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Amid Our Lines
Realising your new boss is the adult star you fancied as a teenager? Awkward.
In the snow-kissed Swiss Alps, Adrian’s world is a high-wire act of old-world charm and new-world problems at the Gletscherhaus Hotel. Enter Eric, an undercover London songwriter, seeking a mental break in a place where the Wi-Fi is as patchy as his past relationships. Waiting tables at a mountain hotel—well, why not?
But it’s one thing to meet your new boss; it’s another to recognise him as the star of your teenage daydreams. Talk about an awkwardly comedic meet-cute!
Their solution? A friends-with-benefits arrangement that’s as wobbly as a flat-pack wardrobe with a few screws loose. As Adrian grapples with the hotel’s impending financial doom (and the occasional wood rot), Eric’s secret status as a hitmaker could be the missing piece—or the final twist of the hex wrench.
This lighthearted romp through the Alps is a slow burn of snark, charm, and the kind of romance that proves love can be the ultimate life hack. It’s a small-town tale of opposites attracting, of a fish out of water finding his stream, and of a found family that extends beyond bloodlines. As Eric and Adrian’s no-strings fling skids on the icy slopes of undefined love, they must decide whether to crash into the snowbank of fleeting passion or to build something that stands as tall as the mountains around them.
For those who’ve tapped their feet to You’re My Beat, this is Eric’s encore and happily ever after. And for newcomers, welcome to the Gletscherhaus. Its tale stands alone—much like Eric did, until now.
In the snow-kissed Swiss Alps, Adrian’s world is a high-wire act of old-world charm and new-world problems at the Gletscherhaus Hotel. Enter Eric, an undercover London songwriter, seeking a mental break in a place where the Wi-Fi is as patchy as his past relationships. Waiting tables at a mountain hotel—well, why not?
But it’s one thing to meet your new boss; it’s another to recognise him as the star of your teenage daydreams. Talk about an awkwardly comedic meet-cute!
Their solution? A friends-with-benefits arrangement that’s as wobbly as a flat-pack wardrobe with a few screws loose. As Adrian grapples with the hotel’s impending financial doom (and the occasional wood rot), Eric’s secret status as a hitmaker could be the missing piece—or the final twist of the hex wrench.
This lighthearted romp through the Alps is a slow burn of snark, charm, and the kind of romance that proves love can be the ultimate life hack. It’s a small-town tale of opposites attracting, of a fish out of water finding his stream, and of a found family that extends beyond bloodlines. As Eric and Adrian’s no-strings fling skids on the icy slopes of undefined love, they must decide whether to crash into the snowbank of fleeting passion or to build something that stands as tall as the mountains around them.
For those who’ve tapped their feet to You’re My Beat, this is Eric’s encore and happily ever after. And for newcomers, welcome to the Gletscherhaus. Its tale stands alone—much like Eric did, until now.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2024
81 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Zarah Detand
19 books438 followersWriter of M/M romances. Chaos monkey. Coffee snob. Cheese is her love language.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 12, 2025
Reread 08.-11.02.2025
Po roku mogę spokojnie stwierdzić, że nic się nie zmieniło.
Historia jest urocza, wycisza mnie, uspokaja i zdecydowanie poprawia nastrój 😊
Ponownie pięć gwiazdek 😁
* * * * * * *
Update 12.03.2024
Po namyśle zmieniam ocenę i zaokrąglam w górę - szczerze, tak patrzę od miesiąca i się zastanawiam, dlaczego tego od razu nie zrobiłam, skoro książka mi się podobała 😁
Co jednak czyni ją moją pierwszą piąteczką w tym roku na GR 😉
4+
Kolejne, absolutnie urocze słodziaki 😁
Eric - dość niepewny, nie lubiący zwracać na siebie uwagi twórca piosenek, który osiągnął zawodowy sukces, ale w departamencie miłości może "pochwalić się" porażką za porażką. Chcąc oczyścić głowę i złapać jakąś nową perspektywę, daje się namówić swojemu najlepszemu przyjacielowi na wyjazd z Londynu do Szwajcarii jako częściowa pomoc w górskim hotelu.
Adrian - nie chcąc brać pieniędzy od rodziców, studia w Berlinie opłacał graniem w filmach dla dorosłych. Sprawiało mu to radochę, nie wstydzi się tego. Ale kocha swój rodzinny, mający długą historię hotel w małej wiosce w Alpach Szwajcarskich i nie wyobraża sobie życia gdzieś indziej. W wieku 29 lat jest gotowy na coś więcej, niż jednorazowe numerki, ale też pod całą powłoką radosnego gościa nie do końca wierzy, że uda mu się znaleźć kogoś, kto nie zobaczy w nim tylko byłej gwiazdy porno na jedną noc. Ciężko pracuje po przejęciu hotelu od rodziców, mierząc się z wyzwaniami, które niesie zarówno zmiana klimatu i turyści, których jest jednak trochę za mało (śnieg coraz krócej leży), jak i 250-letni budynek, w którym mieści się hotel.
Trudno nie polubić obydwu bohaterów - przynajmniej mnie się to nie udało 😜 Niezmiernie przyjemna, urocza historia, bez zbędnej dramy, z humorem - szkoda tylko, że nie zaczęłam jej czytać w weekend, bo łyknęłabym na jedno posiedzenie, a tak, zajęło mi czytanie kilka dni...
