Trouble with Mr. Midwest by T. Neilson

Title: Trouble with Mr Midwest
Series: N/A
Author: T. Neilson
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (109 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (6 May 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Riley Black is finally the rising Hollywood star he’s always dreamed of being. While his past growing up in the Midwest wasn’t perfect, he’s built a reputation for clean living that the press would love to tear apart. Now with his high school sweetheart, Quinn Campbell, back in Riley’s life, things could get sticky.

Riley’s not out—to the public or his family—and Quinn’s an escort with a secret… one Quinn’s afraid will break Riley’s heart. Once all this gets out, the press is going to love it.

ISBN: 9781632169198

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6346

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I don’t know how “completely and enthrallingly awesome” comes across as an opening line, but it’s true. Okay, so the story seems just a tad Pretty Woman-esque but there is definite depth, emotion and even the odd bit of action towards the end of the story. If anything, I felt there were some parts of the story which could (or should in my mind) be explored in more detail, but other than this is fantastic and satisfying narrative.

The story is about the newest Hollywood heart-throb, Riley Black (Mr Midwest) and the somewhat complicated personal life he lives semi-in-the-closet. One night at some Hollywood do he sees a face he hasn’t seen in over 10 years and not certain if the hot guy is childhood friend and crush, Evan Campbell. It is Evan and he also happens to be an escort after having left the army a couple of years before.

As I said in the opening, I loved this story and there is nothing really that I can add to that without giving away too much. However, I also said that there were a number of points where I felt that the story isn’t pulled as far as it could. This happens in a number of places.

The one that really got to me was to do with Evan and his PTSD. I know, I said it is Pretty Woman-esque, but it is Evan’s military background that makes this slightly different to the usual. I also really liked how this storyline played out, though it probably could have been a bit more dramatic.

The PTSD was lightly touched upon, likewise it was mentioned in passing service dogs used as a form of treatment, but I felt the emphasis was placed too much on Riley and less on Evan particularly at these parts. Hell, even the Hollywood glamour could have been played up a bit.

Part of me wishes that this was a more military-heavy story, but nevertheless it’s a great – and pretty quick – read for anyone wanting a bit of action, a bit of Hollywood, lot’s of sexiness and HEAs.

I think particularly those that like the whole theme of “friends falling in love” will enjoy this one.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *