Josh has a plan: get through uni with a good degree and no debts. Focused on his goals, he’s working as an escort to pay his way. He enjoys the no-strings sex and doesn’t have the time or inclination for a relationship. Falling in love definitely isn’t part of the deal—especially not with a client.
When Rupert meets Josh in a bar, he’s smitten on sight. He’s never paid for sex before, but when Josh propositions him, he can’t resist. He should have known one night would never be enough. Luckily for him, he has an inheritance to support his addiction to Josh, because his job in IT wouldn’t cover the cost.
With each appointment the lines get increasingly blurred. Something is developing between them that feels more like a relationship than a business transaction, but they come from different worlds and to go from client-and-escort to lovers seems impossible. If they want a future together, Josh and Rupert have a lot to overcome.
Author Name: Jay Northcote
Book Name: Like a Lover
Series: Housemates Book Two
Release Date: September 4, 2015
Pages or Words: 48,450 words
Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Publisher: Jaybird Press
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
“I like your lip ring,” Rupert said. His gaze dropped lower to Josh’s collarbones. “What are your tattoos of?”
“Swallows.” Rupert would just be able to see the wing tips that showed in this low-necked T-shirt. “Two of them.”
“Have you got any other tattoos?”
Josh gave a slow, teasing smile. “Maybe. Do you want me to show you?”
Rupert met his eyes again. There was a flicker of uncertainty before he answered. “Yes. I’d like that.”
Josh turned over the possibilities in his mind. It had been a long time since he’d had sex for anything other than for money. He usually saw clients at least three nights a week. They scratched the itch for him, and he didn’t have the time or inclination to hook up with other guys. He hadn’t dated since he’d started working as an escort. Josh didn’t like lying about his job, but most guys didn’t want to date escorts.
It would be easy to pick Rupert up tonight, though, and have no-strings sex with him for fun rather than cash. But Josh’s rent was due.
“Me too. But it’ll cost you,” he finally said.
Rupert frowned, obvious confusion crossing his features as he tried to make sense of Josh’s words. “What? I don’t—”
“You’re hot, and I wish I could do this without asking you for money. But a client let me down this evening. I have a hotel room booked and paid for next door, and I need someone to cover the cost for me.” The lie came smoothly. “I can’t afford to have sex for free tonight.”
Rupert’s mouth dropped open. Shock was evident on his face, but there was something else that was harder to read. His cheeks flooded pink again and his eyes went dark. “You’re….” His voice came out husky, and he cleared his throat. “You’re a….”
“A sex worker. An escort, to be precise. Hooker, rent boy, you get the gist. I’m an expensive one too. But my clients think I’m worth the money.” Josh waited, tension making a muscle tick in his jaw as he forced himself to stay still and hold Rupert’s gaze. On the occasions he’d tried picking up clients face-to-face, their reactions had varied. Interest, anger, excitement, disgust… he’d seen them all. He steeled himself, ready for rejection.
Rupert licked his lips. “How much?” he finally asked.
This was my first read by Jay Northcote and it definitely won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this book and was excited to see how Northcote would play out the escort angel in with romance. Once again we have 2 gorgeous and fabulous MCs.
Josh, the sexy escort & student. Rupert, the equally sexy business man with enough money to keep on paying Josh for his services.
From the minute John & Rupert met you could sense the sparks that where there. Their scenes were HOT as all get out (keep fan close by) but also sweet. I like to see the softer side of the MCs after the lovemaking. After every time they met, I was hoping that one of them would be able to say (out loud) their true feelings for each other, but as all stubborn men are…they didn’t. So there I am waiting…….and waiting…….and waiting…reading their inner dialogue….you know there will be a fallout……you can just feel it brewing…and your waiting and BAM there it is. What completely shocked me – I was not expecting sweet Rupert to be the one so cold and angry. He quickly redeemed himself, but the anger and pain he felt…UGH…it tore my heart out, stomped all over it and kicked it to the curb. By this time I really wanted to jump into the book and shake Josh’s stupidity out of him. No more spoilers…..Sorry!
I am a quick reader so this was a short read for (even at 145pgs). The story flowed nicely. The writing & editing were flawless. I didn’t feel rushed & just the right amount of story was given. There were a few secondary characters and their involvement in the story was just the right amount.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a quick romance with an HEA! I really enjoyed Northcote’s writing and will be looking for more work done by her.
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats.
She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content. One day, she decided to try and write a short story–just to see if she could–and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.
Where to find the author:
Jay’s books (universal amazon author page link): http://author.to/jaynorthcote
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