Tag: Silver ~ A MInd is a Sexy Thing series

The Absent-Minded Astrophysicist by TN Tarrant

Title:  The Absent-Minded Astrophysicist

Series:  A Mind Is a Sexy Thing

Author:  TN Tarrant

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 28, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   Dr. Liam McGregor is a well-respected astrophysicist, astrobiologist and geologist, and he’s only twenty-three. With no family, few friends, and no romantic prospects, he’s gotten used to being alone. Focusing on his various scientific projects and taking care of his decidedly unusual cat help keep the loneliness at bay.

Jareth Manning is starting life over, a new town, new job, after the loss of his husband. The last thing he expected was for the most absentminded, and beautiful, man he’d ever seen to take up residence in his heart. Nor did he expect to find himself a willingly humble slave to Her Imperial Highness, Empress the Cat. But Jareth has learned that love doesn’t come around often, so when it does, hold onto it with both hands.

Jareth is willing to be patient, if Liam is willing to take the risk, after being badly burned before.

They just have to survive Liam’s past returning.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/1049/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Liam has not had a normal childhood.  Recognized as a genius very early, he has always been the odd duck out.  Someday he’ll get around to doing the stuff that other twenty-somethings do, but right now, he has a galaxy to map.

I really enjoyed this book.  Too often geeks are portrayed as just closet freaks. They just need the right person to come along a boom…all of their gawkiness will evaporate during the afterglow.  That only works in fairy tales.  In real life, someone as isolated as Liam is going to have serious issues.  He’s never mingled with his peers, his parents were both MENSA, and he had multiple doctorates before he left his teen.  Poor Jareth, who is still grieving from the senseless death of his husband, is the perfect man to let Liam wrap his head around the logistics of romance.

There were several things that endeared this book to me.  The first was the level of thought and scholarship that went into the medical components.  I love when a book deals with sensitive issues without getting too maudlin.  In this case, Jareth had to deal with months of chronic pain.  Chronic pain is a very real issue and the author presented it brilliantly.  The other thing I liked was the length of time from meeting to mating.  Jareth courted Liam.  There is no other word that adequately describes the walks and the dinners and the cuddling.  Liam was damaged enough to jump into bed with Jareth long before they did.   When they finally get down and dirty, there is no doubt in Liam’s mind that he is cared for.  Their lovin’ is sweet and erotic and well worth the wait. Oh…and I loved the Liam’s “baby” (a real scene stealer that one.)

This was my first TN Tarrant read.  Not sure if she even has a backlist, but know that I’ll be Googling her name to find out.  Highly recommend.

Don't Judge a Book by Scarlet Blackwell

Title:  Don’t Judge a Book

Series:  A Mind is a Sexy Thing

Author:  Scarlet Blackwell

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 28, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   Bring together the unlikeliest of couples–a car thief and a librarian–and watch the sparks fly. Darren and Rhys are ill-matched but their hearts aren’t listening.

Bookworm Rhys lives in the idyllic town of Hawks Bridge and spends his days working at the local library, his evenings quietly reading. He thinks it’s all about books and even the occasional interruption ‘real life’ throws his way cannot change his beliefs.

When car thief Darren arrives to do his community service, Rhys’ world is turned upside down. Rhys thinks the man is uneducated, only to find him reading classics. He expects him to behave like the criminal he is, only Darren doesn’t. While Rhys isn’t exactly out and proud, Darren is in denial about his sexuality.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/1056/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Rhys is a librarian’s assistant.  He spends his days filing books and helping patrons.  He loves his job and is content to spend his evenings reading alone in his apartment.  Darren is a youthful offender assigned to Rhys’ library for community service in lieu of jail time.  He just wants to do his hours and get the hell away from Rhys.

This book is wonderful.  Darren and Rhys start in on each other from the very beginning.  Darren sees Rhys as a pretentious geek and Rhys sees Darren as an illiterate Philistine.  Neither is really aware that all that animosity is masking a whole heap of sexual tension.

