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Housemates #2
Like a Lover
Josh has a plan: get through uni with a good degree and no debts. Focused on his goals, he’s working as an escort to pay his way. He enjoys the no-strings sex and doesn’t have the time or inclination for a relationship. Falling in love definitely isn’t part of the deal—especially not with a client.
When Rupert meets Josh in a bar, he’s smitten on sight. He’s never paid for sex before, but when Josh propositions him, he can’t resist. He should have known one night would never be enough. Luckily for him, he has an inheritance to support his addiction to Josh, because his job in IT wouldn’t cover the cost.
With each appointment the lines get increasingly blurred. Something is developing between them that feels more like a relationship than a business transaction, but they come from different worlds and to go from client-and-escort to lovers seems impossible. If they want a future together, Josh and Rupert have a lot to overcome.
This book is a complete story and can be read as a standalone.
202 pages, ebook
First published August 14, 2015
About the author
Jay Northcote
48 books1,631 followersI don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 460 reviews
August 24, 2015
~4.5~
I have a Pavlovian response to Jay Northcote's books. If she writes it, I will read it.
I saw this cover and the name Josh in the blurb, and I was all, Bring it.
Because. Pavlovian response and JOSH.
I loved Josh in
and wanted his story!
So I may or may not have carefully read the blurb before starting this one.
Shock: Josh is a rentboy.
Initial reaction: UGH. I am not a fan of rentboy stories. They are typically too raw for me: too much angst, bad pimps, even worse tricks.
But this is Jay Northcote, and I TRUST.
Thank god I didn't chicken out, because this book is damn HAWT and tender and sweet.
When Josh meets Rupert at a bar, he wants the tall red-head (GINGER ALERT!).
But Josh only has sex for pay. Why should he make an exception for Rupert?
Rupert is vaguely excited by the seediness of paying for sex; he's attracted to the lithe, dark-haired man and wants Josh any way he can get him.
The more time Josh and Rupert spend together, the more they WANT. Josh knows he needs to put some distance between himself and Rupert. He doesn't do feelings, and he can't possibly fall in love with a client.
Or can he?
Rupert is so far beyond caring, he'll spend all his inheritance just to keep Josh by his side. But when Josh starts acting cool and distant, Rupert pulls back too.
Despite the rentboy theme, this is not an angsty story. It's incredibly sexy (one of Jay's steamiest books to date, me thinks) and romantic.
None of Josh's other clients are on-page. It's hinted at that Josh sees other men after he meets Rupert (at least for a while), but that's Josh's JOB. It's his way of paying for school. It's his body, his choice.
Josh has also long accepted that a relationship is out of the question. But Rupert takes Josh out to lunch and to an art gallery, and asks him to be his date on a long weekend away. Josh can't resist.
This is not a slow-burn book when it comes to the sexual tension. After all, Josh takes money to sleep with Rupert. But slowly the lines begin to blur. All these messy feelings make things murky and complicated.
We briefly revisit with Jez and Mac from the first book, but this book is all about Josh and Rupert, both of whom are fully developed, likable MCs.
Josh is independent to a fault, self-assured, and genuinely nice. Rupert is a little shy and awkward, but a complete dynamo between the sheets.
These two are really good together, and the HEA is ALL THAT and more.
I have a Pavlovian response to Jay Northcote's books. If she writes it, I will read it.
I saw this cover and the name Josh in the blurb, and I was all, Bring it.
Because. Pavlovian response and JOSH.
I loved Josh in
and wanted his story!
So I may or may not have carefully read the blurb before starting this one.
Shock: Josh is a rentboy.
Initial reaction: UGH. I am not a fan of rentboy stories. They are typically too raw for me: too much angst, bad pimps, even worse tricks.
But this is Jay Northcote, and I TRUST.
Thank god I didn't chicken out, because this book is damn HAWT and tender and sweet.
When Josh meets Rupert at a bar, he wants the tall red-head (GINGER ALERT!).
But Josh only has sex for pay. Why should he make an exception for Rupert?
"You can kiss me," Josh finally said. "This isn't pretty woman, you know."
Rupert is vaguely excited by the seediness of paying for sex; he's attracted to the lithe, dark-haired man and wants Josh any way he can get him.
The more time Josh and Rupert spend together, the more they WANT. Josh knows he needs to put some distance between himself and Rupert. He doesn't do feelings, and he can't possibly fall in love with a client.
Or can he?
Rupert is so far beyond caring, he'll spend all his inheritance just to keep Josh by his side. But when Josh starts acting cool and distant, Rupert pulls back too.
Despite the rentboy theme, this is not an angsty story. It's incredibly sexy (one of Jay's steamiest books to date, me thinks) and romantic.
None of Josh's other clients are on-page. It's hinted at that Josh sees other men after he meets Rupert (at least for a while), but that's Josh's JOB. It's his way of paying for school. It's his body, his choice.
Josh has also long accepted that a relationship is out of the question. But Rupert takes Josh out to lunch and to an art gallery, and asks him to be his date on a long weekend away. Josh can't resist.
This is not a slow-burn book when it comes to the sexual tension. After all, Josh takes money to sleep with Rupert. But slowly the lines begin to blur. All these messy feelings make things murky and complicated.
We briefly revisit with Jez and Mac from the first book, but this book is all about Josh and Rupert, both of whom are fully developed, likable MCs.
Josh is independent to a fault, self-assured, and genuinely nice. Rupert is a little shy and awkward, but a complete dynamo between the sheets.
These two are really good together, and the HEA is ALL THAT and more.
[Josh] kissed Rupert slow and deep, pulling him in close as though he was trying to meld their bodies into one. He wanted so much.
May 31, 2021
So let's say you're sitting in a bar, minding your own business, getting stood up by an Internet meet up, and the really cute brunette across the way, who has also gotten stood up, makes and maintains eye contact.
What do you do?
Seeing as how you're not stupid, you flirt back when he comes over and asks if he can sit down, right?
