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At Your Service #1
At Your Service
An At Your Service Novel
When Anthony Mercer walked into Au cœur du terroir, he was looking for good food and a pleasant evening spent with a friend. He never expected to meet—and sleep with—Paul Delescluse, a waiter at the restaurant. After spending a magical week together in Paris, Anthony must return to his life in North Carolina, while Paul remains in France.
Despite the distance and the lack of promises between them—Paul wants sex, not a relationship—Paul and Anthony forge a solid friendship. Then Anthony’s job takes him back to Paris, this time to stay. Paul is thrilled to have him back, but Anthony has a harder be another of Paul’s conquests or fight for the relationship he knows they could have, if only Paul would believe it.
When Anthony Mercer walked into Au cœur du terroir, he was looking for good food and a pleasant evening spent with a friend. He never expected to meet—and sleep with—Paul Delescluse, a waiter at the restaurant. After spending a magical week together in Paris, Anthony must return to his life in North Carolina, while Paul remains in France.
Despite the distance and the lack of promises between them—Paul wants sex, not a relationship—Paul and Anthony forge a solid friendship. Then Anthony’s job takes him back to Paris, this time to stay. Paul is thrilled to have him back, but Anthony has a harder be another of Paul’s conquests or fight for the relationship he knows they could have, if only Paul would believe it.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2016
About the author
Ariel Tachna
153 books407 followersAriel Tachna lives outside of Houston with her husband, her daughter and son, and their cat. Before moving there, she traveled all over the world, having fallen in love with both France, where she found her husband, and India, where she dreams of retiring some day. She’s bilingual with snippets of four other languages to her credit, and is as in love with languages as she is with writing.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 13, 2016
What happens when a trans-continental one-night-stand turns into something more? This is a novel for anyone who has ever daydreamed about falling in love with a handsome Frenchman in Paris.
For Anthony and Paul, the Atlantic Ocean is less a barrier to their relationship than their own conflicting views on love and relationships.
Anthony is very much the awkward American abroad. There is a brilliant moment at the start of the book when he changes into white tennis shoes for a Parisian dinner and then wonders how French men manage to be so elegant. His Americanisms are sweet and often funny, though he speaks fluent French and has lived in France before. He is open, gentle and starting to want a partner of his own.
Paul is Anthony’s opposite. The handsome waiter enjoys superficial hook-ups but guards his emotions closely. His family restaurant demands long hours and he has developed few interests outside of his work.
This is the sweet story of an unlikely romance. Ultimately a simple story, Ariel Tachna lends it her usual warmth and a cast of entertaining friends and family who care for Anthony and Paul. Paris is beautifully written and the food and wine at Paul’s restaurant is described in exquisite detail.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
For Anthony and Paul, the Atlantic Ocean is less a barrier to their relationship than their own conflicting views on love and relationships.
Anthony is very much the awkward American abroad. There is a brilliant moment at the start of the book when he changes into white tennis shoes for a Parisian dinner and then wonders how French men manage to be so elegant. His Americanisms are sweet and often funny, though he speaks fluent French and has lived in France before. He is open, gentle and starting to want a partner of his own.
Paul is Anthony’s opposite. The handsome waiter enjoys superficial hook-ups but guards his emotions closely. His family restaurant demands long hours and he has developed few interests outside of his work.
This is the sweet story of an unlikely romance. Ultimately a simple story, Ariel Tachna lends it her usual warmth and a cast of entertaining friends and family who care for Anthony and Paul. Paris is beautifully written and the food and wine at Paul’s restaurant is described in exquisite detail.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
March 17, 2016
3.5 stars
I have been wanting to read about long distance relationship that works for a while now. This one has the sense of it -- ALTHOUGH, after the initial 5-days of one night stands, Paul and Anthony continued their communication more as friends, rather than lovers. But it's okay, I still liked the idea. A little more too much sex scenes for my preference though *shrugs*
Their problem -- more so than the distance -- is coming from their personal views on relationship. Anthony doesn't see Paul as ready for commitment. Paul also see himself not being a good candidate for long-term relationship. I wish that part of Paul is more explored though since I found his struggle with loneliness was compelling; including that 'itch' he needs to scratch which results in him sleeping around a lot. Also kind of wish the ending to be more of firm happy ending rather than the happy beginning.
The story makes me want to visit Paris and eats Paris foods at the original setting *sigh*
I have been wanting to read about long distance relationship that works for a while now. This one has the sense of it -- ALTHOUGH, after the initial 5-days of one night stands, Paul and Anthony continued their communication more as friends, rather than lovers. But it's okay, I still liked the idea. A little more too much sex scenes for my preference though *shrugs*
Their problem -- more so than the distance -- is coming from their personal views on relationship. Anthony doesn't see Paul as ready for commitment. Paul also see himself not being a good candidate for long-term relationship. I wish that part of Paul is more explored though since I found his struggle with loneliness was compelling; including that 'itch' he needs to scratch which results in him sleeping around a lot. Also kind of wish the ending to be more of firm happy ending rather than the happy beginning.
