Title: Chantilly Lace
Series: N/A
Author: EM Woods
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (46 pages)
Publisher: Totally Bound (January 2nd, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo
Blurb: When appearances aren’t everything…
Shea Laporte is a twenty-four year-old professional twink. He gets his way with a bat of his eyelashes and a swish of his hips. Coffee bars, nightclubs, and late, lazy mornings in bed are routine for him. He’s never regretted being who he is—after all, his lovers know what they’re signing up for—but he’s keeping a secret. One he’s more than happy to keep to himself until he meets Murdock ‘Murk’ Rouse, the new tenant in his apartment building.
Murk has been watching Shea flounce in and out of their shared complex for months. At first glance, he thought Shea was nothing better than the whores down on Eight Mile, but after one brief run-in with the spunky blond, he knows all Shea needs is a firm hand and a man who sees him for everything he is—smart, kinky and sexy as hell.
Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/chantilly-lace
Review: Murk has been watching Shea for some time and decides to make his move. Just like the operative he is, he picks the time to strike and always makes sure that his opponent will not get the upper hand. Shea, however despite appearing to take on the trappings of a high-class long-term rent boy is a very deep and complex character with much to offer a partner who’s willing to take the time to get to really know him.
Murk has the time and Shea develops the inclination to want to be only Murk’s. As they explore what they both feel, Shea is able to be more himself with Murk that anyone else and can finally find his forever someone instead of his ‘let’s get together for six months’ someone.
Murk and Shea are both very complex and intense characters and that shows well even in the short story. The weaving of their tale is done well and does not feel rushed despite the brevity of the book. The reader does feel that they both know and understand what motivates both Murk and Shea – the odd pairing makes perfect sense. Often short stories that focus on such intense characters fall flat, but this one holds its own very well even without the epilogue which simply serves to tie a neat bow on the characters and ensure a happy ending for the readers.
Murk and Shea are interesting and colourful and their coming together is hot and consuming. Well worth the short read.