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#boyfriendsbybLoved #2
The Twelfth Date
Friends with benefits? Best Christmas present ever.
Nicky Masters is a hot mess and he knows it. After all, every boyfriend he’s ever had has told him so, and—since they usually follow it up with some version of, “too much work, not worth the effort”—avoiding boyfriends altogether sounds just about perfect. The only problem? The part about Nicky secretly yearning for things like true love and a happily ever after... something that scoring a job at bLoved, the gay dating app that promises to help find exactly that, seems perfectly suited for.
So far, even with his in at bLoved, Nicky still hasn’t managed to find what he’s looking for, but what he has found is almost better: Felix Ramirez, the hot AF new hire with the sexy smile who—for some reason Nicky still can’t figure out—actually said yes when Nicky volunteeredas tribute to be Felix’s new friend (with benefits!).
Perfect, right? Just as long as Nicky doesn’t go and do something stupid, like fall for him...
If there’s one thing Felix “the Ram� Ramirez knows, it’s how to be thankful for what he’s got. Pushing for more is a bad idea—something he learned the hard way when doing exactly that caused him a career-ending injury that cut his Major League Baseball career short. Ever since then, he’s decided it’s best to just roll with whatever life hands him, and when it hands him Nicky Masters, life starts to look pretty damn good again.
Well� except for the part about Nicky not being interested in anything more than a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Still, if that’s all that’s on the table, Felix will take it, because the last thing he wants to do is scare Nicky away by pushing for more. At least, until Christmas rolls around and—thanks to bLoved’s Twelve Dates of Christmas promotion—Felix realizes that with a little holiday magic, he just might have a chance at getting everything he wants this year�
The Twelfth Dateis a gay romance novel of approximately 79,000 words that contains a boner from New Orleans, an alien viral plague** which brings out Someone’s Inner Drama Queen (spoiler: S.I.D.Q. wasn’t actually doing that good a job of hiding), an overworked Bedazzler, approximately 5,367,542 air miles, lots of prayers to the God of C*ck, parentheticals (soooooo many parentheticals� see previous spoiler re: Someone’s Inner Drama Queen), and the kind of love that makes it feel like Christmas all year long.
Every Stella Starling romance takes place in the same interconnected, contemporary world. The Twelfth Date is a standalone book with cameos from other Stella Starling stories and it (mostly) takes place during the Christmas season of the same year as another #boyfriendsbybLoved book, The Boyfriend Game.
**Please note that no actual aliens were harmed in the writing of this book. While they may exist Somewhere Out There, aliens do not, in fact, exist in the universe of Stella Starling. The Twelfth Date is a contemporary romance set in the real-ish world. If you’re looking for something with little green men—or with less hyperbole and exaggeration—then this may not be the book for you.
(Psst! Reading with Text-to-Speech? Please be sure to check the formatting note before the prologue!)
Nicky Masters is a hot mess and he knows it. After all, every boyfriend he’s ever had has told him so, and—since they usually follow it up with some version of, “too much work, not worth the effort”—avoiding boyfriends altogether sounds just about perfect. The only problem? The part about Nicky secretly yearning for things like true love and a happily ever after... something that scoring a job at bLoved, the gay dating app that promises to help find exactly that, seems perfectly suited for.
So far, even with his in at bLoved, Nicky still hasn’t managed to find what he’s looking for, but what he has found is almost better: Felix Ramirez, the hot AF new hire with the sexy smile who—for some reason Nicky still can’t figure out—actually said yes when Nicky volunteered
Perfect, right? Just as long as Nicky doesn’t go and do something stupid, like fall for him...
If there’s one thing Felix “the Ram� Ramirez knows, it’s how to be thankful for what he’s got. Pushing for more is a bad idea—something he learned the hard way when doing exactly that caused him a career-ending injury that cut his Major League Baseball career short. Ever since then, he’s decided it’s best to just roll with whatever life hands him, and when it hands him Nicky Masters, life starts to look pretty damn good again.
Well� except for the part about Nicky not being interested in anything more than a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Still, if that’s all that’s on the table, Felix will take it, because the last thing he wants to do is scare Nicky away by pushing for more. At least, until Christmas rolls around and—thanks to bLoved’s Twelve Dates of Christmas promotion—Felix realizes that with a little holiday magic, he just might have a chance at getting everything he wants this year�
The Twelfth Dateis a gay romance novel of approximately 79,000 words that contains a boner from New Orleans, an alien viral plague** which brings out Someone’s Inner Drama Queen (spoiler: S.I.D.Q. wasn’t actually doing that good a job of hiding), an overworked Bedazzler, approximately 5,367,542 air miles, lots of prayers to the God of C*ck, parentheticals (soooooo many parentheticals� see previous spoiler re: Someone’s Inner Drama Queen), and the kind of love that makes it feel like Christmas all year long.
Every Stella Starling romance takes place in the same interconnected, contemporary world. The Twelfth Date is a standalone book with cameos from other Stella Starling stories and it (mostly) takes place during the Christmas season of the same year as another #boyfriendsbybLoved book, The Boyfriend Game.
**Please note that no actual aliens were harmed in the writing of this book. While they may exist Somewhere Out There, aliens do not, in fact, exist in the universe of Stella Starling. The Twelfth Date is a contemporary romance set in the real-ish world. If you’re looking for something with little green men—or with less hyperbole and exaggeration—then this may not be the book for you.