Rhys is out and proud and tends to gravitate towards men who are only interested in casual hook-ups.  Darren has never been with another guy, but he can’t seem to keep his hands off of Rhys.  I loved that these two are from a different space than usually found in UK romance.  They’re young, working class stiffs; they cuss, drink and are absolutely beautiful together.  The lovin’ is hot and the overall tone is kinda gritty and urban without falling into that genre fully.  It would have been nice to see more of their home lives, but we get enough to know where each is coming from.

Darren is a bit of an idiot…at first.  But, he manages to make it to happily ever after in one piece.  He might not have started the book “gay, but admits, by the end, he’s “bent as fuck.” J  Highly recommending.

Professor's Keeper by Nicole Dennis

Title:  Professor’s Keeper

Series:  Silver ~ A Mind is a Sexy Thing

Author:  Nicole Dennis

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 28, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts                                                                               

Blurb:   Professor Alistair Tarrellton knows everything about algorithms but little about relationships. After ex-Marine Rhys Blackwood rescues him from a botched robbery and a panic attack, Alistair finds himself with a new keeper, but can he afford the distraction?

Child prodigy, scientist, and, Professor Alistair Tarrellton knows research, not people. Hiding behind glasses and an overstated vocabulary, he faces panic attacks and headaches if situations become too uncomfortable. As head of the college’s bioinformatics area of study, he teaches classes and runs two labs, but he prefers to hide in his private one at home.

A stop at the grocery store on his way home one night puts Alistair in the middle of a botched robbery. While a panic attack freezes him, he watches former Marine Rhys Blackwood take command with ease, and one touch from this powerful man pushes away Alistair’s fear. Rhys quickly invites himself into Alistair’s home and life, and while part of Alistair doesn’t believe he can afford the distraction of a relationship, the rest of him wants the other man to never leave.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/1057/?zenid=8c9520ab3c8fee76c28aa1f3ccf7d664

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Alistair is the quintessential goofy professor.  He got his first college degree while kids his age were still learning to tie their shoes. He is a certified genius with zero social skills.  He may be able to map the human genome with his eyes closed, but he could really use a keeper in his personal life.  Rhys is a wounded soldier who finds taking care of Alistair is more fun than rehab.

I hate to say it, but this is the first Nicole Dennis book that I enjoyed start to finish.  She writes really sweet romances that just don’t appeal to my jaded nature.  Professor’s Keeper was sweet but not too sappy.  Alistair is the cutest thing.  He reminds me a lot of the Criminal Minds character Dr. Spencer Reid.  He uses big words when he’s nervous. (* Note: I would have given this story a higher rating, except for the fact that sometimes Alistair fell out of character and used words that were not consistent with his history or education.) Rhys may be big and strong, but since being forced to leave the military, he’s kind of lost.  Taking care of Alistair gives him a reason to wake up in the morning.  He is organized and patient and just what Alistair need.  And sexually, Alistair takes to intimacy like a duck to water.  I got a bit nervous, when after only 4 hours Rhys invited himself to move into Allister’s home.  But, while they shared a living space, Alistair asked the right questions to let me know he was not a complete codependent git.  The guys take things pretty slow and everything is not champagne and roses.  Trust me, when I say, Alistair can throw one hell of a temper tantrum. The I Loves you came early, but it wasn’t too far outside the realm of plausibility.

I also had a few hiccups with medical procedure and the whole burn rehab process, but most people wouldn’t notice.  Me…major distraction.  All in all, like I said, this is a sweet romance and I enjoyed reading it.

Moving Mountains by Freddy MacKay

Title: Moving Mountains

Series: Finding Peace 1.5 (Spin Off)

Author: Freddy MacKay

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (222pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (28th April 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After being dumped by his lover, George Sanders threw himself into his research, burying his broken heart. When his friend Max kisses him, can George figure out what’s going before it’s too late or will Max leave him for good?

George Sanders threw himself into his research trying to bury his broken heart. The past week out in the field gathering research for his doctorate thesis hasn’t gone any better than the previous six months. The only positive is the company of his friend, and lab assistant, Max Flint.