And what do you do when, after a bit of eye-fucking, you're told that it'll be $200 for the first hour & $100 for each additional hour? I mean, growing (hot) young escorts have to eat, right?
Well, in this case, 26 y.o. shy and introverted, ginger IT guy, Rupert, is secretly thrilled by the idea of 'owning' someone like that for a little while, so he jumps at the opportunity like a cat on a rat.
Although 22 y.o. pierced emo-twink, Josh, thinks that the guy at the bar is extremely attractive and would love to scratch an itch without cash involved, he can't.
That money will continue to pay for his college tuition and a better future for himself, so even if he has to ride into that better life on his back, he's going to do it. No regrets.
So the bargain was struck and our tale of sex for cash turning into true love began.
As with most books about rent boys, the two MC's wasted no time hitting the sheets. Within the first few chapters, Josh was legs to Jesus and actually enjoying it this time. A lot.
And Rupert found Josh simply addictive, which led to several repeat appointments. *Kuh-ching*
And feelings. *Waaah-waaah*
But who in their right mind falls for a hooker?
And who this side of crazy falls for a 'client' who's paying them for time between the sheets?
Evidently, that would be Josh and Rupert, mutually, which I loved seeing unfold.
We've all seen the good ole' prostitute and john scenario done several times before this. Hello, Pretty Woman is on TBS every other week, so yes, been there, done that.
But Jay's take on this trope was refreshing and entertaining, so I really enjoyed being along for the journey.
And this time around, we're privy to dual points of view from both ends of the cash flow, which was much better than only being in the head of one of the MC's.
Other than the expected "does he really like me or is he just acting because I'm paying him?" and "does he only want me for the sex?" insecurities, the remainder of the drama came from Rupert hiring Josh to attend his mother's (pretentious) wedding.
Add one homophobic (asshole) groom and the stage was set for an explosive turn of events, where everything came to a head and feelings were divulged. Then, thankfully, discussed like adults.
My heart ached for the dilemma in which both Josh and Rupert found themselves as self-doubt and fear of rocking the boat, possibly causing the other to bail completely, made both guys hold their tongues about their feelings for far too long.
We do finally get our HEA, overcoming a huge impasse, when a compromise was reached that allowed both MC's to maintain their dignity and still get what they truly wanted. Each other.
To reiterate, this is a very sexy read, wrapping up the sexy times with a 'not-so-virgin' olive oil scene in the kitchen, but the on-page scenes are, thankfully, only between Josh and Rupert.
Josh also does retire his little black book toward the conclusion, so no worries about cheating once they became a couple, which would've been a huge deal for me.
My only slight disappointment was that we only cross paths with Mac a few times in this story, and Jez even less, so I missed a bit more of a crossover between the two stories.
But that lack of much intermingling between stories 1 and 2 does make this book even more readable completely as a standalone book.
If I had to pick a favorite, gun to my head moment, I must admit that I did enjoy the shorter first book just a *teeny bit* more, mainly because hello, str8 guys 'going gay,' duh.
But this one was a solid 4.25 *EVOO-oooh!* stars for me and I highly recommend this fairly-low angst story, too.
-----------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of this book was provided by the publishers in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
September 6, 2015
*** ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT ***
Well I LOVED Helping Hand and wasn't expecting this one until I stumbled across it...but,oh my what a treat!!!
Josh was introduced in the first book and was a bit of a mystery with all his late night antics.....This is a great M/M read and I think I enjoyed it even more than the first one.
Josh is 22,struggling to put himself through University on his own so he decides to become a rent boy to pay his way....I have to say though it's not seedy at all.....
One night,he's in a bar and his client doesn't show up but someone catches his attention across the bar...
Rupert is a few years older,a bit shy but the moment they see each other,it's game on..
Josh is totally upfront about what he does and Rupert gets kind of an illicit thrill about paying for sex...
So,they have hook ups with Rupert paying for sex but it soon becomes so much more...
This Author writes some of the best M/M erotica..you can really feel the chemistry between her characters and the sex scenes are off the charts hot...there's a lot of them but they don't detract from the story...it's not just gratuitous sex as they totally work in the story.
And,oh my,these men are hot,hot,hot....
I was more than a bit flustered reading this....to all my friends who love man on man action I cannot recommend highly enough.
Both books are quick reads but they are just perfect....
Well I LOVED Helping Hand and wasn't expecting this one until I stumbled across it...but,oh my what a treat!!!
Josh was introduced in the first book and was a bit of a mystery with all his late night antics.....This is a great M/M read and I think I enjoyed it even more than the first one.
Josh is 22,struggling to put himself through University on his own so he decides to become a rent boy to pay his way....I have to say though it's not seedy at all.....
One night,he's in a bar and his client doesn't show up but someone catches his attention across the bar...
Rupert is a few years older,a bit shy but the moment they see each other,it's game on..
Josh is totally upfront about what he does and Rupert gets kind of an illicit thrill about paying for sex...
So,they have hook ups with Rupert paying for sex but it soon becomes so much more...
This Author writes some of the best M/M erotica..you can really feel the chemistry between her characters and the sex scenes are off the charts hot...there's a lot of them but they don't detract from the story...it's not just gratuitous sex as they totally work in the story.
And,oh my,these men are hot,hot,hot....
I was more than a bit flustered reading this....to all my friends who love man on man action I cannot recommend highly enough.
Both books are quick reads but they are just perfect....
September 8, 2015
I find most rent boy books...
And while this one was fairly predictable, it played out better than I was expecting. And by that I mean, the drama wasn't eye roll inducing. That was a definite plus.
I did at times wish that Rupert would have gotten more angry with Josh. Maybe not sat around waiting on him....
But I liked that when it came down to it, Josh didn't run away from what he felt for Rupert.
The steam on this was great. The writing on par.
Overall a good, but maybe not too memorable, addition to the series.
And while this one was fairly predictable, it played out better than I was expecting. And by that I mean, the drama wasn't eye roll inducing. That was a definite plus.
I did at times wish that Rupert would have gotten more angry with Josh. Maybe not sat around waiting on him....