Po roku mogę spokojnie stwierdzić, że nic się nie zmieniło.
Historia jest urocza, wycisza mnie, uspokaja i zdecydowanie poprawia nastrój 😊
Ponownie pięć gwiazdek 😁
* * * * * * *
Update 12.03.2024
Po namyśle zmieniam ocenę i zaokrąglam w górę - szczerze, tak patrzę od miesiąca i się zastanawiam, dlaczego tego od razu nie zrobiłam, skoro książka mi się podobała 😁
Co jednak czyni ją moją pierwszą piąteczką w tym roku na GR 😉
4+
Kolejne, absolutnie urocze słodziaki 😁
Eric - dość niepewny, nie lubiący zwracać na siebie uwagi twórca piosenek, który osiągnął zawodowy sukces, ale w departamencie miłości może "pochwalić się" porażką za porażką. Chcąc oczyścić głowę i złapać jakąś nową perspektywę, daje się namówić swojemu najlepszemu przyjacielowi na wyjazd z Londynu do Szwajcarii jako częściowa pomoc w górskim hotelu.
Adrian - nie chcąc brać pieniędzy od rodziców, studia w Berlinie opłacał graniem w filmach dla dorosłych. Sprawiało mu to radochę, nie wstydzi się tego. Ale kocha swój rodzinny, mający długą historię hotel w małej wiosce w Alpach Szwajcarskich i nie wyobraża sobie życia gdzieś indziej. W wieku 29 lat jest gotowy na coś więcej, niż jednorazowe numerki, ale też pod całą powłoką radosnego gościa nie do końca wierzy, że uda mu się znaleźć kogoś, kto nie zobaczy w nim tylko byłej gwiazdy porno na jedną noc. Ciężko pracuje po przejęciu hotelu od rodziców, mierząc się z wyzwaniami, które niesie zarówno zmiana klimatu i turyści, których jest jednak trochę za mało (śnieg coraz krócej leży), jak i 250-letni budynek, w którym mieści się hotel.
Trudno nie polubić obydwu bohaterów - przynajmniej mnie się to nie udało 😜 Niezmiernie przyjemna, urocza historia, bez zbędnej dramy, z humorem - szkoda tylko, że nie zaczęłam jej czytać w weekend, bo łyknęłabym na jedno posiedzenie, a tak, zajęło mi czytanie kilka dni...
May 6, 2024
I loved it.
This is the second book by this author I’ve read, and I really love the way she writes.
Her characters feel genuine and are hugely likeable. They come across as real people who laugh and cry, who show responsibility, maturity and vulnerability and who act emotionally mature (most f the times!😉
This is labelled as a ‘witty’ small town romance, and that’s exactly what it is.
Witty, funny, cute, lovable with a teeny bit of angst and a lot of warmth and UST.
I also really like how the author handles sex and love scenes. Sometimes, when it matters and it makes emotional sense, there is a full scene with all the razzle-dazzle. Other times, we get a fade out, other times we get a memory of some of it. Really sensitively done!
Again, just like in the previous book that I read (Wear it like a Crown), the emotional depth simply shines. I totally understood where each character is coming from throughout and rooted for them all the way.
Loved shy-ish, love 'branded' Eric and open, easy-going Adrian.
Loved the music theme and the setting in Switzerland.
Loved the secondary characters, Martin and Kojo in particular.
This is a book that made me smile, a light romance with real feels that easily captured my heart.
This is the second book by this author I’ve read, and I really love the way she writes.
Her characters feel genuine and are hugely likeable. They come across as real people who laugh and cry, who show responsibility, maturity and vulnerability and who act emotionally mature (most f the times!😉
This is labelled as a ‘witty’ small town romance, and that’s exactly what it is.
Witty, funny, cute, lovable with a teeny bit of angst and a lot of warmth and UST.
I also really like how the author handles sex and love scenes. Sometimes, when it matters and it makes emotional sense, there is a full scene with all the razzle-dazzle. Other times, we get a fade out, other times we get a memory of some of it. Really sensitively done!
Again, just like in the previous book that I read (Wear it like a Crown), the emotional depth simply shines. I totally understood where each character is coming from throughout and rooted for them all the way.
Loved shy-ish, love 'branded' Eric and open, easy-going Adrian.
Loved the music theme and the setting in Switzerland.
Loved the secondary characters, Martin and Kojo in particular.
This is a book that made me smile, a light romance with real feels that easily captured my heart.
November 6, 2024
The only thing I wished for this, is that I felt the setting more.
Scandinavian Alps in the winter? I would have loved more atmosphere.
MCs are great though. Cute story.
Scandinavian Alps in the winter? I would have loved more atmosphere.
MCs are great though. Cute story.
April 9, 2024
4.5 stars!!
Well, HELL, this book... made me all teary!! OH MY GOD, ERIC AND ADRIAN!!! *hugs these men*
Amid Our Lines is - so far - my favorite of Zarah Detand. When I first opened the book, all I wanted was for Eric to find his happy ending (after the event in You’re My Beat). All I got was so much more. Because here, amid the gorgeous Swiss countryside, and a grand hotel, not only Eric found somebody who saw him for all he was worth, Eric also fell in love.
I adored Eric and all his insecurities. And I loved Adrian to see past all that. I loved that Eric could finally see the difference between what happened now with Adrian compared to his previous ex-es. I also admired Adrian - he was a hard-worker, smart, and funny. He was a totally perfect fit for Eric.
The progress of their relationship was fun to read. Yes, sure, it all started with "this is casual!" ... like we all would believe that *laugh*. Even their closest friends and family didn't! But then each let the other in, they all had FEELINGS... and that was satisfying.
As always, the cast of friends and family were great. I was happy that Max and Lucas also made appearance and worked things out with Eric.
And that EPILOGUE?
I think it is one of the most quiet and lovely epilogue I've ever read in romance (MM or otherwise). It doesn't have grand gesture. It doesn't have epic declaration or amazing marriage proposal. It is just. HOME.
If every person is a rainbow, then maybe with other people, I let them see some blue and green, possibly a hint of yellow. With you, I feel like it's the whole spectrum of colours. And to me, you're a rainbow
Well, HELL, this book... made me all teary!! OH MY GOD, ERIC AND ADRIAN!!! *hugs these men*
Amid Our Lines is - so far - my favorite of Zarah Detand. When I first opened the book, all I wanted was for Eric to find his happy ending (after the event in You’re My Beat). All I got was so much more. Because here, amid the gorgeous Swiss countryside, and a grand hotel, not only Eric found somebody who saw him for all he was worth, Eric also fell in love.
I adored Eric and all his insecurities. And I loved Adrian to see past all that. I loved that Eric could finally see the difference between what happened now with Adrian compared to his previous ex-es. I also admired Adrian - he was a hard-worker, smart, and funny. He was a totally perfect fit for Eric.
The progress of their relationship was fun to read. Yes, sure, it all started with "this is casual!" ... like we all would believe that *laugh*. Even their closest friends and family didn't! But then each let the other in, they all had FEELINGS... and that was satisfying.
As always, the cast of friends and family were great. I was happy that Max and Lucas also made appearance and worked things out with Eric.
And that EPILOGUE?
I think it is one of the most quiet and lovely epilogue I've ever read in romance (MM or otherwise). It doesn't have grand gesture. It doesn't have epic declaration or amazing marriage proposal. It is just. HOME.
Read
January 15, 2024Out now! 😃❄️
In this small-town romance set in the Swiss Alps, London songwriter Eric recognises his new boss Adrian as the adult film star he fancied as a teenager. Their awkward encounter sparks a comedic, slow-burning friends-with-benefits arrangement, amidst a backdrop of snowy charm and heartwarming romance.
What to Expect?
✓ Hotel in the Alps
✓ It's casual (it's not)
✓ Snark and humour
✓ Forced proximity
✓ Low angst
✓ Small town
✓ Boss / employee
✓ Happily ever after
Watch the video trailer here!
In this small-town romance set in the Swiss Alps, London songwriter Eric recognises his new boss Adrian as the adult film star he fancied as a teenager. Their awkward encounter sparks a comedic, slow-burning friends-with-benefits arrangement, amidst a backdrop of snowy charm and heartwarming romance.
What to Expect?
✓ Hotel in the Alps
✓ It's casual (it's not)
✓ Snark and humour
✓ Forced proximity
✓ Low angst
✓ Small town
✓ Boss / employee
✓ Happily ever after
Watch the video trailer here!
January 22, 2024
Ok, so this was a pleasant surprise. I usually enjoy the books by this author but there seems that there is always something missing. In this book I did not feel that as much and it felt more rounded overall. I liked both characters together and their insecurities came through as genuine. It was a slow burn but not at the same time which was weird but but I liked it anyway. I do love a good slow burn when it's done right and this book was almost there for me. Also, Switzerland, so what's not to love?
December 25, 2023
I read the NetGalley ARC, and this is my honest review:
Very enjoyable! Great characters, an engaging plot, a terrific setting, and a satisfyingly complex resolution. I felt like I was in that hotel, which is great since it's kind of one of the characters. :)
Very enjoyable! Great characters, an engaging plot, a terrific setting, and a satisfyingly complex resolution. I felt like I was in that hotel, which is great since it's kind of one of the characters. :)
January 13, 2024
Clever, cute, delightfully funny, and thoroughly engaging, I really didn't want to put Amid Our Lines down (and in fact might have done a bit of cheeky reading when I possibly should have been working).
This book lives up to its promise of being a witty small-town romance (if by small-town we mean pretty Swiss Alps hotel). I loved the dynamics between Eric and Adrian and didn't even mind waiting for their first kiss because when it happened I was verklempt, it was perfection!
I loved the way they build their relationship, I loved their love language and adored the daily lines. I love how the secondary characters are well-rounded and integral in the story. I love how beautifully the story unfolds, and how it left me feeling when I read the final line.
Is this a book I will recommend to friends? Yes. And is it a book I want to re-read? Also yes.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book lives up to its promise of being a witty small-town romance (if by small-town we mean pretty Swiss Alps hotel). I loved the dynamics between Eric and Adrian and didn't even mind waiting for their first kiss because when it happened I was verklempt, it was perfection!
I loved the way they build their relationship, I loved their love language and adored the daily lines. I love how the secondary characters are well-rounded and integral in the story. I love how beautifully the story unfolds, and how it left me feeling when I read the final line.
Is this a book I will recommend to friends? Yes. And is it a book I want to re-read? Also yes.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2023
This is a delightful, beautifully written slow-burn romance. The way Eric and Adrian’s relationship develops feels very authentic and real. The author also does an amazing job of evoking atmosphere – I really felt like I was there in that hotel too and I could feel the age and beauty of the building, the richness of the rooms, and the moments of intimacy between the men – when Eric played the piano or when they were together in their (Adrian’s) room. The daily line was a fabulous idea, and the lines themselves were amazing. I loved this story so much, and was so glad that Eric got his HEA after having his heart broken in You’re My Beat (which I recommend reading as it’s good to understand why Eric is so reticent to have a relationship).
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
January 11, 2024
Adrian & Eric
I really enjoyed reading this slow burn romance. Adrian and Eric are great together and this story was worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I really enjoyed reading this slow burn romance. Adrian and Eric are great together and this story was worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
January 13, 2024
This book is everything. Eric (featured in You’re My Beat) gets his HEA and I AM HERE FOR IT. Adrian is an unapologetic retired adult film star who hires Eric via his best friend for a server/host job at his hotel in the Swiss Alps. Eric is a songwriter - and quite the good one - though Adrian doesn’t really know how successful. Eric and Adrian have to learn to trust one another and if that process involves some smexy times, then so be it. This book spans Christmas but isn’t a Christmas book - it’s an anytime book. I was fortunate enough to have read an early copy and holy crap now I’ve read it three times and will definitely read it again. Plus we get a cameo (and a little closure I didn’t even know I needed) from Max and Lucas that melted my heart. As always Detand’s side characters really bring out her witty writing style and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. This is the absolute perfect escape book - great story, great characters, just enough heat mixed with some laughs and some tender moments. This book is why I read.
January 10, 2024
Excellent characters in a beautifully detailed location. The family and friends were charming too. It was good to read more about Eric who was a minor character in You're My Beat - although I'm sure this book could work as a standalone it would definitely add to the enjoyment to read that one first. The daily lines were a real highlight. Can't wait to find out what the author will write next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
January 12, 2024
Are you looking for a warm and lovely winter romance set in the ideal winter setting? Look no further!
Eric is in need of a change: still bitter after his most recent breakup, feeling uninspired with his work as a songwriter. When his best friend gets a job at a Swiss hotel and tricks the hotel into hiring Eric as well, Eric goes along with the crazy plan. He likes skiing, and why not try something new?
Adrian, the new owner of the hotel (from his parents), is immediately intrigued by his newest employee. Who may or not have been a big fan of Adrian's past work in the adult entertainment industry (spoiler alert: big fan. huge.). With one person wary of opening his heart and the other unaccustomed to it, what happens when sparks fly?
Once again, Zarah has a way of writing the fuzzy feeling of falling in love in a way that is simultaneously utterly charming and engrossing. I don't know how she does it, but the words really suck you in to the feelings the characters are feeling, until you're falling in love with the characters as they fall in love with each other.
Full disclosure, this book is related to a previous book of hers (You're My Beat) that I have not read yet. I do think that having that backstory may have helped a little bit, since Eric was apparently a character in it and his past with those characters does come up in the story. I really enjoyed it on its own, and I think it works as a standalone, but the beginning is a little jarring and that may be because we have already met Eric already in another book. (I fully plan to read You're My Beat soon and can't wait!)
4.5 stars rounded up, because this book really just set off all the happy parts of my brain.
I did receive an advanced copy of the book, all thoughts are original and (for better or worse) my own.
Eric is in need of a change: still bitter after his most recent breakup, feeling uninspired with his work as a songwriter. When his best friend gets a job at a Swiss hotel and tricks the hotel into hiring Eric as well, Eric goes along with the crazy plan. He likes skiing, and why not try something new?
Adrian, the new owner of the hotel (from his parents), is immediately intrigued by his newest employee. Who may or not have been a big fan of Adrian's past work in the adult entertainment industry (spoiler alert: big fan. huge.). With one person wary of opening his heart and the other unaccustomed to it, what happens when sparks fly?
Once again, Zarah has a way of writing the fuzzy feeling of falling in love in a way that is simultaneously utterly charming and engrossing. I don't know how she does it, but the words really suck you in to the feelings the characters are feeling, until you're falling in love with the characters as they fall in love with each other.
Full disclosure, this book is related to a previous book of hers (You're My Beat) that I have not read yet. I do think that having that backstory may have helped a little bit, since Eric was apparently a character in it and his past with those characters does come up in the story. I really enjoyed it on its own, and I think it works as a standalone, but the beginning is a little jarring and that may be because we have already met Eric already in another book. (I fully plan to read You're My Beat soon and can't wait!)
4.5 stars rounded up, because this book really just set off all the happy parts of my brain.
I did receive an advanced copy of the book, all thoughts are original and (for better or worse) my own.
January 12, 2024
So I wrote the review for the book, and the app crushed without saving it.
It’s 1 am in the morning, I have no more working brain cells other than to say this book was fantastic, 5/5, and I absolutely LOVED the banter.
I am so grateful that I was able to receive an ARC copy in exchange for a review, which I’ll write better once I slept a bit.
But one thing I can say: when this book comes out, read it.
—
I am now back with a full review.
Let’s start by saying that the more I read from this author the more I want to read. I love her writing style.
Now, onto the story.
I absolutely adored the characters. The banter between them? I actually laughed out loud more times than I can count.
I’m impressed and happy with how their relationship progressed. The depth of their feeling maturing, the depth of the characters themselves. I was incredibly happy with literally everything in this book.
The descriptions of the scenery also made me want to just take a flight and go somewhere with mountains honestly.
I will absolutely recommend this book to anyone I know that enjoys reading because this is such a nice cute comfort book that you can’t miss it.
It’s 1 am in the morning, I have no more working brain cells other than to say this book was fantastic, 5/5, and I absolutely LOVED the banter.
I am so grateful that I was able to receive an ARC copy in exchange for a review, which I’ll write better once I slept a bit.
But one thing I can say: when this book comes out, read it.
—
I am now back with a full review.
Let’s start by saying that the more I read from this author the more I want to read. I love her writing style.
Now, onto the story.
I absolutely adored the characters. The banter between them? I actually laughed out loud more times than I can count.
I’m impressed and happy with how their relationship progressed. The depth of their feeling maturing, the depth of the characters themselves. I was incredibly happy with literally everything in this book.
The descriptions of the scenery also made me want to just take a flight and go somewhere with mountains honestly.
I will absolutely recommend this book to anyone I know that enjoys reading because this is such a nice cute comfort book that you can’t miss it.
January 13, 2024
A really fun, sweet and sexy love story! I wasn’t sure how a former adult film star would be portrayed but sweet Adrian was not hiding anything he had a fun lark that earned him some nice money in college. And his best friend and former co star has some home to the Alps to help at his family Inn. Adrian loves his family business but it is a lot of work. Eric a successful song writer decides to join his best friend who takes a job at the Inn. Eric has had his heart broken in the wonderful You’re My Beat and we have a nice glimpse at how those relationships play out. Eric and Adrian have a slow burn low angst love story that is a joy to read. The characters were well developed and this was a well written story I know I will re-read.
January 13, 2024
Does not disappoint ❤
Look can I just say from the get go how much I appreciate characters that quickly solve potential issues with actually having adult conversations? Seriously -big shout out for that!
With that out of the way - if you're looking for a solid low angst romance with some HOT spicy scenes but also a well written story? This is the book for you. Eric absolutely deserved his own fairy tale and I am so glad he found it. Zarah is able to find such a good balance of humor, love, spice, and story. I have always been someone who reads to escape - but it has to be well written escape without gratuitous and unnecessary details - and this absolutely ticks every box for it.
I'm looking forward to reading many more future works!
Look can I just say from the get go how much I appreciate characters that quickly solve potential issues with actually having adult conversations? Seriously -big shout out for that!
With that out of the way - if you're looking for a solid low angst romance with some HOT spicy scenes but also a well written story? This is the book for you. Eric absolutely deserved his own fairy tale and I am so glad he found it. Zarah is able to find such a good balance of humor, love, spice, and story. I have always been someone who reads to escape - but it has to be well written escape without gratuitous and unnecessary details - and this absolutely ticks every box for it.
I'm looking forward to reading many more future works!
January 10, 2024
Eric is a lyricist/songwriter who lives in London, his best friend Kojo is a chef. Kojo has gotten a job in the Alps and convinces Eric to join him. Adrian is the owner of the hotel Kojo is going to be working for. Adrian has a colorful past, but loves the hotel he grew up in. This is a great story with plenty of miscommunication and misunderstandings. The characters are very well written and the storyline pulls you from page one.
January 13, 2024
I love that this romance takes place in Switzerland in a charming historic family-owned mountain hotel. The descriptions of the setting and outdoor activities are beautiful and I'd love to visit the area. The chemistry between Eric and Adrian is hot right from the start and I love the friendships they share with the secondary characters. With a few challenging obstacles to overcome it was so nice to see these two get their happily ever after.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2023
Enchanting, feel-good, excellently written and crafted, easy to read.
The author masterfully transforms a sweet and straightforward plot into a captivating and intriguing story that keeps the reader's attention and interest.
An entertaining and warm story follows Adrian and Eric on the way from immediate attraction to love and a deep relationship, surrounded by a magical backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
The author masterfully avoided sounding shallow or boring by combining characters' vivid emotional and inner worlds with dynamic storytelling.
The constantly changing landscape of MCs' relationship with the challenges they face based on their unique insecurities keeps the reader in suspense and engaged until the last page.
The narrative is fluid, eloquent, and interlaced with witty and entertaining dialog.
Both MCs are charming, lovable, and relatable, with unique pasts, experiences, and flaws.
Though this book is easy to read, cozy, and heartwarming, it conveys a strong message about the importance of love, hope, and overcoming your insecurities and past experiences in pursuit of happiness.
I utterly enjoyed the colorful, vivid writing style interlaced with wit and humor.
