4.17 AVERAGE


I don’t watch reality tv shows but I know there are some out there with the premise of people finding love but they’re usually in person. So the premise of this book intrigued me from the very beginning when it came to a dating show where you won’t know anyone’s gender, age, what they look or sound like. 

In this book we meet Blake and Liam. Two men living completely different lives looking for love but not for the same reason. You get to see their relationship progress slowly during the begging of the “show” and even when they finally meet in person. 

Although there was a bit of confusion in their initial meeting, these two men made it work on their own terms and in their own time. I loved them so much and their communication. They talked things out and made sure they were both on the same page. Watching them fall in love was such a fun ride. We got to see who they were as individual people and as a couple. We get to see what their life was like before the show and what it was like after. 

Blake and Liam’s story was magical. They fit so seamlessly together and Blake really fit into Liam’s farm life soooo damn easily while also being the best dang chicken daddy to his babies. I think that was my favorite part, the way he instantly fell in love with the chickens on the farm and wanted them to have the best of everything 😂

bookygirl369's review

5.0

Such a cute story! Love anything by Lexi Amber. Can’t wait for book 2!!!
vicreads12's profile picture

vicreads12's review

4.0

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚆𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙷𝚒𝚖   
𝚋𝚢 @lexi.ambermm & @authorbecbenson

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4/5 ⭐️ 
1.5/5 🌶️

↓↓
This reminded me of Love is Blind but with a twist and now I wish Love Without Labels was a real thing. I loved the concept of this book, love is love and you have no idea who you're falling in love with until after. I think you can really get to know someone and how they are deep down in their soul without looks being the first thing that is noticed.  

OHMYGOODNESS Blake cracked me up. He was unapologetically himself. He was a bit naive in the beginning but I love how he embraced everything fully. He was the absolute sweetest. Farm life suits him so well and he really came in to himself then. I mean him and the chicken and the goats, so cute!!

It really took awhile to warm up to Liam. He seemed a bit selfish at times, his inner monologue seemed to bash Blake for things and his expectation of Blake to give him what he needed/wanted almost immediately was so high but didn't give Blake that same courtesy. I mean Blake was changing pretty much everything about himself and his life but he couldn't get through one hockey game and at least pretend to enjoy if for Blake's sake.

Their chemistry was hot. Blake really grabbed it all by the horn and said I'm down for anything and everything with you, and I love that for him. 
 
Interested to see how the next book in the series play out. We get little easter eggs and by the title of it, there's going to be a lot to unpack. Also can we get a Chad and Ash book pllllllease?!?!?!?!? I need more on those two.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🎥Anonymous texting
🐓Bi-Awakening
🎥Blind dating
🐓Small town
🎥One Bed
🐓Oblivious MC  
🎥Farmer x City Boy

gslillibrary's review

4.0
funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

When I tell you I could NOT put this book down? I mean it. I read it in one sitting.
I had so much fun reading this book (especially as someone who's guilty pleasure is binge watching reality tv dating shows). Blake is given an ultimatum and in a last-ditch attempt to find a wife he signs up for a blind dating reality show -with no names, genders or identifying information - where at the end you're given the choice to marry your match. Except his dream women L turns out to be Liam.
Blake is such a lovable go with the flow character and I cracked up several times over his antics. His and Liam's relationship was so incredibly fun and sweet to watch unfold. I am so ready for the next books in this series.

*Bi-Awakening
*Low Angst
*Super sweet
*blind dating
*Farm Antics
*Strangers/friends/lovers
*Opposites attract

naz_reads's profile picture

naz_reads's review

4.0
funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4/5 stars 3/5 spice 

The concept of this was really entertaining. Two guys applying to be on a genderless blind dating show, looking to find someone to marry, with different motivations.