The story makes me want to visit Paris and eats Paris foods at the original setting *sigh*
April 29, 2019
This was a solid straightforward romance. I think the spot this disappointed me just a little bit is it really didn't dive as deep as I'd like into figuring out Paul's issues. They're there and they finally do get acknowledged, but solutions and really talking about anything does get brushed over more than I would have liked. But I do like Anthony and Paul together. I loved Anthony's love affair with all things French so of course it's natural and fitting he falls for a French man. And yeah, the food talk, and the restaurant, just made me salivate over the idea of some really good French food. :)
March 16, 2016
What could be more romantic than a fling in Paris? As Anthony finds out, it is the consequences of that fling in the form of a friendship, followed by a reunion in the city of love to explore if the feelings already there can turn into more. ‘At Your Service’ explores the lives of two men, both of whom have been burned in the past and have sworn off love. And while Anthony would not mind something more permanent, he refuses to get his hopes up. Paul isn’t even remotely interested in more than hookups, but Anthony manages to get to him on a deeper level. With an amazing setting like Paris, brought to life by an author who has clearly spent time there, I allowed myself to hope that Anthony and Paul would see the light and end up as happy as they deserved to be. I am very grateful that I was not disappointed.
Anthony works for a publisher in North Carolina, but the annual book fair in Paris allows him to use his knowledge of the French language not just to build his employer’s business, but also to return to a country and culture he loves and admires. When the waiter at a small family-owned restaurant turns out to be interested in more, Anthony is ready to forget his disloyal ex and move on. Their first night is such a success that they decide to spend the rest of Anthony’s time together as well, but rather than merely satisfy an urge, the liaison creates a need that Anthony cannot ignore once he returns home.
Paul works in his father’s restaurant as a waiter, and he loves his job. He is not one to turn down sex when offered, but he is not interested in a relationship. The one time he tried ended in a disaster, so as much as he ends up liking Anthony, Paul refuses to admit that by the end of Anthony’s stay, he is much more interested in him than is normal for him with a temporary lover. What surprises him (and Anthony) is that they end up staying in touch even months after Anthony returns to the US. But while the friendship is genuine, Paul’s sex life is in tatters and nothing he does seems to work.
When Anthony has an opportunity to return to Paris to expand his employer’s presence and operations there, it is also a chance for both men to reconsider their relationship. I thought it was hilarious how hard each of them tried telling themselves that friendship was all they had between them. I quietly shook my head and watched them deal with the realization that yes, they were excellent friends - but the physical attraction that had become irrelevant over the months they were apart is still very much present and flares back alive almost immediately. Unfortunately, so do some of Paul’s old issues – and overcoming those is a tougher battle for Paul and Antony than either of them realized.
If you’re interested in a lovers-to-friends followed by a friends-back-to-lover story, if Paris as a setting for an unusual romance strikes your fancy, and if you’re looking for a touching read with heart, then you will probably like this novel .
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Anthony works for a publisher in North Carolina, but the annual book fair in Paris allows him to use his knowledge of the French language not just to build his employer’s business, but also to return to a country and culture he loves and admires. When the waiter at a small family-owned restaurant turns out to be interested in more, Anthony is ready to forget his disloyal ex and move on. Their first night is such a success that they decide to spend the rest of Anthony’s time together as well, but rather than merely satisfy an urge, the liaison creates a need that Anthony cannot ignore once he returns home.
Paul works in his father’s restaurant as a waiter, and he loves his job. He is not one to turn down sex when offered, but he is not interested in a relationship. The one time he tried ended in a disaster, so as much as he ends up liking Anthony, Paul refuses to admit that by the end of Anthony’s stay, he is much more interested in him than is normal for him with a temporary lover. What surprises him (and Anthony) is that they end up staying in touch even months after Anthony returns to the US. But while the friendship is genuine, Paul’s sex life is in tatters and nothing he does seems to work.
When Anthony has an opportunity to return to Paris to expand his employer’s presence and operations there, it is also a chance for both men to reconsider their relationship. I thought it was hilarious how hard each of them tried telling themselves that friendship was all they had between them. I quietly shook my head and watched them deal with the realization that yes, they were excellent friends - but the physical attraction that had become irrelevant over the months they were apart is still very much present and flares back alive almost immediately. Unfortunately, so do some of Paul’s old issues – and overcoming those is a tougher battle for Paul and Antony than either of them realized.
If you’re interested in a lovers-to-friends followed by a friends-back-to-lover story, if Paris as a setting for an unusual romance strikes your fancy, and if you’re looking for a touching read with heart, then you will probably like this novel .
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 13, 2018
This was a good book but I had some I'll emotions towards Paul sometimes. I can understand past relationships screwing you up for future ones but sometimes it seemed like he was too much. Maybe it was just me. But overall I loved the book.
January 3, 2017
Paris the city of love...
I've had this book a while and keep squirreling off to other things so when book 2 came out I was motivated.
'At Your Service' started out really well for me. It was Paris, a book conference, dinner with the boss/friend, a hot waiter and some hot sex in the city of love...how could this not end with love? Maybe if at the end of it all there's an ocean between the two people in question?
Anthony lives in North Carolina and he's only in Paris for a few days to attend a book fair on business. When he and his boss enter Au coeur du terroir looking for good food and a relaxing environment to enjoy their meal in, meeting Paul Delescluse is not on his list of expectations and having sex with him and waking up in his bedroom isn't even on his radar much less an expectation but that's exactly what happens again and again and again until 5 days have passed and Anthony needs to return to his real life an ocean away.
