Lane Hayes

Hotshot (Elmwood Stories Series, Book 5) by Lane Hayes: RB, Excerpt and Giveaway

September 24, 2024 by Denise

. .

The rookie superstar, the desperate cowboy, and a naughty proposition…

Denny

The press calls me this year’s hotshot, the rookie who scores at will and conjures plays out of thin air. Truth is…I’m a PR nightmare. Seriously. Ask my agent.

My anxiety is off the charts. I can’t talk to the media without breaking into a cold sweat, but once I get through the season, I can regroup at home. Life is simpler in Vermont.

Well, not anymore. There’s a new cowboy in town. Literally, a cowboy. At least, Hank looks like one—he owns a horse, wears a hat, and did I mention he’s hot?

And get this…he has a proposition for me.

Hank

Proposition is a strong word. I prefer to call this a mutually beneficial arrangement. See, I could use Denny’s help with a family business venture, and though I was planning to offer cash, the jock has a sexier idea.

Not gonna lie, I’m interested.

This could be a fun distraction while I’m stuck in Elmwood. Nice enough place, however, the locals are wary of an outsider taking over the neighboring mill. Long story short…they don’t trust me. But they love their hometown hockey hero.

I get it.

I’ve never met anyone like Denny—skittish in street clothes and a feral beast with cunning instincts on the ice. He’s fascinating, sexy, smart, and—

Whoa! I’m not falling for the hotshot rookie. No way, no how, no chance…

Too late.

Hotshot is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small town romance featuring a hotshot rookie, a sexy cowboy, and a proposition that changes everything.

Title: Hotshot
Authors: Lane Hayes
Narrator: Nick J. Russo
Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
Series: Elmwood Stories Series, Book 5
Genre: Contemporary.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Audible

“Let’s get this over with. What did you want?”

“Ouch. I can’t remember the last time anyone was happy to see me,” he groused without heat. “Except Steve the contractor. He likes me okay, but he’s being paid well. Our employees do well too, but sadly, they don’t like me at all.”

“I can’t help you with that. Sorry.”

Hank sipped his beer and shrugged. “Yes, you can. I’m extorting you, remember?”

“Oh…yeah.” I chuckled.

And fuck, I didn’t want to be amused. I didn’t want to like Hank at all, but it was hard not to appreciate his self-deprecating honesty. He emanated “nice guy” vibes with the right amount of edge. No wonder drunk me had gotten flirty with him. Fortunately, sober me knew he was more than I could handle.

Which was fine since Hank wasn’t interested anyway. He wanted my alleged star power, not me.

So why was I grinning like an idiot?

Fuck, I had a bad feeling my eyes were twinkling too. I had to rein that shit in, stat.

“So…let’s make a deal,” he said, thankfully unaware of my inner detour. “I need an Elmwood buddy. My dad gave me the all-clear to make my offer sexy, so…what’ll it be?”

I bugged my eyes out. “Sexy?”

“Yeah, something interesting. If it’s money, name your price. Tell me what you want in exchange for your time.”

You.

The word tripped to the tip of my tongue. I bit it back and swallowed it, clearing my throat to be sure it was gone.

“I just…want to make sure that whatever I blabbed while I was wasted off my ass stays between us.”

“Yeah, but I’ll do that for free. You can trust me.”

“I don’t know you,” I retorted.

“True,” he conceded, sipping his beer. “But you don’t really have a choice. I can’t prove that I won’t sell you out. It’s a trust thing. Let’s talk about the sexy angle, ’cause I need an Elmwood buddy like yesterday.”

“I can’t believe I’m asking this, but…what does an Elmwood buddy do?”

“He shows the new guy the ropes.” Hank leaned in. “Introduce me, give me tips on who’s who and what to avoid. I suck in Elmwood and I need a champion, a liaison…a friend. That can be you.”

I huffed in amusement, feeling strangely at ease. He was charming as fuck and I was not immune. “How can you suck in Elmwood? Everyone is cool there.”

He slumped on his stool. “I don’t know, but I’m even worse in Wood Hollow. I don’t get it. People in Denver like me just fine. Even you like me.”

“No, I like your hat.” I reached for his water and winked.

I fucking winked.

Me.

That was me flirting. Ugh. Bad, Denny. Bad.

I felt surprisingly relaxed with him. Like I had last weekend when I’d spilled my guts and…other things. The point was, I could talk to him without feeling immediately depleted, and that alone was a minor miracle.

Hank kicked my shin playfully. “Nah, you like me. You did last weekend, anyway.”