Liam is a sweetheart who is just looking for someone to spend the rest of his life with that fits into his farm life and continues to choose him. Blake is a character you don’t really like at the start. He’s introduced as this spoilt guy who lives off his parents, not doing much with his life. He goes on the show, even though he identifies as straight, therefore he can fulfill his parent’s ultimatum of being married before he turns 30 so that they don’t cut him off. 

Blake has amazing character growth throughout the show where he has a queer awakening and realises that finding a deep connection with his partner and planning a future together is more important than his parent’s money. 

I adored Blake’s over the top love of his dog and the farm animals. He really spiced up Liam’s life with his quirkiness and spontaneity. They completed one and another and over came the hurdles thrown at them, coming out stronger than ever together. 

  • Genderless blind reality dating show
  • Queer awakening
  • Opposites attract
  • City boy X small town boy
  • Farmer MMC
  • Light dom X sub dynamic 
lore_1703's profile picture

lore_1703's review

3.0
funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Did I fall in love with another completely oblivious main character? Without a doubt.

Blake stole the show for me. His energy, his openness toward discovering his sexuality, and the way he’s all in for Liam made him a standout. He’s the kind of character who wears his heart on his sleeve and would do anything to make the person he loves feel safe and seen. He makes a few missteps along the way, though, that only added to his charm and growth for me.

Going in, I expected to connect more with Liam than I actually did. While Blake was ready to rearrange his life to be closer to Liam, there were moments when Liam’s hesitation felt unexpectedly cold. A specific date scene stood out. Watching him struggle to engage with something Blake clearly enjoyed created a disconnect I couldn’t shake. The addition of a shared kink between them also felt out of place, not quite aligned with how the characters had been developed up to that point, especially in Liam’s case.

The writing had a nice rhythm overall, and many of the emotional beats landed well. There were times when some repetition in phrasing pulled me out of the story, so another editing pass might help with polish.

This felt like a solid palate cleanser: low-stakes, sweet in parts, and centered around a character I genuinely loved following.

Tropes:
Reality tv show
One bed
Blind dating
Anonymous texting
Oblivious mmc
Small town
Bi awakening

Spice:3/5
thatswhatdeeread's profile picture

thatswhatdeeread's review

5.0
funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

Dee's Grade: A

I enjoyed this book. I have a not picky thing about it but it's not a reflection on the book. It's a me thing.

I found the characters likeable. I loved the way they were with each other. The reality TV element was fun.

I love when characters seek support for mental health struggles. Overall this is a really good book.
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beekayreads_'s review

5.0

“So, I’m asking you to stay,” I continue. “To keep building this life with me. To keep being the best part of every day. To be my husband. To live here on this farm and build a future with me.” I swallow hard, emotion thick in my throat. “Marry me, Blake. Be my forever.”

Jesuuuusss I loved this so much! I was smiling the whole way through!

What happens when your parents give you an ultimatum to be married by the time you turn 30 or lose your golden ticket? You sign up for a reality dating show. And you think you’ll fall in love with a woman - but surprise! You fall for a man. 

I loved Blake so much. He was such a firecracker and a total menace (in a good way). He radiates golden retriever energy but like, a puppy though. He’s “straight” - even though he knowingly enters a dating show where he knows he could match with a man. And the man he matches with? Liam. Liam is a hard working and cautious farmer who just wants to be chosen unconditionally and find a love like his parents had. He has a soft heart and just wants to find the real deal. 

I loved the premise of the dating show and honestly, I wish I could join it myself. Someone make that a real thing. I loved the connection between Liam and Blake and how genuine it was - you could really tell they loved each other. The chemistry between the two of them was fire. The spice? Lawd yes please. Blake is the neediest bottom and I was here for every minute of it. 

Blake’s mom can go kick rocks. Liam’s dad is the best. I was so glad that his dad was as amazing as he was. And I’m so excited this is going to be a series because I cannot wait for KD and JR’s story!

