Fake Friends

Never Just Friends, Book 2

By: Saxon James

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Kirt Graves

Rowan

Five years ago, I ruined the best thing I had in my life and ran. Now, I'm finally back to make things right. I need Circus's forgiveness, and then I can finally move on. I'll leave Sunbury for good this time and never look back. Maybe then I can finally live life as an out gay man - without my family ever finding out. But earning his forgiveness isn't as simple as I hoped it would be. He's going to make me fight for it. And I don't blame him at all.

Circus

I never wanted or expected to see Rowan Harvey again. When he shows up in Sunbury, begging for forgiveness, I'm tempted to give it to him just so he'll disappear. Instead, we make a deal. I need an extra model for a swimwear shoot, and none of my friends are available or fit the brief. I'll forgive him, if he helps me. Then he has to leave. For good. Because his request for anonymity during the shoot proves he's still living in his dark closet. I'm not going to make the same mistakes I did when I was a teenager. I won't let myself fall for him again. Because after how things ended between us, he doesn't deserve a second chance.

Contains mature themes.

©2020 Saxon James (P)2021 Tantor

So glad I picked this book up

To be honest the first book in the series was a let down for me so I was hesitant to grab this one but turned out to be very happy I did. circus caught my attention in the first story so I just had to know his story. I found myself laughing a bunch through this book and liked the sweet and sexy times too. The narration was ok too nothing to get too hyped about but a great overall listen.

The unrequited love and the shared pain

Not a single thing it felt so real. I sobbed I smiled I cheered I jeered

Hard earned HEA

A heartfelt look into the deep way religious trauma can dig in so deeply that it seems hopeless to overcome. But with the truth, love, and support, it's not impossible to be yourself and find happiness.

Narrators did a great job!

I like it but don't ...

I enjoyed Circus's parts because the narration moved more natural. I wanted to like the narration of Rowen, but couldn't get into the way everything felt like a teacher reading a story with an overexcited unbelievable cadence.

Fantastic!

Absolutely loved this story. It isn’t very often you get a story with the difficult “coming out” aspect that Rowan had. I feel like his story isn’t represented enough in today’s M/M romances. Literally the only “complaint” I could possibly give is the difference in the audio quality between the two separate narrators. But 100% recommend this entire series.

Continuation of Sunberry drama

I like the involvement of characters from the other book by the author. This story is similar to Royce and Tanner in that it was a high school flame continued through adulthood.

Loved this

I've been waiting for this for months and it didn't disappoint. Second chances is my favorite trope as is friends to lovers. Perfect listen.

Awesome Series!

Really enjoyed this book! Had me wishing for more and more content as well as I wanted the story to continue at the end.

Sweet & Emotional

This was such an emotional roller coaster.
Seeing Rowan struggle with his own sexuality and even coming out to himself, let alone other people was such an intense and emotional experience.
I absolutely love the passion and chemistry between Rowan & Circus. They both have had a tumultuous past, but I love how they are there for each other and just want the best for the other person.
This was sweet and beautiful and full of emotion.
I absolutely love their relationship and how much they love each other.

Second chance redemption.

4.5*
I may have just loved Rowan and Circus's story just a little more than Tanner and Roo's, which I can't believe.
This is more of a frenemies to lovers story than friends to lovers, since Rowan screwed things up between them when they were younger. He needed to redeem himself to Circus, and he did a wonderful job of it.
This was a little heavier of a book than Just friends, with everything Circus lost in his young life, and the struggles Rowan is going through with his identity. I loved their journey.