Saxon James

Payne: I need a room to rent. Must ignore the "patheticness" of a 40-year-old man. Preferably dirt cheap as money is tight. Well actually... it's nonexistent. There’s nothing sadder than moving back to my hometown newly divorced, homeless, and no idea what my next move is. When my little brother’s best friend offers me a place to stay in exchange for menial duties, I swallow my pride and jump at the offer. I need this. I also need Beau to wear a shirt. And ditch the gray sweatpants. And show more not leave his door ajar when he’s in compromising positions.
Beau: I need a roommate. They must be a non-smoker. Room "rent" is to be made in meal planning, repairs, and off-the-wall, dumb jokes. Since my career took off, I barely have time to breathe, let alone keep my life in order. I’m naturally chaotic, I make terrible decisions and I scare off potential dates with my weird “weirdness”. When Payne gets back into town and needs somewhere to stay, I offer him my spare room with one condition: while he’s staying with me, I need him to help me become "date able". And while he does that, I can focus on my other plan: ignoring that Payne is the only man I’ve ever wanted to date."

I really liked these two characters. Though it may not at first seem like it, Payne and Beau were really mature in the development of their relationship. Newly single from a divorce, Payne is trying to figure his life out now as a 40-year-old...and how to feel "worthy" of his little brother's best friend, who has been in love with him for...yeah...20 years and they are now living together as roommates.

I don't usually, but this time I really liked the shift to "more than just friends" because with these two, their friendship was just too good to be denied and for them to flow into a relationship just seemed perfect.

There were some minor things in this one that somewhat "bugged" me. I had a "soft spot" for Beau and would have liked learning a little more of more of his back story. We did learn that he was anxious and mostly on the anti-social side...but there's no mention of his family...his parents or even if he has siblings. It was jarring in comparison to Payne's family... his brother, his sister-in-law and his nieces. They were all Paynes support system along with all the "Divorced Men's Club" guys. It presented a huge contrast to Beau's lack of a social group or even one "family type" friend. Beau was friends with his best friend's wife, but it felt like a lot had been, and was still, lacking in his life. The fact that he truly believes that he is "unnormal" (his word), was jarring. I just wanted to hug him.

Still, this was a really fun story with a sweet romance. I could see the possibility for another story featuring Art and the sexy bartender. I hope that Saxon James will give them their own story and maybe we can check up on Payne and Beau again??? I really like this author's books, but I just felt this one was a bit "incomplete" ... so I'm giving it a 4.5 rating. show less

Even though it's a romance, it deals with some heavy topics, mainly grief and moving on after the death of a spouse. However, it does it while managing to be a big warm hug wrapped in several layers of humor and banter. There is so much chemistry between Ford and Orson at times that is not only hot, but also hilarious, and cozy. The relationship just had to work since their communication was also truthful and open. It was really refreshing to see this in a romance with no major drama...at show more least, not any that lasts… or caused by miscommunications or misunderstandings. These two guys knew how and when to talk to each other and most of all, to listen. Ford is the sweetest guy all wrapped up in a hot, tattooed, mechanic package, and Orson, the florist, has so many hidden surprises beneath his mild-mannered and laid-back demeanor. I've read the first two books in the series before this one and somehow it seems that each one is better than the last. so far, this one is my favorite and Orson and Ford are my favorites. The books can easily be read as standalones. That being said, no matter which order you read them in... they are all amazing. show less

James lets her hair down here, having terrific fun with Robbie's made-up words and the peppery banter between loveable footballer giant, Robbie, and the uptight natty dresser, Brandon.

I've often thought this: how masterful many romance writers are in choosing the names for their characters. But I must say it here, that the names she's given these two characters are perfection - Robbie is such a Robbie, and Brandon ... oh yes!

They are both in the executive of the Sigma Beta Psi fraternity - show more Robbie is the social activities manager and Brandon, the risk manager. Both are very good in their roles, which are, by their nature, at odds with each other. This conflict adds fuel to the MCs inherent communication style of constant bickering ... like an old married couple, as someone tells them.