Paul's just looking for sex, hot steamy, take him out of his head sex and the man who enters his family restaurant where he works and who just happens to be sitting at a table in his section pushes all the right buttons for him and if his instincts are right and he's sure they are, he's not only interesting, he's interested in what Paul has to offer. So no harm no foul, right? A little bit of steamy sex, a few days of enjoying each other's company and then everyone walks away happy, right?
But what happens when feelings get involved? A long distance friendship, of course. Anthony's been burned once by a long distance relationship and ironically one of the things that he and Paul agree on is the fact that Paul's probably not the best candidate for relationship material much less a long distance relationship.
I loved the way this relationship developed. What was suppose to just be a one or two or five night stand became a long distance friendship as neither Anthony nor Paul really wanted to give up the relationship that started in Paris, but neither was willing to ask for more than friendship. It's during the building of their friendship that both men begin to realize that their attraction to each other goes beyond the boundaries of mere friendship. When Anthony is sent back to Paris on business both men continue to remain determined to keep things on a friends only basis...or at least they try.
Where this story lost me was when Anthony returned to Paris. I felt like Paul had a personality change at this point. He seemed to be needy and even clingy in his own way. Suddenly he was someone who couldn't seem to survive spending a night alone without it becoming a traumatic event and maintaining a monogamous relationship became a herculean task for him. Honestly I never really got this part of the story. I was ok with the fact that Paul didn't have relationships so much as hook-ups before Anthony came along. That he suddenly became this clingy, needy person was just more drama than I felt was needed. I can handle a bit of insecurity on the part of one or both partners but this seemed like it was a permanent, forever thing that was never going to go away and no matter how long they're together it's something that they're always going to be dealing with and that just didn't work for me. In the end what started out as easily being a 4 or even 5 star read for me became 3 slightly lackluster stars of neediness.
But to end this on a positive note I love this cover. It totally has the feel of Paris and romance about it.
I've had this book a while and keep squirreling off to other things so when book 2 came out I was motivated.
'At Your Service' started out really well for me. It was Paris, a book conference, dinner with the boss/friend, a hot waiter and some hot sex in the city of love...how could this not end with love? Maybe if at the end of it all there's an ocean between the two people in question?
Anthony lives in North Carolina and he's only in Paris for a few days to attend a book fair on business. When he and his boss enter Au coeur du terroir looking for good food and a relaxing environment to enjoy their meal in, meeting Paul Delescluse is not on his list of expectations and having sex with him and waking up in his bedroom isn't even on his radar much less an expectation but that's exactly what happens again and again and again until 5 days have passed and Anthony needs to return to his real life an ocean away.
Paul's just looking for sex, hot steamy, take him out of his head sex and the man who enters his family restaurant where he works and who just happens to be sitting at a table in his section pushes all the right buttons for him and if his instincts are right and he's sure they are, he's not only interesting, he's interested in what Paul has to offer. So no harm no foul, right? A little bit of steamy sex, a few days of enjoying each other's company and then everyone walks away happy, right?
But what happens when feelings get involved? A long distance friendship, of course. Anthony's been burned once by a long distance relationship and ironically one of the things that he and Paul agree on is the fact that Paul's probably not the best candidate for relationship material much less a long distance relationship.
I loved the way this relationship developed. What was suppose to just be a one or two or five night stand became a long distance friendship as neither Anthony nor Paul really wanted to give up the relationship that started in Paris, but neither was willing to ask for more than friendship. It's during the building of their friendship that both men begin to realize that their attraction to each other goes beyond the boundaries of mere friendship. When Anthony is sent back to Paris on business both men continue to remain determined to keep things on a friends only basis...or at least they try.
Where this story lost me was when Anthony returned to Paris. I felt like Paul had a personality change at this point. He seemed to be needy and even clingy in his own way. Suddenly he was someone who couldn't seem to survive spending a night alone without it becoming a traumatic event and maintaining a monogamous relationship became a herculean task for him. Honestly I never really got this part of the story. I was ok with the fact that Paul didn't have relationships so much as hook-ups before Anthony came along. That he suddenly became this clingy, needy person was just more drama than I felt was needed. I can handle a bit of insecurity on the part of one or both partners but this seemed like it was a permanent, forever thing that was never going to go away and no matter how long they're together it's something that they're always going to be dealing with and that just didn't work for me. In the end what started out as easily being a 4 or even 5 star read for me became 3 slightly lackluster stars of neediness.
But to end this on a positive note I love this cover. It totally has the feel of Paris and romance about it.
March 24, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I am definitely a fan of this author, and I knew I’d be getting a good and solid read with this book. At Your Service definitely didn’t disappoint in this regard. I fell in love with the characters easily, and the story line was one that drew me in and kept my attention. It was well written and well-paced, and that goes a long way to making it a good read. I had a few small quibbles, but overall, I really enjoyed this story.
For me, this one all came down to the characters. From the moment we first met Anthony, I felt like I knew him. He has a good head on his shoulders, and he loves books and France. He’s recently single and it wasn’t a great break up. And then he meets Paul, and I felt the tingles of appreciation and attraction right along with Anthony. The whole first meeting was so well written, and the chemistry between the two MCs just leapt off the page, so I was right there with them as they traversed the first 60% of the story. Their vacation fling was perfectly done, with both men getting more invested than either one would admit, and then having to say goodbye and not wanting to let go. I loved the natural way their relationship built when they were on two different continents; from email, to instant messaging, to Skype. And how they really started to rely on that friendship.