“I was drunk, and I’m still mortified. Go easy on me.” I took a swig of water as if I were knocking back whisky.

“I’ll try, but…you shook your dick at me, then fell buck-ass naked in my bed, so c’mon.”

My eyes had to be saucer-sized. “I shook my dick at you?”

He inclined his chin and winked in a touché move that made my cock swell against my zipper.

“A week later, I’m still thinking about it,” Hank drawled.

Whoa. Was he serious?

Lane Hayes lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

Connect with Lane:
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Thin Ice: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 4) by Lane Hayes: Release Day Review and IG Giveaway

May 20, 2024 by Denise

The hunky dad, the hockey coach, and a new start…

Bryson

Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Hey, I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small-town living, but I haven’t had a date in years. That’s fine—my son is and always has been my number one focus.

Except now he’s grown and gone. And it’s lonely.

Okay, yes, the new hockey coach is hot and single, but he’s off-limits. Smitty’s trouble with a capital T, and his baggage might outweigh mine. Besides, we said nothing would happen after “that” night. It was a one-time, never to be repeated deal.

At least…that’s what I thought.

Smitty

Am I sad about retiring from pro hockey? Honestly, no. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in pain. I need a rest and I could use a distraction from unwelcome memories at home. Stat.

So…Elmwood.

Look, we all know I won’t last a whole season of coaching high school kids, but stepping in till they find a better candidate is a good temporary plan. And Bryson’s here.

There’s something about the hot dad with the sunny smile and bad dad jokes that makes me feel alive again. I’m not in the market for forever—been there, done that. Look, I’ve taken risks for my sport, but I’m not giving my heart away again. I know thin ice when I see it.

Or do I?

Thin Ice is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small-town romance featuring a silver fox dad, the new hockey coach, and a fresh start on solid ground.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

I’ve really loved this series so far. The small town is so quaint without being Mayberry-like. The small town quirks are so accurate without going over the top. And of course- hot hockey guys hooking up with regular folk. Is it a bit of a stretch to have so many out gay former players? Sure. Ask me if I care. HA!

We’ve seen Bryson in previous books. Local realtor and father to an up and coming AHL player shooting for NHL. He’s also out and proud but has really focused on his business and his son. Always putting his son first.

Except when he hooks up with his son’s hockey nemesis. But it’s just a one off, so no big whoop, right?

Right….but Smitty is retiring. And Elmwood’s brand spanking new high school needs a hockey coach. And even though Smitty has a job lined up in a few months, he agrees to be an interim coach. Which means he needs someplace to live. So he needs Bryson- the realtor.

The antics come to fruition when they become neighbors. Smitty wants more of the hooking up. Bryson is trying to hold back. But between Smitty’s really ridiculous attempts to get Bryson’s attention (borrowing ONE teaspoon of sugar) and Bryson’s so lame you have to laugh dad jokes, being neighbors is suddenly very convenient.

Watching Smitty really find a purpose in coaching kids with no skill (save one), come to a bit of a truce with Bryson’s son, and integrating himself into the community is a joy.

Watching Bryson try to pretend nothing is going on is comical.

And again, it seems that this book has a bit of a time jump (a year or 2?) from the previous book so we really get to see previous main characters settled into their lives. Living in Elmwood and being happy.

The only thing that kind of bothered me was that Bryson had a bit of a past. But besides when he tells Smitty about it, it’s not mentioned at all. Ok, once or twice more with a sentence. But you’d think that would be a big part of his personality and it would be more at the forefront.

But anyway, it certainly didn’t take away from the story which I thoroughly enjoyed.

More gay hockey players move to Elmwood please!

4 pieces of eye candy

Holiday Crush: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 3) by Lane Hayes: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 20, 2023 by Denise

The hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic…

Court

Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what?

This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup.

Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more.

But you know, I like him. A lot. He’s funny and relentlessly upbeat. I’m a better person when I’m with him—the kind who volunteers to deck the halls and wrap garland on lampposts and—

Whoa. What’s happening here?

Ivan

I love the holidays! But running the coffee shop on my own during the busiest season of the year is going to be a challenge. And the sudden appearance of my former crush is all kinds of distracting.

See, I spent my formative years mooning over Court Henderson, our high school’s hockey phenom, even though he was out of my league. Thankfully, I grew up and left the silly remnants of my youth behind. Or did I?

Grown-up Court is full of surprises, and under his gruff yet extremely fine exterior, he’s a good soul with a huge heart. He’s charming, sweet, handsome, and— Uh-oh.

