Just a Kiss ( Geek Ink 3) by R. Cayden

Title: Just a Kiss ( Geek Ink 3)      Word Count: 160 pgs
Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance

Blurb: Geeky friends to tattooed lovers

I have a secret: I’m in love with my best friend.
Rafael is a brilliant artist and a lovable weirdo.
I’ve been pining for him for years, but when he starts an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist, my longing spikes.
My best friend finds a new side to himself, more confidence, and it makes me fall in love all over again.

The problem is Rafael doesn’t do relationships.
And me? I don’t do casual.
Yet somehow, we still end up in bed one day, after he proposes a “sexperiment.”
We’ll be friends with benefits, nothing more.

We might start with just a kiss, but a kiss can still change everything.

Just a Kiss is a steamy, low-angst M/M romance with tattooed geeks and friends-to-lovers fun. It features a sweetheart librarian, an artist coming into his own, and the satisfaction of finally requited pining. The third book in Geek Ink, it can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. Enjoy!

My Review: Alexander and Raphael  have been best friends and roommates for many years. Their living situation is pretty much perfect. They support each other in their everyday lives and embrace each other’s quirks. Raphael is a free spirited artist who is not that great at adulting. On the other hand, Alexander is a very organized librarian.  They would make the perfect couple. There is just one tiny little problem,  Raphael doesn’t do relationships which leaves Alexander pining away from unrequited love for his best friend.

Alexander knows he needs to get back into the dating world when his ex moves back to the city.  He is just very  afraid that he might not live up to being boyfriend material. His inexperience makes him feel as if he might be bad in bed. He mentions this to Raphael and Raphael proposes that they do a ‘sexperiment’. When they kiss for the first time Alexander knows this is exactly what he’s been missing in his life. Surprisingly,  Raphael notices how shaken up he is as well. He is very intrigued by the fireworks that has been set off by his best friend.He’s had tons of hookups,  but nothing is as riveting as the kiss he shared with Alexander.

As they continue on with their everyday life,  they decide to go a little bit further with their experimentation. Raphael sees that he’s had the perfect man at his very fingertips all along. Even though he is excited at this new development,  he’s also very confused and discombobulated. In his heart,  Raphael truly feels as if he has nothing to offer Alexander. He is a hot mess, who hasn’t even been able to figure out a clear career path. His friend Stone, a tattoo artist has been encouraging him to pursue a career in tattoos. Granted , he would have to prove himself to the owner and work his way up. He is certainly not afraid of hard work, only of failing.

Things get a bit overwhelming,  especially when he believes that he might actually lose Alexander to his ex.He feels like such a huge failure in every aspect of his life, but the most disappointing for him is to lose the man with whom he’s spent so many treasured moments. Alexander finds Raphael in tears all alone on the beach. Alexander is devastated seeing Raphael like this. When Raphael professes his love Alexander is exhilarated. He is definitely overcome with all these feelings that he can finally allow Raphael to see.

It’s almost as if acknowledging their  love for each other finally makes the puzzle pieces of their life fit together. Alexander gives Raphael the courage he needs to embrace being a tattoo artist. He starts slow by inking his beautiful illustrations on the body of his lover. The shop owner Ceasar has taken him on as an apprentice,  but it will be awhile before he can showcase his unique style to the world. Alexander is certainly proud to wear his boyfriend’s masterpieces on his body.It somehow brings them even closer together. It was certainly enjoyable watching these friends coming into their own as a couple. Being supportive and encouraging each other was the key to this couple’s success. I give this my rating of 4- lose the underwear.