(Psst! Reading with Text-to-Speech? Please be sure to check the formatting note before the prologue!)
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2018
135 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 6, 2018
~3.5~
This story begins after the MCs have been friends with benefits for a year. Felix wants everything with Nicky but doesn't want to push. Nicky worries that if he asks for too much, Felix will run for the hills.
An honest conversation would have solved the problem, but instead Nicky leaves on a 12 day work trip and realizes that he misses Felix like crazy. And Felix can barely function without scattered Nicky in his life. Felix is so good at taking care of Nicky and finds all of Nicky's idiosyncrasies charming.
This is a flufftastic, sexalicious story, with the sparkliest HEA this side of the Mississippi. I loved Felix's close-knit family, especially his mama, and the text conversations between the men that followed every chapter.
At times, the story meandered. Nicky is an exhausting narrator who goes off on tangents. This was cute for a while, but I admit I got bored and skimmed some of the musings. The sections narrated by Felix were more succinct.
If you're in the mood for an ultra sweet, no angst story, look no further. If you're a fan of dark and gritty, this is not the author for you.
Stella Starling writes happy, glittery romance (seriously, it's happy on steroids!), with the world's best boyfriends and shiny HEAs glittering with gold.
This story begins after the MCs have been friends with benefits for a year. Felix wants everything with Nicky but doesn't want to push. Nicky worries that if he asks for too much, Felix will run for the hills.
An honest conversation would have solved the problem, but instead Nicky leaves on a 12 day work trip and realizes that he misses Felix like crazy. And Felix can barely function without scattered Nicky in his life. Felix is so good at taking care of Nicky and finds all of Nicky's idiosyncrasies charming.
This is a flufftastic, sexalicious story, with the sparkliest HEA this side of the Mississippi. I loved Felix's close-knit family, especially his mama, and the text conversations between the men that followed every chapter.
At times, the story meandered. Nicky is an exhausting narrator who goes off on tangents. This was cute for a while, but I admit I got bored and skimmed some of the musings. The sections narrated by Felix were more succinct.
If you're in the mood for an ultra sweet, no angst story, look no further. If you're a fan of dark and gritty, this is not the author for you.
Stella Starling writes happy, glittery romance (seriously, it's happy on steroids!), with the world's best boyfriends and shiny HEAs glittering with gold.
December 6, 2018
😍 🍆 � !!!
Oh. My. God. That end. The book end and the Author note end. 😍 😍 😍
✨Glitter bombs� exploded all over my insides and my outsides. (I can't believe I actually just said ✨glitter bombs� but yeah, it fits)!!!!! (oh, and all the !!!! and emojis? yeah, once you've read the book all the extra in this review will make so much sense)!!!!
I think I was a little over half way through the book when I jotted down some notes for my review...
🍆 Wordy, wordy, wordy. So many words. So many extra scenes that kind of pulled me out of the story because they weren't the story I wanted.
🍆Interesting storytelling. I'm not sure how I feel about not getting the year of getting to know each other and falling in love while they were just FWB and not BOYFRIENDS.
🍆Gah, I am so thankful that we didn't have to wait as long as I figured we would Thank the G of C!
But then I finished the book. No, then I got to the Twelfth Date or right before and all those notes up there with eggplant emoji bullet points? Fuck em'. None of that even weighed in on my feelings for the book after getting that date and all that lead up to it.
I'd have read more words. I don't care that I missed the get to know you phase and I would have gone through 100 cities and dates just to get to that end.
This was a solid 4� even when I started making my notes but that end and Christmas Magic? I'm just going to go ahead and give it 5�'s because I feel so fucking good!
Merry Christmas!
Oh. My. God. That end. The book end and the Author note end. 😍 😍 😍
✨Glitter bombs� exploded all over my insides and my outsides. (I can't believe I actually just said ✨glitter bombs� but yeah, it fits)!!!!! (oh, and all the !!!! and emojis? yeah, once you've read the book all the extra in this review will make so much sense)!!!!
I think I was a little over half way through the book when I jotted down some notes for my review...
🍆 Wordy, wordy, wordy. So many words. So many extra scenes that kind of pulled me out of the story because they weren't the story I wanted.
🍆Interesting storytelling. I'm not sure how I feel about not getting the year of getting to know each other and falling in love while they were just FWB and not BOYFRIENDS.
🍆Gah, I am so thankful that we didn't have to wait as long as I figured we would Thank the G of C!
But then I finished the book. No, then I got to the Twelfth Date or right before and all those notes up there with eggplant emoji bullet points? Fuck em'. None of that even weighed in on my feelings for the book after getting that date and all that lead up to it.
I'd have read more words. I don't care that I missed the get to know you phase and I would have gone through 100 cities and dates just to get to that end.
This was a solid 4� even when I started making my notes but that end and Christmas Magic? I'm just going to go ahead and give it 5�'s because I feel so fucking good!
Merry Christmas!
December 5, 2018
3.5 stars
I was quite surprised to find this book starting with Nicky and Felix already in a friends with benefits type of relationship for the past year. We do get a prologue of how they met, but then it’s suddenly a year later in the first chapter. That wasn't bad, but it was different from what I expected.
I was a bit hesitant to start this book, because if there’s one thing I dislike, it’s when a couple isn’t honest about their feelings towards each other and we get all kinds of inner angst. But� that wasn’t quit the case here.