Max’s behavior has become erratic and their conversations awkward and stilted. When Max kisses him and asks for more, George isn’t sure he can handle his advances, especially if Max is leaving for another university.

Can George figure out what’s happening before it’s too late and Max leaves him for good? Or will the past keep him from seeing what’s been right in front of him for the last four years?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1054/?zenid=4ca2249a3d4b381f52c374324eb4d278

Review: George is confused by his best friend’s behavior.  Max is running hot and cold and George doesn’t know how to approach him to find out what’s wrong.  But, then Max kisses him, confusing him even further.  By the time George has caught up, it just might be too late. Max has wanted George for some time now, but George is just clueless to all the signs. Then, when Max goes out on a limb and still gets rejected, Max just can’t take it anymore.

A wonderful story of friends-to-lovers filled with misunderstandings and crossed wires. George was hurt badly by his ex-lover, when he was forced to hide his relationship and then dumped by e-mail. Now, he is wary of another relationship.  When Max kisses him, it throws him for a loop, as he never even knew that Max was gay, never mind interested in him.  But, now he is worried, as Max will be leaving soon for his new graduate program. Max has tried everything except throwing himself at George to get him to notice him and now, after one more last-ditch attempt, he is giving up.

This is a well-written story that draws you in with the confusion of a young man who just hasn’t got a clue about anything other than his work. George is absolutely clueless about anything going on around him and it is quite an endearing quality that grows on you.  At first, I thought that Max was being mean when he was calling him dense but George really was; when it came to subtle interaction going on around him. Max is a wonderful young man who has been holding out hope that his best friend would notice him for more than friendship. These two together make a great couple, as long as they both know exactly what the other really means.

There are quite a few misunderstandings, wrong conclusions and getting the wrong end of the stick, as they try to find a way through the mine field that both their emotions lay down. Both Max’s and George’s reactions throughout the story get to you, as you want to grab them both and say LISTEN and EXPLAIN, as they both jump to conclusions. Their relationship moves along at a nice pace without them jumping into bed for hot sex right from the start.  They do get to it and it really is hot, but it is when they both feel secure in their relationship.

I will recommend this to those who enjoy friends to lovers, clueless academics, a bit of angst, misunderstandings, developing love and a happy ever after.

Taxes and TARDIS by N. R. Walker

Title: Taxes and TARDIS

Author: N.R. Walker

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (133pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (28th April 2012)

Heat: Moderate-Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Brent Kelly was a laid-back tradesman, whose only concerns were drinks with friends and which man to bed next. In need of a new accountant to sort out his shoebox of receipts, he’s referred to Logan Willis, a quiet spoken, science-fiction loving geek. He didn’t expect the geeky guy with an English accent and dark-rimmed glasses, wearing a TARDIS-blue shirt to be so intriguing.

He didn’t expect to be fascinated by him, let alone attracted to him. He most certainly didn’t expect to fall in love.

From jock to geek, both men know the differences between them are vast. But in this opposites-attract erotic drama, maybe it wasn’t the differences between them that would drive them apart. Maybe it was the differences between them that made it worth the fight.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1058/?zenid=ae8b9dbbf1d8656d592b5e9dd2bd55a6

Review: Brent Kelly turns up at his new accountant’s office with a shoebox full of receipts. He is struck dumb when he meets him and it has nothing to do with his paperwork either. Logan is surprised when he gets a call from Brent and agrees to see the man outside the office.

This is a cute and sweet romance that will have you smiling while you read and leave you with a warm happy glow. Brent is an electrician who works construction and goes out with the guys on a Friday night for a beer and a good time and is unabashedly gay. Logan is an accountant who is a bit of a geek and loves Dr. Who.  He helps his sister in her bookshop on the weekends and is careful about his sexuality… put these two men together and opposites attract and what we get is a true romance.

These characters are wonderful together. Brent getting tongue-tied around Logan at first, Logan getting Brent hooked on Dr. Who and Torchwood, spending time together, making love and hanging out with friends there isn’t one moment that you doubt that they belong together. This is a really well written book that shows both men having doubts as to whether they are good enough for the other, but finding that even though they are so different they still get along brilliantly together.

