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javalenciaph's review against another edition
4.0
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Her Stand-In Boyfriend is a standalone contemporary romance from Kelly Jamieson and was a refreshing take on the usual friends to lovers trope, with the male lead character, millionaire technology entrepreneur Mac Northrop, the one with the feelings of unrequited love instead of the female lead character, self-employed events specialist Lexi Mannis. There's a genuine friendship between the two and an easy camaraderie that's made Lexi feel comfortable in asking Mac to be her date for certain events and vice-versa. When they end up sleeping together, you know that things are going to be different and things didn't go exactly as I would have expected in a story like this, allowing it to stand on its own creative merit.
There are points in the story were Lexi's best friend tells her that she's been using Mac, and I would have agreed if Mac wasn't asking her to be his occasional date as well. I think that the two simply knew that they could count on the other and that there wouldn't be any sort of expectations or strings attached. My heart did kind of break for poor Mac when it seemed that Lexi wasn't getting clued in as to what was going on. They obviously had different expectations, but I don't think it was entirely Lexi's fault. I mean, Mac could have also said something early on, but I guess there was also a fear of rejection on his end. When it comes to love, it takes some longer than others to come to the realization that feelings have grown and evolved.
Lexi and Mac were highly likable lead characters, and while there were a couple of times that Lexi was a tad slow on the uptake, Mac was this great guy waiting to be noticed for more than being the convenient stand-in boyfriend. There was also a bit of oversharing when it came to Lexi and her girlfriends but then it's possible that she didn't feel the need to be more quiet about what was happening between her and Mac because she had yet to realize that it was more than just having sex or being potential friends with benefits. Overall, Her Stand-In Boyfriend was a sweet read, one that will satisfy your need for a quick romance read fix, and something I think friends-to-lovers trope fans will enjoy. I'm giving it four stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Her Stand-In Boyfriend is a standalone contemporary romance from Kelly Jamieson and was a refreshing take on the usual friends to lovers trope, with the male lead character, millionaire technology entrepreneur Mac Northrop, the one with the feelings of unrequited love instead of the female lead character, self-employed events specialist Lexi Mannis. There's a genuine friendship between the two and an easy camaraderie that's made Lexi feel comfortable in asking Mac to be her date for certain events and vice-versa. When they end up sleeping together, you know that things are going to be different and things didn't go exactly as I would have expected in a story like this, allowing it to stand on its own creative merit.
There are points in the story were Lexi's best friend tells her that she's been using Mac, and I would have agreed if Mac wasn't asking her to be his occasional date as well. I think that the two simply knew that they could count on the other and that there wouldn't be any sort of expectations or strings attached. My heart did kind of break for poor Mac when it seemed that Lexi wasn't getting clued in as to what was going on. They obviously had different expectations, but I don't think it was entirely Lexi's fault. I mean, Mac could have also said something early on, but I guess there was also a fear of rejection on his end. When it comes to love, it takes some longer than others to come to the realization that feelings have grown and evolved.
Lexi and Mac were highly likable lead characters, and while there were a couple of times that Lexi was a tad slow on the uptake, Mac was this great guy waiting to be noticed for more than being the convenient stand-in boyfriend. There was also a bit of oversharing when it came to Lexi and her girlfriends but then it's possible that she didn't feel the need to be more quiet about what was happening between her and Mac because she had yet to realize that it was more than just having sex or being potential friends with benefits. Overall, Her Stand-In Boyfriend was a sweet read, one that will satisfy your need for a quick romance read fix, and something I think friends-to-lovers trope fans will enjoy. I'm giving it four stars. ♥
caseroo7's review against another edition
3.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Her Stand-In Boyfriend is a short friends to lovers story from Kelly Jamieson. It is a standalone story with no cliffhanger. This one was a quick and easy read that was mostly enjoyable. I did have a few issues here, but there was plenty to like as well.