But I liked that when it came down to it, Josh didn't run away from what he felt for Rupert.
The steam on this was great. The writing on par.
Overall a good, but maybe not too memorable, addition to the series.
July 17, 2016
4.5 stars
Josh is studying hard to earn a decent degree and he’s working as a rent boy to leave uni without debt. Because of his job, he has no intentions of getting emotionally attached to anyone, especially one of his clients. But not everything always goes the way we planned.
Rupert works as an IT and although he has never paid for sex, the thought of buying the right to touch someone excites him. When he meets Josh in a bar, he’s immediately attracted to him, so when Josh propositions him, Rupert can’t resist.
Their first night together leads to Rupert becoming Josh regular client. They spend a lot of time with each other and after awhile their appointments start to look more like actual dates. Rupert doesn’t care how much money he’ll have to pay Josh every time they meet. All he wants is to be as close to him as possible.
Josh, on the other hand, has conflicted emotions. He tries to put distance between them and get their relationship back to a purely professional basis, but at the same time he can’t forget about how happy Rupert makes him feel. After Rupert books him for the weekend for his mother’s wedding, he knows that he has to do some serious thinking about what kind of future he wants.
It’s a steamy and sweet story with a good amount of feelings thrown in. Josh and Rupert are very enjoyable characters. They have an amazing sexual tension and they’re just great together. Once I opened this book, I couldn’t put it down. I really liked it and I highly recommend it!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Edited due to flagging. If you want to see my original review, go here.
Josh is studying hard to earn a decent degree and he’s working as a rent boy to leave uni without debt. Because of his job, he has no intentions of getting emotionally attached to anyone, especially one of his clients. But not everything always goes the way we planned.
Rupert works as an IT and although he has never paid for sex, the thought of buying the right to touch someone excites him. When he meets Josh in a bar, he’s immediately attracted to him, so when Josh propositions him, Rupert can’t resist.
Their first night together leads to Rupert becoming Josh regular client. They spend a lot of time with each other and after awhile their appointments start to look more like actual dates. Rupert doesn’t care how much money he’ll have to pay Josh every time they meet. All he wants is to be as close to him as possible.
Josh, on the other hand, has conflicted emotions. He tries to put distance between them and get their relationship back to a purely professional basis, but at the same time he can’t forget about how happy Rupert makes him feel. After Rupert books him for the weekend for his mother’s wedding, he knows that he has to do some serious thinking about what kind of future he wants.
It’s a steamy and sweet story with a good amount of feelings thrown in. Josh and Rupert are very enjoyable characters. They have an amazing sexual tension and they’re just great together. Once I opened this book, I couldn’t put it down. I really liked it and I highly recommend it!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Edited due to flagging. If you want to see my original review, go here.
October 13, 2015
So, this is me the entire time I was reading this:
Never been one to complain of sex, but that was just too much, man!
Someone else felt the same? No? Guess I'm a lone island on this one.
I thought it was fine in Helping Hand with Mac and Jez because it was mostly exploring and first-time experiences.
But here, it was more like: SUCK. PREP. THRUST. CUM. REPEAT.
Add in that I really wasn't comfortable with all the money wasting in a span of a few weeks over an escort. I squirmed every time Rupert did this:
In all honesty though, the thing between Josh and Rupert? It grew very tiresome fast. It was like being in an infinite loop with no means of escape.
I dunno. I think having already read Love Starved by Kate Fierro with a more or less similar plot, I can't help but compare. And this book just didn't hold a candle to it.
2.5 stars rounded up at best.
March 17, 2018
3.5 stars
-Sweet, angst free, cute Cinder-fella story.
-Likable Characters
-Great Chemistry.
-I liked it, but i felt the sex was too much. I can't believe i am saying that!
I need a book with less sex scenes next.
-Sweet, angst free, cute Cinder-fella story.
-Likable Characters
-Great Chemistry.
-I liked it, but i felt the sex was too much. I can't believe i am saying that!
I need a book with less sex scenes next.
September 5, 2015
Have you ever had the Atomic wings at Wing Stop?
I went there once. Talk about on fire. Or as my cousin once delicately put it, "tongue slap your brains out hot". Yep. Not for the faint of heart. More akin to near death experience by face melting.
This novella is in that 'tongue slap your brains out hot' neighborhood. Josh is hot. Rupert is hot. They have hot sex. Even the cover is hot! Look at that thing!
I mentioned it's hot, right?
The sex is varied and copious. This is erotica at its finest. If you're on the hunt for hot mansex, frotting, oral, rimming or quasi-public handsyness, you've hit the jackpot.
The plot is thin and predictable as is the relationship development.
This trope between a rent boy and his client falling in love I actually buy. Sex is an intimate act with or without money being involved. I imagine the lines are easily blurred between professional and personal, especially within the context of an ongoing relationship. Mix in the circumstances under which Josh and Rupert meet coupled with the fact that they're hot for each other right from the start and it's a seamless progression into personal rather than professional. Northcote did a first-rate job of portraying that progression and the angst that ensues.
I had to suspend reality a bit for Like a Lover, a task which I'm getting vaguely better at, for a couple of reasons.
The first being the dynamic between Rupert and Josh. Rupert is circling the Gideon Cross aka crazy train possessive block and he's trying to date a rent boy? My initial endgame for these two was they'd be splitsville inside a year with Rupert finding a Josh clone, but never getting over him then devolving into a drinking problem and maybe a sex addiction with only Josh doppelgangers that he would pay to call Josh and then wail at the end because they could never be him!
But as the story unfolded Josh's characterization evolved unexpectedly.
Josh starts off as this cocky, self-assured, sexy rent boy whose milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.
And POOF! suddenly he's this shy, blushing, insecure, angst ridden and lonely wannabe boyfriend?
I get being lonely and wanting someone to watch bad tv with and cuddle, but I liked first incantation Josh.