Their relationship is going great when someone interferes and nearly destroys everything between them.  But, with a friend to mediate and explain some things they just might make it. The sex between Brent and Logan is hot and erotic and Logan can be quite a force when he is horny.

I will recommend this to those who want a sweet romance with a touch of conflict, of opposites attracting, of fears of short comings and a happy ever after that leaves you smiling.

Prove Me Wrong by Bethany Clark

Title:  Prove Me Wrong

Series:  Silver ~ A Mind is a Sexy Thing

Author:  Bethany Clark

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 28, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low-Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Eccentric genius extraordinaire Tennyson Mycroft isn’t used to challenges. When Kristian Dawlish bursts into his life Tennyson’s reality is upended. What starts off as a bet quickly becomes serious. Tennyson has to decide how far he wants to take it.

Coping with a genius is never easy and Tennyson Mycroft takes it to a whole new level with his quirky attitude and all-too-accurate ‘psychic’ abilities. He’s never let anyone get close to him. And thinks he’s perfectly happy as a solitary professor. Then Kristian Dawlish arrives on campus and suddenly everything is in uproar.

The pair engage in a battle of wits as Kristian tries to prove Tennyson is a fraud. A bet is made in a moment of lust, but soon Tennyson longs for more. Will Tennyson come to terms with the fact he is as susceptible to emotions as everyone else, and finally drop his walls? Even if he does, is Kristian willing to take the risk? Follow them on their journey filled with laughs, nosy students, and a discovery that uncertainty isn’t always a bad thing.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/1055/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Tennyson is the quintessential academic fruitcake.  He enjoys pushing the limits of social norms and making people squirm.  He’s not exactly effeminate, but he opens the book in purple shoes.  He’s an arrogant sod who looks down at the masses with utter disdain.  When Kristian finds out Tennyson claims to have psychic abilities he scoffs at the very possibility.  Tennyson, feeling generous, proposes an interesting wager.  Kristian has ten opportunities to debunk Tennyson’s claim.  Despite his skepticism, Kristian agrees, even to the part where he pays for every loss with a kiss.

I almost didn’t read this book.  I assumed, incorrectly that “Kristian” was a female.  Something told me to order Prove Me Wrong, anyway.  I am beyond thrilled that I did.  Despite being written in 1st person (Tennyson’s) POV, my least favorite, I loved this book. The writing is fluid and perfectly paced.  Poor Tennyson, for all his genius, is clueless as to intimacy and relationships.  His feelings scare the bejeezus out of him, but his natural curiosity makes him forge on.

Kristian and Tennyson’s relation is so sweet.  It’s almost like they accidentally fall in love. For most of the book, it is mostly stolen kisses and cuddles.  Tennyson is amazed at how satisfying dinner and a movie at home can be.  Little by little their lives intermesh until they look up and realize what all their friends suspect…their dating. J  The secondary characters that help them are great.  I loved how by allowing himself to care for Kristian, Tennyson opened up to other relationships. Relationships with people who had been in his life, but he never really noticed.

My heart practically stopped when Kristian had an assphat moment near the end, but the ending left me with a smile on my face.  Exquisite.  Highly recommend.

Astronomical by Silvia Violet

Title: Astronomical

Series:  Silver ~ A Mind Is A Sexy Thing

Author: Silvia Violet

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (141pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (28th April 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A hot, kilt-wearing astronomy geek with a powerful telescope. A tongue-tied librarian who likes his orderly life. Where will their attraction lead them?

When sexy, kilt-wearing astronomy professor Greg MacIntyre moves in next door, Blake Theriot knows he’s in trouble. Blake is a research librarian, and he likes things orderly and controlled. But in his secret fantasies, he craves a big, powerful man like Greg to stir up his life.

