Book Review: "Himbo Takes It All" by CD Rachels

Having an unrequited crush on a friend is difficult to deal with. It’s even worse when you’re gay and you have a crush on your straight best friend. That’s the situation with Andres. He’s been best friends with Hamadi since college, they live together, and they’re very affectionate with each other, but Hamadi still dates women. Lots of them.

“Hamadi, even on his worst days, is so damn lovable. He’s a hulking mass of brown skin, chiseled abs, three brain cells, and a heart of gold.”

Andres has put dating on hold because he keeps hoping Hamadi’s feelings might change. But his friends convince him to try speed dating, and even Hamadi supports it—but he tags along to make sure no one takes advantage of Andres, which causes quite a bit of chaos. In the end, though, Andres meets Hector, and they hit it off.

Suddenly, with Andres in a relationship, Hamadi feels left out. He loves Andres, but not like that. Right? But the more alone he feels, the more he starts to realize his feelings are more than just friendship. He wants to be with Andres.

When Andres gets an opportunity to intern for a famous chef, Hamadi worries that he’s too much of a himbo to be a good partner. And as they continue “experimenting,” neither wants to admit their true feelings. Will that cause them to lose out on everything?

This is the second book in CD Rachels’ Single Gamers’ Society series. I found this to be sweet, super steamy, and fun, and I just really enjoy these characters and their camaraderie.