Series Review: The Boyfriend Chronicles, books 1 and 2

I am sorry for the long overdue reviews!  Back to school has been BUSY and senior essays have taken up most of my reading time.  Luckily, I had a few good moments to read, and I am eager to catch you up on some excellent new reads!

  

Title: The Backup Boyfriend (#1) and The Boyfriend Mandate (#2)

Author: River Jaymes

Publisher/GR Link:  Bk 1, Bk 2

Genre: Contemporary

Vice: Out for you, hot mechanics

Rating: 5, 4.75

Lock this book up : 4 keys.  These books are hot, and the sex totally supports the great romances.

Length: Novels

Satisfaction: HEA

Cover Impressions: I like them!  Hot- like the men!

Best Line: “Jesus had two Dads and he turned out okay.”

Synopsis:

Book 1:

Professionally, Dr. Alec Johnson has almost reached his goals. As this year’s recipient of a humanitarian award with his ex, Dr. Tyler Hall, Alec’s work with the homeless is about to be recognized. Unfortunately, his personal life sucks because now he has to attend several events alongside Tyler—with his ex’s new boyfriend in tow. In an attempt to lift his mood and break out of his rut, Alec purchases a motorcycle he has no idea how to start. 

Dylan Booth doesn't have time for Dr. Clueless and his fickle 1964 Harley, but the cocky mechanic can’t say no to the request for help. Having spent his teen years on the streets, and losing his best friend to HIV, Dylan decides teaching the do-gooder how to ride is the least he can do. But watching Alec flounder in his ex's company throws Dylan into protector mode, and the confirmed hetero introduces himself as Alec's new boyfriend. 

The ex suspects Dylan is lying. 

Alec claims Dylan’s plan is insane. 

And Dylan’s not sure he can fake being gay. 

But he’s a master bullshitter, and the phony PDA soon turns ultra-hot. Alec can’t afford to get attached, and Dylan’s learned everyone eventually leaves. Unfortunately, playing the backup boyfriend is starting to feel way too real… 

Book 2: 

Stuntman and two-time cancer survivor Memphis Haines excels at beating the odds. When he’s presented with the opportunity to help his ex-boyfriend with a charity event, he jumps at the chance to make up for the devastating way he left Tyler ten years ago. Memphis might have taken the college geek’s virginity, but the former mathelete is now a hell of a head turner. And Dr. Tyler Hall’s cool reserve is a challenge Memphis can’t resist. A self-confessed rule breaker and line crosser, he keeps turning up the heat with one goal in mind: to melt the man’s composure.

Tyler Hall sticks to one simple mandate: no more dating ex-boyfriends. Ever. He certainly isn't interested in hooking up with Memphis Haines, the ex who jumps off buildings, dodges explosions, and poses for designer underwear ads. Ten years ago, falling for Memphis changed Tyler’s life. The man’s abrupt departure turned his world inside out. But he moved on long ago. Besides, he has a clinic for the homeless to run, patients to take care of, and no time to deal with the trouble his ex brings. Memphis, however, seems determined to rehash the past. And his boxer-dropping grin, hard body, and confident charm are resurrecting ultra-hot memories best not remembered, making Tyler’s rule harder and harder to keep...

Impressions:  I read book when it first came out, and I LOVED it.  It was sexy, fun, and so gripping, I loved nothing more than getting lost in it.  Alec was a great MC, but Dylan totally captured my heart.  I loved his struggle to find himself, and I especially appreciated that Jaymes didn't make him a homophobic jerk, but rather a man who was learning more about himself.  He was so well done, and the journey of self learning he went on was so well explained that I really came to feel like I knew him.  This is a definite reread!

When book 2 came out, I was wary.  Could I really like Tyler as a romantic hero?  I wasn't crazy about him in book 1, but in book 2 he totally worked!  Memphis was also a great MC, even though I didn't know if I could forgive him for his past errors.  Again, Jaymes did not take the easy way out, and Memphis was a complex character who I really came to understand.  I like that there was no clear cut victim in the errors of the past, and I could really understand where mistakes had been made without making me resent either of the characters.