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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
The Reality of Wanting Him by Lexi Amber & Bec Benson
⭐ 4.5/5 ⭐
I’m not saying I was fully kicking my feet while grinning like an idiot during this book… but I absolutely was. This story got me in all the best ways—sweet, funny, heartfelt, and just the right amount of spicy. I felt every emotion these characters went through, and by the time the proposals came around (yes, plural), I was smiling through actual tears.
Blake completely stole my heart. That man is soft, needy, and precious in a way that hit way too close to home. And his bond with Liam’s dad? So freaking wholesome. Liam, on the other hand, just wrecked me with how much he cared. He never wanted to be a burden, and it showed in every choice he made. Their dynamic was swoony, emotionally charged, and still managed to be downright adorable.
Now let’s talk drama: when Blake’s mom revealed the ultimatum to Liam—the way she did it? I already hated her, but that moment had me ready to throw the whole woman out. Evil. Absolutely evil.
Between their flirty conversations on the show (which, by the way, I need to be real because I would binge-watch it immediately), Blake’s meltdown over chickens (iconic), and the sweet, emotional growth on both sides, I was all in. The spice? Immaculate. The humor? Cracked me up. The vibe? Flirty, fun, and packed with heart.
I adored Lexi’s writing as always, and I’m so glad I got to read something by Bec Benson too—definitely need more! Highly recommend to anyone who wants to laugh, cry, and kick their feet over two men falling hopelessly, messily, and adorably in love.
⭐ 4.5/5 ⭐
I’m not saying I was fully kicking my feet while grinning like an idiot during this book… but I absolutely was. This story got me in all the best ways—sweet, funny, heartfelt, and just the right amount of spicy. I felt every emotion these characters went through, and by the time the proposals came around (yes, plural), I was smiling through actual tears.
Blake completely stole my heart. That man is soft, needy, and precious in a way that hit way too close to home. And his bond with Liam’s dad? So freaking wholesome. Liam, on the other hand, just wrecked me with how much he cared. He never wanted to be a burden, and it showed in every choice he made. Their dynamic was swoony, emotionally charged, and still managed to be downright adorable.
Now let’s talk drama: when Blake’s mom revealed the ultimatum to Liam—the way she did it? I already hated her, but that moment had me ready to throw the whole woman out. Evil. Absolutely evil.
Between their flirty conversations on the show (which, by the way, I need to be real because I would binge-watch it immediately), Blake’s meltdown over chickens (iconic), and the sweet, emotional growth on both sides, I was all in. The spice? Immaculate. The humor? Cracked me up. The vibe? Flirty, fun, and packed with heart.
I adored Lexi’s writing as always, and I’m so glad I got to read something by Bec Benson too—definitely need more! Highly recommend to anyone who wants to laugh, cry, and kick their feet over two men falling hopelessly, messily, and adorably in love.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Blake comes from a very wealthy family and at 28 his parents sit him down and tell him he needs to settle down and get serious about his life. He has until 30 to marry or he will be cut off forever. For a guy who finds great fun in one night stands and living off his family’s money he is shook and jumps into dating assuming he’ll have no issue whatsoever. 16 months later and he hasn’t had a relationship last longer than a month. Desperate as the deadline looms, his best friend convinces him to sign up for a dating show for those who appear to be seriously looking for a spouse.
So I really enjoyed the premise of this story. It’s sort of like Love is Blind but with the extra component of everyone not knowing the gender of who they are talking to so everyone but Blake is openly queer and open to their potential matches regardless of how they identify. Blake is so certain he would know if he was talking to a man vs a woman, and therefore would be able to cut the men from consideration, so I was so invested in him realising “L” was indeed a man, a man he was swiftly falling for.
It’s a relatively low angst story and the steam is steamy. This was a lot of fun to read and I would 100% watch this show if it were real. I am looking forward to book 2, with another two contestants in the same timeline who fall for each other on their “blind” dates to realise they actually know each other IRL and despise each other for reasons currently unknown.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
First off, I would watch the shit out of 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘓𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘴. I mean the concept of a completely blind and genderless dating show sounds fantastic!