This friction is where the magic sparks in this novel - Robbie has annoyed the hell out of Brandon over nearly four college years. He nevertheless admits that hanging out with anyone else isn't nearly so interesting ... or comforting.

So when they decide to take their friendship in a new direction, curious about their sexuality, they have this huge head start. Robbie in particular waxes lyrical throughout the novel about brotherhood in the fraternity.

I've read plenty of college romances but this series more than any other has opened the door - incredibly positively - on that strange world of frat houses that's part of the US college system. I hope this sweet view of brotherhood, pranking, parties, sex and ... studiousness is somewhere near the truth!

Master of Mayhem is one long tickle of the funny bone. What a tonic! show less

I should just stop making assumptions about the next books in this series. Because every time I do, I find myself having to backtrack.

"I'm not sure I will continue with the series - I liked Jacobs but I'm not sure I particularly care enough to read his story - but I may pick up Seth's book with the hopes of seeing more Zach/Foster. " ... I ended up loving Jacobs and Beck as much if not slightly more than Zach and Foster.

"I also didn't really like Asher so if he's the subject of the next show more one, I'm not sure I'll continue." ... OMFG ASHER!!!! I had no idea. None. Of what was coming my way.

Asher is incredible. The layers people, the layers. Almost immediately Finley and Saxon changed my mind. Having the narration from Asher's POV was ideal because straight away we see that for all Asher talks a big game, he's an absolute mess. He knows he's a mess but he can't seem to help it. I felt so sorry for him. I felt sorry for that whole family - they've been through so much and no 20 year olds should have to be responsible for 5 kids - family or not. Any kids would be a lot - five? Fk.

Kole was a bit harder to get a read on. I would say if this book had any weaknesses, Kole's character development would be it. We know and learn a lot about Asher but I don't really feel we got to know Kole quite as well. That said, I still loved them both.

And together they were perfect. Much like Jacobs and Beck, Asher and Kole's chemistry was off the charts. I loved both the friendship and the romance between them and adored the banter between them - the banter between them was snarky and had me cackling away.

I love the hockey aspect of these books and I love that Asher got closer to his teammates in this one. I love that very little can shock the team as well.

I grab my coffee and follow him to the table where Rossi, Simms, Kaplan, and Stalberg are already sitting. Asher steals a chair from another table, and before I can grab one of my own, he sits down and pulls me onto his lap. I tense, and Asher’s holding his breath. But there’s barely a break in the conversation. Slowly, I relax in Asher’s hold and chance a quick look at him. He’s confused, and I can’t blame him. Are they ignoring us on purpose? Asher steals a quick sip of my coffee and loops his arm tighter around my waist. “Really not going to say anything, huh?” he finally asks.

Rossi looks over. “What, are we supposed to act surprised?” “You knew?” The four of them exchange looks, and Simms cocks his head. “Wait, did you guys think you were subtle?” “Well, yeah.” Don’t they realize how painful it’s been to keep our hands to ourselves?

“Let’s review,” Rossi says, clearly amused. “Asher waits for you after every practice, you arrive together, you study together, you share a room at away games—where you really could try to be more quiet, by the way—West treats Kole like another brother, Coach can’t look at Asher without scowling, more so than usual, and if I have to hear the phrase Kole said one more time, my brain will start leaking out of my ears.”

I’m … kinda shocked. “And people say jocks are stupid.”
“You forget I was friends with Foster, and Beck and Jacobs, and Cohen. I’ve given up assuming people are straight, and you two have been behaving just like those other idiots.”

It’s the first time I think I’ve actually been glad to be outsmarted by jocks. “Who else knows?” Asher asks. “Literally the whole team,” Simms says. “We’ve known for ages.” “And no one said anything?” Stalberg screws up his face. “No offense, man, but none of us want to know about your sex life. That’s a strictly kiss and don’t tell situation.”

Finley, Eden; James, Saxon. Line Mates & Study Dates (CU Hockey Book 4) (pp. 284-285). Kindle Edition. LMFAO. Poor Asher going for the shock factor and ending with being shocked himself.

Overall it was fantastic and I loved it. I'll definitely be reading West's story. I can't wait to find out what happens there. 4.5 stars. show less