Mac has been in love with his best friend Lexi for as long as he can remember, but Lexi has never shown any interest in him beyond friends. When he and Lexi have a few drinks after an event, they end up sleeping together and the sex is better than either of them have experienced before. While Mac things will change now, Lexi is determined to remain friends with added benefits. But when Lexi realizes that she might have some competition where Mac is concerned, she will have to make the decision on whether she should make him her actual boyfriend rather than just her stand-in boyfriend.
I really liked Mac and Lexi. I loved their connection and the chemistry between them. These two had such a great bond between them, and I really felt that it was more than friendship from the start. Though Lexi hadn't realized her feelings before, it felt to me like these two were more than just your typical friends. I do think that it was a bit odd that she never really noticed that her feelings were changing though, especially after they had slept together. I wanted her to start to realize that more than just being more physically attracted to him than she had been before. She didn't seem to see any difference until there was someone else in the picture and she was jealous. So while I started I felt like these two had a connection, it was hard to really believe that all of a sudden Lexi had realized that she was in love with Mac. It seemed really rushed, and I wanted her feelings to be real rather than just convenient when she was scared she would lose him to someone else. I felt like there could have been real feelings there and a lot of potential for their relationship change, but I just felt the way it was handled was awkward and came of as unrealistic. I felt bad for Mac for most of this story because it was clear that he loved her so much, and it was killing him to see her disregard him in the way that she did.
I also felt like this story was pretty immature at times, and I didn't understand where that was coming from. These two together were really hot, and the steam between them was explosive. The author had no problems with showing exactly how attracted to each other they were, and the dirty-talking was good. But then she would randomly through in weird sayings rather than cursing in the same paragraph or sentence. Things like "holy snap" and similar dialogue made it hard to really get into this book at times. It didn't mesh with the other language used, and just felt out of place and odd. It got a bit too juvenile for me, and I wanted less of that and more of what her steamy scenes delivered. Overall, this was a good story and I liked the characters, especially Mac. I do think that it could have used some changes though in regards to the juvenile wording and the rushed feelings on Lexi's part.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
Her Stand-In Boyfriend is a short friends to lovers story from Kelly Jamieson. It is a standalone story with no cliffhanger. This one was a quick and easy read that was mostly enjoyable. I did have a few issues here, but there was plenty to like as well.
Mac has been in love with his best friend Lexi for as long as he can remember, but Lexi has never shown any interest in him beyond friends. When he and Lexi have a few drinks after an event, they end up sleeping together and the sex is better than either of them have experienced before. While Mac things will change now, Lexi is determined to remain friends with added benefits. But when Lexi realizes that she might have some competition where Mac is concerned, she will have to make the decision on whether she should make him her actual boyfriend rather than just her stand-in boyfriend.
I really liked Mac and Lexi. I loved their connection and the chemistry between them. These two had such a great bond between them, and I really felt that it was more than friendship from the start. Though Lexi hadn't realized her feelings before, it felt to me like these two were more than just your typical friends. I do think that it was a bit odd that she never really noticed that her feelings were changing though, especially after they had slept together. I wanted her to start to realize that more than just being more physically attracted to him than she had been before. She didn't seem to see any difference until there was someone else in the picture and she was jealous. So while I started I felt like these two had a connection, it was hard to really believe that all of a sudden Lexi had realized that she was in love with Mac. It seemed really rushed, and I wanted her feelings to be real rather than just convenient when she was scared she would lose him to someone else. I felt like there could have been real feelings there and a lot of potential for their relationship change, but I just felt the way it was handled was awkward and came of as unrealistic. I felt bad for Mac for most of this story because it was clear that he loved her so much, and it was killing him to see her disregard him in the way that she did.