Initial Josh was a BAMF! and I hearted him. That Josh has been dealt a shit hand by life and told life to go fuck itself. He didn't have time for self-pity. He had a life plan and it didn't involve wallowing or feeling sorry for himself. That Josh was resilient, confident and charming. Frankly, I was sad to see him go and I don't think he had to, but BAMF Josh and boyfriend Josh somehow became mutually exclusive.
So, second incantation Josh and Rupert might make it, but I'm still thinking Rupert will suffocate him over time. You can't cage a free bird even if it is in a gilded cage.
I had a couple other niggles one being the money. Where is Josh's money going? He acts as though he's on the brink of homelessness, but he's popular and he ain't no bargain basement rent boy. He's not a drug user. He's not into extravagant things. He's not a clothes horse. He doesn't party like it's 1999. Hell, the two months that he's charging Rupert alone are a financial windfall, yet he acts like any second now he'll be panhandling on the streets? How much does it cost to be a student? Ramen isn't expensive.
The other niggle is the pacing slows to a crawl in spots. All the talk of roses at the wedding resort springs to mind and during those times I started to think this novella would wend up in the 3 hearts range. But then Hedonistic Cupcake would read another face meltingly hot sex scene and tell Logical Cupcake where to stick it.
So... Hedonistic Cupcake says...
Because...
*eye roll @ GR* ^^^blog only, I guess.^^^
Clearly, she wears the pants around here.
Hedonistic Cupcake: 7,289,234
Logical Cupcake: 2
Hence the 4 Tongue Slap Yo Brains Out Hot Hearts.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I went there once. Talk about on fire. Or as my cousin once delicately put it, "tongue slap your brains out hot". Yep. Not for the faint of heart. More akin to near death experience by face melting.
This novella is in that 'tongue slap your brains out hot' neighborhood. Josh is hot. Rupert is hot. They have hot sex. Even the cover is hot! Look at that thing!
I mentioned it's hot, right?
The sex is varied and copious. This is erotica at its finest. If you're on the hunt for hot mansex, frotting, oral, rimming or quasi-public handsyness, you've hit the jackpot.
The plot is thin and predictable as is the relationship development.
This trope between a rent boy and his client falling in love I actually buy. Sex is an intimate act with or without money being involved. I imagine the lines are easily blurred between professional and personal, especially within the context of an ongoing relationship. Mix in the circumstances under which Josh and Rupert meet coupled with the fact that they're hot for each other right from the start and it's a seamless progression into personal rather than professional. Northcote did a first-rate job of portraying that progression and the angst that ensues.
I had to suspend reality a bit for Like a Lover, a task which I'm getting vaguely better at, for a couple of reasons.
The first being the dynamic between Rupert and Josh. Rupert is circling the Gideon Cross aka crazy train possessive block and he's trying to date a rent boy? My initial endgame for these two was they'd be splitsville inside a year with Rupert finding a Josh clone, but never getting over him then devolving into a drinking problem and maybe a sex addiction with only Josh doppelgangers that he would pay to call Josh and then wail at the end because they could never be him!
But as the story unfolded Josh's characterization evolved unexpectedly.
Josh starts off as this cocky, self-assured, sexy rent boy whose milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.
And POOF! suddenly he's this shy, blushing, insecure, angst ridden and lonely wannabe boyfriend?
I get being lonely and wanting someone to watch bad tv with and cuddle, but I liked first incantation Josh.
Initial Josh was a BAMF! and I hearted him. That Josh has been dealt a shit hand by life and told life to go fuck itself. He didn't have time for self-pity. He had a life plan and it didn't involve wallowing or feeling sorry for himself. That Josh was resilient, confident and charming. Frankly, I was sad to see him go and I don't think he had to, but BAMF Josh and boyfriend Josh somehow became mutually exclusive.
So, second incantation Josh and Rupert might make it, but I'm still thinking Rupert will suffocate him over time. You can't cage a free bird even if it is in a gilded cage.
I had a couple other niggles one being the money. Where is Josh's money going? He acts as though he's on the brink of homelessness, but he's popular and he ain't no bargain basement rent boy. He's not a drug user. He's not into extravagant things. He's not a clothes horse. He doesn't party like it's 1999. Hell, the two months that he's charging Rupert alone are a financial windfall, yet he acts like any second now he'll be panhandling on the streets? How much does it cost to be a student? Ramen isn't expensive.
The other niggle is the pacing slows to a crawl in spots. All the talk of roses at the wedding resort springs to mind and during those times I started to think this novella would wend up in the 3 hearts range. But then Hedonistic Cupcake would read another face meltingly hot sex scene and tell Logical Cupcake where to stick it.
So... Hedonistic Cupcake says...
Because...
*eye roll @ GR* ^^^blog only, I guess.^^^
Clearly, she wears the pants around here.
Hedonistic Cupcake: 7,289,234
Logical Cupcake: 2
Hence the 4 Tongue Slap Yo Brains Out Hot Hearts.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2017
4.25 HEARTS--
Before reading
:
I came here for the rent boy. *nods*
After reading : Well hell, I think this might be my fave Northcote book so far!
Let me clarify: the story is 4.5 Hearts, narration is about a 4. So I'm averaging to get my rating.
I write this review with eyes dilated and brains slowly leaking through my ears. Because the story...
Braingasm. It's a thing.
Not bad for hot vanilla.
Josh is a university student who pays his way through school with the one talent he's really good at: sex. When a client bails one night at a bar, he sees a new hot ginger haired prospect in Rupert. (Now I know what you're thinking. You imagined Rupert Grint when I said ginger haired Rupert. Right? Is it only me? I know it's not just me.)
Rupert is a few years older, slightly well off due to an inheritance and works in the IT department. He's also socially awkward, had a challenging home life (mom's not supportive and his stepdad to be homophobic) and is single. Rupert is sort of a loner.
Josh saw easy money in the beginning. But...still waters run deep. That first night blew Josh's mind.
As did Rupert's.
