame #rebeccanorinne #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
And novellas to the rescue when you're too tired to read a full-length novel, but you still wanted to fall in love with people falling in love.
This next post goes out to Rebecca Norinne and her book, "The Dating Game":
["When I told my brother I’d do anything to save our dad's restaurant, I should have been more specific. What I’d meant was I’d auction off a couple of old jerseys, not go on a reality dating show in the hopes of boosting business until he could finally retire.
But since I know a thing or two about taking one for the team, I suit up, hop on a plane, and head to a mansion in L.A. where I’ll spend the next eight weeks.
Thankfully, it’s not as bad as I feared. After all, there are worse things in life than spending time with a smart, beautiful woman. And some of the guys I’m competing against are pretty cool, too—when we aren’t trying to outdo one another for her affections.
Only, in a surprise twist absolutely no one saw coming, she’s not the person I’m falling for. The suave, confidant man who sleeps across the hall, however? That’s a whole different story"]
I wish it was as easy falling in love as books make it out to be.
And figuring out your shit...
Self-depreciating moment over; moving on. These two were just as cute and fluffy and smitten as you'd expect.
And the "poor girl" stuck in the middle?? Don't you worry your ass about her. She'll be just fine. ;)
After I obsessively read the rest of #LucyLennox's books (posts to come in at you in crazy waves), I'll be sure to hit up the rest of Rebecca's and update you on those as well. ;)
#thdatinggame #rebeccanorinne #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
December 22, 2020
When things don’t go to plan
Oliver was on a dating reality show. To try to get some publicity for his fathers restaurant that wasn’t doing so well. Oliver had once been an NFL superstar and people would go to the restaurant just to see if I get A glimpse of him but an injury had ruined everything. So he needed the beautiful Allie to fall in love with him. Sounds pretty straightforward but that was until he met Elijah. And feelings he had many years ago could ruin everything.
Elijah was on the show yo see if he could get Allie to fall in love with him. He thought the producers had picked him because they knew that he was bisexual and it might make the show interesting. But as he spent time with Oliver he knew his feelings were not towards Allie but towards Oliver.
One night when the group of men were all talking it came up about the most outrageous sexual activity and it opens Elijah’s eyes see. what Oliver said changed everything so maybe there was a chance for him. After they share actions it becomes obvious at least he’s just got eyes for each other.
But how would this work there are on a show to woo a woman into marrying them. Which one of them win the contest and Marry Allie? Or would they be brave and come out to the world??
This was a great story from the beginning and I just couldn’t put it down I really liked all the characters in this book Allie, Elijah and Oliver. Especially when Allie starts coming out of her Shell even more. Very enjoyable read!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oliver was on a dating reality show. To try to get some publicity for his fathers restaurant that wasn’t doing so well. Oliver had once been an NFL superstar and people would go to the restaurant just to see if I get A glimpse of him but an injury had ruined everything. So he needed the beautiful Allie to fall in love with him. Sounds pretty straightforward but that was until he met Elijah. And feelings he had many years ago could ruin everything.
Elijah was on the show yo see if he could get Allie to fall in love with him. He thought the producers had picked him because they knew that he was bisexual and it might make the show interesting. But as he spent time with Oliver he knew his feelings were not towards Allie but towards Oliver.
One night when the group of men were all talking it came up about the most outrageous sexual activity and it opens Elijah’s eyes see. what Oliver said changed everything so maybe there was a chance for him. After they share actions it becomes obvious at least he’s just got eyes for each other.
But how would this work there are on a show to woo a woman into marrying them. Which one of them win the contest and Marry Allie? Or would they be brave and come out to the world??
This was a great story from the beginning and I just couldn’t put it down I really liked all the characters in this book Allie, Elijah and Oliver. Especially when Allie starts coming out of her Shell even more. Very enjoyable read!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2020
I loved this story. It is a wonderful twist on an M/M romance within the plot of a “Bachlorette” type of setting. Oliver is a famous retired, but still relatively young football player. He has never particularly liked either men or women, so he is hoping that he will get advertising for his family business and maybe enjoy a few weeks during the show. Elijah and Brett are two of the other contestants who truly want to find love. I enjoyed the bromance between the many contestants since they spent a lot of time together without the bachelorette around. Oliver gets along with all the guys because they are star struck and he is not arrogant about his notoriety. That is all I can say without spoiling the fun.
I enjoyed the story so much that I read it straight through even though I had not planned to do so. It was well written and witty. The female character, Allie, was not in the story much, but when she was, it was delightful. She clearly knew what she wanted, but also liked to help others if she could.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the story so much that I read it straight through even though I had not planned to do so. It was well written and witty. The female character, Allie, was not in the story much, but when she was, it was delightful. She clearly knew what she wanted, but also liked to help others if she could.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2020
Loved this story about Elijah and Oliver and how they came together was just great even though I don't watch dating shows reading about one with a twist was way better. You have your sad beauty from last year trying again you have a bunch of guys there for various reasons love,fame you get me. But Oliver a former football Heisman winner went out of the game forever due to and injury is trying to save his father dinner by getting publicity for him hes also on a journey why dosen't he care for anyone why can't he become emotionally envolved with anyone and well his sex life is just bad its almost non existent until Elijah. Elijah well he wants love hes kissed many a frog at least he knows what he wants and there are know questions about what he likes both sex'es and then he sees the one guy that has been his ultimate fantasy in the flesh and hes really nice they form a friendship that becomes more. But what about the Bachelorette don't worry she gets a HEA too. So what happens after the show is over and Oliver brings his guy home read the book.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
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