My crush is back. Just in time for the holidays…

Holiday Crush is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a renewed ancient crush, some mistletoe latte art, and a little seasonal magic.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

I couldn’t tell if I had a crush on this guy or if an epic case of blue balls was to blame. And wasn’t thirty-four too fucking old to have a crush on someone? It wouldn’t have occurred to me that it was possible to have one if Ivan hadn’t brought it up the other night or—

Focus, Henderson.

I set my napkin on the counter and opened it slowly and theatrically, folding one side over and meeting his gaze as if revealing a special treasure.

He played along, gasping with his hand on his heart. “OMG.”

“One for you, one for me. So I guess the real question is…what goes best with a maple cookie?”

Ivan beamed. “If you’re a tea drinker, I have a fabulous cinnamon spice blend. If you want to stick to coffee, I’d suggest a strong roast or an espresso.”

“What would you have?”

“Tea.”

“I’ll have that,” I replied. “Or are you closed? I just noticed it’s empty, and it’s never empty in here.”

He peeked at his watch. “We’re open for five more minutes, but once the after-school rush is over, it’s pretty quiet.”

“Makes sense. So…want to eat cookies with me?”

“Well…” He made a meal of that one syllable as he nodded. “Sure. Okay. I’ll lock up, make the tea, and meet you at the table behind the register. Whatever you do, don’t sit at the window or everyone in Elmwood will see us and want to know what sort of treacherous scheme we’re planning.”

I chuckled, but hey, he wasn’t wrong.

A few minutes later, we sat across from each other like we had the other night in his kitchen, sharing tea and cookies…instead of gin and bagel sandwiches.

I gingerly cradled the oversized white mug and took a sip. “It’s good. I can’t remember the last time I drank tea. I was probably a kid, and I’m sure my mom or grandma added a ton of milk and sugar.”

“I can offer those things too, but it’s best without.” Ivan bit into a cookie and let out an orgasmic moan. “Oh my God, this cookie is pure heaven.”

He licked his fingers one by one, eyes at half-mast as he slid in his chair. Shit. And now I had a boner. I swallowed hard as I snapped the stem off the leaf-shaped cookie and popped it into my mouth.

There was a reason maple cookies were the bakery’s bestseller. They were fucking amazing. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the light drizzle of icing added an extra punch of maple flavor. They should have been too sweet, but somehow, they were perfect.

Ivan obviously agreed. He hummed with pleasure as he took another bite.

“You need to stop having sex with that cookie. Or get a room, for fuck’s sake,” I grumbled.

I’ve loved the Elmwood series and was excited to read this Christmas entry. It did not disappoint.

We know Ivan the coffee shop owner from the previous two books. His amazing coffee and questionable latte art added a little something to each story. Now the goth kid turned still goth but adult business owner, finds the guy he crushed on for 10 years is home. But goth kid plus jock kid didn’t equal hanging in the same circles then, so he didn’t expect much now.

Here’s something I loved about this book. Court was a professional hockey player. NHL? Nope. AHL? Also a no. Court is in the minors. The kind of minors where most of the players have a second job. But Court finds himself with no job when he is cut from the team.

Court thought he would get his game back on track while home, but he learns that playing pro hockey isn’t all that life is. Especially when he only has a year or two left in him. Plus there’s his family and this goth guy…

Court and Ivan were great together. Both opposites in the jock/goth sense but both out and proud, loyal and with a history in Elmwood. They move together as a couple effortlessly even without knowing if they will continue because of Court and hockey.

Court went from angry and rudderless to happy and grounded while Ivan went from stuck on what to do professionally to moving forward and growing in ways he didn’t expect. With them supporting each other.

So yep, another Elmwood win

4 pieces of eye candy

. .

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.

Next Season: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 2) by Lane Hayes: New Release Review

November 6, 2023 by Denise

The injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…

Riley

My time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the rumors: he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.

Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.

Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine…and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—

Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.

This is a new one.

Jean-Claude

Confused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is…fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi.

I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.

No…I think it’s me.

And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.

I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.

Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen.

Title: Next Season
Authors: Lane Hayes
Length: 57k
Series: The Elmwood Stories, Book 2
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Bi-awakening, Small Town, Hockey, Grumpy/Sunshine, Holiday

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

We are back in Elmwood, but a few years have passed. I like that. I mean, I am all for suspending reality (I mean, don’t go crazy) but when almost no time has passed before the next couple meet and fall in love it’s just too quick. I like seeing the time progression.