These guys were for all intents and purposes in a sweet, loving relationship at the beginning of this book. They just didn’t know it themselves. Felix was sure Nicky didn’t want any kind of comitment and Nicky was convinced he wasn’t what Felix wanted. But these guys called each other endearments, they cuddled, they didn't use condoms, they kissed, they texted, they were just adorable together! It just took them some time to figure out they were both completely in love with each other.
There were no real hurdles to overcome in this, and I was glad for that. And while I was interested in the plot and the relationship, I do have to admit there were a few times when I wanted just a bit more. I think it’s because I kind of missed the whole getting to know each other phase. Since that’s my favorite part of a new romance, I was a bit disappointed we weren’t there for it.
Still, this was a super fluffy, sweet romance about an established couple you could say. No matter that they hadn’t said the L word yet, they acted like a couple from the start. There was some inner doubts on both sides at first, but not too much.
I was quite surprised to find this book starting with Nicky and Felix already in a friends with benefits type of relationship for the past year. We do get a prologue of how they met, but then it’s suddenly a year later in the first chapter. That wasn't bad, but it was different from what I expected.
I was a bit hesitant to start this book, because if there’s one thing I dislike, it’s when a couple isn’t honest about their feelings towards each other and we get all kinds of inner angst. But� that wasn’t quit the case here.
These guys were for all intents and purposes in a sweet, loving relationship at the beginning of this book. They just didn’t know it themselves. Felix was sure Nicky didn’t want any kind of comitment and Nicky was convinced he wasn’t what Felix wanted. But these guys called each other endearments, they cuddled, they didn't use condoms, they kissed, they texted, they were just adorable together! It just took them some time to figure out they were both completely in love with each other.
There were no real hurdles to overcome in this, and I was glad for that. And while I was interested in the plot and the relationship, I do have to admit there were a few times when I wanted just a bit more. I think it’s because I kind of missed the whole getting to know each other phase. Since that’s my favorite part of a new romance, I was a bit disappointed we weren’t there for it.
Still, this was a super fluffy, sweet romance about an established couple you could say. No matter that they hadn’t said the L word yet, they acted like a couple from the start. There was some inner doubts on both sides at first, but not too much.
December 23, 2018
Want something sweet and fluffy that would melt your heart this Christmas season? This is the book for you! ❤️
I admit, I was taken aback by the 1 year time jump at the start. Haven’t really read something like that.. But I was, like, ‘okay cool let’s see how this goes�.
Now, I know that the ‘conflict� in this book could’ve been easily resolved if our 2 lovely MCs had just sat down and had an honest conversation. But where’s the fun in that? And I really loved reading about all the other couples that the bLoved team were helping out. (Can we have all of their full stories pleeeease? 😭)
But back to Nicky and Felix. I loooved them. Nicky made me laugh and smile. He has his flaws but it’s what makes him work as a character imo. Now Felix.. Seriously. Can he be any more perfect??? Only thing he’s lacking is that he can’t shit rainbows. But what do we know, he may as well can. He was a bit too perfect but in this story, it worked.
Recommended for y’all who want to feel a little bit of love and magic this Christmas. 💚
I admit, I was taken aback by the 1 year time jump at the start. Haven’t really read something like that.. But I was, like, ‘okay cool let’s see how this goes�.
Now, I know that the ‘conflict� in this book could’ve been easily resolved if our 2 lovely MCs had just sat down and had an honest conversation. But where’s the fun in that? And I really loved reading about all the other couples that the bLoved team were helping out. (Can we have all of their full stories pleeeease? 😭)
But back to Nicky and Felix. I loooved them. Nicky made me laugh and smile. He has his flaws but it’s what makes him work as a character imo. Now Felix.. Seriously. Can he be any more perfect??? Only thing he’s lacking is that he can’t shit rainbows. But what do we know, he may as well can. He was a bit too perfect but in this story, it worked.
Recommended for y’all who want to feel a little bit of love and magic this Christmas. 💚
January 17, 2019
If Mills & Boon and Hallmark had a baby...
...it would be this book. So much festive schmaltz and a whole heaping of cheesy goodness made this into an almost perfect Christmas romance.
I've knocked a star off only because, at some times, Nicky was just too much of a (it's a book trope if you've never come across the phrase) and I would have appreciated just a tiny bit of tonal change in the narrative so it wasn't always bedazzled!
Having said that, I know what I'll get from this author and this book absolutely fulfilled all those requirements 100% with two men who were perfectly paired.
I did adore the text convo graphics in between chapters and thought it was a cute way to drop hints of parts of the plot too.
This world is one I like stepping into as I always get a happy ever after with some hot smexy times and lots of emotions.
...it would be this book. So much festive schmaltz and a whole heaping of cheesy goodness made this into an almost perfect Christmas romance.
I've knocked a star off only because, at some times, Nicky was just too much of a (it's a book trope if you've never come across the phrase) and I would have appreciated just a tiny bit of tonal change in the narrative so it wasn't always bedazzled!
Having said that, I know what I'll get from this author and this book absolutely fulfilled all those requirements 100% with two men who were perfectly paired.
I did adore the text convo graphics in between chapters and thought it was a cute way to drop hints of parts of the plot too.
This world is one I like stepping into as I always get a happy ever after with some hot smexy times and lots of emotions.
December 4, 2018
3 stars!
First of all, I want to say that Stella Starling has such a great sense of humor. The first few pages made me smile and laugh and this hasn't happened for such a long time.
The author's unique writing style is like a gulp of fresh air. Just great.
