Title: This Is Love
Author: Remmy Duchene and Allison Cassatta
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel (198 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 4th 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate to Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Heart
Blurb: Anderson “Andy” Hartley Jr. lives the life of a playboy with Daddy’s money, but without love. If his father finds out Andy’s gay, the game’s over. So he restricts his sex life to the pool house and seems content until he meets the gorgeous new groundskeeper, who just might turn his life upside-down. Merrick “Maverick” Washington is African-American, an ex-SEAL, and recently released from prison after his false conviction was overturned. Working for a rich white dude who looks down his nose at him is one more blow to his spirit. But any job is a step toward self-sufficiency, and Maverick’s not willing to risk that for a spoiled brat. Then Andy tugs at more than Maverick’s body, and he’s starting to wonder how things would shake out if they both overcame their fears and let their worlds collide.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4160
Reviewer: Tams
Review: Andy Hartley leads a life of decadence and privilege. After his moms death his already strained relationship with his father only got worse. He avoids his father whenever possible and keeps the truth about his sexuality from him for fear of being cut off and kicked out. He keeps his secret well confining his trysts to the pool house, well out of his father’s range, until Merrick comes along.
Merrick is a gay, African-American, ex navy seal and alleged ex con. He’s out of prison with his conviction overturned but still, no one will hire him. When a friend gets him a job, as the grounds keeper for influential Anderson Hartley, he jumps at the chance. Andy doesn’t hide his attraction to Merrick, but he’s scared to risk the first paying job he has found for the spoiled rich kid. Soon enough though, the mutual attraction takes over. When Andy’s father notices and confronts them, Andy doesn’t deny anything and his worst fears are realized.
As the story progresses Andy and Merrick grow closer and fight through their inner demons and personal doubt to maintain their relationship. A couple of twists and turns along the way give them both unexpected financial stability as well. Andy has fallen completely in love with Merrick. But when he says those three little words will his heart be broken if Merrick doesn’t feel the same?
Duchene and Cassatta have managed to write a love story where there is struggle, loss, and uncertainty from the ML without adding any angst! None! Zip, zilch, nada. This story is about two grown ass gay men that each has a little doubt for one reason or another if their relationship will work. The story is conveyed well and kept completely on the adult playing field, I loved it! When these two get going in the bedroom it is passionate and sensual. Andy has always been the one in control and he quickly learns that Merrick has a controlling side, and it turns him on even more.
This is a must read for us hopeless romantics! Two gorgeous alpha males falling in love and figuring out how to keep it together and keep it real. Oh, right, there is a HEA as well… Bonus!!