This is a standalone story with no cliffhanger.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC. Regardless, this review reflects my genuine thoughts and opinion.
The author masterfully transforms a sweet and straightforward plot into a captivating and intriguing story that keeps the reader's attention and interest.
An entertaining and warm story follows Adrian and Eric on the way from immediate attraction to love and a deep relationship, surrounded by a magical backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
The author masterfully avoided sounding shallow or boring by combining characters' vivid emotional and inner worlds with dynamic storytelling.
The constantly changing landscape of MCs' relationship with the challenges they face based on their unique insecurities keeps the reader in suspense and engaged until the last page.
The narrative is fluid, eloquent, and interlaced with witty and entertaining dialog.
Both MCs are charming, lovable, and relatable, with unique pasts, experiences, and flaws.
Though this book is easy to read, cozy, and heartwarming, it conveys a strong message about the importance of love, hope, and overcoming your insecurities and past experiences in pursuit of happiness.
I utterly enjoyed the colorful, vivid writing style interlaced with wit and humor.
This is a standalone story with no cliffhanger.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC. Regardless, this review reflects my genuine thoughts and opinion.
January 13, 2024
Zarah’s books are auto-reads for me. This one was pretty low angst but well paced, and included interesting elements like the hotel issues and Adrian’s background. As usual, I enjoyed the side characters and the deep friendships Detand excels at writing. There were a few elements of the story that I think could have been explored further, but overall this was an enjoyable, cozy winter read.
November 18, 2025
I loved the premise of this story. Eric just wants to be hidden in a sense. He doesn't like to be front and center. Adrian is a former porn star, but also happens to be the owner of the hotel that Eric is staying at. Adrian isn't ashamed of doing the porn while in college; it was a means to an end. What neither one expected was to fall in love.
The only downside of this story is that it seems to jump around, and the timeline is off. Even though this story is meant to be a Christmas story, it jumps right over the holiday.
The only downside of this story is that it seems to jump around, and the timeline is off. Even though this story is meant to be a Christmas story, it jumps right over the holiday.
Read
February 17, 2024I liked the banter between long time friends Eric and Kojo, but this was a little repetitious, a little dull, and just too…lite. DNF @21%
January 5, 2024
4.5, rounded up to 5 :)
This is another sweet, charming story from Zarah Detand. Again, we have 2 appealing, relatable MCs who have a lovely, not-particularly-angsty relationship, this time in a gorgeous Swiss alps setting. The side characters are fun (nice cameos from Lucas and Max), and it was great to get a picture of who Eric is beyond his role as the spoiler in You're My Beat, and see him get a well deserved HEA. Great for when you're looking for a feel-good read.
This is another sweet, charming story from Zarah Detand. Again, we have 2 appealing, relatable MCs who have a lovely, not-particularly-angsty relationship, this time in a gorgeous Swiss alps setting. The side characters are fun (nice cameos from Lucas and Max), and it was great to get a picture of who Eric is beyond his role as the spoiler in You're My Beat, and see him get a well deserved HEA. Great for when you're looking for a feel-good read.
January 12, 2024
Amid Our Lines
This was a really sweet book! It’s a small town romance with plenty of plot. It is written in 3rd person but I loved it! So good!
This was a really sweet book! It’s a small town romance with plenty of plot. It is written in 3rd person but I loved it! So good!
January 14, 2024
Wonderfully crafted romance. A song writer and his former adult film star crush meet in a remote hotel in the Swiss Alps. Eric, the song writer follows his best friend, Kojo from London to Switzerland because he needs a break from city life and the rut he’s in. Adrian, the retired adult film star runs the hotel Kojo will be working and is poised to inherit the historic building and business. The two start feeling some things and each other and it soon blossoms into more. The supporting characters steal the show again with Adrian’s best friend/hotel restaurant’s bartender/former film costar/mate with a former crush on Adrian and his snarky insights. Along with a host of other characters. I definitely recommend to anyone looking for a sweet, low-angst romantic story.
May 27, 2024
4.5/5 I will start this off by saying that I am not generally a fan of boss/employee relationships—and I loved this story in spite of it. Or maybe not even in spite of it, because they have a hilarious not-quite-a-past, Adrian is aware enough not to make the first move as the boss, and Eric isn’t actually very dependent at all. Everyone is supportive (and teasing), and it just never feels creepy at all.
Eric and Adrian are both genuinely nice people, and it was lovely to see the relationship develop (even as they kept trying to tell themselves that there were no feelings and that the other person could not possibly be feeling feelings. Everyone else could see that the feelings were visible from space, lol). They were clearly exactly what one another needed, and they were in the exact right place when they needed to be there. Their misunderstandings were real but not dragged out unnecessarily. Being together made them their best versions of themselves (and let them show someone all the many versions of themselves).
This made me laugh a lot, “aww” whenever they were cute—or got the wrong end of the stick—and be grateful that they had such great family and friends. The location was beautiful, and I love the idea of it becoming a retreat for artists of all sorts.
Eric and Adrian are both genuinely nice people, and it was lovely to see the relationship develop (even as they kept trying to tell themselves that there were no feelings and that the other person could not possibly be feeling feelings. Everyone else could see that the feelings were visible from space, lol). They were clearly exactly what one another needed, and they were in the exact right place when they needed to be there. Their misunderstandings were real but not dragged out unnecessarily. Being together made them their best versions of themselves (and let them show someone all the many versions of themselves).
