mmromancereviewed's review
5.0
Keeping It Casual is a sweet, low angst novella with good steam. It brings together new neighbours, Dustin and Jeremy, who the whole town seems to be rooting for... in a casual relationship that you know won't stay that way.
This was a great, quick read with good pacing, good humour and lovely characters who deserve a HEA!
This was a great, quick read with good pacing, good humour and lovely characters who deserve a HEA!
vicki_williams's review
5.0
So much fun.
I loved every minute of this light and fluffy low angst romance between two single Dads.
Dustin and Jeremy definitely have an instant connection but due to a recent break up Dustin doesn’t want a relationship. These two wonderful deserving men go from friends to friends with benefits to finally admitting their feelings for each other and getting their HEA. Dustin and Jeremy also happen to have sizzling chemistry which leads to plenty of steamy moments, especially in Jeremy’s office!
Lots of hilarious witty banter make this a fantastic lighthearted read. Add in two great main characters, a town full of people interested in matchmaking and two kids wanting to see their Dads happy makes it a rare 5 star novella for me. It had me smiling and laughing from start to finish.
I loved every minute of this light and fluffy low angst romance between two single Dads.
Dustin and Jeremy definitely have an instant connection but due to a recent break up Dustin doesn’t want a relationship. These two wonderful deserving men go from friends to friends with benefits to finally admitting their feelings for each other and getting their HEA. Dustin and Jeremy also happen to have sizzling chemistry which leads to plenty of steamy moments, especially in Jeremy’s office!
Lots of hilarious witty banter make this a fantastic lighthearted read. Add in two great main characters, a town full of people interested in matchmaking and two kids wanting to see their Dads happy makes it a rare 5 star novella for me. It had me smiling and laughing from start to finish.
taylordoddridge's review
5.0
So fun and so cute. Very quick read. I always enjoy reading this author’s novellas. I can always guarantee I will be kicking my feet and giggling when reading from her.
bookscoffeepie's review
4.0
Dustin and Jeremy work very hard to convince everyone, including themselves, that they don’t have chemistry. It doesn’t work. I loved everything about this novella - the two MCs had good reasons for trying not to be involved, the kids are enjoyable without taking over the story, and every person and event fit into the story in just the right amount, something that usually doesn’t happen for me in novellas. Calder is a new-to-me author, but I can’t wait to read more. Definitely left me with a smile and a desire to visit Mineral Creek again.
endemictoearth's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.25
I think it's safe to say that Jax Calder is a new favorite author. I have a few books yet to read, but I typically pounce on a new release. This one was a bit of a journey for me, because I did get a bit wary of how long Dustin was resisting a real relationship and didn't like how he was using his son Lachie as an excuse to not commit (especially without telling his teenage son that's what he felt.)
However, given the short space of the novella, I really did feel the chemistry between Jeremy and Dustin. I found the town's matchmaking to be charming instead of grating, as well as the efforts of those closer to the situation. The whole "Let's pretend to have a bad date" premise was fun, as well.
The emergency that was the clarifying crisis echoed another recent Calder book, which I wasn't mad at, but I did notice the similarities. I especially liked that Dustin's freakout was quickly corrected and grand amends were made without allowing it to fester.
A very sweet romance, all in all, and I continue to look forward to new books by this author!
However, given the short space of the novella, I really did feel the chemistry between Jeremy and Dustin. I found the town's matchmaking to be charming instead of grating, as well as the efforts of those closer to the situation. The whole "Let's pretend to have a bad date" premise was fun, as well.
The emergency that was the clarifying crisis echoed another recent Calder book, which I wasn't mad at, but I did notice the similarities. I especially liked that Dustin's freakout was quickly corrected and grand amends were made without allowing it to fester.
A very sweet romance, all in all, and I continue to look forward to new books by this author!
janetted's review
4.0
When single dad Dustin is looking for somewhere to make a new start, Mineral Creek seems like the perfect fit. It’s away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and the troubles found there, although he quickly learns it poses a threat of its own. Namely meddling neighbors with the best of intentions, and the focus of those intentions? The town’s golden boy - recently divorced, single dad Jeremy King.
I loved this book all around and could not put it down. Jax Calder weaves an amazing tale of introspection, acceptance and moving on with twists and turns that excite and delight. Dustin and Jeremy’s story is at least in part about taking chances and finding happiness when you least expect it.
From start to finish it’s clear Dustin and Jeremy are perfect together. They have unmistakable chemistry and a genuine connection. Calder builds a friendship between them that provides the perfect foundation for them to grow closer. In fact, they’re more than friends, they’re unknowing confidants, and what lies between them feels easy and comfortable. Dustin is a sounding board for Jeremy, and vice versa; they’re real with each other in a way that never seems as if they’re trying too hard to become more. It happens organically and almost without notice, which makes it satisfying to see two guys working to figure things out.
* I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.*
I loved this book all around and could not put it down. Jax Calder weaves an amazing tale of introspection, acceptance and moving on with twists and turns that excite and delight. Dustin and Jeremy’s story is at least in part about taking chances and finding happiness when you least expect it.
From start to finish it’s clear Dustin and Jeremy are perfect together. They have unmistakable chemistry and a genuine connection. Calder builds a friendship between them that provides the perfect foundation for them to grow closer. In fact, they’re more than friends, they’re unknowing confidants, and what lies between them feels easy and comfortable. Dustin is a sounding board for Jeremy, and vice versa; they’re real with each other in a way that never seems as if they’re trying too hard to become more. It happens organically and almost without notice, which makes it satisfying to see two guys working to figure things out.
* I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.*
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