When Anthony made it to Paris, I was afraid that the Big Miscommunication was going to be the thing that kept them apart. But fortunately, it didn’t drag on too long. In fact, it was perfect for the characters, who were wonderfully consistent. These guys had their own issues, and it took them a little bit to talk to one another. And when they did, their concerns were valid. I liked that they both felt they had something real, and that they were willing to do what it took to move their relationship to the next level. These are guys you want to root for, to see them work through their obstacles in order to find their HEA.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I am definitely a fan of this author, and I knew I’d be getting a good and solid read with this book. At Your Service definitely didn’t disappoint in this regard. I fell in love with the characters easily, and the story line was one that drew me in and kept my attention. It was well written and well-paced, and that goes a long way to making it a good read. I had a few small quibbles, but overall, I really enjoyed this story.
For me, this one all came down to the characters. From the moment we first met Anthony, I felt like I knew him. He has a good head on his shoulders, and he loves books and France. He’s recently single and it wasn’t a great break up. And then he meets Paul, and I felt the tingles of appreciation and attraction right along with Anthony. The whole first meeting was so well written, and the chemistry between the two MCs just leapt off the page, so I was right there with them as they traversed the first 60% of the story. Their vacation fling was perfectly done, with both men getting more invested than either one would admit, and then having to say goodbye and not wanting to let go. I loved the natural way their relationship built when they were on two different continents; from email, to instant messaging, to Skype. And how they really started to rely on that friendship.
When Anthony made it to Paris, I was afraid that the Big Miscommunication was going to be the thing that kept them apart. But fortunately, it didn’t drag on too long. In fact, it was perfect for the characters, who were wonderfully consistent. These guys had their own issues, and it took them a little bit to talk to one another. And when they did, their concerns were valid. I liked that they both felt they had something real, and that they were willing to do what it took to move their relationship to the next level. These are guys you want to root for, to see them work through their obstacles in order to find their HEA.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
February 12, 2016
This is a great story about learning to have faith again, after a bad relationship leaves you decidedly heart-sore and wary of commitment.
Anthony and Paul are both incredibly appealing characters, not perfect (although Anthony comes pretty damn close), but both are good, honest, generous men; one cautiously looking for love and one doing his best to avoid it at all costs. You would imagine it to be a disaster waiting to happen, but Paul and Anthony are most definitely a case of 'better together'!
Paul's last relationship has left his seriously commitment shy, and the angst in this book stems from his struggle in dealing with feelings and emotions he would rather not be having. Whilst I understand his desire to protect himself from potential hurt, Paul did, on occasion, come a little too close to 'teenage whining' for my liking.
Given the opportunity to develop, the relationship between these two men is just lovely. The tenderness, the intimacy and the very obvious love that they share is incredibly touching, and they surely bring out the best in one another.
This is a lovely, sexy, emotional, hopeful story. Love can win the day if you are willing to fight for it!
Reviewed for divinemagazine.net
Anthony and Paul are both incredibly appealing characters, not perfect (although Anthony comes pretty damn close), but both are good, honest, generous men; one cautiously looking for love and one doing his best to avoid it at all costs. You would imagine it to be a disaster waiting to happen, but Paul and Anthony are most definitely a case of 'better together'!
Paul's last relationship has left his seriously commitment shy, and the angst in this book stems from his struggle in dealing with feelings and emotions he would rather not be having. Whilst I understand his desire to protect himself from potential hurt, Paul did, on occasion, come a little too close to 'teenage whining' for my liking.
Given the opportunity to develop, the relationship between these two men is just lovely. The tenderness, the intimacy and the very obvious love that they share is incredibly touching, and they surely bring out the best in one another.
This is a lovely, sexy, emotional, hopeful story. Love can win the day if you are willing to fight for it!
Reviewed for divinemagazine.net
December 31, 2018
I have been a big fan of Ariel Tachna since I read her Langs Down series, but I wasn’t sure if I would like this one since I am not a big fan of long-distance love affairs. I ended up enjoying this one for the most part.
Anthony is an American in Paris for a week for work and ends up having a week-long affair with sexy French waiter Paul. He keeps reiterating that this affair will end once he leaves and goes back home which is fine with Paul who has been scorned by love in the past. When the last night rolls around Paul, especially seems reluctant for their time to end, which was surprising to me since he comes off as a bit of a man ho, but that gets addressed later in the story. They part ways but continue to communicate first via email then later through Skype. Both men go on with their lives while encouraging each other to see other people.
Paul gets jealous when Anthony starts seeing another man and ends up having many one-night stands. Anthony ends up getting an opportunity to start up a branch of his work in Paris and Paul invites him to stay with him until he finds a new place to live. They both tell their loved ones that their friendship is more important than jumping back into bed with each other. They have one slip up, but both agree that they should remain platonic friends. Paul really struggles with his feelings for Anthony until he finally bears all and tells him that he wants to try a relationship with Anthony. Anthony, who is afraid of getting hurt again agrees to think about it if Paul can provide that he is really ready for a monogamous relationship.
Paul is determined to prove that he’s trustworthy but eventually Anthony’s rules start to run him ragged and neither men really see it until Paul’s brother brings it to light. Paul uses sex as a way to combat loneliness and Anthony tries to find ways for him to cope when he can’t be there. Eventually they get their acts together and some really good scenes happen from there. The story ends rather abruptly. I really wish that there was an epilogue showing how the guys are doing 6 month or so down the line.
