Resisting Rein (Gilcrest University Guys #3) by M.E. Parker

I’ve been waiting for this book ever since I devoured the first two books in the Gilcrest University Guys series. Those two gave me the worst book hangover, and I had almost given up hope that there would ever be a story for Cameron.

This is a mix of the fake-boyfriend, first-time-gay and brother’s-best-friend tropes. It’s made even more delicious by a good helping of sexytimes. And I adored this book. I consumed it pretty much in one sitting and I’m praying the second (and final) part of Cam’s and Rein’s story will be available soon.

Synopsis: Cameron – Cam – Ansley and Rein Davenport have an agreement. Namely, Cameron has signed a contract agreeing to act as Rein’s boyfriend in order to get the press, and Rein’s father, to leave Rein alone. That Rein isn’t gay, that he’s Cameron’s brother’s best friend and a total ass to boot are minor details in the grand scheme of things. Only, he’s sexy AF and Cameron starts to develop the very thing he despises the most – feelings. It doesn’t help that Rein is sending mixed signals either.

This is a dual POV story, so you get Rein’s perspective as well. But Cam still feels like the main character. Which probably isn’t surprising considering he’s been a part of the series from the start.

Cameron is prickly and snarky as hell, and he hadn’t completely won me over in the first two installments. But getting the story from his viewpoint and getting to understand where he came from made all the difference. His hurt was heart-wrenching and that snark and seeming detachment was obviously a self preservation tactic.

Strangely enough, even though there are some darker elements to this story (abusive and bigoted father, grief for a dead brother and mother), it’s still a light-hearted and hopeful read. So yes, I got misty-eyed on occasion, but mostly I just loved the general warmth and heartening feel of Cam’s friends and family. His uncles especially, were so awesome! And his friends always had Cam’s back. Even though I did find it sad that he kept them so much in the dark. They’re like his chosen, adopted family, and he still doesn’t dare rely on them fully.

So basically, it’s a bit bittersweet to follow Cameron’s growing affection for Rein. He’s fighting it all the way and even in the end he hasn’t accepted what they’ve grown to mean for each other. But it’s still a very fulfilling HFN ending and I can’t wait to read the second part of their story, Reaching Rein.

Anyway. Technically, this could be read as a stand alone. But if you haven’t already read book #1 and #2, you’re seriously missing out! So read them all and thank me later!