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books_and_cha's review against another edition
3.0
Short and sweet, Brian Lancaster's Companion Required follows the story of Kieran West and Kennedy Grey. Kennedy hires Kieran - after some convincing - to be his plus one for his holiday cruise and Kieran, in need of the money, signs right up.
Most of the book deals with Kieran and Kennedy realizing how good they are together, appreciating the mutual friendship and support the arrangement brings them, and slowly falling into a relationship. Kieran obviously has some sexuality exploring to do, but that all takes place with minimal fuss and all in good time. I liked it, but I didn't love it. It was a fun few hours.
If you're looking for a vacation-themed beach read with low angst, healthy communication, and a good amount of sexy times, pick this one up.
Most of the book deals with Kieran and Kennedy realizing how good they are together, appreciating the mutual friendship and support the arrangement brings them, and slowly falling into a relationship. Kieran obviously has some sexuality exploring to do, but that all takes place with minimal fuss and all in good time. I liked it, but I didn't love it. It was a fun few hours.
If you're looking for a vacation-themed beach read with low angst, healthy communication, and a good amount of sexy times, pick this one up.
robazizo's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Kennedy and Kieran were both lovely characters and it was obvious early on that they fit together very well. Things progressed a little too easily after the first kiss, especially on Kieran's end, and the reunion also felt rushed and the epilogues a bit trite. But overall this was an enjoyable read.
jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review against another edition
4.0
**AUDIO REVIEW**
I believe this was my first book by this particular author and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Every year since his ugly split with his boyfriend Patrick of 9 years rich CEO Kennedy advertises for a gay companion to join him on a month long holiday with friends, including his ex. It's all expenses paid, including a 5 thousand pound bonus, and after the vacation is up, he never has to see them again.
Kieran, whom most definitely doesn't fit the bill of Kennedys requirements of a basically an airhead twink, overhears Kennedy in a coffee shop conducting his interviews with said airheads. Thinking Kennedy is interviewing for a PA job of some sort, Kieran who could use the cash decides to throw his metaphorical hat in the ring for the job. He realizes he doesn't exactly make the list of attributes. Kieran is taller than Kennedy, older than specified, has a brain in his head, and oh yeah he isn't gay.
Low and behold, against his better judgment, Kennedy decides to offer Kieran the job. They embark on their holiday and soon they both come to see how much they enjoy each other's company. Kieran also blends in seamlessly with Kennedys family and friends, almost like he has been a part of his life all along. One spur of the moment kiss under the guise of making Kennedy's ex jealous leaves both men reeling. Kennedy because he feels like he forced it on Keiran, and Kieran because he's never had a kiss that felt like that. I liked how Kieran didn't spend time on a big gay freak-out. He acknowledges this is something new about himself and decides to jump right in. He's never felt this kind of pleasure before that he does with Kennedy.
A month in close quarters is plenty of time to get to know a person and although Kieran knows he has feelings for Kennedy he respects the deal made. Once the holiday is over they will part ways, never to contact each other again. A deal is a deal after all and Kennedy has made no sign that he was wanting to renegotiate. It took Kennedy longer than I would have wanted to pull his head out of his ass. If I was Kieran I would have wanted a bit more groveling, but that's me. Kennedy is the first person that Kieran has ever felt this strongly for so I can see why he'd want to cave sooner than later. The epilogue was sweet and happy giving us a satisfying ending to their story.
As for the narration portion of the audio, I struggled with it. It didn't quite keep me engaged and maybe because it just wasn't to my particular tastes. I like a bit more emotion I guess I could say and it was tough at times to distinguish between the MC voices. It also may be due to the way I received this particular audiobook. The file on the site is given as an MP3 and I had no way to pause or restart like on the audible app. I just had to remember where I finished and then scroll to the point I was when I paused my listen. It was tedious and I found it difficult enough that I don't think I will use this particular site again.
I believe this was my first book by this particular author and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Every year since his ugly split with his boyfriend Patrick of 9 years rich CEO Kennedy advertises for a gay companion to join him on a month long holiday with friends, including his ex. It's all expenses paid, including a 5 thousand pound bonus, and after the vacation is up, he never has to see them again.
