Learned Reactions: A Single Dad Romance

Written by Jayce Ellis

Narrated by K. Bernard

Carlton Monroe is finally getting his groove back. After a year playing dad to his
nephew and sending him safely off to college, it’s back to his bachelor ways. But
when his teenaged niece shows up on his doorstep looking for a permanent
home, his plan comes to a screeching halt. Family is everything, and in the eyes of
social services, a couple makes a better adoptive family than an overworked
bachelor father. A fake relationship with his closest friend is the best way to keep
his family together.
If things between him and Deion are complicated, well, it only needs to last until
the end of the semester.
Living with Carlton is a heartbreak waiting to happen, and once the adoption goes
through, Deion’s out. He’s waited two decades for Carlton to realize they’re
meant for each other, and he’s done. It’s time to make a clean break. But it’s hard
to think of moving away when keeping up the act includes some very real perks
like kissing, cuddling and sharing a bed.
Even the best charades must come to an end, though. As the holidays and Deion’s
departure date loom, the two men must decide whether playing house is enough
for them—or if there’s any chance they could be a family for real.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705044490

Jayce Ellis

Jayce spends her days divorcing “happily married couples” and her nights writing about people like her: Black, queer, fighting for their happy-ever-afters, with her husband and two turtles by her side.

Reviews for Learned Reactions

[Andrea Author · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Deion is longing for a family of his own when his best friend Carlton starts the process of adopting his orphaned niece. Deion has been in love with Carlton for almost 20 years, but Carlton isn't looking for a commitment. At least, that's his cover story. The truth is, Carlton is afraid of being rejected if he gets too close to anyone. When Deion steps in to help with Carlton's niece, they're forced to confront the feelings that have been simmering for two decades. Will they finally take a chance on forever?

I loved so much about this book. Friends to lovers, AA gay romance? Yes, please. And Jayce Ellis's writing style is a pleasure to read. My heart went out to Deion. He loved playing surrogate father, but couldn't afford to settle into that role while Carlton was playing hot and cold. As much as I wanted to be annoyed at Carlton for keeping Deion at arm's length, he had good reasons for his abandonment issues. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.