BFF: Best Friend's Father

Taboo never looked so good

Where to start? I love Devon McCormack and his books narrated by Michael Pauley are my favourites. May/December romances don’t bother me – I recently read a book where there was 40 years’ difference between the two men – but I do see where Mr. McCormack’s book is pushing the limits. In the heterosexual world, ‘best friend’s dad’ as a trope has been around for a while. This book is different from those, and not just because the two main characters are men.

Jesse is a smart young man who has been convinced by his best friend Ty to take a break and head to Mexico. They are staying at Ty’s dad’s condo and aren’t expecting company. When Ty’s dad, Eric, shows up, there are ripples. First, Eric’s relationship with Ty is rough. Jesse’s loyalties are torn because he understands why Ty is angry with Eric, but he’s also empathetic with Eric that the rift was not his fault. Sometimes, Jesse is the most mature man in the condo.

Jesse and Ty are 23. Eric is 42. From the beginning, Jesse and Eric know that if Ty discovers the relationship they’re forging, he will be hurt. That is not enough to stop them from moving forward with their relationship.

This isn’t a ‘taboo’ book in the purest sense of the word, but it does raise ethical issues. And, as I suspect Mr. McCormack wanted, I did feel bad for Ty. Yes, he can be immature, obnoxious, and mean to his father, purposely calling him ‘Eric’ instead of ‘Dad’, but Eric could certainly put in a greater effort. He’s doing ‘cool’ things, hoping Ty will warm up to him, but after 6 years, it’s clear the hands-off approach isn’t working. A particularly poignant exchange between father and son hits Eric hard as Ty reveals a bit of how Eric’s parenting technique is lacking. Eric is left reeling, but it’s Jesse he turns to for confirmation and validation of Ty’s comments. This is further proof of the dysfunction between father and son.

I love that Jesse has the maturity to see the rift between father and son and tries to encourage both to bridge the gap. Those efforts are constantly undermined when he hops into bed with Eric at every possible opportunity (and a few other locations as well because, let’s be honest, why be in a tropical locale and not have sex in the beautiful country?) My loyalties swayed, making this book more of an emotional investment than I had planned.

That is a good thing. I like when books push me out of my comfort zone and force me to examine my own reactions to a particular situation. Eric says to Jesse that it’s “more important to know weaknesses than strengths.” Now, that could be interpreted as a businessman scoping out a rival’s frailties in order to strike effectively, or it could be a man who knows why he’s never had a lasting deep and fulfilling relationship because he’s never let anyone see his weaknesses, his vulnerabilities.

Jesse is often more mature and empathetic than many 23-year-old guys, but his own history informs that. He’s known pain and rejection. When Eric needs him most, Jesse is there. Words mean a lot, and Jesse uses them well, but his actions go a long way as well. Not leaving. Doing research. Even just being willing to cuddle and comfort. Those are powerful things and made me adore Jesse all the more.

The book is dual point-of-view and I prefer that because I can see the situation through both men’s eyes.

Finally – and last but not least – Michael Pauley. I was going to try to not gush at the narrator of the book, but I can’t help it. I have listened to dozens of his books and he always manages to give each character something unique. Although Jesse is the character with less power (at least at the beginning), Michael’s voice for him was strong. Jesse might be new to same-sex relationships, but he knows what he wants, and Mr. Pauley portrays that need and desire. And the sex scenes? Well, there are LOTS of them and Mr. Pauley handles each one brilliantly. My only complaint is that the women (Dana and Mandy) come off as dippy. To be sure, most of this is Devon’s writing, but Michael’s interpretation of them doesn’t help. There is nothing wrong with women who enjoy sex. They don’t necessarily have to come across as vapid. Devon (and Michael) redeem themselves with Allison. She has depth and intelligence and is portrayed as such. As Eric’s friend, she helps him admit his real feelings for Jesse.

To be clear – this book does not end on a cliffhanger per se. Jesse and Eric are together. But, there are a large number of unresolved issues and I have it on good authority that Book 2 is being written at this very moment. I won’t pressure the artistic process, but I will say I am waiting in anticipation. So, this is a great listen with more to come. And I might even forgive Jesse for not knowing who Kate Bush is. Kids these days…

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Love ❤️ love

Omg bff was so good. It was so well written, I can’t wait for the next book. Seriously it went by so fast. I would definitely recommend this book👍 Michael Pauley as usual was amazing 😉

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

EMOTIONALLY INTENSE AND BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY

Wow. That's all I could say throughout most of this story. The intense eroticism literally caught me by surprise and took me on a crazy ride all the way to the bitter end of this amazing love story. I was totally captivated by these two from the very beginning. The combination of the narration along with the dialogue and the dynamic between Jesse and Eric reeled in my heart totally and completely. I did not expect the storyline to be as good as it was, but it was definitely worth the credit that's for sure. I'm looking forward to the next chapter of these taboo lovers' story.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A great escape

It was a great escape from the real world. Listening to the performance, I have to say, I felt like I was watching the story come to life. Cannot wait to hear book two.

Great story and narration

I read my first book by Devon McCormack this year and have loved his books ever since. This book kept me engaged and wanting more. Thank God there’s two more in the series. Michael Pauley is one of the best voices! His voice really brings the story to life.

Steamy!!

Narration by Michael Pauley was great! Hot steamy story. Can’t wait to listen to the second book..

Excellent Story

Great story with excellent characters. I think i that this story deals well with two important social issues in the gay culture. I have already bought the second book.

Erotic, but slightly weak storyline.

Good performance, nice listen, but apart from some severe angst not much happens apart from the main characters getting it on and getting together.

Unfortunately I didn’t realise, when purchasing the book, that this was the first one in a series, but I trust they’ll find their happily ever after in the next book without me.

H-O-T

While everyone wants to harp on how this is a Cliffhanger and they are so upset, this was an amazing book! I had been eagerly awaiting reading this since Devon starting teasing the book, and I am so glad I didn't wait for the follow up. It's super hot and worth the suspense to see how Eric and Jesse's relationship unfolds.

Eric is Jesse's best friend's father and they start to fall for each other while the three of them wind up vacationing at Eric condo in Puerto Vallarta at the same time.

Devon is always one of my go-to, one-click authors in both book and Audible and this is one of my favorites to date. Can't wait for the rest of the story.

to be continued:(

I hate when they don't finish the story. good story, leaves you hanging. boo hiss.