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The Fall Guide
Eric is a popular beauty blogger, and hopes to use the momentum of that to start his own business selling makeup for men—but his first attempt to launch makes it painfully clear he has a lot to learn and a long way to go.
Unexpected help comes in the form of Devon: Gorgeous, successful, and far too smooth. He is everything Eric would like to be, all the things Eric is starting to fear he'll never achieve, and the success that Eric is striving for in both his professional and personal life is jeopardized by Devon's inability to understand that business and pleasure shouldn't mix, because they can have disastrous results for both
Unexpected help comes in the form of Devon: Gorgeous, successful, and far too smooth. He is everything Eric would like to be, all the things Eric is starting to fear he'll never achieve, and the success that Eric is striving for in both his professional and personal life is jeopardized by Devon's inability to understand that business and pleasure shouldn't mix, because they can have disastrous results for both
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First published December 3, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 4, 2013
It is going to be very hard for me to write a review for this book. I liked it. It felt polished and well researched but it was also a touch dull. These "pleasant" books are the hardest books for me to rate and review but I'll give it a go, folks!
This book centers around Eric, a beauty blogger trying to create and launch a men's makeup and skincare line. He meets a beautiful, wealthy man in Vegas at a beauty convention and they hit it off, though the timing isn't right for them to become involved with each other. Yadda, yadda, yadda... sometime later they start dating and have to navigate both their wealth disparity and the stress of Eric's growing business.
I liked the character of Eric. Androgynous, gorgeous, and not afraid to rock the femme, he was someone interesting to get to know. I wish he was less defensive and more easygoing at times, but that is just my personal taste. I think that Eric had really nice chemistry with Devon. They made a good pair and I enjoyed seeing them figure out the dynamics of their relationship.
My main criticism of this book is the pacing. It dragged at times and felt sort of aimless. The plot of Eric finding and funding his beauty business was interesting in theory but less so in execution. I wanted a bit more of something. And though this book has a few sex scenes, the heat just wasn't there for me like I wanted it to be.
I think if you are interested in fashion and beauty or like stories with femme guys, you should give this one a try. It is an easy read and, overall, I enjoyed it.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This book centers around Eric, a beauty blogger trying to create and launch a men's makeup and skincare line. He meets a beautiful, wealthy man in Vegas at a beauty convention and they hit it off, though the timing isn't right for them to become involved with each other. Yadda, yadda, yadda... sometime later they start dating and have to navigate both their wealth disparity and the stress of Eric's growing business.
I liked the character of Eric. Androgynous, gorgeous, and not afraid to rock the femme, he was someone interesting to get to know. I wish he was less defensive and more easygoing at times, but that is just my personal taste. I think that Eric had really nice chemistry with Devon. They made a good pair and I enjoyed seeing them figure out the dynamics of their relationship.
My main criticism of this book is the pacing. It dragged at times and felt sort of aimless. The plot of Eric finding and funding his beauty business was interesting in theory but less so in execution. I wanted a bit more of something. And though this book has a few sex scenes, the heat just wasn't there for me like I wanted it to be.
I think if you are interested in fashion and beauty or like stories with femme guys, you should give this one a try. It is an easy read and, overall, I enjoyed it.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
May 29, 2019
MMRG Bingo Week 4: Mostly Orange or Yellow Covers
If I have to choose one word to characterize this book it would be the word “charming!” I was charmed by the plot of Femme and Fabulous “Eric,” a beauty guru and beauty blogger, getting business, “Haute Men” off the ground, and overcoming many obstacles to launch, sustain, and expand his men’s skin care and makeup products online business. I was charmed by “Devon,” his well-heeled, AA, record producer love interest and their budding romance, and Devon’s consideration for Eric’s need to take things slowly.
I’m looking forward to reading more titles from this author!
If I have to choose one word to characterize this book it would be the word “charming!” I was charmed by the plot of Femme and Fabulous “Eric,” a beauty guru and beauty blogger, getting business, “Haute Men” off the ground, and overcoming many obstacles to launch, sustain, and expand his men’s skin care and makeup products online business. I was charmed by “Devon,” his well-heeled, AA, record producer love interest and their budding romance, and Devon’s consideration for Eric’s need to take things slowly.
I’m looking forward to reading more titles from this author!
November 29, 2013
This was my first book by this author, and I didn't mind it. While it wasn't earth-shattering, it was easy reading.
Eric is a makeup blogger, a feminine man who wears high-heeled boots and makeup. He's into fashion and cosmetics, and isn't afraid to flaunt it. His blog is popular, and he hopes to sell his own brand of cosmetics for men.
