Title: Out of the Past
Author: Jeffrey Ballam
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel (203 pages)
Publisher: Seventh Window Publications (September 30th 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Paul Vanderwall isn’t looking for love. His last boyfriend, Eric, left him with no explanation and refuses to respond to his phone calls, leaving Paul gun shy about attempting to start another relationship. But then Paul is picked for jury duty and meets a man who intrigues his mind and libido.
Javier Villalobo is the tall, dark, and handsome attorney for the defendant on the sexually provocative case for which Paul is a juror. Paul finds it difficult to listen to the testimony, especially with Javier standing in such close proximity. And if that’s not bad enough, Paul soon runs into Javier outside of the courtroom. But the trial is still in session, which means that Paul can’t respond to Javier’s eye contact, nor can he act on his own growing desire for the sexy lawyer.
When the trial ends and Paul receives a note from Javier asking him on a date, Paul hesitantly accepts.
And then Eric returns with a warning and a threat…
Product Link: http://www.seventhwindow.com/index.php?main_page=product_music_info&cPath=65&products_id=185
Reviewer: Tams
Review: I guess what they say about finding love when you least expect it is true.
Paul Vanderwall has spent the past two years picking up the pieces of his heart that was shattered when his then boyfriend, Eric, left him for no apparent reason. He has his friends and his work as a teacher in LA to keep him busy. No one is more surprised than Paul himself is when he is called for jury duty and is instantly attracted to the tall, dark, and handsome defense attorney. Paul is even more shocked when the trial ends and he gets a letter from said attorney, asking him on a date.
Javier Villalobo is a successful attorney who reads as a strong, confident man who gets what he wants. And he wants Paul. And he does it the right way! He courts him, cooks him dinner and woos Paul into submission. They are open and honest with each other from the start, so Javier is fully aware of Paul’s last relationship and the lack of closure. Both men are still shocked when Eric shows up on Paul’s doorstep begging for forgiveness. Paul has moved on and as unsure as he was when he first started dating Javier that he wanted to commit, he’s come to care for him more than he thought possible and wants to pursue their relationship more than ever. But Eric won’t give up so easily, he wants Paul back, regardless of the consequences.
This story is a roller coaster ride of emotions from start to finish. Paul is such a diverse character and he was such a joy to read. He’s strong and independent, yet awkward and unsure of himself with another man because of what happened with Eric. Javier is strong and confident from the start, but he finds himself unsure as he pursues his relationship with Paul because of Paul’s insecurities. They grow so much as individuals and as a couple throughout the book and Ballam conveys this well with the writing.
A little slow to start, and over descriptive about mundane things, Ballam finds his footing quickly though and delivers a passionate love story with enough intrigue and suspense to keep you turning the pages. I definitely recommend this book to spite that little hiccup at the start. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to get to know Paul and Javier and follow their story as they overcome insecurities and a jealous ass, undeserving ex, to find happiness together.