Seth Wilder lost his partner of twenty years to suicide two weeks before a long-anticipated cruise. Cancellation insurance was never purchased, and Seth can’t get a refund. Bryce McFarland, his late partner’s gym buddy, appreciates his predicament, and when asked, agrees to accompany him on the trip. This way, Seth recoups the money and doesn’t have to cancel his plans. The gesture is unexpected but accepted gratefully.
The two men have nothing in common. Seth is a reclusive romance writer, and Bryce is a hard-core Grindr user with major commitment issues. Out of necessity and despite the seemingly insurmountable differences in personality, they develop a tentative rapport. As they begin their journey through the UK, Bryce helps Seth come to terms with his partner’s sudden death while Seth, in turn, discovers the root cause of Bryce’s phobia.
Shipboard romances rarely work. Sensible men resist, sexual tension notwithstanding. But a full moon and late summer breezes lend themselves to the impossible situation, barriers are crossed, and a love affair is kindled.
Title: Open Seating
Author: Mickie B. Ashling
Release Date: June 10, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 204
This is such a wonderful story. Seth was very likable, even if a bit old fashioned. I loved his views of love and sex. I understood his anger in regards to his husband’s suicide, and I thought the author kept it very real. I could see my feelings reflected in Seth. He was kind of stiff in the beginning of this story, but the further you get into it the more he loosens up. Watching him open up more was really nice. Bryce was a really great counter character for Seth. He is very laid back and easy going. And yes at the beginning an unapologetic man whore. At the beginning when he is first introduced you get the superfical vibe from him. But through his interactions with Seth throughout the story we get to see his compasionate and warm nature. And yes there is a reason for his man whore ways, which is explained. I really liked that fact that these two characters were older, close to 50 in age. The only thing that I had a hard time with was Seth falling in love with someone else less than a month after his partner of 20yrs. died. Maybe if there had been something said where they were just going through the motions or something to indicate that he wasn’t still completely in love with his partner it would have been more believable to me.
4 pieces of eye candy