As did mine's.
j/k it was that mirror scene that topped it for me
When Josh and Rupert are near any bed or flat surface, they ooze sexual chemistry from their pores. It's damn near tangible. And the narrator, Mark Steadman, did a decent job of capturing the hot between the sheets (or mirror) moments. I've been spoiled by another Brit narrator, so it's hard not to compare. But Steadman is just like his name, steady. He has a calming, clear voice. He ramps it up when the boys are ready to go. And my favorite word he said was "arse". He made it breathy and sexy. *shrugs* Who knew?
For me, Northcote's writing can be hit or miss. Or I should say strong start, fizzled middle and then a soft ending. And with "Like a Lover", the second thirds were stronger. It's not a unique rent boy romance, but all parts of the story work. There were fewer slower moments. I actually listened to the audiobook twice. I never do that.
I did read along with audiobook, I don't think it added to listening. (I found the story to be stronger) I enjoyed reading Rupert and Josh's feelings change into something more. Though there was a point when Rupert was turning manipulative, Josh got the message. It's just his feelings got in the way. I liked the side characters (Steadman's voices for ladies in the book had me giggling). I didn't read any of the other Housemates books, I wasn't lost or found it hard to follow along. It can be read as a standalone (Though I'll be rectifying this error shortly)
We get to read Josh and Rupert fall for each other, make stupid mistakes and not drag them out for too long. So client/john to friends to fake boyfriends who bone to well...more.
Thankfully, it ends in with a HEA.
Hot vanilla read with some feels, low angst and memorable moments can be found here. Recommended if you're in the mood for that.
I came here for the rent boy. *nods*
After reading : Well hell, I think this might be my fave Northcote book so far!
Let me clarify: the story is 4.5 Hearts, narration is about a 4. So I'm averaging to get my rating.
I write this review with eyes dilated and brains slowly leaking through my ears. Because the story...
Braingasm. It's a thing.
Not bad for hot vanilla.
Josh is a university student who pays his way through school with the one talent he's really good at: sex. When a client bails one night at a bar, he sees a new hot ginger haired prospect in Rupert. (Now I know what you're thinking. You imagined Rupert Grint when I said ginger haired Rupert. Right? Is it only me? I know it's not just me.)
Rupert is a few years older, slightly well off due to an inheritance and works in the IT department. He's also socially awkward, had a challenging home life (mom's not supportive and his stepdad to be homophobic) and is single. Rupert is sort of a loner.
Josh saw easy money in the beginning. But...still waters run deep. That first night blew Josh's mind.
As did Rupert's.
As did mine's.
j/k it was that mirror scene that topped it for me
When Josh and Rupert are near any bed or flat surface, they ooze sexual chemistry from their pores. It's damn near tangible. And the narrator, Mark Steadman, did a decent job of capturing the hot between the sheets (or mirror) moments. I've been spoiled by another Brit narrator, so it's hard not to compare. But Steadman is just like his name, steady. He has a calming, clear voice. He ramps it up when the boys are ready to go. And my favorite word he said was "arse". He made it breathy and sexy. *shrugs* Who knew?
For me, Northcote's writing can be hit or miss. Or I should say strong start, fizzled middle and then a soft ending. And with "Like a Lover", the second thirds were stronger. It's not a unique rent boy romance, but all parts of the story work. There were fewer slower moments. I actually listened to the audiobook twice. I never do that.
I did read along with audiobook, I don't think it added to listening. (I found the story to be stronger) I enjoyed reading Rupert and Josh's feelings change into something more. Though there was a point when Rupert was turning manipulative, Josh got the message. It's just his feelings got in the way. I liked the side characters (Steadman's voices for ladies in the book had me giggling). I didn't read any of the other Housemates books, I wasn't lost or found it hard to follow along. It can be read as a standalone (Though I'll be rectifying this error shortly)
We get to read Josh and Rupert fall for each other, make stupid mistakes and not drag them out for too long. So client/john to friends to fake boyfriends who bone to well...more.
Thankfully, it ends in with a HEA.
Hot vanilla read with some feels, low angst and memorable moments can be found here. Recommended if you're in the mood for that.
June 28, 2024
2.5 stars
I expected this story as sweet and fun as book 1 is. But Like a Lover is nowhere compared to Helping Hand as for romance, emotions, and smile-worthy moments.
The story is too Pretty Woman-ish. Josh is an escort, who falls in love with one of his clients, Rupert. While I have no problem with the theme, I have issues with the plot (too predictable) and with the erotica (no built-up, no tension, no anticipation).
Josh and Rupert are likeable enough, but not as adorable as Jez and Mac (can’t help but comparing, sorry!).
Altogether Like a Lover is an enjoyable story, but nothing outstanding for me. But I’m still up for book 3 Practice Makes Perfect and book 4 Watching and Wanting.
I expected this story as sweet and fun as book 1 is. But Like a Lover is nowhere compared to Helping Hand as for romance, emotions, and smile-worthy moments.
The story is too Pretty Woman-ish. Josh is an escort, who falls in love with one of his clients, Rupert. While I have no problem with the theme, I have issues with the plot (too predictable) and with the erotica (no built-up, no tension, no anticipation).
Josh and Rupert are likeable enough, but not as adorable as Jez and Mac (can’t help but comparing, sorry!).
Altogether Like a Lover is an enjoyable story, but nothing outstanding for me. But I’m still up for book 3 Practice Makes Perfect and book 4 Watching and Wanting.
Read
August 10, 2015This is a spin off from Helping Hand and tells Josh's story.
It can be read as a standalone, but if you want to read both books it's better to start with Helping Hand.
It can be read as a standalone, but if you want to read both books it's better to start with Helping Hand.
September 14, 2016
Hot, hot, hot! I loved these boys so much and didn't want their story to end. When I saw that Josh had a book I just had to read it and I'm so happy that I did. His was an unconventional story but it was brilliant so you will hear no complaints from me. The sexual tension between Josh and Rupert was very well done and it kept the book intriguing and sexy. I loved how they were a little unsure of each other, yet unwilling to part from one another.
Bottom line, if you're looking for a sexy mm read then this is the one you will want to read.
September 2, 2015
Meh, it's your average rent boy story. Review to come.