The book opens with Eric traveling to a beauty expo is Las Vegas. Leaving his selfish, nasty boyfriend behind in Los Angeles, Eric debates whether he wants to continue the relationship. What worthwhile boyfriend dumps you on the literal (airport) curb with your six suitcases because he doesn't want to park his fancy car?
While in Vegas, Eric meets Devon, a music producer (not surprisingly also from Los Angeles), who's young, rich, hip, hot, rich (did I mention rich?) and very, very successful. Not wanting to be a cheater, Eric doesn't given into his powerful attraction to Devon, but they do spend some time together and exchange numbers.
Unfortunately, the focus of the book was less Devon and Eric's budding relationship and more Eric's cosmetic line business. Eric doesn't know a lot about marketing or business; Devon does. But Eric worries about mixing business with pleasure. He asks for Devon's advice but constantly pushes away the help Devon is willing to give. I found this push/pull incredibly frustrating, and, while I understand that getting a business off the ground is taxing and stressful, I got tired of reading about it.
I wanted more interaction between the guys, more showing instead of telling. This book also lacked a solid heat index; yes, there were a few love scenes, but they felt a tad prudish (which is the last thing I want when I'm reading about sexy men getting it on!).
There's a HFN here for sure, but because the two MCs were reduced to their quirks, it didn't feel entirely believable.
Also, Ms. Andor, take note: An epilogue is an ending, a wrap up; it should focus on the future, provide closure. Please don't give me an "epilogue" that occurs a couple days after the last chapter and offers me nothing in terms of completion. Not cool.
(Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
Eric is a makeup blogger, a feminine man who wears high-heeled boots and makeup. He's into fashion and cosmetics, and isn't afraid to flaunt it. His blog is popular, and he hopes to sell his own brand of cosmetics for men.
The book opens with Eric traveling to a beauty expo is Las Vegas. Leaving his selfish, nasty boyfriend behind in Los Angeles, Eric debates whether he wants to continue the relationship. What worthwhile boyfriend dumps you on the literal (airport) curb with your six suitcases because he doesn't want to park his fancy car?
While in Vegas, Eric meets Devon, a music producer (not surprisingly also from Los Angeles), who's young, rich, hip, hot, rich (did I mention rich?) and very, very successful. Not wanting to be a cheater, Eric doesn't given into his powerful attraction to Devon, but they do spend some time together and exchange numbers.
Unfortunately, the focus of the book was less Devon and Eric's budding relationship and more Eric's cosmetic line business. Eric doesn't know a lot about marketing or business; Devon does. But Eric worries about mixing business with pleasure. He asks for Devon's advice but constantly pushes away the help Devon is willing to give. I found this push/pull incredibly frustrating, and, while I understand that getting a business off the ground is taxing and stressful, I got tired of reading about it.
I wanted more interaction between the guys, more showing instead of telling. This book also lacked a solid heat index; yes, there were a few love scenes, but they felt a tad prudish (which is the last thing I want when I'm reading about sexy men getting it on!).
There's a HFN here for sure, but because the two MCs were reduced to their quirks, it didn't feel entirely believable.
Also, Ms. Andor, take note: An epilogue is an ending, a wrap up; it should focus on the future, provide closure. Please don't give me an "epilogue" that occurs a couple days after the last chapter and offers me nothing in terms of completion. Not cool.
(Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
August 20, 2014
I recently re-read this book and realized that I'd never published my review of it, so here goes: I love it.
Maybe the best review I can give is that I've read it several times with pleasure. It's a go-to book when I want something that is m/m romance and satisfying, in a number of ways.
Eric is a beauty blogger trying to launch his own line of products, but when it seems like his dream is being crushed, he is helped by the professional know-how of Devon, a charismatic music producer who knows a lot about business and offers Eric a hand.
Like all Talya Andor novels, this one is full of characters who simply come alive and are easy to relate with. Eric can get too much into his own head and worries, while Devon can come on a little too strong and cocky. This book is as much about them finding compromise and working through their own insecurities as it is about finding love and fulfilling dreams. Andor is a pro at making characters interesting--flawed yet fixable, neurotic yet completely natural with dreams and quirks all their own. You can't help but root for them and keep reading to figure out what they're going to do next.
This is a perfect afternoon read for a romance spiced up with some very sexy bits!
Maybe the best review I can give is that I've read it several times with pleasure. It's a go-to book when I want something that is m/m romance and satisfying, in a number of ways.