Nicky (not Nick or Nickolas) and Felix were so sweet together that made me hope there are still people who can be that easy going and open with each other. Yes, I know they were hiding their true feelings for each other throughout the whole book, but they were still open and everything they did seemed effortless. I liked them both, Felix a little bit more than Nicky.
I liked the whole idea of the book - the twelve dates they had, the chats when they were not together, even Felix's family was absolutely adorable. Great secondary characters.
The HEA was predictable but that doesn't mean it was less sweet or romantic. Nicky and Felix deserved their HEA to be glamorous.
There's just one thing I truly hated in this book, though.
Overall great and interesting book, different, absolutely sweet and funny and unique writing.
Recommend to all of the romantic people out there.
First of all, I want to say that Stella Starling has such a great sense of humor. The first few pages made me smile and laugh and this hasn't happened for such a long time.
The author's unique writing style is like a gulp of fresh air. Just great.
Nicky (not Nick or Nickolas) and Felix were so sweet together that made me hope there are still people who can be that easy going and open with each other. Yes, I know they were hiding their true feelings for each other throughout the whole book, but they were still open and everything they did seemed effortless. I liked them both, Felix a little bit more than Nicky.
I liked the whole idea of the book - the twelve dates they had, the chats when they were not together, even Felix's family was absolutely adorable. Great secondary characters.
The HEA was predictable but that doesn't mean it was less sweet or romantic. Nicky and Felix deserved their HEA to be glamorous.
There's just one thing I truly hated in this book, though.
Overall great and interesting book, different, absolutely sweet and funny and unique writing.
Recommend to all of the romantic people out there.
December 13, 2018
Entertaining
A cute and funny Christmas story from inside the walls of BLoved. The message threads were a real nice touch.
A cute and funny Christmas story from inside the walls of BLoved. The message threads were a real nice touch.
December 27, 2018
LOVED. THIS!
I absolutely loved this! Nicky was such a fun and adorable character, I cracked up whenever he was in the scene. He might have been a bit of a hot mess, but he was a fun hot mess 😬
And Felix...swoon! I usually love my characters to be a bit more flawed, but I think I can forgive Felix for being so absolutely perfect. He’s just perfect for Nicky. Lovely, lovely man!
And although Felix’s family was a bit much to identify and all, since there were so many of them all of a sudden, I actually liked their addition, when usually I’d loath so many new character introduction in so few pages. Needless to say, the author handled it brilliantly!
Loved, loved, loved this! I’m just wondering why haven’t I read this author before now! I love her sense of humour. I need me somemore!! Right now!
I absolutely loved this! Nicky was such a fun and adorable character, I cracked up whenever he was in the scene. He might have been a bit of a hot mess, but he was a fun hot mess 😬
And Felix...swoon! I usually love my characters to be a bit more flawed, but I think I can forgive Felix for being so absolutely perfect. He’s just perfect for Nicky. Lovely, lovely man!
And although Felix’s family was a bit much to identify and all, since there were so many of them all of a sudden, I actually liked their addition, when usually I’d loath so many new character introduction in so few pages. Needless to say, the author handled it brilliantly!
Loved, loved, loved this! I’m just wondering why haven’t I read this author before now! I love her sense of humour. I need me somemore!! Right now!
i-give-up
January 12, 2019After several weeks of starts and stops, I’m giving up the ghost 👻. It just did not hold my attention at all. Maybe I can come back to this somewhere down the line, but it won’t be today.
December 11, 2018
It's ridiculous to give 4 stars to a book this slight, except that it was very sweet and both Nicky & Felix were delightful MCs. I've tagged this in Calibre as "Plot:There isn't one" and "Awww".
December 26, 2018
This was a lot of fluffy, Christmas fun. I was a little surprised when the book goes from Nicky and Felix meeting to a year later and neither had talked about their feelings towards each other, but it worked in this instance and I ended up being OK with it. The secondary characters were great as well as the MCs and I am happy there will be more books in the future in this series.
December 10, 2018
This was my least liked Stella Starling.
July 5, 2019
Cutesy light humor with a healthy dashing of sex. Total must for Christmas!! Also I fricking loved the use of Spanish. ¡Por fin, un guapísimo papi! Represent!!! 🌶🌶🌶🌶
December 17, 2018
Rating: 4.5 stars
It's so funny how different readers' tastes can be, because my book BFF Ariel (aka Peekaboo) DNF'd this one, and I give it 4.5 shiny Christmas stars. *shrug* The world works in mysterious ways!
Clearly this book starts off with a major misunderstanding - Nicky has some major insecurity and self-esteem issues and is shooting off his mouth about what he wants in a man and about how his matches on bLoved aren't exciting enough for him when all he really wants is someone to accept him for the complete hot mess he is ("warts and all"), and lo and behold the perfection that is Felix turns around and choirs of angels start singing. And then Felix says his profile is set to "looking for friends" and bada bing, bada boom, they've agreed to be friends with benefits even though they both totally want to be more but they both think they're doing what the other one wants by settling. Could the issue be completely resolved by having 5 minutes of honest and open dialogue? Well yes, of course, but that wouldn't make for a very exciting book, now would it? ;)
I LOVE the dynamic between Felix and Nicky. They are *adorable* together, and this book made me at certain times smile like a lunatic while simultaneously leaking from my eyeballs. It hurts. And their little text conversations between chapters were also super cute (and hilarious). Felix's family is crazy and I love them and want to keep them, because they're exactly what a big, loving, totally overbearing family should be. I'm also something of a Nicky and completely understand the tendency to grandstand and peacock as a way to cover up super deep insecurities, and I love love *LOVE* the growth and realization he goes through over the course of this book, not only about his relationship with Felix but also about his own capabilities and his ability to do his job and his value as a person, both as it relates to his job and outside of it. To a lesser extent Felix also learns some lessons, namely what it means to fight for what you want. The ending is a little pat but hey, it's Christmas, so let's drink some eggnog and just enjoy it, OK?
