L.A. Lambert brings us a double bi-awakening romance between a vibrant nerd and quiet jock in the first book in the Boys of BBU series!
From the Dire Straights blurb:
Maddox - As a freshman at BBU, I have my pick of parties and girls, but I still feel pretty stressed and unfulfilled. I can't stand my moronic teammates on the swim team, and devoting so much of my time to swimming is starting to take a toll on me. I'm over everything, until I get paired with this socially awkward dweeb named Ren Suzuki in one of my classes. He follows me around like a puppy and wants to show me off to his weird friends. I feel protective over him, like I'd fight anyone who looks at him wrong, but I don't like guys that way. But then why do I feel jealous when he talks to other people? And why do I want to spend all my time with him?
Ren - It's hard for me to believe that someone like Maddox Holmes likes hanging out with me. He's cool and athletic and looks like one of those male models on a magazine cover. Jocks have never been nice to me, but I know right away that he's different. I've never liked a guy before, but I can't help but develop a crush on someone like him. And even though my evil ex-girlfriend drilled it into my head that I'm too weird and annoying for anyone to like, I'm pretty sure he's starting to feel the same way. Does he like me enough to make this a real thing, even if coming out as bi will make everything harder for him?
Dire Straights is a guaranteed HEA dual 1st POV college romance featuring double bi-awakening, jock/nerd, grumpy/sunshine, lots of fluff and spice, and an oddball group of friends. Content warnings include brief use of homophobic language, emotionally manipulative behavior from an ex, parental divorce, and brief depiction of underage drinking.
Jacqueleen the Reading Queen's review:
This is my first book by this author and I must admit I was lured in by the blurbs promise of a nerd/jock romance. The jacked dude on the cover didn't hurt either, but as I've stated before I pick my reads based on blurbs rather than covers the vast majority of the time. Never judge a book by it's cover is a lesson I've learned as a big reader over the years. Needless to say, I'm glad I took a chance on a new to me author since I really enjoyed Maddox and Ren's story!
I really loved how these two started off as friends. I don't know if they ever would have become friends if they hadn't been paired on a writing project in their Creative Writing class, a class neither of them enjoyed by the way. Ren is the exuberant, nerdy type so he's not expecting Maddox to be thrilled to partner with him. He's well aware his personality isn't for everyone. Well wasn't he pleasantly surprised when Maddox assured him that he had no issues with his personality and he shouldn't let other people make him feel bad about it either. This was the start of an unexpected, yet beautiful friendship.
Maddox comes off as the strong, silent type so it was really fun seeing him interact with Ren's colorful friends. I adored how he never judged them or made them feel uncomfortable about their sexuality or antics. It made me smile seeing them all realize Maddox isn't like other jocks and slowly accept him as part of their group. It was made even more great when we got to know Maddox's roommates better and the two groups sort of combined.
During all this friendship bonding, a different kind of bonding was going on between Maddox and Ren. As both boys identified as straight previously, it was initially difficult for them to navigate their changing feelings. Maddox isn't exactly one to talk about his feelings so it took Ren's bravery to truly get them communicating where they needed to be. Once their barriers came down though, these two couldn't keep their hands off each other. Their dynamic was unforeseen on my part, yet HOT when it came to bedroom shenanigans.
I wouldn't classify as this as an angsty story, but there was some drama that needed to be handled and dealt with. I was glad how things turned out in the end because I think it made for a much healthier balance in Maddox's life, while also making Ren happy. I'm glad that this book is a start of a series because I am definitely looking forward to more of the group of friends bagging their man. And I don't think I'm the only one who will have noticed the vibes between the two twinky roommates of MCs!
Dire Straights is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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