Eric is a beauty blogger trying to launch his own line of products, but when it seems like his dream is being crushed, he is helped by the professional know-how of Devon, a charismatic music producer who knows a lot about business and offers Eric a hand.
Like all Talya Andor novels, this one is full of characters who simply come alive and are easy to relate with. Eric can get too much into his own head and worries, while Devon can come on a little too strong and cocky. This book is as much about them finding compromise and working through their own insecurities as it is about finding love and fulfilling dreams. Andor is a pro at making characters interesting--flawed yet fixable, neurotic yet completely natural with dreams and quirks all their own. You can't help but root for them and keep reading to figure out what they're going to do next.
This is a perfect afternoon read for a romance spiced up with some very sexy bits!
January 8, 2014
I’m so glad that I came back from a long reading hiatus to find this! It’s hard to say everything I liked about The Fall Guide without giving everything away. Certain scenes had me smiling giddily—I loved how Eric and Devon met, giggled through Eric’s first meeting with Devon’s dad, and enjoyed Eric’s easy friendship with André. The sex was hot and I particularly enjoyed the reciprocation in Eric and Devon's relationship.
Talya is one of my favorite writers in the genre—she has a way with characterization that draws the reader in and this story was no exception. I really enjoyed it!
Talya is one of my favorite writers in the genre—she has a way with characterization that draws the reader in and this story was no exception. I really enjoyed it!
February 4, 2014
I stayed up all night to keep reading this even though I had work the next day. I'm a fan of the dynamic of a 'pretty' guy and a 'confident' guy (although the pretty guy is self-assured too, so maybe my word choice isn't the best...). There were some little touches that gave her characters depth and brought out their cultural/socio-economic/etc differences. The story left me wanting more of the characters, but there weren't any loose ends I was left in the dark about.
December 14, 2013
Hot, cute, fun, a nice break from contemporary books so heavy with issues and angst I'm tired after reading them. This is a book where the bad guys are bad guys and easy to hate, and the good guys are adorable and easy to love.
March 27, 2014
3.5*
I enjoyed reading this story although it dragged at times. Both MCs were lovable and they were good for each other. I have the feeling that there's a sequel coming. (hopefully)
I enjoyed reading this story although it dragged at times. Both MCs were lovable and they were good for each other. I have the feeling that there's a sequel coming. (hopefully)
December 15, 2013
Super cute romance by one of my favorite authors. A must read.
March 2, 2014
Review by Lily, posted at http://www.scuttlebuttreviews.com/201...
My review is mixed with the synopsis because I felt that you needed the synopsis to understand where I am coming from…
The Fall Guide is really about a financially struggling beauty blogger, Eric, who is trying to launch his own make-up range for men. Eric has been dating a guy for seven months, but this spoilt brattish male was not much into Eric, and Eric catches him in the bed with another man. Suddenly I thought “oohh…yeahhh…hello angst, pain to deepen this story!” But no, they break up and Eric moves on quite healthily and quickly. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for him, but I am also disappointed that this part of the story finished so quickly.
Anyway, back to the story. He starts dating rich, handsome, clever, successful, gorgeous, and down-to-earth Devon. Devon wants to help his boyfriend, Eric, launch his business, so he offers financial aid. But Eric has self-respect and pride, so he refuses Devon’s financial assistance…I then jump to the conclusion again, “oohh…yeah…! Now there is some angst! They will fight and work realllyyyy hard to learn to compromise considering they are from very different backgrounds!” Alas, this was not the case. These two lovers resolve their issues quickly again. Don’t get me wrong; I am happy for Eric and Devon, but again…issues resolve rather fast and nicely…
Andor focuses so much on Eric’s struggling business, to the point I think a first year business student can use it as general reading to understand how tricky setting up a business is. It really would give basic insight to anyone who wants to set up a business around fashion and beauty.
For me, this story is about decadence, wealth, fashion, beauty, diligence, creative thinking, and really “a lot of good luck” for meeting the right man and his family.
I find Eric rather likable. He is a fighter no matter what the obstacles are. I only wish he be less dramatic and hot-headed. I adore stories involving twinks, but have never met a twink as frustrating as Eric! OMG…sometimes, I found him so irritating. I think he is so lucky to meet Devon, who is a patient man.
I guess I may enjoy this more if the writer did not go on and on about Eric’s business issues. While reading, I often ask myself, “Why? Why go on and on?” I wish this story focused more on relationship issues, I mean, Eric must be the only person who did not experience rebound issues; he moved on so quickly, despite finding his ex-boyfriend in a very compromising situation after 7 months of relationship.