I also felt like this story was pretty immature at times, and I didn't understand where that was coming from. These two together were really hot, and the steam between them was explosive. The author had no problems with showing exactly how attracted to each other they were, and the dirty-talking was good. But then she would randomly through in weird sayings rather than cursing in the same paragraph or sentence. Things like "holy snap" and similar dialogue made it hard to really get into this book at times. It didn't mesh with the other language used, and just felt out of place and odd. It got a bit too juvenile for me, and I wanted less of that and more of what her steamy scenes delivered. Overall, this was a good story and I liked the characters, especially Mac. I do think that it could have used some changes though in regards to the juvenile wording and the rushed feelings on Lexi's part.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
lifeand100books's review against another edition
4.0
Truly enjoyed this friends to lovers book! It was my first Jamieson novel and I'm looking forward to seeing what other characters she gets me to fall in love with.
rosie_p_burke's review against another edition
5.0
When Lexi finds herself in a bind, she turns to, who else? Her stand in boyfriend. Only Mac is feeling way more than friendly. Will they or won't they? If they "do," Can their friendship survive? This book keeps you wondering how two people can be friends when every touch makes YOU sizzle!
Sometimes you just really want the main characters to be real. That's the case here. I couldn't put this book down! I read it until the wee hours of the morning--start to finish. I wanted to know everything about Mac and Lexi. The writing is, once again, authentic. Kelly Jamieson gives us another round of true-blue-and-hot-blooded man meets normal-down-to-earth chick.
I love every book by Kelly Jamieson that I have read so far. And she doesn't disappoint with this newest titillating tale.
Sometimes you just really want the main characters to be real. That's the case here. I couldn't put this book down! I read it until the wee hours of the morning--start to finish. I wanted to know everything about Mac and Lexi. The writing is, once again, authentic. Kelly Jamieson gives us another round of true-blue-and-hot-blooded man meets normal-down-to-earth chick.
I love every book by Kelly Jamieson that I have read so far. And she doesn't disappoint with this newest titillating tale.
theblackstepford's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Cheesy with an extra side of cheese. FMC is annoyingly naive.
jscarpa14's review against another edition
3.0
This is another one I wish I'd reviewed closer to reading it, but while I'm more than happy to make time to binge read around the holidays I don't always make time to get online and rate them. That said my ratings might be a little off with what I actually thought directly after reading it.
What I really liked about this one was how clueless Lexi was about not only her feelings about Mac but what the relationship between them really was. It seemed pretty clear to me that they'd never really been friends and in a way they'd been dating all along without the best parts of it. Regardless I'd recommend it, it was a good read.
What I really liked about this one was how clueless Lexi was about not only her feelings about Mac but what the relationship between them really was. It seemed pretty clear to me that they'd never really been friends and in a way they'd been dating all along without the best parts of it. Regardless I'd recommend it, it was a good read.
iheartfictionalpeople's review against another edition
2.0
Review originally posted on my blog: I Heart Fictional People
INITIAL THOUGHTS
To be honest, I can’t remember what my initial thoughts were since I requested this book through Netgalley years ago. I was really into romance back then, and I was just super excited to read all kinds of romance. So, now that I’m on my mission to improve my Netgalley feedback ratio, I picked it up again. I had a feeling this one wouldn’t be all that great. And I’m not a huge fan of the cover either.
WHAT I LIKED
Lexi’s two dads. I absolutely loved them. They adopted her when she was a baby, and they have been the best parents, ignoring judgmental eyes. Dad is the tough, protective one that doesn’t want to know anything about her love life. Papa is the warm, sweet one with amazing fatherly advice that even I took to heart. They are both so supportive of her. I love it.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME
The plot. Okay, I’m going to be honest here. It feels like the author worked really hard on the sex scenes (except when they start talking like cavemen…what was that??) and just got lazy with the rest of the story. There was nothing really unique about it. It’s the whole girl friend-zoning a guy who’s in love with her and then they explore the relationship thing. Nothing new. Very predictable.
The characters. Lexi is annoying and selfish. And she’s not the brightest. Mac is a pathetically willing doormat. And they had zero chemistry. Sure, the physical chemistry was there. But literally nothing else.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I was sadly disappointed in this book. I really disliked the characters, and the storyline took a backseat to all the physical intimacy. Even though I absolutely loved Lexi’s dads (who should get their own book by the way!), the rest of the story really fell short for me. I really tried to like this book, but it just didn’t work.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
To be honest, I can’t remember what my initial thoughts were since I requested this book through Netgalley years ago. I was really into romance back then, and I was just super excited to read all kinds of romance. So, now that I’m on my mission to improve my Netgalley feedback ratio, I picked it up again. I had a feeling this one wouldn’t be all that great. And I’m not a huge fan of the cover either.