Kieran, whom most definitely doesn't fit the bill of Kennedys requirements of a basically an airhead twink, overhears Kennedy in a coffee shop conducting his interviews with said airheads. Thinking Kennedy is interviewing for a PA job of some sort, Kieran who could use the cash decides to throw his metaphorical hat in the ring for the job. He realizes he doesn't exactly make the list of attributes. Kieran is taller than Kennedy, older than specified, has a brain in his head, and oh yeah he isn't gay.
Low and behold, against his better judgment, Kennedy decides to offer Kieran the job. They embark on their holiday and soon they both come to see how much they enjoy each other's company. Kieran also blends in seamlessly with Kennedys family and friends, almost like he has been a part of his life all along. One spur of the moment kiss under the guise of making Kennedy's ex jealous leaves both men reeling. Kennedy because he feels like he forced it on Keiran, and Kieran because he's never had a kiss that felt like that. I liked how Kieran didn't spend time on a big gay freak-out. He acknowledges this is something new about himself and decides to jump right in. He's never felt this kind of pleasure before that he does with Kennedy.
A month in close quarters is plenty of time to get to know a person and although Kieran knows he has feelings for Kennedy he respects the deal made. Once the holiday is over they will part ways, never to contact each other again. A deal is a deal after all and Kennedy has made no sign that he was wanting to renegotiate. It took Kennedy longer than I would have wanted to pull his head out of his ass. If I was Kieran I would have wanted a bit more groveling, but that's me. Kennedy is the first person that Kieran has ever felt this strongly for so I can see why he'd want to cave sooner than later. The epilogue was sweet and happy giving us a satisfying ending to their story.
As for the narration portion of the audio, I struggled with it. It didn't quite keep me engaged and maybe because it just wasn't to my particular tastes. I like a bit more emotion I guess I could say and it was tough at times to distinguish between the MC voices. It also may be due to the way I received this particular audiobook. The file on the site is given as an MP3 and I had no way to pause or restart like on the audible app. I just had to remember where I finished and then scroll to the point I was when I paused my listen. It was tedious and I found it difficult enough that I don't think I will use this particular site again.
shannahaun's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.75
roryta86reads's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this. While I did feel some parts were unnecessary and I did skip them, overall I really enjoyed this story. It felt as if I was traveling myself. A very enjoyable holiday read. Kieran is wonderful, i loved him so much. And Kennedy is so hot.
amazingchester's review
2.5
Aww this was cute.
Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes and the fact that a lot of people already knew was different but good.
I got confused a few times about who's POV I was reading, since Kennedy and Kieran look similar while reading. (Dyslexic brain)
I'm exited to read Trevor's and Rudy's story, would love to read a book about Patrick and Joey as well.
Something that I felt was completely out of the blue was the sperm donor thing. It's a weird thing to ask of a person who you've only known less than a month but it't the fact that this part of the storyline was random, a bit pointless
Overall I loved the characters and where things ended up
Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes and the fact that a lot of people already knew was different but good.
I got confused a few times about who's POV I was reading, since Kennedy and Kieran look similar while reading. (Dyslexic brain)
I'm exited to read Trevor's and Rudy's story, would love to read a book about Patrick and Joey as well.
Something that I felt was completely out of the blue was
Overall I loved the characters and where things ended up
readingvoyage's review against another edition
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
4.75
ilyarozanov123's review against another edition
2.0
I decided I was going to be nicer with ratings and such this year, so that’s why this one got two. But it really wasn’t my thing. On paper, the set-up was the kind of thing I enjoy. I just couldn’t do with the writing.
I didn’t like Kennedy at all for a lot of this. He somewhat redeemed himself in the end, but it was too late. Kieran deserved better. Kieran was pretty much the only thing I did like, though not all that much.
