Short and sweet. I’m not familiar with the wider universe that this story is set in but having it be laid out like a glossary along side the story is a very unique way of formatting it.

The plot itself is interesting with a bit of isekai/portal fantasy alongside reincarnation to have Cale appear in the fantasy world alongside a fantasy version of his roommate X. I really enjoyed their interactions together and I’m intrigued by the wider plot. It’s a sweet relationship on both the fantasy and modern sides.

Thank you to the author and to BookSirens for the ARC.

Thank you to the author and to BookSirens for the ARC.

Bo is a billionaire in need of a date for his older brother’s wedding. His temp secretary, Alphones, could be just the man he’s looking for.

It took me a long time to start to vibe with this book. There’s nothing I could really put my finger on, but I was looking for next source of conflict or big argument-filled reveal, and came up lacking. Even the main antagonist, Len, a Ragdoll ex of Bo’s, fell flat and barely existed outside of two-ish scenes he was needed in. The looming threat of the paparazzi never settled into something solid, the family disapproval was momentary. All in all, the plot drifted from vague threats that never really had any impact behind them.

The relationship itself was sweet, if saccharine. It moved far too quickly for my tastes, moving from fake but pining to actual in a matter of days, if not less. Alphie is gentle and caring, a far cry from Bo’s typical choices, while Bo is out of touch at times with Alphie’s life style and mannerisms but grows protective and possessive of Alphie. It leans stereotypical which is a tried and tested formula, but there’s an avenue for something different with the others in the group, Gabe is a particular point of interest with him working as an escort.

The catkin features are ears and tail only which are used for additional points of expression during scenes.

Fantastic book, sobbed three times. No notes.