Secondly, this was adorable?!?!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- dual first person POV
- trust fund baby + farmer
- opposites attract
- oblivious mc + guarded mc
- reality show
- anonymous texting + blind dating
- bi awakening
- only one bed
- soft D/s vibes
- chicken daddy
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one was really good, I loved how much Liam and Blake communicated and how honest they were about their feelings. Sure some things were hidden but not out of malice and intent to betray. I loved the bill awakening and how Blake was such a himbo golden retriever. It was alot of fun.
Loved the premise, of the dating show and how it would work. Loved Blake, the human Labrador, and his love of animals (and how he talks to the chickens). He's completely non-self-aware, but it's great seeing him figure himself out. Loved Liam's dedication to his farm and how he was willing to give second chances. I was happy to spend time with the two and their friends, and I can't wait for the next book in the series, although I'd also love to see more of these two. (I received a digital ARC for review.)
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book thanks to the Rainbow Readers Discord!
“If your own parents expect you to be a fuck up, it’s hard not to just embrace it.”
“If your own parents expect you to be a fuck up, it’s hard not to just embrace it.”
What a way to start my ARC notes 🫣
Yeah I kind of get Blake… Not exactly where I’d like to be at this point in my life either.
I like the idea of the game show and I’m interested to see where this goes
Liam’s dad is the actual best!
Really hoping Andy is as genuinely fun as he seems
“Use only initials and write down notes to help you eventually narrow down your connections.” Sounds a little murder-y but okay 😂
I’m really enjoying the pacing and the earnest quality to the writing so far. Everything feels natural (or as natural as it can on this “dating show”) and not rushed/forced.
I’m enjoying how real Blake feels so far because a lot of his flaws he’s very aware of and now he’s really hoping that a partner will bring out the good in him.
I wrote a short story once using gender neutral pronouns, and it’s a lot harder than you think, but this book makes it feel very natural.
I genuinely became so invested in reading the rest of the book that I never came back to take any more notes. 😅
All in all I love how they came together, I mostly enjoyed how the bump in the road was handled (I feel like Blake’s reaction to everything felt a little too “brushing it off” for me), and how everything was wrapped up.
There’s a definite end to this story but it feels like the next book could have Blake and Liam show up in the background in their HEA
I genuinely became so invested in reading the rest of the book that I never came back to take any more notes. 😅
All in all I love how they came together, I mostly enjoyed how the bump in the road was handled (I feel like Blake’s reaction to everything felt a little too “brushing it off” for me), and how everything was wrapped up.
There’s a definite end to this story but it feels like the next book could have Blake and Liam show up in the background in their HEA
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Omg how could I not give this anything bit 5 stars, it was the cutest little love story ever I could not put it down. The beginning reminded me abit of the tv show the circle with them in their own little apartments talking only online/through computers but the dating without identity was a great fresh newness I haven't come across yet and I am here for it. Blake was a lovable slightly clueless golden retriever and Liam whilst lovable was abit more guarded, together they really made a strong partnership. I look forward to future books especially if we finally get Jace and Kierans story.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
THE REALITY OF WANTING HIM
by Lexi Amber & Bec Benson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It is available July 23rd on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amzn.com/B0F92SJV7T
This is a 363-page Medium-Paced Opposites Attract, Bi-Awakening MM Romance with gentle Controlling Dom/sub spice and a touch starved individual. This is book 1 of a new series called LOVE WITHOUT LABELS and is about two men going on a blind dating reality show where even gender is hidden and being open-minded is a must.
--This is going to be a meme.--
Written in alternating chapters duel POV, this rom-com with depth doesn’t waste any time getting to the point of the plot. It is mostly character development forward, but the setting is obviously a huge detail throughout the entire book. Blake is a party-playboy with golden retriever vibes who comes from money. He is carefree and very Happy-Go-Lucky. He has been lost in life since his dream sports career fell apart and is just coasting on his parents' dime at the age of 29. Liam is a shy work-a-holic and a reserved person who wants a life on his farm like his parents lovingly had. He’s lonely but gets overwhelmed easily since he spends so much time on his own. He has dreams for his home & business and of the perfect marriage but has a hard time trusting people after a traumatizing relationship incident in college that still makes him fearful and jaded at the age of 28.