Anthony is an American in Paris for a week for work and ends up having a week-long affair with sexy French waiter Paul. He keeps reiterating that this affair will end once he leaves and goes back home which is fine with Paul who has been scorned by love in the past. When the last night rolls around Paul, especially seems reluctant for their time to end, which was surprising to me since he comes off as a bit of a man ho, but that gets addressed later in the story. They part ways but continue to communicate first via email then later through Skype. Both men go on with their lives while encouraging each other to see other people.
Paul gets jealous when Anthony starts seeing another man and ends up having many one-night stands. Anthony ends up getting an opportunity to start up a branch of his work in Paris and Paul invites him to stay with him until he finds a new place to live. They both tell their loved ones that their friendship is more important than jumping back into bed with each other. They have one slip up, but both agree that they should remain platonic friends. Paul really struggles with his feelings for Anthony until he finally bears all and tells him that he wants to try a relationship with Anthony. Anthony, who is afraid of getting hurt again agrees to think about it if Paul can provide that he is really ready for a monogamous relationship.
Paul is determined to prove that he’s trustworthy but eventually Anthony’s rules start to run him ragged and neither men really see it until Paul’s brother brings it to light. Paul uses sex as a way to combat loneliness and Anthony tries to find ways for him to cope when he can’t be there. Eventually they get their acts together and some really good scenes happen from there. The story ends rather abruptly. I really wish that there was an epilogue showing how the guys are doing 6 month or so down the line.
November 21, 2018
2,5
Une catastrophe !
Autant j’aime lire un bon livre autant je déteste qu’un résumé m’en relate et condense 58%.
58% du livre avant de commencer a avoir de l’inédit. J’ai failli le fermer à de nombreuses (très nombreuses) reprises mais je voulais le fin mot de l’histoire.
Si je devais passer outre cet agacement, si le résumé n’était pas si explicite, j’aurais beaucoup aimé. Vraiment. L’histoire se tient même si j’ai eu des difficultés à dissocier l’auteur de l’œuvre tant les rapprochements entre DSP et la maison d’edition d’Anthony sont proches. Cela dit, une fois les points communs zappés, les longues répétitions et tournages en rond dépassés (qu’est-ce qu’ils radotent !), ainsi que l’absence d’âge précis des personnages, c’était bien.
Malheureusement, avec tous ces points j’en arrive à la conclusion : une déception...
Une catastrophe !
Autant j’aime lire un bon livre autant je déteste qu’un résumé m’en relate et condense 58%.
58% du livre avant de commencer a avoir de l’inédit. J’ai failli le fermer à de nombreuses (très nombreuses) reprises mais je voulais le fin mot de l’histoire.
Si je devais passer outre cet agacement, si le résumé n’était pas si explicite, j’aurais beaucoup aimé. Vraiment. L’histoire se tient même si j’ai eu des difficultés à dissocier l’auteur de l’œuvre tant les rapprochements entre DSP et la maison d’edition d’Anthony sont proches. Cela dit, une fois les points communs zappés, les longues répétitions et tournages en rond dépassés (qu’est-ce qu’ils radotent !), ainsi que l’absence d’âge précis des personnages, c’était bien.
Malheureusement, avec tous ces points j’en arrive à la conclusion : une déception...
November 29, 2016
I actually liked the idea of that story a lot. I liked the beginning, how they guys met and fell into a week full of sex. I enjoyed seeing them developing a friendship too.
I didn't like how they got from friends to lovers. It wasn't romantic enough and it was combined with useless angst. Yup I'll call it useless angst. I enjoy angsty books. But the angst has to make sense and has to have a place in the story. But here it just annoyed me.
And also I felt like the story didn't get a proper ending.
So sadly that was a miss for me but I gotta say I'd love to visit Paris now. And I'm craving baguette. So there's that... ;)
I didn't like how they got from friends to lovers. It wasn't romantic enough and it was combined with useless angst. Yup I'll call it useless angst. I enjoy angsty books. But the angst has to make sense and has to have a place in the story. But here it just annoyed me.
And also I felt like the story didn't get a proper ending.
So sadly that was a miss for me but I gotta say I'd love to visit Paris now. And I'm craving baguette. So there's that... ;)
January 21, 2021
3.75 ⭐️
Don’t underestimate the power of a flirty waiter.
Don’t underestimate the power of a flirty waiter.
January 13, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
At Your Service is Book 1 in Ariel Tachna's At Your Service series. Anthony is in France with the publishing company he works for. He and his boss decide to try out a restaurant that uses local products when the waiter, Paul, catches his eye. After an evening of flirting, Anthony goes home with Paul for a hook-up. After spending the night together, Paul and Anthony decide to hook-up for the remaining four days Anthony has in France. At the end of their time together, they're friends and decide to keep in touch and Anthony agrees to look him up the following year. Their friendship grows to where they have a scheduled video conference every week, even encouraging the other to date. And then one day, Anthony's boss offers him the opportunity to expand their business in the U.K. and Anthony and Paul will get a chance to continue their friendship.
