Title: A Model Escort
Series: Dreamspun Desires 77
Author: Amanda Meuwissen
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (230 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-64080-694-8
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5 March 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: What’s the value of love?
Shy data scientist Owen Quinn is brilliant at predictive models but clueless at romance. Fortunately, a new career allows him to start over hundreds of miles from the ex he would rather forget. But the opportunity might go to waste since this isn’t the kind of problem he knows how to solve. The truth is, he’s terrible at making the first move and wishes a connection didn’t have to revolve around sex.
Cal Mercer works for the Nick of Time Escort Service. He’s picky about his clients and has never accepted a regular who is looking for companionship over sex—but can the right client change his mind? And can real feelings develop while money is changing hands? Owen and Cal might get to the root of their true feelings… if their pasts don’t interfere.
Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Review: A Model Escort, by Amanda Meuwissen for Dreamspinner houseline Dreamspun Desires, is the first book I’ve read by this author. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure what to expect from the book – I know what I’ve come to expect and love by various authors published within Dreamspun Desires and most books follow the same in terms of themes, etc. which is why is part of the line.
I enjoyed the writing style and found that it was easy to connect to both main characters, although I particularly related to Owen in the story. However, I must admit reading about this had me thinking a little bit of Pretty Woman. A comparison which comes up a couple times throughout the story. So there is definitely traces of humour to be found.
The story is about Owen Quinn, he’s a real introvert in that he is shy and finds it difficult to interact with large groups of people (which is why I relate to him so much), a data scientist that, he moves town hundred of miles away when a new job opportunity arises (again, something else I relate to). The best part about this is that he can get away from abusive, controlling ex and start over and learn to love himself.
This is what I find interesting about Owen, despite being an introvert he is quite lonely (not something I relate to, I live alone and for the most part don’t have too many friends outside of work in the city I lived but I am never lonely). A joke about hiring an escort leads Owen to do just that, not for sex but more so for companionship. Cal Mercer is the escort Owen meets. Cal is jaded and probably more tired of his lifestyle than he realises. For Cal meeting Owen is all kinds of interesting, refreshing and life changing. Owen and Cal grow closer as the two begin to cross the line between professional escort to friends (or a sweet and at that point, non-sexual romance). Cal needs to sort out his life and at the same time provides support to Owen to make the most out of her new job and to conquer demons of the past.
This is a sweet and straightforward romance, but nonetheless very enjoyable. I like how tastefully these characters were written because with this concept we could have had soft porn or enough cheese to start a cheese shop. They have a sweet journey and part of what makes these guys relatable is that their story is not over the top with so many clichés.