--This is really sounding more and more like the bi version of a Hallmark movie.--
After both men get on a dating show where you have no idea who you are talking to thanks to voice distortion technology and messaging apps, they must narrow down their options in hopes to fine their perfect spouse. Blake needs to find a wife to marry before he’s 30 so he can keep his trust fund while Liam wants to work his farm with a partner and create happy memories for everyone who visits. The blind dates may be unseeing, but they sure are revealing. The pacing of this section of the process moves at a steady speed to keep the reality show from lingering but doesn’t skimp on crucial details. The authors got creative in keeping everything interesting so it didn’t lag. Its pretty authentic from what we know how these shows are filmed, down to the stress and worry of moving on in the show with the person you want, hoping they pick you too. And only 100 pages in, Reveals get REAL! There is a time when I thought, ‘Omg, this is never going to end!’ It’s a real Soap Opera! One hurdle and twist just lead to another, keeping you running to the season finale.
--I don’t see why anyone but me should care about the gender of the person I'm dating. And if they do? That says more about them than it does about me.--
This had so much passion, emotion, and humor! From a readers POV, you find yourself along for the ride as the 3rd wheel. You will become just as attached to them as they become to each other. Blake truly is a chatterbox that can’t be controlled when he is excited about something and constantly keeps Liam on his toes and, at the same time, lifts his spirits up. While Liam gives Blake something he didn’t even know getting emotionally loved and accepted, which he never got from anyone else before. The way the authors wrote the process of dating by having interview questions sprinkled throughout helps open your mind to who the guys are to themselves, not from others' perspectives. This opens both men up to vulnerabilities they never would have shared that adds a layer of care and support that is not normally seen in Reality TV. Like the position they were in, it really triggers an addiction to them as a reader, wanting something that isn’t readily available like wanting chocolate but not having any. They go through an equal mix of emotions and challenges broken by humorous moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.
--"Look at your hard cock straining out toward me like it knows exactly who it belongs to.”--
The spice was flaming! 5/5🌶! Because of the format of the book, this was a bit of an slow burn to get to this point. BEYOND WORTH THE WAIT! Mild possessiveness and Control with light breath play and Dom/sub tendencies. First times galore with a needy individual that is always hungry for more! Plus, the authors added the details of when spice happens on TV and the worry of, HOW WILL MY RELATIVES WATCH THIS?
--"Ohmygodohmygodohmygod, it's real! Why are we driving away from them? The chickens need to meet their new daddy!”--
The ensemble was different. Cluck Cluck! The book was centrally focused on the 2 MCs especially during the blind dates. Liam’s dad is a big support for him and has a presents while Blake’s bestie Chad was there for him. You do get to know some of the other contestants in fun ways that added some bones to the plot. And you can’t have a reality show without a villain….or two! Plus, eggs are laid for Book 2 which is set during the same season of the show with 2 other perspectives.
--I never thought I'd be waking up to the sound of a goat screaming outside my window, but that’s my life now.--
This concept was so fun! I personally am not a trash TV viewer but I'm glad I jumped on this season of Love Without Labels! You can tell from the writing how well this author duo work together and how passionate they were with these characters. The message of doing anything for your person, to love & support them, through funny & challenging periods, even waiting for them to the end of time to prove your worth and also believing that you are enough regardless. How growing and healing as an individual never stops and sometime your pause button is just as important as all the other controls.
--"…true love found you at the perfect moment, when you were both ready to receive it.”--
💜Happy Reading🫶
by Lexi Amber & Bec Benson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It is available July 23rd on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amzn.com/B0F92SJV7T
This is a 363-page Medium-Paced Opposites Attract, Bi-Awakening MM Romance with gentle Controlling Dom/sub spice and a touch starved individual. This is book 1 of a new series called LOVE WITHOUT LABELS and is about two men going on a blind dating reality show where even gender is hidden and being open-minded is a must.
--This is going to be a meme.--
Written in alternating chapters duel POV, this rom-com with depth doesn’t waste any time getting to the point of the plot. It is mostly character development forward, but the setting is obviously a huge detail throughout the entire book. Blake is a party-playboy with golden retriever vibes who comes from money. He is carefree and very Happy-Go-Lucky. He has been lost in life since his dream sports career fell apart and is just coasting on his parents' dime at the age of 29. Liam is a shy work-a-holic and a reserved person who wants a life on his farm like his parents lovingly had. He’s lonely but gets overwhelmed easily since he spends so much time on his own. He has dreams for his home & business and of the perfect marriage but has a hard time trusting people after a traumatizing relationship incident in college that still makes him fearful and jaded at the age of 28.