August 7, 2021
There was nothing I enjoyed about this. They had the personalities of cardboard and it was just
so
dreadfully boring. I loved the first book in this series but this one was a complete miss for me. 🤷♀️
August 22, 2016
For audio review click here.
4.5 Stars
THIS is the Jay Northcote I know and love.
Let me get this out of the way first, okay? WOW! Josh is a escort/whore?! What a FANTASTIC plot twist!
I knew when reading Helping Hand I wanted more of Josh. And boy did Jay deliver for me!
I loved this! I loved how much Josh and Rupert began to feel for each other, I loved the hesitancy in admitting their feelings, I loved how Josh wasn't willing to compromise in the end, I loved all the super, fantastic, hot, hot, hot sex, I absolutely loved that I did not see the whole "escort" thing coming, and mostly? I absolutely loved that despite Josh being paid for sex - this wasn't all dark and angsty.
RECOMMENDED!
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
4.5 Stars
THIS is the Jay Northcote I know and love.
Let me get this out of the way first, okay? WOW! Josh is a escort/whore?! What a FANTASTIC plot twist!
I knew when reading Helping Hand I wanted more of Josh. And boy did Jay deliver for me!
I loved this! I loved how much Josh and Rupert began to feel for each other, I loved the hesitancy in admitting their feelings, I loved how Josh wasn't willing to compromise in the end, I loved all the super, fantastic, hot, hot, hot sex, I absolutely loved that I did not see the whole "escort" thing coming, and mostly? I absolutely loved that despite Josh being paid for sex - this wasn't all dark and angsty.
RECOMMENDED!
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
February 28, 2017
This is my favorite of all four of books.
This author is an automatic read for me. There's never a miss with his stories. I may like some more than other's, but I know I will always come away from the story having enjoyed it. Which is why it was no surprised that I enjoyed this story so much.
This book felt like it had more of a plot than any of the other books. There is an actual story happening instead of the characters just getting each other off until they declare feelings for each other. I also felt that these two had the most chemistry out of all the other couples. Second would be Ewan and Dev, third Jez and Mac, then Jude and Shawn. The last two just felt more insta love than the other two couples.
We actually get some back story on each character which I think made them more interesting and relatable considering you didn't get that with the other couples.
Josh has no mother and an alcoholic father who is no help to him financially and hasn't seen him in a couple years. Deciding he doesn't want to finish his schooling with a bunch of loans to have to pay off, he decides being an escort is his best option to make good money to get himself through uni.
Rupert works at the university in the IT department and is new to the town. His father passed away when he was a young teen leaving Rupert enough money that he doesn't have to work, but obviously feels the need to. His mother is very posh and marrying a man who would like for Rupert to put himself back in the closet for his wedding. Dick.
Rupert meets Josh in a bar were they've both been stood up, Rupert by an online date, and Josh by his client for the night. Rupert has never paid for sex but can't refuse that he's quite taken with Josh and maybe even a bit excited about the aspect of owning someone for an hour or two.
Josh is as taken by Rupert as Rupert is by him. Soon the lines start getting blurred and both men start wanting more than the other might not be ready to give.
It was a great story. Loved the guys and enjoyed the build up of their relationship.
This author is an automatic read for me. There's never a miss with his stories. I may like some more than other's, but I know I will always come away from the story having enjoyed it. Which is why it was no surprised that I enjoyed this story so much.
This book felt like it had more of a plot than any of the other books. There is an actual story happening instead of the characters just getting each other off until they declare feelings for each other. I also felt that these two had the most chemistry out of all the other couples. Second would be Ewan and Dev, third Jez and Mac, then Jude and Shawn. The last two just felt more insta love than the other two couples.
We actually get some back story on each character which I think made them more interesting and relatable considering you didn't get that with the other couples.
Josh has no mother and an alcoholic father who is no help to him financially and hasn't seen him in a couple years. Deciding he doesn't want to finish his schooling with a bunch of loans to have to pay off, he decides being an escort is his best option to make good money to get himself through uni.
Rupert works at the university in the IT department and is new to the town. His father passed away when he was a young teen leaving Rupert enough money that he doesn't have to work, but obviously feels the need to. His mother is very posh and marrying a man who would like for Rupert to put himself back in the closet for his wedding. Dick.
Rupert meets Josh in a bar were they've both been stood up, Rupert by an online date, and Josh by his client for the night. Rupert has never paid for sex but can't refuse that he's quite taken with Josh and maybe even a bit excited about the aspect of owning someone for an hour or two.
Josh is as taken by Rupert as Rupert is by him. Soon the lines start getting blurred and both men start wanting more than the other might not be ready to give.
It was a great story. Loved the guys and enjoyed the build up of their relationship.
October 24, 2023
Another good book in this series! This book (like book 1) was a quick read, but very fun and engaging. Perfect when you just want a nice quick read. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series
February 9, 2017
I really really liked this, but I have to complain about one thing.
Who on earth names their 26 year old MC RUPERT….. If the guy was in his fifties, I could understand, but Rupert for a 26 year old guy… It kept pulling me out of the story because I kept seeing him.
Instead of him.
Josh is a rent boy. He like what he does and he likes that he doesn’t need student loans to finish university.
But then he meets Rupert. Rupert is 26 and thinks he is making a date with Josh, when Josh says it will cost him. Even though Rupert hadn’t planned on paying for sex, he simply cannot resist Josh.(I want a Josh of my own!)
Rupert wants Josh any way he can get him, so he quickly becomes a regular. The two of them grow closer until neither can deny the fact that it’s more than business between them. They do keep their feelings a secret from each other until the end, but the story was definitely not overly angsty.
Josh does see other client when he just starts ‘seeing’ Rupert (in a professional way), but it’s not long before he only sees Rupert and he cancels his other clients.
Besides the name, I did feel as if Rupert was a bit stiff at times, but I still really enjoyed this story. The sex scenes were HOT and frequent, but not too frequent to end up being boring.
Yep, this was a great read.