Every time Blake tries to talk to his erudite neighbor, his brain shuts down and his vocabulary is reduced to one-word utterances, but when Blake’s niece challenges him to invite Greg to dinner, he does. A few shots of after-dinner whiskey loosen Blake’s inhibitions, and the two men share a hot kiss and the promise of more. Can Blake relax enough to give himself a chance with Greg, or will his fear of letting go ruin his hopes for love?

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains mild power play.

Part of Silver Publishing’s “A Mind is a Sexy Thing” anthology

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1051/

Review: Blake has the hots for the sexy astronomy professor who has just moved in next door. Unfortunately, whenever he is face to face with him his brain stops working. Blake’s niece wraps him around her finger and Blake ends up inviting Greg over for dinner, where the two men hit it off.  But, Blake has been hurt in the past and he feels that Greg is blowing hot and cold.

This is quite a good novella that has a slight touch of submissiveness from Blake and a touch of domination from Greg. Blake likes his life ordered, everything slots into place nicely and although he has had to accommodate for time with his niece everything must be perfect. When he meets Greg, he has fantasies about him, but he can’t quite make the step to ask him out. But, with the encouragement of his niece and his sister he does get his man. Greg seems to be quite a guy.  He’s hot, wears kilts (swoon) and is a slightly absentminded professor.  He seems to be interested in Blake, but Blake seems to be completely oblivious to it.

I quite enjoyed this story as Blake has some insecurities and suddenly gets to experience something he has always yearned for.  But, then it terrifies him to have such a strong reaction to it. Greg’s behavior also plays on his insecurities, although Greg doesn’t mean anything by it. Blake’s reaction is angsty. The sex between them is extremely hot and Greg also manages to use sex to help Blake through his anxiety.

I thought Blake and Greg had the potential to work through their problems on their own, but Blake’s sister and niece decided to help out… although it disturbed me that a nine-year old girl was getting that active in her uncles’ love life and encouraging him to date Greg. I have never met a nine-year old that hasn’t blushed and giggled or pretended to throw up at even the thought of a kiss between adults.

I will recommend this to those who love very slight domination and submission, hot sex, a bit of angst and a great ending.

 

 

 

Physical Chemistry by Jana Downs

Title: Physical Chemistry

Series:  Silver: A Mind is a Sexy Thing

Author: Jana Downs

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (87pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (28th April 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Nico Johnston doesn’t care that fellow chemist, Jin, is gorgeous, kind, and talented; Nico can’t risk getting involved with a man like Jin. Together for a semester, Jin hopes their shared project will lead to more than good test results.

Nico Johnston is a nerd with a grudge. Top of his class in the Chemical Engineering department, Nico’s academic career is set. Until Jin Rogers transfers from Penn State and usurps his position as highest-ranked student. To add insult to injury, Jin joins the research project Nico is conducting for the department head. It doesn’t matter that Jin is gorgeous, kind, and talented, Nico can’t risk getting even involved with a man like Jin again.

Jin Rogers falls for Nico the second he sees him. Nico is intelligent, talented, and driven, qualities which intrigue Jin. Unfortunately, Nico is oblivious to Jin’s crush. Their shared research project is Jin’s only hope.

Tempers and passions flare as they are forced into constant, close contact during the semester. Can Jin overcome his imperfections and can Nico give himself a chance at happiness?

Part of Silver Publishing’s “A Mind is a Sexy Thing” anthology

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1053/?zenid=517645e89e8f6881f55383666414ffcb

Review: Nico is harboring resentment towards transfer Jin, because he is now top of the class.  knocking Nico off the top spot. Jin is attracted to Nico, but Nico has a wall built around himself that Jin can’t penetrate.  Until they have to work close together on a project and just as everything is going great, Jin’s secret is exposed.

This is a wonderful story about perceptions and resentment and scratching below the surface. Nico is a geek pure and simple and the only thing that he truly thinks he has going for him is his.  And when he is knocked off the top spot he is not happy. Jin is a hard worker, but Nico thinks everything seems to be so easy for him. He’s good looking, he has money, he’s intelligent and everyone likes him. Nico is certain that his friendly charming personality is a front and that one day he will show his true colors. But, as he gets to know Jin better, he begins to realize that with Jin…what you see is what you get.