The Fall Guide is a good read for escapism, all in all, it was pretty enjoyable story. If you are interested in fashion, beautiful men, wealth, wonderful in-laws, wonderful friends, and a selfish brat for an ex-boyfriend (who briefly appear), an amazingly perfect HEA ending, then this is the book for you.
My review is mixed with the synopsis because I felt that you needed the synopsis to understand where I am coming from…
The Fall Guide is really about a financially struggling beauty blogger, Eric, who is trying to launch his own make-up range for men. Eric has been dating a guy for seven months, but this spoilt brattish male was not much into Eric, and Eric catches him in the bed with another man. Suddenly I thought “oohh…yeahhh…hello angst, pain to deepen this story!” But no, they break up and Eric moves on quite healthily and quickly. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for him, but I am also disappointed that this part of the story finished so quickly.
Anyway, back to the story. He starts dating rich, handsome, clever, successful, gorgeous, and down-to-earth Devon. Devon wants to help his boyfriend, Eric, launch his business, so he offers financial aid. But Eric has self-respect and pride, so he refuses Devon’s financial assistance…I then jump to the conclusion again, “oohh…yeah…! Now there is some angst! They will fight and work realllyyyy hard to learn to compromise considering they are from very different backgrounds!” Alas, this was not the case. These two lovers resolve their issues quickly again. Don’t get me wrong; I am happy for Eric and Devon, but again…issues resolve rather fast and nicely…
Andor focuses so much on Eric’s struggling business, to the point I think a first year business student can use it as general reading to understand how tricky setting up a business is. It really would give basic insight to anyone who wants to set up a business around fashion and beauty.
For me, this story is about decadence, wealth, fashion, beauty, diligence, creative thinking, and really “a lot of good luck” for meeting the right man and his family.
I find Eric rather likable. He is a fighter no matter what the obstacles are. I only wish he be less dramatic and hot-headed. I adore stories involving twinks, but have never met a twink as frustrating as Eric! OMG…sometimes, I found him so irritating. I think he is so lucky to meet Devon, who is a patient man.
I guess I may enjoy this more if the writer did not go on and on about Eric’s business issues. While reading, I often ask myself, “Why? Why go on and on?” I wish this story focused more on relationship issues, I mean, Eric must be the only person who did not experience rebound issues; he moved on so quickly, despite finding his ex-boyfriend in a very compromising situation after 7 months of relationship.
The Fall Guide is a good read for escapism, all in all, it was pretty enjoyable story. If you are interested in fashion, beautiful men, wealth, wonderful in-laws, wonderful friends, and a selfish brat for an ex-boyfriend (who briefly appear), an amazingly perfect HEA ending, then this is the book for you.
October 13, 2014
A fun, interesting and romantic book full of fashion, ambition, friendship and love.
This book surprised me. It surpassed my original expectations spectacularly and kept on being more and better as it went along.
When I first met Eric I thought him fabulous and entertaining, but judged him spoiled and shallow. I think a lot of people have done that with Eric his whole life. Maybe that's a part of why that's all he lets most people see. As I spent more time with him I began to see first some shading and then some layers. Until slowly by the time his story had finished, while he was still fabulous and entertaining, he was not my first judgement of him at all.
If I'm honest I didn't expect much from Devon in the beginning either. I kept waiting for him to be a jerk or screw up. I was right there with Eric, afraid Devon was too good to be true. Waiting for the sword to drop. But Devon was genuine. He ended up being a wonderful part of the book for me.
The supporting characters of friends and family added depth and background to the story. The relationships giving me insight into Eric and Devon's lives and personalities. I loved their best friends. Everyone needs friends like that.
The development of Eric and Devon's relationship was a treat to watch. While there was always sexual tension they started as friends and built from there. Making the relationship seem deeper and more than just the really hot sex. There are some seriously steamy scenes in this book. But there are also a lot of tender moments and a swathe of humor and true liking for one another. I loved the way they treated each other.
I think I had a smile on my face throughout most of the book. Enjoying the antics of Eric and his best friend, Andrè as they bantered, watching Eric come into his own as a businessman and entrepreneur. It was great seeing him grow in confidence even as he dealt with the pitfalls of starting a business. And watching two beautiful men fall in love. The nuances of learning each other. First fights and makeup sex. They became so much more than that first meeting in Vegas. And I felt privileged to be able to share their journey with them.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
This book surprised me. It surpassed my original expectations spectacularly and kept on being more and better as it went along.
