Straight Boy Summer (Perfect Opposites #3) by Jace Hadley

Eddie doesn't want anything to do with graduate student Hatch, the man is tempting so of course Eddie has to be mean. But when Hatch isn't deterred, it can only spell disaster since Eddie doesn't do relationships and Hatch is just uncovering new facets of his sexuality. Eddie can't be there for him, or can he?

From the Straight Boy Summer blurb:

EDDIE

I've got three rules for hookups: no straight boys, no university students, and no relationships. My life is finally normal after breaking up with my asshole ex, and I don’t need that kind of drama. So when I

meet Hatch, former athlete, current brainiac, and self-professed hetero looking to experiment, it should be an easy call. But it's not.

One kiss can't hurt—right?

Except Hatch shows up to my LGBTQ kids camp the next morning asking to volunteer. It’s like being stalked by an overgrown puppy.

Hatch wants me to show him the gay world. I can't stop thinking about the way he tastes. And the more time we spend together, the more I realize the sweet, considerate, and submissive guy under the bluster is worth getting to know. But is he worth breaking all three of my rules for?

HATCH

I'm not gay, but I've always gotten in trouble for looking at pretty guys. Like Eddie, whose makeup and piercings give me a whole lot of fluttery feelings. Eddie doesn't think much of me, but I can't stop staring at him. And after a kiss that blows my mind I'm dying to see more of him. I want to figure out the vulnerable guy I caught a glimpse of under that snarky exterior.

I should be focused on my overdue thesis, because without a master's degree in social work I won't be able to get a job helping kids like my sister. But Eddie's unapologetic confidence and take charge attitude are addictive to be around. He’s exactly what I need when I'm floundering through everything else in my life.

When we're together he doesn't just see a meathead out of his element in academia. He sees the real me.

But Eddie's put up walls to protect himself from guys like me, and if I want him I’m gonna have to prove I’m all in.

SNik's Review:

Third in series (Perfect Opposites), but can be read as a standalone. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. 

There’s something about Eddie that captures Hatch’s attention, he’s confident and with an attitude, snarky and mean and fantastic, and Hatch wants to be his friend but maybe it's more than that. Eddie can’t seem to help being mean to Hatch, he has to constantly override the temptation Hatch presents, Hatch is too friendly and willing to do as Eddie tells him, a golden retriever personality in a jock body and smart as well. Eddie has walls and is constantly pushing Hatch away, there are reasons, but it does take time for the friendship to progress and Eddie is truly lucky that Hatch is committed to trying.

Eventually the relationship equalizes as Eddie learns to trust and accept Hatch’s affection. The story has emotional writing and both Eddie and Hatch backgrounds show their personality strengths and weaknesses and how they fit together in their needs. 

There is plenty of steam and the connection between Eddie and Hatch becomes stronger in their shared desire to do anything to keep their person in their life.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Straight Boy Summer is available to buy as an ebook or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.