--This is really sounding more and more like the bi version of a Hallmark movie.--
After both men get on a dating show where you have no idea who you are talking to thanks to voice distortion technology and messaging apps, they must narrow down their options in hopes to fine their perfect spouse. Blake needs to find a wife to marry before he’s 30 so he can keep his trust fund while Liam wants to work his farm with a partner and create happy memories for everyone who visits. The blind dates may be unseeing, but they sure are revealing. The pacing of this section of the process moves at a steady speed to keep the reality show from lingering but doesn’t skimp on crucial details. The authors got creative in keeping everything interesting so it didn’t lag. Its pretty authentic from what we know how these shows are filmed, down to the stress and worry of moving on in the show with the person you want, hoping they pick you too. And only 100 pages in, Reveals get REAL! There is a time when I thought, ‘Omg, this is never going to end!’ It’s a real Soap Opera! One hurdle and twist just lead to another, keeping you running to the season finale.
--I don’t see why anyone but me should care about the gender of the person I'm dating. And if they do? That says more about them than it does about me.--
This had so much passion, emotion, and humor! From a readers POV, you find yourself along for the ride as the 3rd wheel. You will become just as attached to them as they become to each other. Blake truly is a chatterbox that can’t be controlled when he is excited about something and constantly keeps Liam on his toes and, at the same time, lifts his spirits up. While Liam gives Blake something he didn’t even know getting emotionally loved and accepted, which he never got from anyone else before. The way the authors wrote the process of dating by having interview questions sprinkled throughout helps open your mind to who the guys are to themselves, not from others' perspectives. This opens both men up to vulnerabilities they never would have shared that adds a layer of care and support that is not normally seen in Reality TV. Like the position they were in, it really triggers an addiction to them as a reader, wanting something that isn’t readily available like wanting chocolate but not having any. They go through an equal mix of emotions and challenges broken by humorous moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.
--"Look at your hard cock straining out toward me like it knows exactly who it belongs to.”--
The spice was flaming! 5/5🌶! Because of the format of the book, this was a bit of an slow burn to get to this point. BEYOND WORTH THE WAIT! Mild possessiveness and Control with light breath play and Dom/sub tendencies. First times galore with a needy individual that is always hungry for more! Plus, the authors added the details of when spice happens on TV and the worry of, HOW WILL MY RELATIVES WATCH THIS?
--"Ohmygodohmygodohmygod, it's real! Why are we driving away from them? The chickens need to meet their new daddy!”--
The ensemble was different. Cluck Cluck! The book was centrally focused on the 2 MCs especially during the blind dates. Liam’s dad is a big support for him and has a presents while Blake’s bestie Chad was there for him. You do get to know some of the other contestants in fun ways that added some bones to the plot. And you can’t have a reality show without a villain….or two! Plus, eggs are laid for Book 2 which is set during the same season of the show with 2 other perspectives.
--I never thought I'd be waking up to the sound of a goat screaming outside my window, but that’s my life now.--
This concept was so fun! I personally am not a trash TV viewer but I'm glad I jumped on this season of Love Without Labels! You can tell from the writing how well this author duo work together and how passionate they were with these characters. The message of doing anything for your person, to love & support them, through funny & challenging periods, even waiting for them to the end of time to prove your worth and also believing that you are enough regardless. How growing and healing as an individual never stops and sometime your pause button is just as important as all the other controls.
--"…true love found you at the perfect moment, when you were both ready to receive it.”--
💜Happy Reading🫶
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Complicated
This was such a fun, sweet, and spicy read! I loved the premise of the book - and series - where MCs meet in a reality TV show without knowing anything about the other. No gender, skin colour, age.
And for straight boy Blake having a strong connection with Liam - very much a man - was a shock, at first. But I seriously loved how quickly he just jumped right in to a relationship with a man. Panicking lasted like a second, after which he was all in. Liam was more wary - don't blame him - and waited for the other shoe to drop.
So happy for B and L, cannot wait for Jace and Kieran's book.
And for straight boy Blake having a strong connection with Liam - very much a man - was a shock, at first. But I seriously loved how quickly he just jumped right in to a relationship with a man. Panicking lasted like a second, after which he was all in. Liam was more wary - don't blame him - and waited for the other shoe to drop.
So happy for B and L, cannot wait for Jace and Kieran's book.