I’m not sure if it was me or the book, but I didn’t find the jokes funny. I wasn’t interested in the many details of Kennedy’s job. I definitely didn’t like the last chapter with all the kids, because ugh, way to ruin a perfectly okay HEA. So yeah, not a fan.
I didn’t like Kennedy at all for a lot of this. He somewhat redeemed himself in the end, but it was too late. Kieran deserved better. Kieran was pretty much the only thing I did like, though not all that much.
I’m not sure if it was me or the book, but I didn’t find the jokes funny. I wasn’t interested in the many details of Kennedy’s job. I definitely didn’t like the last chapter with all the kids, because ugh, way to ruin a perfectly okay HEA. So yeah, not a fan.
lyssachelle's review against another edition
2.0
I was excited to read this, as I love a good fake relationship. Initially, it seemed really on track for Kieran to break down the seemingly cold-hearted Kennedy's barriers. The descriptions of the locales were lovely and the author either has first-hand knowledge of the places or is just that good. However, a lot of things just didn't add up for me in the end. I think, ultimately, there were a few too many plot points that didn't mesh well with the others. They would seem plausible...and then would not. For instance:
The hiring of a companion didn't really make sense. Since his breakup with Patrick, Kennedy has had a companion come with him so that he isn't alone and single in front of his ex. Okay, I'm with you....but don't the friends notice that he has nothing to do with the men once the vacation is over? Or that they aren't mentioned in the time leading up to the vacation? He spends all this money for a companion and he wants them to be able to fool his friends but apparently, it's just an open secret because a previous companion ratted him out? And the previous years' companion slept with one of the couples? Which is oooo, big scandal, but WHY if everyone knows that these guys are paid? Do they know or don't they? Kennedy doesn't seem shocked or humiliated about sort of being found out, but also doesn't proudly own that he gets hot young things to come on a cruise with him every year.
ALSO. There is a card that Kennedy gives his companions for a free BJ (but is Kieran's get out of jail card and yeah, I don't know either,) which one of the friends tells Kieran about and prompts Kieran to use it as its original purpose and then just blown within an inch of his life. Great! You get it, Kieran! But...wtf is the point of a card? And if it's a sexy code, how do the friends know about it?
AND! AND! Why is Patrick painted as a villain, but then turns out to be an okay guy with really shitty minions/friends in Richmond and Mike? What is Richmond's damage about Kennedy? He thinks that Patrick and Kennedy belong together, but is such a s***head to him. And don't get me started on the bi-erasure of Patrick's new boyfriend's sister knowing Kieran and his ex-girlfriend, which obvs makes him a phony. (Which! Apparently! They! All! Already! Know!)
There just is a LOT going on and could have been whittled down considerably. Like:
Not sure of the point of the corporate espionage plot and the random-ass trip to LA. It taught Kennedy to slow down and take better stock of his life but that couldn't have been accomplished with some self-reflection while on the cruise?
The trip to Kennedy's parents was an odd stopover on the way to the main plot, as was the sister's adultery sideplot.
The friend group could have been tightened up, and their role in the deception made more clear. Do they believe these boyfriends are real, or not? Either make them believe it or make Kennedy not even try to deceive them in the first place.
Or! OR! Make all the other ones have been real-ish guys he brings, a friend of friends or casual guys he woos with a promise of a vacation, and then have Kieran be the first hired one.
Also, don't have the cute lesbians decide to have a baby with the dude their friend hired to go on a cruise. (There's a time jump! Make it off-page and throw it in there as a request they make much later! Just don't go around asking your friend's fake boyfriend that you've known for three weeks for sperm!)
Apparently, I have stronger feelings than I realized when I began writing this review. (But seriously, A BJ CARD?)
This gets 2 stars and that's because I was compelled enough to finish it, and the descriptions of the cruise and the foreign destinations were lovely.