When I first met Eric I thought him fabulous and entertaining, but judged him spoiled and shallow. I think a lot of people have done that with Eric his whole life. Maybe that's a part of why that's all he lets most people see. As I spent more time with him I began to see first some shading and then some layers. Until slowly by the time his story had finished, while he was still fabulous and entertaining, he was not my first judgement of him at all.
If I'm honest I didn't expect much from Devon in the beginning either. I kept waiting for him to be a jerk or screw up. I was right there with Eric, afraid Devon was too good to be true. Waiting for the sword to drop. But Devon was genuine. He ended up being a wonderful part of the book for me.
The supporting characters of friends and family added depth and background to the story. The relationships giving me insight into Eric and Devon's lives and personalities. I loved their best friends. Everyone needs friends like that.
The development of Eric and Devon's relationship was a treat to watch. While there was always sexual tension they started as friends and built from there. Making the relationship seem deeper and more than just the really hot sex. There are some seriously steamy scenes in this book. But there are also a lot of tender moments and a swathe of humor and true liking for one another. I loved the way they treated each other.
I think I had a smile on my face throughout most of the book. Enjoying the antics of Eric and his best friend, Andrè as they bantered, watching Eric come into his own as a businessman and entrepreneur. It was great seeing him grow in confidence even as he dealt with the pitfalls of starting a business. And watching two beautiful men fall in love. The nuances of learning each other. First fights and makeup sex. They became so much more than that first meeting in Vegas. And I felt privileged to be able to share their journey with them.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
January 16, 2014
Starting a business is difficult enough for an experienced person, but for a gay man with a unique idea but no startup experience, going from idea to entrepreneur is a long, hard process. Andor chronicles the journey beautifully in this book.
The androgynous-looking, make-up-wearing Eric, who writes a popular blog about beauty, has come up with a line of products specifically aimed at men, to help them retain skin tone and elasticity. Eric's about to preview his products at a beauty expo in Las Vegas when his boyfriend dumps him.
Undaunted, Eric sets up his booth only to be disappointed the first day when he gets little traffic or interest. Glumly walking around the casino of the hotel that night he meets music producer Devon, who gives him a few tips on marketing his products and making his booth more appealing. Finding an all-night copy place, Eric revamps his approach with new brochures and redone posters, happy to find that Devon's suggestions work beautifully and buyers flock to his booth. So begins a love affair between equals and the birth of a new enterprise.
While a lot of the book is devoted to Eric and Devon's love life and their becoming closer to each other, much of the story goes into detail about Eric's sometimes painful steps from blog to viable business.
Eric refuses to rely on Devon for financial support, even though Devon comes from money and is now independently wealthy. Readers will respect Eric since he knows that mixing business and love is very risky and rife with pitfalls.
Eric isn't a flake, which makes him even more likeable. He digs in at each step and works in the trenches, ordering product, advertising it, packaging it and taking it to the post office. Grudgingly he agrees to let Devon introduce him to potential investors, but ultimately has the innate business savvy to recognize which are a good fit and which would be disastrous.
Read the rest of my review at All About Romance: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/boo...
The androgynous-looking, make-up-wearing Eric, who writes a popular blog about beauty, has come up with a line of products specifically aimed at men, to help them retain skin tone and elasticity. Eric's about to preview his products at a beauty expo in Las Vegas when his boyfriend dumps him.
Undaunted, Eric sets up his booth only to be disappointed the first day when he gets little traffic or interest. Glumly walking around the casino of the hotel that night he meets music producer Devon, who gives him a few tips on marketing his products and making his booth more appealing. Finding an all-night copy place, Eric revamps his approach with new brochures and redone posters, happy to find that Devon's suggestions work beautifully and buyers flock to his booth. So begins a love affair between equals and the birth of a new enterprise.
While a lot of the book is devoted to Eric and Devon's love life and their becoming closer to each other, much of the story goes into detail about Eric's sometimes painful steps from blog to viable business.
Eric refuses to rely on Devon for financial support, even though Devon comes from money and is now independently wealthy. Readers will respect Eric since he knows that mixing business and love is very risky and rife with pitfalls.
Eric isn't a flake, which makes him even more likeable. He digs in at each step and works in the trenches, ordering product, advertising it, packaging it and taking it to the post office. Grudgingly he agrees to let Devon introduce him to potential investors, but ultimately has the innate business savvy to recognize which are a good fit and which would be disastrous.
Read the rest of my review at All About Romance: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/boo...
December 5, 2013
It was well written which was nice. My only issue was that it was a bit boring at times. I still read it through and enjoyed it and will read more from this author.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews