Cover Design:

Wicked by Design

Genre: M/M Romance

Trope: Best friends to lovers, opposites attract, feel-good, satire

Synopsis

They don’t write romance novels about guys like me…

Benji:

Trust me, I know. Crafting swoon-worthy happily ever afters is literally my day job. Being a quirky introvert with an overactive imagination, underwhelming social skills, and a few pounds overweight, I’m no leading man.

My best friend, though? He’s total cover model, call the plumber because I just flooded my basement material. He’s also outgoing, charismatic, free-spirited, and basically the best guy ever.

I may know romance, but I’m no dummy when it comes to reality. I’m nothing special. And the truth is, a guy like Darren would never fall for someone like me.

Darren:

I’m the poster child for failure to launch. Twenty-seven, didn’t make it in Hollywood, forced to slump my sorry self back home to Australia with my tail in between my legs.

The only bright spot in my life is nabbing the apartment next door to my best friend, Benji. He’s like no one I’ve ever met. Genuine. Sensitive. Nurturing. A talented author. An amazing cook. So freaking handsome. And yeah…I am so stupidly in love with him it’s not even funny.

When Benji needs some inspiration to clear his writer’s block, I gladly help out. He wants to write a friends-to-lovers romance, and hello, I’m his best friend. This should be a cinch. It’s not as if he’s suddenly going to fall in love with me. I’m nothing special. And the fact is, a guy like Benji could do so much better than someone like me.

Nothing Special is a stand-alone best-friends-to-lovers MM romance with two lovable (yet totally clueless) besties, gray yoga pants hotness, sweet midnight walks, an apartment block filled with nosy neighbors, and one swoonariffic (and oh so special) happily ever after!

~ * ~ Jo‘s Review ~ * ~

5 Stars

This book was not quite what I was expecting from the blurb. There is an element that is not really hinted at that I found much more emotional and made the story more complex than I was expecting. This isn’t a bad thing, and I get it’s hard to hint at without spoiling this element of the story. I think it actually makes the story more than just a cute, friends-to-lovers story. It gives it a more emotional core.

Benji is an author of romance novels and wants to write a best friends-to-lovers romance. The problem is he’s lost his muse. Darren met Benji at college and fell in love instantly. Circumstances meant that he never confessed this; he carried on pursuing his dream of being an actor and being a bit of a love ’em and leave ’em. He left to find fame in America but has come back with his tail between his legs. The only good thing is he gets to pick up his friendship with Benji. When he hears Benji’s problem, he suggests he can enact the trope to help provide inspiration.

Neither of these characters sees what’s in front of them. There’s more depth, though, as neither really believes they are loveable or could be what the other wants. Benji especially has issues he’s been hiding from the world because of his fears and guilt. Darren really is gentle, caring, and supportive. It’s sweet as they go through the ‘charade’ of becoming lovers and open up to each other.

A sweet book with a real emotional core and deals well with mental health issues without slamming it in your face—a definite recommendation from me.

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

~ * ~ Jen‘s Review ~ * ~

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

About the Author

Casey Cox is an Australian MM romance author whose work includes the hugely popular VET SHOP BOYS series.

Casey loves spending time at the beach and is the proud paw-rent to two utterly adorable French Bulldogs – Ralphie and Lilly.