Spoiler
Kieran is a bit of a unicorn. He charms the pants off of everyone...to the point that a few days with Kennedy's family changes years of misunderstanding and resentment between all of them. He then is beloved by Kennedy's friends (with the exception of Patrick and his minions, more on that in a sec) and charms the pants off of THEM also, so much so that he seems to spend more time with Laurie and Steph. SO much time that they decide to ask him to GIVE THEM A BABY. I mean, Christ on a cracker, really? And don't get me started on the sexy ballroom routine that they magically know how to do together despite no practice.The hiring of a companion didn't really make sense. Since his breakup with Patrick, Kennedy has had a companion come with him so that he isn't alone and single in front of his ex. Okay, I'm with you....but don't the friends notice that he has nothing to do with the men once the vacation is over? Or that they aren't mentioned in the time leading up to the vacation? He spends all this money for a companion and he wants them to be able to fool his friends but apparently, it's just an open secret because a previous companion ratted him out? And the previous years' companion slept with one of the couples? Which is oooo, big scandal, but WHY if everyone knows that these guys are paid? Do they know or don't they? Kennedy doesn't seem shocked or humiliated about sort of being found out, but also doesn't proudly own that he gets hot young things to come on a cruise with him every year.
ALSO. There is a card that Kennedy gives his companions for a free BJ (but is Kieran's get out of jail card and yeah, I don't know either,) which one of the friends tells Kieran about and prompts Kieran to use it as its original purpose and then just blown within an inch of his life. Great! You get it, Kieran! But...wtf is the point of a card? And if it's a sexy code, how do the friends know about it?
AND! AND! Why is Patrick painted as a villain, but then turns out to be an okay guy with really shitty minions/friends in Richmond and Mike? What is Richmond's damage about Kennedy? He thinks that Patrick and Kennedy belong together, but is such a s***head to him. And don't get me started on the bi-erasure of Patrick's new boyfriend's sister knowing Kieran and his ex-girlfriend, which obvs makes him a phony. (Which! Apparently! They! All! Already! Know!)
There just is a LOT going on and could have been whittled down considerably. Like:
Not sure of the point of the corporate espionage plot and the random-ass trip to LA. It taught Kennedy to slow down and take better stock of his life but that couldn't have been accomplished with some self-reflection while on the cruise?
The trip to Kennedy's parents was an odd stopover on the way to the main plot, as was the sister's adultery sideplot.
The friend group could have been tightened up, and their role in the deception made more clear. Do they believe these boyfriends are real, or not? Either make them believe it or make Kennedy not even try to deceive them in the first place.
Or! OR! Make all the other ones have been real-ish guys he brings, a friend of friends or casual guys he woos with a promise of a vacation, and then have Kieran be the first hired one.
Also, don't have the cute lesbians decide to have a baby with the dude their friend hired to go on a cruise. (There's a time jump! Make it off-page and throw it in there as a request they make much later! Just don't go around asking your friend's fake boyfriend that you've known for three weeks for sperm!)
Apparently, I have stronger feelings than I realized when I began writing this review. (But seriously, A BJ CARD?)
This gets 2 stars and that's because I was compelled enough to finish it, and the descriptions of the cruise and the foreign destinations were lovely.
luciahtk's review against another edition
2.0
Me estaba gustando bastante, pero no puedo soportar a dos ricachones explotando a una mujer pobre pagando por un vientre de alquiler.
No es romántico ni bonito, cada vez que un libro mlm sale con esto me dan ganas de llorar, y más aún en este caso en el que todo el libro es sobre los lujos que se pueden permitir. Me parece ok porque estos romances de dinero me gustan, PERO solo cuando las cosas que compran son materiales y no seres humanos.
Dicho esto, me estaba entreteniendo bastante pero a partir del ~70% me ha empezado a aburrir :/ el final estaba siendo tierno hasta que han soltado esto
No es romántico ni bonito, cada vez que un libro mlm sale con esto me dan ganas de llorar, y más aún en este caso en el que todo el libro es sobre los lujos que se pueden permitir. Me parece ok porque estos romances de dinero me gustan, PERO solo cuando las cosas que compran son materiales y no seres humanos.
Dicho esto, me estaba entreteniendo bastante pero a partir del ~70% me ha empezado a aburrir :/ el final estaba siendo tierno hasta que han soltado esto