This made me laugh a lot, “aww” whenever they were cute—or got the wrong end of the stick—and be grateful that they had such great family and friends. The location was beautiful, and I love the idea of it becoming a retreat for artists of all sorts.
February 20, 2024
A.must read if you enjoy cozy romances
I think this one may be my favorite Sarah Detand book, I enjoyed Eric and Adrian as MCs, and loved how softly and sweetly they learned each other and fell in love. The hotel and the other supporting cast were very distinct and adding a lot of fun and warmth to the main story.
Everything ends up very neatly tied up at the end, and we all know life ain't that neat. But as an escape and a comfort read, it was absolutely perfect !
I think this one may be my favorite Sarah Detand book, I enjoyed Eric and Adrian as MCs, and loved how softly and sweetly they learned each other and fell in love. The hotel and the other supporting cast were very distinct and adding a lot of fun and warmth to the main story.
Everything ends up very neatly tied up at the end, and we all know life ain't that neat. But as an escape and a comfort read, it was absolutely perfect !
December 12, 2024
MM romance, set in the Swiss mountains
I loved the setting for this book, the beauty and history of the building in the Swiss mountains really comes through. The storyline was entertaining and heartwarming with two guys who didn't know what they needed until they found it.
Great characters, some funny light-hearted moments and a beautiful romance.
I loved the setting for this book, the beauty and history of the building in the Swiss mountains really comes through. The storyline was entertaining and heartwarming with two guys who didn't know what they needed until they found it.
Great characters, some funny light-hearted moments and a beautiful romance.
March 5, 2025
Didn't realize this was a follow-up to "You're my Beat" and kinda wish I read that one first considering how important that story seemed to be good Eric's backstory. Still, this story did a good job summarizing the important parts, primarily Eric's troubled relationship history and low-ish self esteem with regards to his romantic prospects.
Adrian was rather a refreshing character. It's not often I read about ex-sex workers being proud of their history and being willing to use them in jokes. Very entertaining.
The main issue I have with the story is the slightly disconnected sources of conflict, Eric's lies of ommission, and the lack of truly satisfying payoffs for them.
Eric and Adrian assume the other wants to keep things casual, but they do everything except have a solid conversation about what they're doing. Like, a ten minute talk would've sufficed, even if they both lied/believed that they truly wanted to keep thins from getting too serious. That plot point leading up to Eric almost leaving before it died down with a non-argument and both of them still holding the "casual" idea was kind of disappointing.
Adrian's reaction to finding out that Eric was kinda famous felt off. He wasn't characterized as someone who distrusted wealthy people, so for him to be mad because of that as opposed to the fact that Eric had been omitting very big parts of his life was weird. Like we'd seen him not appreciate dishonesty with Kojo and his lie of ommission earlier, so it would've been more appropriate of he'd gotten angry because of that. The whole "do I even know you?" line might be a cliché, but 100% appropriate in this situation.
Also kind of ironic on Eric's part considering how he'd been touting how showing someone all your versions was a key aspect of love (as opposed to only seeing the good parts) when he'd been keeping his status hidden as though that wasn't a part of him too.
The hotel becoming some sort of popular destination was nice, but it story of felt like it missed one of the main reasons Adrian liked the place? He'd placed so much emphasis on how he didn't want to make things feel too different and how he still appreciated all the familiar people who visited them yearly, by making things super commercial (the epilogue stating that there was a festival there) kind of felt like it missed the mark? Sure, it was profitable now, but the old world charm sounds like it got lost and never really addressed.
Eric's choices to keep Adrian in the dark about both his past and his plan to get more people also rubbed me the wrong way. I get he wanted to help, but it was still Adrian's hotel and they should've talked about things explicitly as opposed to a vaguely cryptic hint about publicity. I'm happy that it didn't lead to very big miscommunications, but it grated in me seeing the absolute disregard for communication and conversation in favor of sweet nothings (which kind of underscored a lot of the otherwise great banner and romance)
TL;DR Romance was fine, but Eric's lies of ommission were kind of annoying. There isn't a big moment or climax that adds excitement some things sort of just progress at a steady pace. Adrian was great, the banter was good, and the romance was believable (just dying think too hard about how things would've been so much easier if the two had a decent conversation)
Adrian was rather a refreshing character. It's not often I read about ex-sex workers being proud of their history and being willing to use them in jokes. Very entertaining.
The main issue I have with the story is the slightly disconnected sources of conflict, Eric's lies of ommission, and the lack of truly satisfying payoffs for them.
Eric and Adrian assume the other wants to keep things casual, but they do everything except have a solid conversation about what they're doing. Like, a ten minute talk would've sufficed, even if they both lied/believed that they truly wanted to keep thins from getting too serious. That plot point leading up to Eric almost leaving before it died down with a non-argument and both of them still holding the "casual" idea was kind of disappointing.