Who on earth names their 26 year old MC RUPERT….. If the guy was in his fifties, I could understand, but Rupert for a 26 year old guy… It kept pulling me out of the story because I kept seeing him.
Instead of him.
Josh is a rent boy. He like what he does and he likes that he doesn’t need student loans to finish university.
But then he meets Rupert. Rupert is 26 and thinks he is making a date with Josh, when Josh says it will cost him. Even though Rupert hadn’t planned on paying for sex, he simply cannot resist Josh.(I want a Josh of my own!)
Rupert wants Josh any way he can get him, so he quickly becomes a regular. The two of them grow closer until neither can deny the fact that it’s more than business between them. They do keep their feelings a secret from each other until the end, but the story was definitely not overly angsty.
Josh does see other client when he just starts ‘seeing’ Rupert (in a professional way), but it’s not long before he only sees Rupert and he cancels his other clients.
Besides the name, I did feel as if Rupert was a bit stiff at times, but I still really enjoyed this story. The sex scenes were HOT and frequent, but not too frequent to end up being boring.
Yep, this was a great read.
June 11, 2023
Quite a lovely read. The least angsty rent boy book I’ve read without any scenes of the mc with other people, no violence, drugs or homelessness. This focused mostly on their relationship development and slow burn romance and I liked how it was more fleshed out than book 1.
August 30, 2015
ARC of Like A Lover provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
4.5 Stars
Like a Lover is ridiculously HAWT. When I read Jay Northcote, I know I can count on sweet, low angst stories featuring British boys falling in love. Somewhat reluctantly. This one, though? This one has all that but with extra scorch. Seriously, I thought I was running a fever for a bit there.
We first met Josh in Helping Hand. He's the gay housemate that helped Jez and Mac get their collective shit together. Anyway, Josh is a rentboy. He doesn't exactly come from money, and he wants an education, so that he can get a good job and not be like either of his parents. He could take loans that he'd be paying off forever, or he could opt for a more profitable and potentially fun job of sex for cash. Door number 2, please, Monty. Heh, that pun was completely unintended, but I'm going with it.
While waiting for a client in a bar, one night, Josh spies a hot ginger, who also seemed to be waiting for someone. When it was clear that they both got stood up, Josh introduces himself. They talk and when the conversation turns to sex, Josh is honest with Rupert about the fact it will cost him. Rupert, only a little reluctantly, agrees, because he wants to spend time with Josh. And, the thrill of paying for it turned him on. Big time.
And thus starts a beautiful and HAWT business relationship, where the lines definitely got blurred, until the boundaries were completely gone. There's very little drama or angst here and it worked. I found myself completely drawn in and I adored both Josh and Rupert and wanted nothing more than for the two of them to take what they found in each other and run with it. And, worry not, there is no on page sex with any of Josh's other clients. I am quite thankful we did not have to suffer through that.
Like a Lover is not like most rentboy stories I've read. This one is so damn sweet and hot and had the best HEA. Read it. You know you want to.
4.5 Stars
Like a Lover is ridiculously HAWT. When I read Jay Northcote, I know I can count on sweet, low angst stories featuring British boys falling in love. Somewhat reluctantly. This one, though? This one has all that but with extra scorch. Seriously, I thought I was running a fever for a bit there.
We first met Josh in Helping Hand. He's the gay housemate that helped Jez and Mac get their collective shit together. Anyway, Josh is a rentboy. He doesn't exactly come from money, and he wants an education, so that he can get a good job and not be like either of his parents. He could take loans that he'd be paying off forever, or he could opt for a more profitable and potentially fun job of sex for cash. Door number 2, please, Monty. Heh, that pun was completely unintended, but I'm going with it.
While waiting for a client in a bar, one night, Josh spies a hot ginger, who also seemed to be waiting for someone. When it was clear that they both got stood up, Josh introduces himself. They talk and when the conversation turns to sex, Josh is honest with Rupert about the fact it will cost him. Rupert, only a little reluctantly, agrees, because he wants to spend time with Josh. And, the thrill of paying for it turned him on. Big time.
And thus starts a beautiful and HAWT business relationship, where the lines definitely got blurred, until the boundaries were completely gone. There's very little drama or angst here and it worked. I found myself completely drawn in and I adored both Josh and Rupert and wanted nothing more than for the two of them to take what they found in each other and run with it. And, worry not, there is no on page sex with any of Josh's other clients. I am quite thankful we did not have to suffer through that.
Like a Lover is not like most rentboy stories I've read. This one is so damn sweet and hot and had the best HEA. Read it. You know you want to.
September 10, 2015
I think it's time I accepted that Jay Northcote's a hit or miss with me. My ratings for her are all over the place. In this case, while I enjoyed 'Like a Lover', I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed. That's only because I thought Helping Hand was all kinds of awesome, so I was expecting a lot more from this book.
I think my main gripe is that the plot was just so generic. Of course, there's only so much authors can do to make a contemporary romance "new", but Like a Lover was just tiring to read because it seemed to be a repeat of many other rentboy MM books. I was able to accurately predict what was going to happen next without even thinking too hard.
What makes up for the repetitiveness is the smoking hot sex. After Jez and Mac burned up my tablet screen in book 1, I was sure Northcote would be giving a repeat performance. I was not disappointed!
By the way, I totally pictured Rupert as Colby Keller. Let me have my fun!
Also, I liked how the author handled the character development. Initially, Josh is a badass who doesn't need a man, and Rupert is a bit of jerk that needs to learn how to respect boundaries. I wasn't sure what to think of either of them. But the author gradually changes that perception. Josh opens up, allowing himself to love and care after a long time of shutting himself off. And Rupert learns that it's not all about him. Sure, these two probably need to put in some more work, but I was satisfied that they could be a well-functioning couple by the end.
So it's 3 stars for me. While I had some niggles about the plot, the hella hot sex and classic Northcote English charm made up for a lot of it. Overall, I liked it.
I think my main gripe is that the plot was just so generic. Of course, there's only so much authors can do to make a contemporary romance "new", but Like a Lover was just tiring to read because it seemed to be a repeat of many other rentboy MM books. I was able to accurately predict what was going to happen next without even thinking too hard.