This time it is a current player who is flirting with retirement when he takes a hard hit on the ice leaving him with a pretty severe concussion and a nice head wound. Riley needs to recover, quietly, so his friend and former teammate offers the house his husband owns and was planning on selling to recuperate.

If you read book one, you HAD to be intrigued with Jean-Claude and want more of his story. Well we get it over the course of the book as he and Reilly get to know each other. I liked that Reilly had no inkling of liking men or being bi before this. So it took him by surprise, but he also wasn’t icked out about it. He had moments of “is this too gay?” but they are very quickly brushed aside.

While Reilly slowly recovers and Jean-Claude accepts that this is a short term thing, they really develop a close relationship. I loved that they were supposedly on the down low (hahahahaha, small towns) but had no problem hanging out in public. I hate when it’s a secret and they act like they hate each other in public.

Jean-Claude’s back story is a bit angsty, but not too bad. It definitely helps explain why he is a bit grumpy and gruff. On the outside. Really he is a big teddy bear. Another thing I liked. He wasn’t what many would think of as a “gay, French Canadian chef”. That is to say, he was no twink. In fact, he was slightly bigger than Reilly the pro hockey player.

Overall it was a sweet story and I really liked these guys together. I don’t feel like either one sacrificed anything for their relationship. They just made each other stronger.

There are other gay men in Elmwood and I want their stories next please!

4 pieces of eye candy

You, Again: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 1) by Lane Hayes: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

September 27, 2023 by Denise

The hometown hockey hero and his best friend’s brother…

Vinnie

Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.

So I’m going home to Elmwood.

But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.

That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.

And that’s almost as scary as coaching teens.

Nolan

No, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.

He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.

So maybe my life isn’t particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.

And I’m not coaching with him. No way.

Ugh…

I can’t believe I’m doing this again.

You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friend’s brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA!

Title: You, Again
Authors: Lane Hayes
Length: 57k
Series: The Elmwood Stories, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Bisexual awakening, Best friend’s brother, small town, hockey, frenemies to lovers

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

We sipped our coffee in silence, lost in our own thoughts.

“Are you staying with your dad?”

“No,” Vinnie replied. “He’s in London for the summer, so I suppose I could have, but I bought the Asburys’ old place. It’s private and it’s in good condition.”

The Asbury estate was more like a log cabin on steroids than a basic house. It was situated at the very edge of town, accessible via a winding dirt road, and surrounded by woods. The perfect spot for someone who needed a little privacy. But it was a lot of house for one person.

I didn’t say that, though. I went with, “I heard the Collinses redid the kitchen and bathrooms before they moved to Burlington last September.”

“Yeah, they did some nice work. You should come by and see it.”

Like that was ever gonna happen, I mused sarcastically.

I cocked my head. “How long are you staying?”

“Through the summer…I think.”

“Then you should coach for Ronnie.”

Vinnie widened his eyes comically. “You think I should do it. Why?”

“Ronnie could use a break. If that’s you…so be it,” I said flatly.

He furrowed his brow hard enough to give himself a headache. “Now I’m really suspicious.”

“Don’t be. It’s a simple proposition.”

“But?”

I sipped my coffee thoughtfully before setting the mug on the counter, my gaze locked on his. The ensuing stare-down was epic. Standing gave me a bit of an advantage, but Vinnie’d had years of practice intimidating opponents on the ice.

I finally looked away and leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “But…I think you’ll walk away when it gets tough or when you get a better offer, or when you just get bored of this place. Like you always do.”

“Ouch. That’s gonna leave a mark.”

“I’m not being a dick. I’m being honest. Your life isn’t here…Ronnie’s is. You can walk away whenever you want and not lose a thing. It’s a little different for the rest of us,” I continued conversationally.

“And this is the part where you’re not being a dick?”

“Trust me, it is,” I huffed.

This is a nice, cozy, friends/enemies to lovers small town story. They kind you wish you were under a blanket in your favorite chair with tea or hot chocolate. And cookies.

Pro hockey player Vinnie is hanging up his skates. Not really going out on top, but definitely not at the bottom. With no real friends and definitely no family in Washington state, he heads home to New England and his small town of Elmwood. There are his best friend, his best friend’s brother and their mother. All of whom he considers family. Except the brother isn’t happy to see him and Vinnie has no idea why.

Nolan has crushed on Vinnie pretty much since he figured out he was gay. He was the third wheel in the friendship trio, but he was always welcome. He’s also back in Elmwood after giving up a career to take over the family diner after his father died unexpectedly. He isn’t happy Vinnie is back. Or that they are working together to coach hockey at his brother’s rink.