Adrian's reaction to finding out that Eric was kinda famous felt off. He wasn't characterized as someone who distrusted wealthy people, so for him to be mad because of that as opposed to the fact that Eric had been omitting very big parts of his life was weird. Like we'd seen him not appreciate dishonesty with Kojo and his lie of ommission earlier, so it would've been more appropriate of he'd gotten angry because of that. The whole "do I even know you?" line might be a cliché, but 100% appropriate in this situation.
Also kind of ironic on Eric's part considering how he'd been touting how showing someone all your versions was a key aspect of love (as opposed to only seeing the good parts) when he'd been keeping his status hidden as though that wasn't a part of him too.
The hotel becoming some sort of popular destination was nice, but it story of felt like it missed one of the main reasons Adrian liked the place? He'd placed so much emphasis on how he didn't want to make things feel too different and how he still appreciated all the familiar people who visited them yearly, by making things super commercial (the epilogue stating that there was a festival there) kind of felt like it missed the mark? Sure, it was profitable now, but the old world charm sounds like it got lost and never really addressed.
Eric's choices to keep Adrian in the dark about both his past and his plan to get more people also rubbed me the wrong way. I get he wanted to help, but it was still Adrian's hotel and they should've talked about things explicitly as opposed to a vaguely cryptic hint about publicity. I'm happy that it didn't lead to very big miscommunications, but it grated in me seeing the absolute disregard for communication and conversation in favor of sweet nothings (which kind of underscored a lot of the otherwise great banner and romance)
TL;DR Romance was fine, but Eric's lies of ommission were kind of annoying. There isn't a big moment or climax that adds excitement some things sort of just progress at a steady pace. Adrian was great, the banter was good, and the romance was believable (just dying think too hard about how things would've been so much easier if the two had a decent conversation)
January 16, 2024
This author's writing style hits a sweet spot for me. This is a fairly simple meet-cute romance arc. Eric is a successful songwriter with a knack for dating guys who will leave his heart bruised. His most recent relationship was with a man who secretly longed for his ex, who then got back together. They're both famous, which leaves Eric seeing their pictures around town and hearing about them all the time. (Having read You’re My Beat adds background but IMO is not at all required)
Kojo, Eric's roommate and best friend, is a force of nature, a talented chef who has taken a new job at a hotel in the Swiss Alps, and who convinces Eric to come along for some casual part-time labor and new scenery where his ex won't dominate the landscape.
Walking into the hotel in the gorgeous Swiss mountains, Eric is startled to realize that there are other gorgeous parts to the scenery. The host is a young man he once drooled over (and jerked off to) as a star of a classy online porn site. Luckily, Adrian is out to his parents (from whom he is taking over the hotel) and half the town, and not embarrassed about his past career. He takes being recognized in stride, with amusement, and Eric quickly realizes that the man he appreciated on the screen is even more appealing in person.
Eric doesn't let Adrian know just how successful he is, or that the hit song they often hear is one he's collecting royalties from. He's had men interested in money and fame before, and he really likes that Adrian is interested in him as a struggling songwriter. But when Adrian is hit with severe financial stress with the hotel, it's hard for Eric to know how to help. He's willing to bet Adrian won't take his money as a friend, and he doesn't want it to be business between them.
There's a bit of mutual "he only wants casual sex so I shouldn't make this a romantic thing" which sometimes irks me, in a "just talk to the man" way. In this case it works because Eric originally planned a short visit and he hasn't told Adrian about his money and the fact that he has flexibility to stay without losing his career. They could communicate more, but it's believable that they don't. And when the crises do come, they talk like adults.
It was fun to see Adrian's porn career a very minor aspect and no concerns about being in the closet (at least for the MCs.) The secondary characters, especially best friends and parents, were supportive and amusing. There's a minimum of angst, so this works as a warm comfort read.
Kojo, Eric's roommate and best friend, is a force of nature, a talented chef who has taken a new job at a hotel in the Swiss Alps, and who convinces Eric to come along for some casual part-time labor and new scenery where his ex won't dominate the landscape.
Walking into the hotel in the gorgeous Swiss mountains, Eric is startled to realize that there are other gorgeous parts to the scenery. The host is a young man he once drooled over (and jerked off to) as a star of a classy online porn site. Luckily, Adrian is out to his parents (from whom he is taking over the hotel) and half the town, and not embarrassed about his past career. He takes being recognized in stride, with amusement, and Eric quickly realizes that the man he appreciated on the screen is even more appealing in person.
Eric doesn't let Adrian know just how successful he is, or that the hit song they often hear is one he's collecting royalties from. He's had men interested in money and fame before, and he really likes that Adrian is interested in him as a struggling songwriter. But when Adrian is hit with severe financial stress with the hotel, it's hard for Eric to know how to help. He's willing to bet Adrian won't take his money as a friend, and he doesn't want it to be business between them.
There's a bit of mutual "he only wants casual sex so I shouldn't make this a romantic thing" which sometimes irks me, in a "just talk to the man" way. In this case it works because Eric originally planned a short visit and he hasn't told Adrian about his money and the fact that he has flexibility to stay without losing his career. They could communicate more, but it's believable that they don't. And when the crises do come, they talk like adults.
It was fun to see Adrian's porn career a very minor aspect and no concerns about being in the closet (at least for the MCs.) The secondary characters, especially best friends and parents, were supportive and amusing. There's a minimum of angst, so this works as a warm comfort read.
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