The Twelfth Date is the second book in the #boyfriendsbybLoved series, but can be read as a stand alone with no spoilers for the first book in the series (and there's really no overlap - they mention the contest that takes place in book one, The Boyfriend Game, super briefly in passing).
It's so funny how different readers' tastes can be, because my book BFF Ariel (aka Peekaboo) DNF'd this one, and I give it 4.5 shiny Christmas stars. *shrug* The world works in mysterious ways!
Clearly this book starts off with a major misunderstanding - Nicky has some major insecurity and self-esteem issues and is shooting off his mouth about what he wants in a man and about how his matches on bLoved aren't exciting enough for him when all he really wants is someone to accept him for the complete hot mess he is ("warts and all"), and lo and behold the perfection that is Felix turns around and choirs of angels start singing. And then Felix says his profile is set to "looking for friends" and bada bing, bada boom, they've agreed to be friends with benefits even though they both totally want to be more but they both think they're doing what the other one wants by settling. Could the issue be completely resolved by having 5 minutes of honest and open dialogue? Well yes, of course, but that wouldn't make for a very exciting book, now would it? ;)
I LOVE the dynamic between Felix and Nicky. They are *adorable* together, and this book made me at certain times smile like a lunatic while simultaneously leaking from my eyeballs. It hurts. And their little text conversations between chapters were also super cute (and hilarious). Felix's family is crazy and I love them and want to keep them, because they're exactly what a big, loving, totally overbearing family should be. I'm also something of a Nicky and completely understand the tendency to grandstand and peacock as a way to cover up super deep insecurities, and I love love *LOVE* the growth and realization he goes through over the course of this book, not only about his relationship with Felix but also about his own capabilities and his ability to do his job and his value as a person, both as it relates to his job and outside of it. To a lesser extent Felix also learns some lessons, namely what it means to fight for what you want. The ending is a little pat but hey, it's Christmas, so let's drink some eggnog and just enjoy it, OK?
The Twelfth Date is the second book in the #boyfriendsbybLoved series, but can be read as a stand alone with no spoilers for the first book in the series (and there's really no overlap - they mention the contest that takes place in book one, The Boyfriend Game, super briefly in passing).
December 4, 2018
All the heart eyes! I mean stars! I flippin LOVE the bLoved world that Stella Starling has created, and each book within that world always makes me swoony and starry-eyed by the end. That said, The Twelfth Date might be my favorite in this world to date! True lovers of romance will fall head over heels for this feel-good, romance-filled Christmas tale. Filled with glittergasms, rogue cranberries, baseball bat-themed names for a certain part of the male anatomy, alien viral warfare plagues (minus the aliens), fun text exchanges with lots of emojis, the hottest chair sex ever, the hottest wall sex ever, the hottest - okay, you get the picture, right? Seriously, Nicky and Felix are the most adorable couple ever, even if they don't necessarily see themselves as one. Not for lack of wanting to, though...
I laughed a LOT reading this book. Nicky's inner drama queen is hilarious, and honestly, I think in parentheticals too sometimes. I so relate to Nicky there. Even the chapter headings had me cracking up. The romance in this story with the idea of the twelve dates bLoved sponsors? Off the charts. Date number four got me right in the feels.. Jackson and Shelly, ahhh <3 <3 <3 You'll have to read to see why. Felix stole my heart with his fierce love for Nicky and his plan to make things official, and the final date?! Swoooon. I want to work for bLoved and find a Felix of my own. Lucky Nicky. I also love that there is not any excessive drama or lots of angst, and I adore Felix's crazy family. They remind me of mine.
Fantastic couple (hot as hell too!! Seriously, these two are SMOKING together, wow), romance practically pouring off the pages, all kinds of Christmas spirit, laughter, and family and friends... what else could you want from a holiday book? And we even get glimpses of some of the other couples from previous bLoved books. Don't miss this one guys, it's the perfect book to get you into the spirit of the holidays!
I laughed a LOT reading this book. Nicky's inner drama queen is hilarious, and honestly, I think in parentheticals too sometimes. I so relate to Nicky there. Even the chapter headings had me cracking up. The romance in this story with the idea of the twelve dates bLoved sponsors? Off the charts. Date number four got me right in the feels.. Jackson and Shelly, ahhh <3 <3 <3 You'll have to read to see why. Felix stole my heart with his fierce love for Nicky and his plan to make things official, and the final date?! Swoooon. I want to work for bLoved and find a Felix of my own. Lucky Nicky. I also love that there is not any excessive drama or lots of angst, and I adore Felix's crazy family. They remind me of mine.
Fantastic couple (hot as hell too!! Seriously, these two are SMOKING together, wow), romance practically pouring off the pages, all kinds of Christmas spirit, laughter, and family and friends... what else could you want from a holiday book? And we even get glimpses of some of the other couples from previous bLoved books. Don't miss this one guys, it's the perfect book to get you into the spirit of the holidays!
