The Backup Boyfriend cover art

The Backup Boyfriend

Boyfriend Chronicles Series, Book 1

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Backup Boyfriend

By: River Jaymes
Narrated by: Marc Bachmann
Try Premium Plus free

Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $31.99

Buy Now for $31.99

About this listen

Professionally, Dr. Alec Johnson has almost reached his goals. As this year's recipient of a humanitarian award with his ex, Dr. Tyler Hall, Alec's work with the homeless is about to be recognized. Unfortunately, his personal life sucks because now he has to attend several events alongside Tyler - with his ex's new boyfriend in tow. In an attempt to lift his mood and break out of his rut, Alec purchases a motorcycle he has no idea how to start. Dylan Booth doesn't have time for Dr. Clueless and his fickle 1964 Harley, but the cocky mechanic can't say no to the request for help.

Having spent his teen years on the streets, and losing his best friend to HIV, Dylan decides teaching the do-gooder how to ride is the least he can do. But watching Alec flounder in his ex's company throws Dylan into protector mode, and the confirmed hetero introduces himself as Alec's new boyfriend. But Dylan's a master bullshitter, and the phony PDA soon turns ultra-hot. Alec can't afford to get attached, and Dylan's learned everyone eventually leaves. Unfortunately, playing the backup boyfriend is starting to feel way too real...

Contains mature themes.

©2013 River Jaymes (P)2015 Tantor Contemporary Contemporary Romance Literature & Fiction Romance
All stars
Most relevant
Dr Alec Johnson is still hurting after being dumped by his ex, Dr Tyler Hall, who has already taken up with a new guy. It doesn’t help that Alec and Tyler work together. In a wild decision Alec purchases a classic motorbike and his total lack of bike knowledge leads him to ask smoking-hot motorcycle mechanic Dylan Booth for lessons. Dylan has always considered himself attracted to women but is drawn to Alec in friendship and more. But as Alec slowly falls in love, he knows he’s heading for trouble.

This throughtful, slightly angsty romance was much more than a gay-for-you story. Dylan’s backstory shows that his reluctance to be labelled isn’t based in fear but in wanting to remain free. I loved that both men really grow emotionally as they begin to understand where the other is coming from. Their chemistry was off the charts, I thought the scenes were incredibly well done. My only reservation was the unnecessary occasional sexist observations by both men when they berated themselves for being ‘girly’ (aka emotional). Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this! I’ve also enjoyed Marc Bachman’s audio narrations before and absolutely loved him here (currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue).

Thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful romance!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Alec and Dylan had enough to work through without Noah sticking his over the top, cliche, meddling arse in the middle of it. Half the drama was A&D listening to Noah’s shitty advice. If they had just trusted each other… but that’s life isn’t it?

The side characters ruined it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
consent is sexy. I made it half way though the book. after two sex scenes that featured 1. sex with a person too drunk to give consent and a partner actively saying no (but not physically overpowering and stopping the scene) and 2. a presumptive sex scene that has characters thinking of asking for consent and deciding a hard body part is consent enough....well I DNF'd

friends to lovers trope

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.