Ohhh.  I loved Nico and Jin.  Both of them are geeks, but while one is confident in himself, the other is filled with doubts because of his past.  Nico has to put aside his preconceived notion about men like Jin and open himself.  And Jin has to be honest and hope that Nico will understand, but that doesn’t mean that everything is perfect and that is just the way Nico likes it. Nico sees Jin as perfect and that puts him off.  Jin sees Nico exactly like he really is and it isn’t until Nico realizes that Jin isn’t perfect that he fully relaxes into their relationship.

Jana Downs has written a story that is sweet and touching and both her MCs have their own flaws, even if at first glance you miss them. The characters are perfect together and they get to know each other before jumping into bed (which is hot by the way).  Nico’s support for Jin was wonderful ,when he discovered the truth, and Jin’s fear was well written and very understandable.

With this story, I am going to recommend it to those who love flawed characters, hot sex, hot geeks and a happy ending for two sweet men.

 

 

 

Always MJ by S. J. D. Peterson

Title: Always MJ

Series:  A Mind is a Sexy Thing

Author: S.J.D. Peterson

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (98pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (28th April 2012)

Heat Level: Low-Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Matthew Jonathon Parker, Matty to his friends, never did anything spontaneous. Yet six months ago, during a ‘poor-me’ moment, he entered an online chat room and may have met the man of his dreams.

Matthew Jonathon Parker planned every aspect of his day. From the time he woke up until the exact minute he crawled back into bed, his day was set. He wasn’t the kind of man to seek out other men in chat rooms. He certainly wasn’t the type to fall in love with someone he only knew from typed words.

After a six-month online affair, Matty agrees to meet Jay in Florida for a weekend getaway. Only Jay isn’t what Matty expected; although, perhaps he should have known it was too good to be true.

After all, Jay’s screen name AlwaysMJ stands for ‘Always making jokes’–or does it?

Part of Silver Publishing’s “A Mind is a Sexy Thing” anthology

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1050/?zenid=d350f9e31495e91e487aed638d28ae1f

Review: Matty thinks he has found the man of his dreams. After speaking to him on-line for six months, he is finally going to meet him face to face. But, when he gets to the rendezvous spot, the man he finds is the last one he’d ever imagine.

This is an emotion filled novella that will pull you in two directions as you empathize with both characters. Matty is predictable. Everything he does is planned down to the last detail, but now he is doing something totally out of character for him… he is meeting the man who he fell in love with on-line. Matty is still of two minds when he gets to his hotel and starts to suffer from a panic attack, as the full weight of what he is about to do hits him. But, as always his best friend Jared is on the end of the phone to pull him through and get him to relax. But, when Matty finally sees ‘Jay’ for the first time there are some things that even Jared can’t smooth over.

As always S.J.D. Peterson has given us angst, frustration, anger, confusion, forgiveness and love. Giving us the experience of feeling as the characters do, of conflicting our emotions as to how to feel about these characters as we try to decide who we should empathize more with. Matty, as he discovers that his dream man is not the stranger he thought he was,  the betrayal he feels when he thinks it was all a joke, the anger that someone he thought so highly of could do that to him and then eventually forgiveness as he realizes how much this man truly means to him. then we have ‘Jay’ who has been trying to find a way to tell Matty how he feels about him and comes up with the on-line chat so he can show Matty a side of himself that he keeps hidden. To show Matty that he is the man that he can rely on. Then, we have his horror as to how Matty reacts and the realization that Matty had taken it the wrong way. His desire to get it through to Matty that he is serious and his frustration when Matty won’t listen, his determination that Matty will listen and give them a chance. Every emotion shines through.

A well-crafted story that is a fantastic friends-to-lovers plot, but doesn’t take the easy way of them just falling into each other’s arms. They both have to work at it and it makes it a more enjoyable read for its readers.

I recommend this to those who love friends to lovers, angst, some erotic loving, great characters and a happy ever after, after a few bumps in the road.