Anthony was a good guy who had recently gotten over a bad relationship. Anthony didn't really do hook-ups and was more interested in relationships. Paul had a bad relationship and hasn't ever forgotten how it ended, leaving him unable to ever consider another one. He has trust issues and rarely sleeps with the same guy twice. He doesn't expect the feelings he has about Anthony and goes out of his way to make sure Anthony knows he's picking men up at the restaurant. But, he hides from Anthony how out of control he is. Paul is interested in having a relationship with Anthony once he moves back to Paris, but Anthony has some strict rules he'll have to meet before a relationship will be considered. Anthony is determined to meet those goals and prove that he's trustworthy. The only time he sleeps well or feels in control is when he's with Anthony. Paul's brother recognizes his behavior and seeks out Anthony to make him realize what's going on. This gets both men to sit down and talk about their relationship and what they want. Anthony's able to better help Paul's need to hook-up once he realizes what's happening and the pressure he's put on Paul.
It took me a little while to get engrossed in Anthony and Paul's story, but once that happened, it was a quick read. There were great descriptions of France and the food that added an interesting element to the story. Paul and Anthony have to work for it, but they do get their HEA.
Rating: 4 stars
At Your Service is Book 1 in Ariel Tachna's At Your Service series. Anthony is in France with the publishing company he works for. He and his boss decide to try out a restaurant that uses local products when the waiter, Paul, catches his eye. After an evening of flirting, Anthony goes home with Paul for a hook-up. After spending the night together, Paul and Anthony decide to hook-up for the remaining four days Anthony has in France. At the end of their time together, they're friends and decide to keep in touch and Anthony agrees to look him up the following year. Their friendship grows to where they have a scheduled video conference every week, even encouraging the other to date. And then one day, Anthony's boss offers him the opportunity to expand their business in the U.K. and Anthony and Paul will get a chance to continue their friendship.
Anthony was a good guy who had recently gotten over a bad relationship. Anthony didn't really do hook-ups and was more interested in relationships. Paul had a bad relationship and hasn't ever forgotten how it ended, leaving him unable to ever consider another one. He has trust issues and rarely sleeps with the same guy twice. He doesn't expect the feelings he has about Anthony and goes out of his way to make sure Anthony knows he's picking men up at the restaurant. But, he hides from Anthony how out of control he is. Paul is interested in having a relationship with Anthony once he moves back to Paris, but Anthony has some strict rules he'll have to meet before a relationship will be considered. Anthony is determined to meet those goals and prove that he's trustworthy. The only time he sleeps well or feels in control is when he's with Anthony. Paul's brother recognizes his behavior and seeks out Anthony to make him realize what's going on. This gets both men to sit down and talk about their relationship and what they want. Anthony's able to better help Paul's need to hook-up once he realizes what's happening and the pressure he's put on Paul.
It took me a little while to get engrossed in Anthony and Paul's story, but once that happened, it was a quick read. There were great descriptions of France and the food that added an interesting element to the story. Paul and Anthony have to work for it, but they do get their HEA.
Rating: 4 stars
June 26, 2016
Anthony is at a book fair with his boss, Patricia, in Paris. He is only in Paris for five days. Anthony and Patricia go for dinner at a restaurant within walking distance from their hotel, and Anthony is cajoled by his boss to seek the company of the waiter, Paul, who is apparently attracted to Anthony. Anthony and Paul talk and agree to get together at about midnight, after Paul finishes his waiting duties in the family restaurant.
Well, the after work "quickie" ends up being much more than that. There is true romance from their first touch, and their passionate love making ends up in a night spent in each other's arms. But, they only have five days together before Anthony has to return to his life in the USA.
Well . . . The book started as promising, but it became deadly dull soon thereafter. I found myself not interested in the story between Paul and Anthony in short order. That is not good for a short novel. I was flipping through pages: the author tries to keep interest by writing a string of sex scenes. But without a story, the sex scenes are just Blah, blah, blah.
Then we get to part 2 of the book -- the return to France. What a coincidence, Anthony's company wants him to relocate to Paris to help expand business. He gets there, and he wants to make sure that Paul is completely faithful to him so they have forced abstinence after one quickie. That works for a little while until the abstinence makes Paul physically ill from his longing to be with Anthony.
Paul's brother goes to Anthony to tell him that Paul is a wreck from not being intimate with Anthony, and encourages the two of them to leave for the day and work out whatever the problem is. Well, they have animal sex, and Paul feels better and Anthony also feels better because he knows the length that Paul will go to make sure he stays faithful. Blah, blah, blah.
The story became mind-numbingly boring. I was really disappointed with the book especially because Ariel Trachna has written so many other better stories/series in the past. Overall, two stars from me.
Well, the after work "quickie" ends up being much more than that. There is true romance from their first touch, and their passionate love making ends up in a night spent in each other's arms. But, they only have five days together before Anthony has to return to his life in the USA.
Well . . . The book started as promising, but it became deadly dull soon thereafter. I found myself not interested in the story between Paul and Anthony in short order. That is not good for a short novel. I was flipping through pages: the author tries to keep interest by writing a string of sex scenes. But without a story, the sex scenes are just Blah, blah, blah.
Then we get to part 2 of the book -- the return to France. What a coincidence, Anthony's company wants him to relocate to Paris to help expand business. He gets there, and he wants to make sure that Paul is completely faithful to him so they have forced abstinence after one quickie. That works for a little while until the abstinence makes Paul physically ill from his longing to be with Anthony.
Paul's brother goes to Anthony to tell him that Paul is a wreck from not being intimate with Anthony, and encourages the two of them to leave for the day and work out whatever the problem is. Well, they have animal sex, and Paul feels better and Anthony also feels better because he knows the length that Paul will go to make sure he stays faithful. Blah, blah, blah.