WHAT I LIKED
Lexi’s two dads. I absolutely loved them. They adopted her when she was a baby, and they have been the best parents, ignoring judgmental eyes. Dad is the tough, protective one that doesn’t want to know anything about her love life. Papa is the warm, sweet one with amazing fatherly advice that even I took to heart. They are both so supportive of her. I love it.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME
The plot. Okay, I’m going to be honest here. It feels like the author worked really hard on the sex scenes (except when they start talking like cavemen…what was that??) and just got lazy with the rest of the story. There was nothing really unique about it. It’s the whole girl friend-zoning a guy who’s in love with her and then they explore the relationship thing. Nothing new. Very predictable.
The characters. Lexi is annoying and selfish. And she’s not the brightest. Mac is a pathetically willing doormat. And they had zero chemistry. Sure, the physical chemistry was there. But literally nothing else.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I was sadly disappointed in this book. I really disliked the characters, and the storyline took a backseat to all the physical intimacy. Even though I absolutely loved Lexi’s dads (who should get their own book by the way!), the rest of the story really fell short for me. I really tried to like this book, but it just didn’t work.
00laura23's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
The story has an interesting premise that I like: the hero’s been in love with the heroine since they met in college, but she’s always treated him as a friend. I struggled with this story as I didn’t connect with the heroine from the beginning. I did like how the story ended and how she came to the realization that she loved the hero. I also didn’t like how the story started, as it didn’t put the heroine in a good light for me from the start. I found the story overall an ok read, but nothing special.
The story has an interesting premise that I like: the hero’s been in love with the heroine since they met in college, but she’s always treated him as a friend. I struggled with this story as I didn’t connect with the heroine from the beginning. I did like how the story ended and how she came to the realization that she loved the hero. I also didn’t like how the story started, as it didn’t put the heroine in a good light for me from the start. I found the story overall an ok read, but nothing special.
amym84's review against another edition
3.0
Her Stand-In Boyfriend was a quick, cute read about finally realizing the person who's always been around may be the person for you, but is it too late?
When I say quick, I mean I finished this book in a couple of hours quick. Sometimes you just need a book like that as an in-between book. I appreciated that it got right to the heart of the matter with little fanfare. Mac has been in love with Lexi since they met in college, but things never moved past the friendship stage. Even now Mac is Lexi's go-to date for events. But one night changes everything between them, can their relationship survive? Can they go back to being friends? Or will they finally move past that stage and on to something more serious? Or is it too late?
For what the story was, and by that I mean how short it was, I really enjoyed it. I can get past the fact that the story had a substantial amount of secondary characters pop up, but we don't really get to know them. We do get to know Lexi and Mac which is the point since they are the focus of the story. Because this is a shorter story I can overlook getting minute details.
I think just because a story is short doesn't mean it's easier to write, it just means that you have less space to tell a complete story, but Kelly Jamieson did a great job of keeping the focus on Lexi and Mac and what is (or isn't) between them.
I would love to read more quick reads like these.
When I say quick, I mean I finished this book in a couple of hours quick. Sometimes you just need a book like that as an in-between book. I appreciated that it got right to the heart of the matter with little fanfare. Mac has been in love with Lexi since they met in college, but things never moved past the friendship stage. Even now Mac is Lexi's go-to date for events. But one night changes everything between them, can their relationship survive? Can they go back to being friends? Or will they finally move past that stage and on to something more serious? Or is it too late?
For what the story was, and by that I mean how short it was, I really enjoyed it. I can get past the fact that the story had a substantial amount of secondary characters pop up, but we don't really get to know them. We do get to know Lexi and Mac which is the point since they are the focus of the story. Because this is a shorter story I can overlook getting minute details.
I think just because a story is short doesn't mean it's easier to write, it just means that you have less space to tell a complete story, but Kelly Jamieson did a great job of keeping the focus on Lexi and Mac and what is (or isn't) between them.
I would love to read more quick reads like these.
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