Rum And Rendezvous: An Opposites Attract Gay Romance (Love And Libations)

There hasn't been a book in the last two years that I've read that has made me smile as much as Rum. I swear my cheeks hurt the two days it took me to read it (because sleep and work interfered with my enjoyment), but when I picked it up the next night, it sucked me right back in. I'm a huge fan of rom-coms, and while we apparently have to wait for good quality theatrical ones starring a gay couple, we don't have to wait for good literary ones, and this is the best I can recall in recent memory. The premise - a guy (Carson) ends up falling for the guy he's giving dating advice to (Ryan) - is simple, but becomes comedic when Carson starts giving Ryan purposely bad advice...because Carson wants Ryan to realize the perfect guy is already in front of him. Cue the sappy, romantic music that I love! As for the characterizations, the main MCs come up as multi-dimensional and refreshing. We don't have the wounded, heartbroken, I'm-so-over-men-and-dating guy, nor do we have the let's-pretend-there-are-rules-and-this-is-something-it-isn't garbage (I'm a little sick of that, can you tell? Is it because I also wrote that myself? Huh...damn). Carson isn't really looking for anything and Ryan falls into his lap because Carson's a nice guy and h0rny (realism!). Ryan is a preppy, innocent, nerdy, almost-virgin (I think...my memory isn't what it used to be). But he isn't doe-eyed and naive...he can get dirty. Exhibit A: Crisco. It's not complicated and that's what helps the story move…

This was a super sweet low angst and steamy story! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait for the rest of the series. Carson was so funny with his dating advice. 🤣 it took him a bit to realize that he was the perfect guy for Ryan even though he thought Ryan was to good for him. Ryan was sweet and just wanted someone that he could be with. I enjoyed all the side characters especially Carson’s brother. I’m looking forward to his story!

Rum and Rendezvous by Raquel Riley is quite a steamy story! Ryan and Carson have instant physical connection neither can deny but, convinced they are two different for a romantic relationship, they take it no further. Instead, Carson becomes Ryan's self-appointed dating coach. Hilarity (and more steam) ensues! Steamy, romantic, light-hearted and written beautifully. Romance - ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Steam - 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Humor - 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Angst - 😭 Writing - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ryan, incredibly adorable and incredibly unlucky with dating, and Carson, a big ol’ softie at heart that doesn’t think he’s good enough for someone like Ryan, made for a sweet and delightful couple. The side characters were interesting and were intriguing, as I am now excited to read Carlisle’s story next! The plot very much felt like a rom-com which I believe many people will enjoy. I personally found some parts to be slow, and I found Carson to be an irritating character at times. The book was a delicious amount of spicy and while the sex scenes were well written, they started to feel repetitive. Overall, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the rest of the series.

I like this, it was a cute one. A few things were odd. I’m a bit confused on Reid and Riley. Do they have an open relationship? That was weird and not explained here but maybe in a previous book? Also it seemed like a lot happened off page. Carson was explaining all these things he knew about Ryan yet on page none of that ever happened to know those intimate details. I actually think Ryan and Carlisle would have made a good couple and it would have been fun if they’d matched and went on a date for Carson to get jealous. Btw Carson never actually tells Ryan that he purposely ruined his dates, that seems like an oversight. But all in all it was cute, had sone fun spicy scenes and I’ll def read on the series.