The story became mind-numbingly boring. I was really disappointed with the book especially because Ariel Trachna has written so many other better stories/series in the past. Overall, two stars from me.
April 4, 2016
2.5 Heart Review by Amber
This book was not my cup of tea at all. I can honestly say that I disliked way more than I liked with this story. I think my biggest issue was the characters. They were not likeable. Like at all…especially Anthony, ugh. Anthony and his nonstop inner dialogue and his crazy high expectations…drove me nuts. Needless to say, I didn’t like this story.
Anthony Mercer loves everything French. Luckily his employer does business in Paris so he’s able to visit from time to time. On his current trip he stops at a family owned restaurant where he meets Paul.
Paul’s job as a waiter affords him the opportunity to meet lots of men. He likes it that way. He doesn’t want attachment. He wants to give and receive pleasure with no commitment.
That’s why his feelings for Anthony surprise him. He seems to want to spend all his free time with Anthony. Paul doesn’t want to acknowledge what these feelings mean. He knows Anthony is only in Paris for a short time so he chooses to live in the moment.
Like I mentioned my biggest issue were the characters. I absolutely felt no connection at all to Paul or Anthony. Anthony for the most part was downright unlikeable. This book is also very slow moving to the point of being boring. I don’t need explosions or mystery in my stories but this one had no real excitement to it.
Overall, this book was just ok for me. I had no issues with the writing it was just the telling of the story that left me feeling blah.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
This book was not my cup of tea at all. I can honestly say that I disliked way more than I liked with this story. I think my biggest issue was the characters. They were not likeable. Like at all…especially Anthony, ugh. Anthony and his nonstop inner dialogue and his crazy high expectations…drove me nuts. Needless to say, I didn’t like this story.
Anthony Mercer loves everything French. Luckily his employer does business in Paris so he’s able to visit from time to time. On his current trip he stops at a family owned restaurant where he meets Paul.
Paul’s job as a waiter affords him the opportunity to meet lots of men. He likes it that way. He doesn’t want attachment. He wants to give and receive pleasure with no commitment.
That’s why his feelings for Anthony surprise him. He seems to want to spend all his free time with Anthony. Paul doesn’t want to acknowledge what these feelings mean. He knows Anthony is only in Paris for a short time so he chooses to live in the moment.
Like I mentioned my biggest issue were the characters. I absolutely felt no connection at all to Paul or Anthony. Anthony for the most part was downright unlikeable. This book is also very slow moving to the point of being boring. I don’t need explosions or mystery in my stories but this one had no real excitement to it.
Overall, this book was just ok for me. I had no issues with the writing it was just the telling of the story that left me feeling blah.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
April 29, 2016
Reviewed by Jay Chase for QUEERcentric Books
4.5 stars
At Your Service by Ariel Tachna gives us a ‘learning to trust and love again’ romance. Both Anthony and Paul have a history with broken hearts. Each man finds a different way of coping, one slutty and the other bordering on reclusive.
LEARNING TO TRUST AND LOVE AGAIN
Anthony Mercer has had a long day with his boss Patricia at the Paris book fair Salon du livre. Given the recommendation for the family restaurant Au cœur du terroir (at the heart of the land) they head out for dinner. It is here that Anthony meets Paul Delescluse, their flirty waiter. With encouragement from Patricia, Anthony spends the remainder of his free time in Paris with Paul.
Their “hook-up” quickly turns into more that both men consciously deny. Anthony wants a relationship, which can happen long distance, and Paul is just looking for sex. When their time is up, these two-part but remain in contact as “friends”. When Paul’s job brings him back to Paris for an extended stay, the guys maintain their friendship, but are given the opportunity to consider a deeper relationship.
TWO GUYS RISE FROM THE DESPAIR OF HEARTBREAK
Anthony and Paul complement each other quite well. The patience Anthony shows Paul and the selflessness that Paul bestows on Anthony makes them a beautiful couple. While fraught with emotional baggage, their desire to find love and their wiliness to hold onto what they have is touching. Combine this with their tender and scorching intimate encounters and a true bond is formed.
At Your Service is a beautifully written tale where two guys rise from the despair of heartbreak to find and experience the true meaning of love.
4.5 stars
At Your Service by Ariel Tachna gives us a ‘learning to trust and love again’ romance. Both Anthony and Paul have a history with broken hearts. Each man finds a different way of coping, one slutty and the other bordering on reclusive.
LEARNING TO TRUST AND LOVE AGAIN
Anthony Mercer has had a long day with his boss Patricia at the Paris book fair Salon du livre. Given the recommendation for the family restaurant Au cœur du terroir (at the heart of the land) they head out for dinner. It is here that Anthony meets Paul Delescluse, their flirty waiter. With encouragement from Patricia, Anthony spends the remainder of his free time in Paris with Paul.
Their “hook-up” quickly turns into more that both men consciously deny. Anthony wants a relationship, which can happen long distance, and Paul is just looking for sex. When their time is up, these two-part but remain in contact as “friends”. When Paul’s job brings him back to Paris for an extended stay, the guys maintain their friendship, but are given the opportunity to consider a deeper relationship.