December 4, 2018
Nicky and Felix are co workers who have a great friends with benefits arrangement. These men are perfect for each other but are both reluctant to push for more, fearing the will lose what they have.
NIcky's insecurities were sad and touching, believing that no one would want to keep him.
I loved Felix's family. His sisters were a riot. The siblings Christmas shopping together was hilarious.
The texting between Nicky and Felix was adorable.
A fun, romantic, feel good Christmas story about love, family and taking a chance.
NIcky's insecurities were sad and touching, believing that no one would want to keep him.
I loved Felix's family. His sisters were a riot. The siblings Christmas shopping together was hilarious.
The texting between Nicky and Felix was adorable.
A fun, romantic, feel good Christmas story about love, family and taking a chance.
December 7, 2018
Cute story of a yearlong miscommunicated friends with benefits label but really acting as boyfriends. We actually don't get to see that year of becoming boyfriends which was a shame. I wanted to see Felix and his family in action more. This book felt really long even if it ended at 85% and had way, way too much author notes and tidbits at the end. I also felt like there was a huge overuse of the words glitter bomb and too much style using parenthesis.
But it made me smile and was a good outrageous christmas story so read it for what it is and enjoy.
But it made me smile and was a good outrageous christmas story so read it for what it is and enjoy.
December 17, 2018
So I ended up DNFing this one at about 40% but NOT because it was bad in any way. It's clear from the very beginning that the two main characters are already in love with each other, they just haven't admitted it yet, and so there was way too much pining for my liking, but the characters were fun, the writing was good, and I will definitely continue to read Starling's stuff. Just not this one.
Read
July 3, 2023Very wordy.
I skimmed a bunch.
I can always count on this author to give me the lovey dovey stuff tho.
Comfort read for sure. 🥰
Side note: the sex when they finally shared the ILYs ? SO GOOD. They were getting more turned on by saying ILYs during intimacy. 😌
This is the type of sex I wanna read more of.
I skimmed a bunch.
I can always count on this author to give me the lovey dovey stuff tho.
Comfort read for sure. 🥰
Side note: the sex when they finally shared the ILYs ? SO GOOD. They were getting more turned on by saying ILYs during intimacy. 😌
This is the type of sex I wanna read more of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2022
just what I needed!
I loved Nicky and Felix!!! This was funny and heartwarming. I loved the text conversations and Nicky’s asides. I loved Felix, he was perfect! There are a lot of great characters. This was light and sweet and happy!
I loved Nicky and Felix!!! This was funny and heartwarming. I loved the text conversations and Nicky’s asides. I loved Felix, he was perfect! There are a lot of great characters. This was light and sweet and happy!
January 28, 2019
Reading when I should have been writing, but I enjoyed it. :-)
Nicky is adorable, and Felix is the king of boyfriends. Two really great guys.
Nicky is adorable, and Felix is the king of boyfriends. Two really great guys.
0-mm-books-i-own-and-to-be-read
December 3, 2018WOOHOOO it belongs to me now :-D!!
April 18, 2019
Pure fluff/warm fuzzies and loved every page of it
December 9, 2018
There is a good story buried deep in here and some adorable moments but it was just too much and not enough at the same time...I skimmed most of it just to see how it ended..It seemed backward to me and could have been half the amount of pages-way too wordy..I am a big fan of this author but this book did not do it for me...
December 7, 2018
So the set up to this one was irritating for me. It's based on a misunderstanding. But, luckily, we don't get to see most of the fallout of the misunderstanding. So it was...mostly fine. The logic of the misunderstanding is opaque at best. And I'm not the biggest fan of Nicky - not that I didn't like him, just his character isn't my favorite character type out there. Felix was great, if not a little bit too giving. But, it was a good read none-the-less. Even if it did read like a B Christmas movie you might find on Netflix..
So, like I said. Femme/swishy, hyper-sexed characters are not particularly my cup of tea. But Nicky was fine. Felix was good, if not too giving. He gave everything and demanded very little in return.
The logic of the "misunderstanding" made no sense. Nicky, who at first whines about how no man will stick around for more than a night, immediately proposes to Felix a "Friends with bennies" situation. As if that will get him a lasting, meaningful relationship. I mean it did, but only because this is a romance novel. And then after a full year of this miserable friends with benefits situation where they both have to pretend they don't want more (which we mercifully don't have to see much of) the real plot starts. And we find out that Felix thinks he is too boring and that Nicky wants "excitement" in a partner, and Nicky thinks he isn't good enough and that Felix isn't looking for a relationship.
It was frustrating to read them being unable to communicate their wants/desires for fear of running the other off. That is not healthy. You shouldn't settle for a year. One of them needed to nut up way earlier than this. Also, Nicky was simultaneously worried that Felix would get a "real" boyfriend and thought that Felix didn't want a real relationship. So, that was weird. And they weren't just fuck buddies - but had been exclusive for months. Which was weirder. I can't believe neither of them got their heads out of their asses for a full year.
Also, I do not approve of the model choices used in the texting pictures. I want to imagine them in my head - I don't want head shots of models that aren't hot enough, or too hot, messing with my mental images every couple of chapters.
Otherwise, it was pretty good.
So, like I said. Femme/swishy, hyper-sexed characters are not particularly my cup of tea. But Nicky was fine. Felix was good, if not too giving. He gave everything and demanded very little in return.