What makes up for the repetitiveness is the smoking hot sex. After Jez and Mac burned up my tablet screen in book 1, I was sure Northcote would be giving a repeat performance. I was not disappointed!
By the way, I totally pictured Rupert as Colby Keller. Let me have my fun!
Also, I liked how the author handled the character development. Initially, Josh is a badass who doesn't need a man, and Rupert is a bit of jerk that needs to learn how to respect boundaries. I wasn't sure what to think of either of them. But the author gradually changes that perception. Josh opens up, allowing himself to love and care after a long time of shutting himself off. And Rupert learns that it's not all about him. Sure, these two probably need to put in some more work, but I was satisfied that they could be a well-functioning couple by the end.
So it's 3 stars for me. While I had some niggles about the plot, the hella hot sex and classic Northcote English charm made up for a lot of it. Overall, I liked it.
June 10, 2017
I've yet to really find much fault in any of the Northcote books I've read. Easy, breezy with a touch of angst - this is a perfect read if you don't want to think or fret too hard. Thankfully, with each new story, the steam factor has steadily increased as well.
Absolutely no arguments here.
Absolutely no arguments here.
September 29, 2016
He leído otros de Northcote que me han gustado mucho más y, definitivamente, el topic del rent boy enamorado del cliente no me va.
September 7, 2015
I loved Josh in Helping Hand. The openly gay guy who gets through University working as a rent boy. I was curious about his story.
This had Pretty Woman vibes all over it. Me love a good fairytale!!
Josh
Josh meets Rupert at a bar where he was supposed to meet a client. There is immediately attraction.
Rupert has never paid for sex but is now tempted. Soon he feels he needs to see Josh all the time.
"He’s very affectionate. I don’t know. Sometimes I have to remind myself he’s only a client, not… more.”
Rupert
The more time they spend together, the more they want each other. Josh feels he needs to put distance between them cause he feels it’s getting harder for him to see this between him and Rupert as only sex.
“I choose what makes you feel good,” Rupert said. “Just because I’m paying doesn’t mean I don’t want you to enjoy this too. I get off on you getting off. So I want you to tell me what you want… what feels good for you."
Rupert does not care, he’ll have Josh any way he wants him. Even if he spends all of his inheritance!
Soon the lines begin to blur. Rupert asks Josh out for lunch and even invites him as his plus one to his mother’s wedding.
Josh and Rupert were very sweet together and the HEA worked itself out quite good!!
Their lives were entwining, and it felt good.
*Recommended*
August 22, 2016
For book review click here.
4.5 Stars
I loved the story and thought Marc Steadman lived up to his name...the narration was steady (I didn't notice any overt pausing or tone problems), it had a nice flow, and Steadman offered good character voices.
One of the things really imperative in getting the narration for this story right, in my opinion, is the sex scenes. With Josh being a sex worker, but also really liking, and eventually falling for, Rupert, it was important for the heat to come through in the narration and Steadman definitely brought out the passion they have for each other.
All in all I thought Steadman did really well and I hope he'll continue to carry on with the series.
Recommended!
Audio copy of Like A Lover provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
I loved the story and thought Marc Steadman lived up to his name...the narration was steady (I didn't notice any overt pausing or tone problems), it had a nice flow, and Steadman offered good character voices.
One of the things really imperative in getting the narration for this story right, in my opinion, is the sex scenes. With Josh being a sex worker, but also really liking, and eventually falling for, Rupert, it was important for the heat to come through in the narration and Steadman definitely brought out the passion they have for each other.
All in all I thought Steadman did really well and I hope he'll continue to carry on with the series.
Recommended!
Audio copy of Like A Lover provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2017
Meh. I'll readily admit Northcote's writing has greatly improved over the course of her career, but this story just didn't resonate all that well with me. Perhaps because I'm tired of the rentboy/escort storylines. There was a reason I disliked Pretty Woman...Sometimes someone does this trope correctly, but for the most part, I find the entire thing skeezy and have a hard time sympathizing with the MC because of it. To top it off, Josh and Rupert had absolutely no idea how to communicate, so they kept hurting each other's feelings, and then those instances were never resolved, which signaled a piling-up of resentment that I couldn't help but imagine blowing up in their faces shortly after their HEA.
Removed from Kindle
Removed from Kindle
September 6, 2015
I love this series from Jay, and was very vocal in wanting a book for Josh after Helping Hand. Luckily, Jay was swamped with similar requests, and here we are. 4.5 stars from me, I adored Rupert and as for Josh, well there were occasions when he needed a really good smack but eventually he and Rupert got things sorted out and I loved my HEA. Thanks Jay!! <3
September 30, 2015
***3.5 Stars***
Another sweet, quick and OH SO sexy and steamy read from Jay Northcote.
Josh and Rupert set my kindle on fire. The chemistry between these two was en fuego!
The rent boy plot was predictable, but still enjoyable. No unnecessary angsty drama was added, which I was thankful for. Dual POV's definitely helped, with Rupert stealing the spotlight by being downright adorably vulnerable. And I loved the extra sweet epilogue that tied a smile inducing bow around this entertaining read.
September 9, 2015
*4.5 stars*
This was my favorite Jay Northcote book after Nothing Ventured. There isn't anything to say that hasn't been said, very well sketched characters, great chemistry, very believable plot, very steamy. And not too heavy on the sex-for-pay element. Not heavy at all.
The guy on the cover is the perfect Josh and Dani has the perfect Rupert. Recommended.
This was my favorite Jay Northcote book after Nothing Ventured. There isn't anything to say that hasn't been said, very well sketched characters, great chemistry, very believable plot, very steamy. And not too heavy on the sex-for-pay element. Not heavy at all.
The guy on the cover is the perfect Josh and Dani has the perfect Rupert. Recommended.
September 8, 2015
A sweet and fluffy rent boy falls for a client story, what more could I ask for? Oh yeah, lots of scorching sex, and this one totally delivered.
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