What you’re getting:
Bi awakening 
Small town
Blind dating
Soft dom x sub 
Farmer x trust fund baby 
Chicken daddy 
HEA
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

*ARC Review*
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Oh my gosh, I want to scream from the rooftops about how great this book is!!!
The premise of meeting your future partner completely blind unaware of looks or gender is flipping genius. The whole dating show set up felt so real. I could honestly believe this show might be coming to a streaming service.
I immediately fell in love with Blake. His chaotic golden retriever energy is the best vibe. He's had some set backs in life but he seems to always try to make the most of every situation he's in. The way he seems to decide to make their relationship work by the strength of his optimism alone is amazing. I love him for it and it seems Liam does too. His easy acceptance of finding out he might not be as straight as he thought he was is very refreshing.
Liam seems like such a sweet & gentle soul. He's had some hurts to his heart and is trying to put himself back out there. Although, when he's in the bedroom he's anything but sweet. The mouth on that man had me blushing. I swear every time he called Blake 'Straight boy' I had a hot flush
The spice in this was seriously steamy. Liams dirty mouth and Blake's hidden submissive nature were a smoking hot combo
it all felt perfectly
balanced too.

I fell in love with the side characters (spoiler alert; 1 always do) Ash and his moment of bravery, Chad and is easy acceptance of Blake's sexuality, and of course KD & JR, I am endlessly intrigued by them after reading their prologue.
An honourable mention to Blake's awful mother! She truly is the villain of the piece and I HATED her with the fire of a thousand suns. I won't say more but you'll find out why when you read it.
Absolutely all the stars from me and a definite auto-buy for the rest of the series!
underworld_fairy's profile picture

underworld_fairy's review

4.5
challenging emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

What happens when you're just trying to live your life as usual, but surprise, your parents suddenly give you an ultimatum: get married before you turn 30 or they’ll cut you off. So now, you need to find a wife, but you’re confident, women like you, so this should be a piece of cake... Until it’s not. You’re desperate, and that’s when your best friend tells you about a new reality show where you can find your future spouse. The only catch? Every part of the process is done through blind dates, no names, no faces, no gender, no age. The only way to truly meet someone is if you both match. So, you decide to give it a shot. I mean, what could go wrong? Oh, right, the person you're falling for isn't a woman. It's a man.
 But by the time you realize it, the feelings are already there, and the chemistry is undeniable. Would you really let go of something this special just because your perfect match isn't the woman you expected? Or would you forget about gender and give it a chance? 

I enjoyed this book so much! I absolutely loved that the dating show was all about forming genuine connections love that didn’t care about gender, just heart. Blake... oh my God. What can I say about him? I love him. I adore him. He’s just so easy to fall for. This man radiates golden retriever energy from miles away and he’s total boyfriend material. The things Blake does for his man. He seriously raised my standards. And yes!! He’s the best chicken daddy. You read that right. This man would give everything for his babies! 

He and Liam have a slightly awkward first meeting when they finally come face to face, but once they realize the feelings they had during the blind dates are still there, they go for it. Their chemistry? I’m sure it boosted the show’s ratings and stole viewers’ hearts. I loved how they were opposites, living completely different lives but somehow found the perfect balance between them. Their HEA was everything. And if you’re asking if they had memorable scenes? Let me just say, your heart will melt with these two. And you’ll fully understand why Blake is the ultimate chicken daddy. These two don’t have an easy start, and while they’re perfect for each other, they had to work on themselves too, letting go of the past and making that future they both longed for a reality. 

P.S. This is not the end! There’s another couple we need to know more about yes, I’m talking about KD & JR. And of course, I’d love to see more of Chad & Ash. They were such amazing friends, and I definitely need more of them too! 

Star Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 

Spice Rating: 3 /5   🔥🔥 🔥 

If you like to read:
🌾 Anonymous Texting 

🏈 Blind Dating 

🌾 Bi- Awakening 

🏈 Small Town 

🌾 One Bed 

🏈 Soft Dom/ Sub