kaitlin_durante 's review for:

The Dating Disaster by Saxon James
4.0

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

The Dating Disaster by Saxon James is the second book in the Franklin U universe. Felix has decided to hang up his hook-up hat and try to find a serious boyfriend. After agreeing to a date that goes horribly wrong Felix is horrified to find that his bad date is moving into the open room of his off campus house. Marshall is thrilled to be getting out of the dorms and moving into the same house as his best friend. He never expects to come face to face with Felix after their date imploded. Marshall has accepted that Felix may never like him but tries to keep things civil but with the tension rising will the two find a way to move beyond their dating disaster?

Felix is a character who was the quintessential only child. He is self centered and regularly jumps to conclusions when he isn't fully informed. He lives a very sex positive life and is thrown when Marshall pumps the brakes. He immediately assumes Marshall is judging him for his lifestyle rather than getting all the facts. Not getting all the facts could have been the title of this book because it happened over and over again. Although jumping to conclusions was Felix’s main activity you still found yourself loving him for his outrageous antics and witty humor.Felix appreciating Marshall for his appearance as it is was also something you love Felix for especially because he goes out of his way to express how attractive everything about Marshall is both physically and as a person.

A kiss. Right behind my ear. Soft hands sliding up under my shirt. A stuttered exhale.
“You might now need them, but I want to give them to you anyway. You’re beautiful, Fe. And there are no words for how much I want you.”


Marshall is the ultimate cinnamon roll and I loved him from the very beginning. He is thrilled to be moving out and in with his bestie. He wants to get along with Felix but assumes that Felix hates him after the date. This is another case where assumptions lead a MC down the wrong path. I loved Marshall’s quiet caring personality and how he more wanted someone to cherish than hook up with and forget. His sexual identity as demisexual lead to him being immensely attracted to Felix after getting to know him even though he assumes Felix could never feel the same way back.

“Tell me how much you want me.”
“Want?” I shake my head.
“Need you, Fe.”


Let’s talk about miscommunication and how assumptions can lead MCs down crazy paths. Both Marshall and Felix struggled to just be open about how they felt for each other. This inability to just say what they were thinking led to ridiculous and sometimes precious situations. I loved seeing Robbie and Brandon pop up and connect with Felix as well as support Marshall as he opens up. This book sets up meeting other men in the Franklin U universe that I am excited to see get HEAs.

4 stars for Felix and Marshall finding that even the worst first date can lead to forever.