The logic of the "misunderstanding" made no sense. Nicky, who at first whines about how no man will stick around for more than a night, immediately proposes to Felix a "Friends with bennies" situation. As if that will get him a lasting, meaningful relationship. I mean it did, but only because this is a romance novel. And then after a full year of this miserable friends with benefits situation where they both have to pretend they don't want more (which we mercifully don't have to see much of) the real plot starts. And we find out that Felix thinks he is too boring and that Nicky wants "excitement" in a partner, and Nicky thinks he isn't good enough and that Felix isn't looking for a relationship.
It was frustrating to read them being unable to communicate their wants/desires for fear of running the other off. That is not healthy. You shouldn't settle for a year. One of them needed to nut up way earlier than this. Also, Nicky was simultaneously worried that Felix would get a "real" boyfriend and thought that Felix didn't want a real relationship. So, that was weird. And they weren't just fuck buddies - but had been exclusive for months. Which was weirder. I can't believe neither of them got their heads out of their asses for a full year.
Also, I do not approve of the model choices used in the texting pictures. I want to imagine them in my head - I don't want head shots of models that aren't hot enough, or too hot, messing with my mental images every couple of chapters.
Otherwise, it was pretty good.
December 12, 2018
Glitter bombs and emojis
A bit different for a book in this world because for the first time there is an established pairing that this book is about. Now the key there is pairing, not couple. The whole thing is that Felix and Nicky have been together for a year; we learn how they meet at the beginning and the circumstances that have them set up the friends-with-benefits thing they have going on. A year later they have not moved beyond that because each man has fears about losing the other if they push for more (even though they are exclusive FWB who almost live together). With the Christmas season upon them and a romantic contest- the Twelve Dates of Christmas- going in at bLoved that Nicky is involved in the spirit of the season and of love starts to sweep the two of them up, making them wonder if more is possible.
Nicky is sweet and kind but the circumstances in his life have left him with some damaged self confidence. Between not finding a good fit for a job to not finding a good fit for a boyfriend, Nicky believes he won't ever have either. This book was a bit of a journey of self positivity for him as his position at work blossoms into what he realizes is an amazing career, and he begins to reevaluate his idea if lovability. The journey for him showed that it wasn't that he needed Felix in his life to make him realize that he was complete and lovable, but that Felix gave him a safe place to figure that out. It was beautiful and sweet and a really good message.
Felix is confident in loving but his life has made him fear pushing for things because he could lose them. His life has been mostly good, moving easily from one thing to another, but never really fighting for anything. The whole thing with Nicky makes him realize that the fight isn't just for himself but also for others. It was nice to see how he had things to work out as well, not just Nicky.
This was such a wonderful Christmas book and a really beautiful romance. It is a book full of love and hope that is such a great read for the season or anytime!
A bit different for a book in this world because for the first time there is an established pairing that this book is about. Now the key there is pairing, not couple. The whole thing is that Felix and Nicky have been together for a year; we learn how they meet at the beginning and the circumstances that have them set up the friends-with-benefits thing they have going on. A year later they have not moved beyond that because each man has fears about losing the other if they push for more (even though they are exclusive FWB who almost live together). With the Christmas season upon them and a romantic contest- the Twelve Dates of Christmas- going in at bLoved that Nicky is involved in the spirit of the season and of love starts to sweep the two of them up, making them wonder if more is possible.
Nicky is sweet and kind but the circumstances in his life have left him with some damaged self confidence. Between not finding a good fit for a job to not finding a good fit for a boyfriend, Nicky believes he won't ever have either. This book was a bit of a journey of self positivity for him as his position at work blossoms into what he realizes is an amazing career, and he begins to reevaluate his idea if lovability. The journey for him showed that it wasn't that he needed Felix in his life to make him realize that he was complete and lovable, but that Felix gave him a safe place to figure that out. It was beautiful and sweet and a really good message.
Felix is confident in loving but his life has made him fear pushing for things because he could lose them. His life has been mostly good, moving easily from one thing to another, but never really fighting for anything. The whole thing with Nicky makes him realize that the fight isn't just for himself but also for others. It was nice to see how he had things to work out as well, not just Nicky.
This was such a wonderful Christmas book and a really beautiful romance. It is a book full of love and hope that is such a great read for the season or anytime!
January 3, 2019
It is the second book of the #boyfriendsbybLoved Series. And fits in The At Last, The Beloved Series world. It can be read as a standalone book, but if you are like me, I would read that series first as well as the first book in the series. They are worth reading and it will add to the depth of this book with the background info. within that series. Now with that being said this book was fantastic the writing was great. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters captivating. The characters were developed and thought out. Felix and Nicky are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, text messages, traveling, Christmas, dates, friends and family, surprises and so much more in this book. I loved the text messages they sweet and funny. Here is a quote from the book, one of the text messages
FELIX: Good morning, beautiful {heart emoji}
NICKY: No.
NICKY: It’s really not.
NICKY: Felix, I’m dying.
NICKY: I’m ded.
NICKY: Help.
NICKY: The aliens have body snatched me. I need more airborne. I need you. OMG I’m not even kidding. This is horrible. I’M DYING. I HAVE A FEVER. I’M COUGHING. THERE ARE LUMPS IN MY THROAT.
FELIX: Oh, baby {heart emoji}
NICKY: Please come to Miami I need you.
NICKY: No, don’t come.
NICKY: OMG come. NICKY: Felix� don’t come. (I want you to, but don’t)
NICKY: (But I wish you were here.)
