Inside Out (Road to Blissville #6) by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review * 2 and Giveaway

Romeo Bradly and Julius Shepherd moved to Blissville for the same reason: a fresh start. Romeo was looking for a school district where he could make a real impact in the lives of students and faculty, and Julius was eager to teach one of his passions to the best and brightest at a school with a nationally ranked science program. But the sleepy little town offered them much more than they’d bargained for—quirky people, unlikely friendships, and an all-consuming attraction that turns them inside out.

When unexpected circumstances threaten to cancel the school play, Romeo’s theater background and Julius’s musical expertise make them the perfect pair to save the day. Working together so closely makes it harder for the men to ignore their growing feelings. After all, the heart knows what it wants and doesn’t care about age gaps, race, or a professional conflict of interest. Romeo and Julius will learn that they have far more in common than they realize, and their differences will make them stronger if they give love a chance.

Their commitment to each other and the play will be tested when outside forces target them as a couple and exert pressure to cancel the production. Romeo and Julius vow to prove their love can thwart any challenge and will burn strong well beyond the curtain call.

Inside Out is a whimsical, May/December romance featuring a man learning to love again and a man falling in love for the first time. It is the sixth book in the Road to Blissville series and can be read as a standalone book or part of the series. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.

INSIDE OUT

A ROAD TO BLISSVILLE NOVEL

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 01.14.19

COVER ARTIST:  Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

It was nearly impossible to keep from checking the clock after receiving the text from Rome that he was on his way back to Blissville. I tried watching the football games on TV, but I couldn’t tell you the score or even who was playing. I also kept my ears tuned for the sound of his car pulling up outside.

The apartment I rented was above a garage and could only be accessed by walking through it, which might make many feel like they were trespassing. Wren did keep a classic car in the garage below and a ton of tools, so I was always cautious to keep the door locked. When I finally heard Rome’s car pull into the driveway and stop beside my car, I jogged down the steps and opened the outside door.

“Hey,” I said when he and Dolly reached me.

“Hey yourself,” he said warmly. I could see how badly he wanted to kiss me, so I stepped closer and met him halfway. I didn’t want there to be any hesitation between us unless we were in a place where PDA wouldn’t be appreciated.

“I wasn’t sure if I should kiss you in open view of Dare and Wren’s house,” he said, staring at my lips. “They might not be watching.” I moved until my lips were just a breath away. If he wanted me, he would need to come and get me. “Then again, they could have the binoculars out.”

So, I’ve read several books in this series, but not in order. Though I do remember a couple of the guys from previous reads, it didn’t take anything away from the story, having not read them all or in order. In saying that… this one was incredibly sweet.

Julius and Romeo got hired on the same day. Romeo as the superintendent at the high school, and Julius, a hot science teacher… Hello, hot guys that are good with kids… hot dads and the like, are kind of my kryptonite. So, while these two try to keep their distance from one another, since Romeo is sort of Julius’ boss, in a way…. Neither of them could deny their attraction.

Romeo was a bit more forward than Julius, having already had a great love in his life and knowing what he wants now that he’d found someone he believes taking a chance on… it’s all just so sweet. Too sweet at times and maybe a bit cheesy, especially in dialogue, but, I think it just goes with the flow of the story. It’s supposed to be romantic and lovely, and it was.

I really enjoyed them together as a couple, and I adored their supportive families. There wasn’t anyone (well, one person for only a second) that nay-sayed their relationship, or was anything other than supportive. They had accepting parents and siblings and extended families and I loved that. I loved that the school board was behind them…

Of course, while working on a play that was written by a few students, there were a few bigoted people who try to cause trouble… but there are always going to be people who try to make everyone as miserable as them, and I’m happy with the way it was handled in such a realistic way. I don’t know why I’m continually surprised by the love overshadowing the hate, but I love it every time. I hope that when my gay teenage son goes into high school next year, in my tiny little homophobic town, that there are educators like Julius and Romeo who fight to teach acceptance and allow kids to be themselves.

Overall, it was a very sweet story and I really hope Officer Joey will have a story… he intrigued me!

4 stars from me on this one!

What a fun, sweet, low angst love story.

The Road to Blissville is a continuation of the Curl Up and Dye series and can be read as a complete stand alone. There’s mention of the salon “Curl Up and Dye”, but I don’t think any of the characters make an appearance.

And I know it might be cheesey, but I love the name play of Romeo and Julius. I think it’s cute af.

Anyway. both men are new to Blissville. One taking on the position of school superintendent and the other as a teacher. Because of that work connection, Julius thinks he should stay far away. But Romeo is not to be swayed.

As resistant as Julius was at first, he caved kind of easily. I would have liked to see Romeo romance him more. But ultimately, that was but a blip in this romantic story.

And it was a super fun story to read with way more than just their romance. There is a plot line involving the high school kids, the play they want to stage and a few town bigots. Julius’ family plays a minor role, both his mother (I love the conversations they have!) and his brother. Romeo’s family is also featured- with his hilarious Aunt Astrid. None of those offshoots from the main story seemed forced or like filler. They enhanced the story and gave us more insight into the men that they are.

I really loved Romeo and Julius together. And they were definitely the kind of teacher and school admin I wish I had.

4 pieces of eye candy

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees. I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

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