Bayou Book Junkie

Boyfriend With Benefits by Allison Temple

Published: July 27, 2020

Goodreads   |   Amazon

Blurb:

When Bailey’s new boss turns out to be his childhood bully, a.k.a. Jake the Jerk, it’s time to call in backup for the annual corporate retreat in Vegas. Too bad Bailey works too much to date. His best option is to ask his very straight roommate to play the part of temporary boyfriend, even if Gordo is better with pythons than he is with people.

But they haven’t even checked into the hotel and Jake the Jerk is already everywhere. The pressure is on for Bailey to prove he deserves to climb the corporate ladder, but it’s hard to talk shop when Gordo goes from backup to an increasingly attractive distraction.

Bailey’s trying to keep his cool, schmooze the executives, and stick to the plan, even though Gordo’s not playing by any of the rules. They’ve always been just friends, but maybe it’s time to be boyfriends . . . with full benefits.

Boyfriend with Benefits is a 37k contemporary MM romance novella. It features fake boyfriends who might not be so fake, a hotel room with only one bed, and a James Bond moment in a tiny blue bathing suit. HEA guaranteed.

5 Stars 

Another delightful romp from the talented Allison Temple.

Bailey works hard at his demanding corporate job and is less than thrilled to learn that his new boss is “Jake the Jerk” who traumatized Bailey with his constant bullying when they were younger. What was interesting to learn was that Jake was not in the closet and just enjoyed tormenting another gay student. No, he was out and proud of it, Jake just was, well, a jerk. The tension is still there between the two grown men as they meet to discuss the new merger and how it affects Bailey. The poor beleaguered Bailey just wants the promotion he deserves and can’t say no to attending a corporate retreat that the jerk will be at for the weekend. Unfortunately, Bailey allows Jake to once again intimidate him. Jake boasts of his boyfriend going with him and naturally, Bailey goes into competition mode, stating his boyfriend will definitely be going too. The problem is that there is no current man in Bailey’s life. This leads to a desperate plea to his good friend and roommate Gordo to play the role.

Gordo is a quiet hulk of a man that rescues unwanted reptiles and has mad baking skills. At first, I kind of scratched my head at this unique man, but I assure you his personality and kind traits will grow on you. There is a lot more to this gentle giant than meets the eye. He is hesitant at first but once he sees how much this means to Bailey, he is willing to play the role of his significant other. Gordo really looks after Bailey who is having a hard time dealing with the pressures of his new job expectations. Being in close proximity can make a person open their eyes and question what is really important in life. It’s not necessarily true that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas as the two embark on quite the trip and the dual attraction can’t be ignored.

If you like well a written story that sparkles with sweetness and heat, I recommend this adorable and memorable tale of connection and purpose. Happy Reading!

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***

~ * ~ Amy‘s Review ~ * ~

4.5 Stars

Life can be like a game. Sometimes you play it, and sometimes it plays you. It’s up to you to decide how you’re going to play it. This is Bailey’s turn to decide.

Having read books from Allison Temple before, I have certain expectations when I dive into a new one. She did not disappoint me. She’s good at writing complex and oh so lovable characters like Gordo. They’re always so huggable, too. Bailey’s not lacking in that department, either.

This was such a sweet story, with a lot of tender moments making my heart go pitter-pat, but it also had moments that had me chuckling. It was a fun way to spend my morning. I sat down with my cup of caffeine, and dove in. I liked what I found, so I snuggled in for the duration. This kind of story is like a big, warm hug. I feel lighter after reading it, and I would definitely encourage you to do the same. Everyone needs a hug, and everyone needs someone like Gordo in their life.

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***

~ * ~ Jo‘s Review ~ * ~

4.5 Stars

So, recently I saw a Facebook post about what you learn from romance novels and one of the comments was “fake boyfriends always become real ones” and that’s why I love these novels. Sometimes you want to read a book where the MC’s spend most of the time together; where one or both of them are not seeing the clues and when it’s a case of when they will realize and not if.

This is a great example of the genre and also has the benefit of best friends to lovers, too. The author also throws in a few little twists which keep the story being fun right to the end. Bailey is our hero in need of a boyfriend for a work conference where his job is on the line and Gordo is the roommate who steps up to the plate. Off they head to Vegas so Bailey can look good in front of Jake the jerk, his high school nemesis who’s been brought into the company to help slim it down.

Bailey made me smile so much. His reactions to meeting his childhood nemesis are OTT and totally believable for his character.  He’s desperate so he turns to the one guy he relies on and makes him feel calm, Gordo. Now, Gordo’s a great character, a real case of don’t judge the book by the cover. Bailey sees him as a bit of a new age animal rescuer but there’s a lot more there that is slowly revealed. He is super cute and so sweet, he’s also gorgeous and he really sees Bailey.

This is a sweet, gentle, light read; funny and enjoyable; this is just what you need when you want a little escapism to leave you feeling warm and happy at the end.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.*

~ * ~ Annie‘s Review ~ * ~