Vinnie is that happy go lucky guy who just wants to be friends with everyone. Even after growing up with a father who treated him as an afterthought on a good day, Vin always looks for the silver lining.

Nolan isn’t bitter, really, about giving up on his career. Especially since he redid the diner and make it into a restaurant with a wait list. He adores his mother, his brother and his niece. Vin, he hates but secretly still wants.

Being forced together as coaches plus Vin’s affable charm slowly break down Nolan’s walls. AND Vin actually get him to tell him why he is so mad at him. And honestly, it was with pretty good reason. But they clear the air and keep whatever is going on between them on the down low. Because that always works.

I absolutely adored Nolan’s niece. Precocious, a book worm and a wicked slapshot on the ice, I loved the scene’s with her in it.

The story was a bit cookie cutter, but the characters really made the book so enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the next book who I hope is this guy and that guy. LOL

4 pieces of eye candy

Baxter’s Right-Hand Man: MM Romance/Secret Boyfriends (The Baxter Chronicles Book 2) by Lane Hayes: New Release Review

July 12, 2023 by Denise

The movie star meets his match…

Pierce

Welcome to Hollywood, baby! Perhaps you’ve heard of me. I play Baxter, the adventure-seeking, crime-fighting hero, adored by fans around the world. Nice gig, right? My job has its perks for sure—private jets, a chauffeur, and the best tables at the fanciest restaurants in town. It’s nuts!

Downside—it’s hard to know who you can trust.

But I trust Lorenzo. He’s funny, sweet, and very real.

Look, I’m not in the market for anything serious. Between my greedy brother and the old man who claims we’re related, I’m a little wary, but I could use a friend.

And a sexy distraction.

Lorenzo

What is happening here? Major movie star, Pierce Allen wants me.

Me!

I don’t get it. I’m too fabulous and he’s too famous.

No, wait. He wants something from me, like my help and maybe my body. This should be a no-brainer. However, closing the last chapter on a long-term relationship has left me feeling a little fragile, and the last thing I need is to risk another broken heart.

But I’m too intrigued to walk away. I can play the part of Pierce’s “right-hand man” and keep things light and friendly. No problem.

I’m way too smart to fall for a movie star.

I hope.

Baxter’s Right-Hand Man is a MM, bisexual romance featuring a sexy, slightly egotistical movie star and the adorable diva who brings him back to reality.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Full disclosure, I did not read book 1. And while you definitely don’t need to, you know I’m gonna!

Baxter is a character, much like James Bond. But American. So that’s kind of fun. It sounds like that is all Pierce is really known for, but that’s ok.

Lorenzo is a manager at a boutique furniture and accessory store. That leads he and Pierce to meet when Lorenzo (Lo moving forward) makes a regular delivery to one of his favorite customers, an older fabulously gay gentleman named Mr Gowan who may or may not be related to Pierce.

The meeting was orchestrated to clean up Pierce’s image in the press. With a fake girlfriend on his arm, but a cater waiter in his bed, the studio isn’t pleased. Although I kind of love that it isn’t that he is bi. It’s that they want to promote the fake girlfriend as an actress as well.

And it’s Mr. Gowan that makes this story unique to me. Pierce is a bit desperate to find a relation that isn’t his father or brother, but he will never admit it. And Lo is fiercely protective of Mr. Gowan as a long time client who doesn’t have a ton of time left.

Pierce absolutely started off pretty despicable. Kind of the way you usually read about movie stars being. All about him on the outside, who cares what anyone thinks. I slowly warmed up to him through the book as his feelings for Lo blossom and more of the truth about how he is related to Mr. Gowan come to light.

Lo is likable from the start. Still sort of recovering from a big break up two years ago, he has a job he loves and great friends. And he does treasure his time with Mr. Gowan. Who, while amazing, doesn’t share a lot of his life stories until it is almost too late.

I also really loved how the setting of LA really framed the story. So often it’s celebrities in big glass beach houses or they are on set or off in another country filming. But Mr. Gowan’s house, Lo’s store, etc, really show something that we don’t always see. The regular guy does ok for himself. He isn’t living in some studio apartment with no air conditioning while working 17 jobs. He really doesn’t want to be an actor or work in the film business. And he is just fine working for someone, not necessarily being the boss and owner.

I really did enjoy this story that made me laugh and cry. It wasn’t the same old scene.

And I really REALLY want Mr. Gowan’s story. When he was Jasper in the 60’s. The little bit we got was fascinating to me.

4.5 pieces of eye candy