by Kelli Wlkins
Amber Quill Press
M/M Contemporary Erotic Romance
4 Stars
Review copy supplied by author
Blurb:
When David invited his best friend along on vacation, he never expected them to fall in love...
Spending four days in a tropical paradise with Jack is a dream come true. For years, David lived a lie and denied his attraction to Jack. Now that they're together in an isolated Caribbean resort, however, he finally sheds his denial and admits what he really wants--to be Jack's lover.
Jack is more than willing to introduce David to the life he has always fantasized about. Their sizzling nighttime encounters confirm David's long-hidden desires. But what will happen when they leave the resort? Will David sacrifice everything to start a new life with Jack? Or will he go back to his old ways and risk losing the best friend he ever had?
Review:
David has been in love with his childhood friend, Jack, for years but for those same years he has hidden his feelings so deep that even he is no longer sure. Seeing how hard Jack had things when he came out to friends and family, David is scared to admit that he is in love with a man; he's still in denial and dates women. He and his latest girlfriend, Alison, were supposed to go on the romantic getaway but two weeks before they're due to leave, Alison dumps him, citing all the time he's spending with Jack as the reason.
So David chucks caution to the wind and invites Jack on the Caribbean holiday instead.
Their holiday is one of erotic exploration for both of them, but more than that, it is a coming together with an emotional connection, not just a physical one - and the physical scenes are scorching hot.
For a short novella, we get quite a good depth of character, even the other guests at the resort are not just cardboard cut-outs. David's insecurities are well-drawn, and as you get the story from both Jack and David's point of view, you can see that despite all his bravado and not ashamed to be gay bluster, Jack also has them too.
The friends to lovers trope has been done quite a few times, so any author tackling it needs to have a story that stands out and I think this one does. Jack and David are interesting characters, both with things in their past that they want to overcome and they are very likeable heroes.
It was a hot, romantic story and very easy to read, the writing flows so well. I just had a few niggles with some of the love scenes - soap as lube? Ouch! And I'm afraid that the word 'dick' made me giggle - it's used here mostly to call someone an idiot, not for fun, sexytimes ;) So as I was reading, it was like - wait, what - he wants him to touch his idiot? That's just a personal thing, it'll probably not bother anyone else.
All in all a very good read if you're after some romance with obstacles to be overcome before the happily ever after.
Reviewed by Annette Gisby
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