Brien Michaels

A Hearts On Fire Review

THREE STARS-- "Not Like the Movies" is book #2 in the Sexy College Studs series. I'm a newbie to the series and author but based on the blurb, I was expecting a light, rom-com type of romance with cute new adult fun. There's a comedy of errors mix up between two roommates- a gay loner/awkward virgin (Jay) and his seemingly straight jock roommate, Chris.

The story had a solid start, showcasing Jay and his antisocial tendencies and ways he dreamed up a perfect romance based on movies. And thankfully were get alternating POV between Jay and his roommate after 22% in. Story's just piling on the cuteness. Uh-oh there's a stalker calling the boys. But he's not extremely creeptastic, story's still good. All good. Up until about 40-45% of the story I was in light, cute fluff happy-joy-joy and then both guys started dating. Then my happy bubbles started to pop slowly. There's some weird and random stalker that's been calling has learned more personal details - not as fun. And roommates...*sigh*

Chris? For some one who blatantly stated he didn't define his sexuality, he didn't mind who he fell for...he sure did worry about putting a label on his sexuality. And he did worry what others thought, so how is that not caring? He came across as a selfish lover. He didn't want to reciprocate in giving head or anal...I mean what did he really offer, some lame strip tease? I think Jay could have done better. In fact at times, I wondered it his feelings for Chris wasn't some form of hero worship.

I wanted more depth added to Chris and Jay's relationship. I wanted the ending with some form of definitive answers. Who's the stalker? How is Chris okay with being such a selfish lover? Why is Jay settling? And the ending was HFN (*pouts*) And besides my issues, there were some good parts. Sometimes the dialogue between Jay and Chris worked and there were bits of cute speckled across. And weighing the issues with the parts that worked, I'm leaning towards more favorable pastures...barely."… (mehr)