FELIX: {heart emoji}{heart emoji}{heart emoji}
There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
FELIX: Good morning, beautiful {heart emoji}
NICKY: No.
NICKY: It’s really not.
NICKY: Felix, I’m dying.
NICKY: I’m ded.
NICKY: Help.
NICKY: The aliens have body snatched me. I need more airborne. I need you. OMG I’m not even kidding. This is horrible. I’M DYING. I HAVE A FEVER. I’M COUGHING. THERE ARE LUMPS IN MY THROAT.
FELIX: Oh, baby {heart emoji}
NICKY: Please come to Miami I need you.
NICKY: No, don’t come.
NICKY: OMG come. NICKY: Felix� don’t come. (I want you to, but don’t)
NICKY: (But I wish you were here.)
FELIX: {heart emoji}{heart emoji}{heart emoji}
There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
March 7, 2019
Utterly sweet, funny and awesome. This takes place in the bloved universe but is easily read as a standalone. Felix and Nicky both work for bloved and become friends with benefits. But as we know in romancelandia, a FWB arrangement often turns to love. I loved this one. So many themes of who comprises your family "Family he’d chosen, who chose him right back, every single day." So many laugh out loud lines. I read this on the subway and the bus and fellow riders were giving me the side-eye each time I giggled. "I wouldn't have sacrificed the chance for BBQ if I hadn’t wanted your cock in my ass tonight, Felix,� Nicky went on as he stripped down, tossing random items of clothing away from him like confetti. “Like, deep in it. All the way in it. You’re going to fuck me so hard that your cock is going to forget what it feels like to not be in my ass. My ass is your cock’s new second home. My ass is your cock’s destiny.� “This—� Nicky shook the toothbrush in Felix’s face and then tossed it haphazardly over his shoulder, “—can goddamn wait until my breath smells like your cock. Do you have a problem with that, boyfriend?� Some of the scenes with the secondary characters were hysterical - not sure where the group was, but that scene in the bar where everyone gets drunk "Felix' dick is my dick," Nicky snapped, tightening his grip on Felix' arm." .. "Mine, M-I-N-E.." If you are looking for a fluffy, funny uber sexy, yet sweet little romance, try this out. It takes place around Christmas but don't let that stop you from reading it. Loved it!!
December 5, 2018
The Twelfth Date is a great friends-with-benefits romance by Stella Starling. I was hooked immediately, as it's just so delightfully fun.
Nicky and Felix have been FWB for a year now. Felix is actually in love with Nicky, but never wants to guilt Felix into settling down. But, when Nicky leaves on a long business trip, their feelings for other start to come to the surface.
I absolutely love Felix's family, as they are entertaining and lovable. They all treat Felix and Nicky like boyfriends, leaving the reader with a lot of great moments.
Overall, this is the story of two men who are perfect for each other, are essentially dating, but are afraid to fess up to their feelings.
Their relationship is fantastic, as they know each other well, care about one another immensely, and will do anything to protect each other.
It has a great pace, and a whole lot of witty banter, especially sexual banter. It's hysterical, yet also full of feelings and emotion. The best line just might be "And nothing says 'I love you' like a mouthful of cock, right?" If you like wit like this, you'll love this book.
One of the best scenes is the barbecue talk. Seriously so many laughs!
The ending is wonderful, romantic, and yet remains true to the witty charm of the whole story.
I love The Twelfth Date. Love it. If you like to laugh, read this book! I know I will be re-reading it often!
December 22, 2018
Cute but uneven story
This book has a clever premise and I just wish it had been executed a bit more smoothly. There’s not a lot of depth to the character development but I feel like I knew each of the MCs...it just didn’t seem like the author wanted to delve.
The whole “they love each other but don’t say anything because they each think the other will freak� trope is one of my least favorites so that’s a bit draining here, especially early in the book. The book starts out kind of slow actually and it took me a while to get into the characters...I just didn’t care a whole lot about them. Things really picked up as we got into the dates though and saw more of their feelings developing and got more of a sense of them as people. The book got quite good there. Then date 12,which should have been the biggie, just fizzled for me. It was way too long and drawn out...definitely in need of better editing. It really took away from the excitement and joy of what could have been a perfect ending. Likewise the epilogue just went in too long and accomplished little. It’s like the distortion fell asleep at the switch for the end of the book. I found myself doing a lot of skimming at the end.
It’s a cute story that would have been much better with better editing to keep the story and the characters crisp.
This book has a clever premise and I just wish it had been executed a bit more smoothly. There’s not a lot of depth to the character development but I feel like I knew each of the MCs...it just didn’t seem like the author wanted to delve.
The whole “they love each other but don’t say anything because they each think the other will freak� trope is one of my least favorites so that’s a bit draining here, especially early in the book. The book starts out kind of slow actually and it took me a while to get into the characters...I just didn’t care a whole lot about them. Things really picked up as we got into the dates though and saw more of their feelings developing and got more of a sense of them as people. The book got quite good there. Then date 12,which should have been the biggie, just fizzled for me. It was way too long and drawn out...definitely in need of better editing. It really took away from the excitement and joy of what could have been a perfect ending. Likewise the epilogue just went in too long and accomplished little. It’s like the distortion fell asleep at the switch for the end of the book. I found myself doing a lot of skimming at the end.
It’s a cute story that would have been much better with better editing to keep the story and the characters crisp.
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