TWO GUYS RISE FROM THE DESPAIR OF HEARTBREAK
Anthony and Paul complement each other quite well. The patience Anthony shows Paul and the selflessness that Paul bestows on Anthony makes them a beautiful couple. While fraught with emotional baggage, their desire to find love and their wiliness to hold onto what they have is touching. Combine this with their tender and scorching intimate encounters and a true bond is formed.
At Your Service is a beautifully written tale where two guys rise from the despair of heartbreak to find and experience the true meaning of love.
March 26, 2016
Anthony and Paul start a fling while Anthony is in Paris for work for 5 days. The meeting of the two at the restaurant where Paul works at immediately started the chemistry brewing and you could feel it. The 5 days that they share is more than just physical as they keep thinking it was, it became emotional.
Anthony had to go home back to the USA and they kept in touch via email, Skype, and instant messaging. During the time while they were apart, the story was a little choppy and chunks of time were missed. I would like to have read more about them communicating together and really getting to know each other.
After moving back to Paris, Anthony and Paul hooked back up but didn’t want to ruin the friendship that they grew. Paul had to prove to Anthony that he had changed for Anthony to trust him. Paul had, but Anthony was a little dense in the fact, he didn’t really talk with Paul about what that meant. Of course, Paul wasn’t being very forthcoming either. They each wanted to please the other but just could not be open about it. Paul needed the emotional security while Anthony needed the physical security. It took Paul’s brother to make the two see how special they were for each other.
Once they became a couple, you could feel the emotions played out between the two and the love they shared.
Overall, this was a simple yet entertaining story of about 3-4 stars, but with the setting in Paris, and all the reminders of what I loved when I went to Paris, I had to bump it up to a solid 4. If you have never been to Paris, this story will definitely make you want to go.
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.*
Anthony had to go home back to the USA and they kept in touch via email, Skype, and instant messaging. During the time while they were apart, the story was a little choppy and chunks of time were missed. I would like to have read more about them communicating together and really getting to know each other.
After moving back to Paris, Anthony and Paul hooked back up but didn’t want to ruin the friendship that they grew. Paul had to prove to Anthony that he had changed for Anthony to trust him. Paul had, but Anthony was a little dense in the fact, he didn’t really talk with Paul about what that meant. Of course, Paul wasn’t being very forthcoming either. They each wanted to please the other but just could not be open about it. Paul needed the emotional security while Anthony needed the physical security. It took Paul’s brother to make the two see how special they were for each other.
Once they became a couple, you could feel the emotions played out between the two and the love they shared.
Overall, this was a simple yet entertaining story of about 3-4 stars, but with the setting in Paris, and all the reminders of what I loved when I went to Paris, I had to bump it up to a solid 4. If you have never been to Paris, this story will definitely make you want to go.
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.*
March 24, 2016
Paris Lights
This was a wonderfully paced, nicely detailed, and sometimes a bit obtuse tale of how a hunky American and smooth Parisian, both in their mid-30s, meet sweet and continue it onward. Anthony is a bit reticent to get too involved with Paul because, after all, it's a one-night-stand turned into a five-day bromance, and then he has to go back to North Carolina. Paul is a bit more cynical and far, far more experienced in one-nighters than Anthony, but this time around this American has shot his nerves.
There's a lot of back and forth here with a major boost from Paul's brother who works in the family restaurant with him, and an occasional toss-up by their father. Anthony's beautiful African-American female boss Phyllis and his straight best friend Matt both have more to say about how dumb both of them are after Skyping for so long.
It seems so logical so early on what eventually turns out to be Phyllis' magic solution that it becomes almost too angsty when they finally sort of get together and sort of make a commitment and sort of drift apart and sort of not be on the same page and sort of solve all their problems as if all that was needed was for them to finish their croissants and drink some good wine.
Burp. Nicely done.
This was a wonderfully paced, nicely detailed, and sometimes a bit obtuse tale of how a hunky American and smooth Parisian, both in their mid-30s, meet sweet and continue it onward. Anthony is a bit reticent to get too involved with Paul because, after all, it's a one-night-stand turned into a five-day bromance, and then he has to go back to North Carolina. Paul is a bit more cynical and far, far more experienced in one-nighters than Anthony, but this time around this American has shot his nerves.
There's a lot of back and forth here with a major boost from Paul's brother who works in the family restaurant with him, and an occasional toss-up by their father. Anthony's beautiful African-American female boss Phyllis and his straight best friend Matt both have more to say about how dumb both of them are after Skyping for so long.
It seems so logical so early on what eventually turns out to be Phyllis' magic solution that it becomes almost too angsty when they finally sort of get together and sort of make a commitment and sort of drift apart and sort of not be on the same page and sort of solve all their problems as if all that was needed was for them to finish their croissants and drink some good wine.
Burp. Nicely done.
March 21, 2016
*happy sigh* I kinda loved this. It's simple but effective, and I enjoyed reading about Anthony and Paul fall in love. 3.5-4 stars, somewhere in there for me.
My two things I'd just like to say (not super spoilery, but just in case) -
It's been a while since I read something from this author, but I continue to love her work!
And now I want to go back to Paris and eat croissants and drink wine!!
My two things I'd just like to say (not super spoilery, but just in case) -
It's been a while since I read something from this author, but I continue to love her work!
And now I want to go back to Paris and eat croissants and drink wine!!
March 29, 2016
At Your Service by Ariel Tachna (MM/Romance)
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
****4 STARS****
This is a story about a sweet American guy and a French Playboy. Anthony (the American) starts a little fling with sexy French waiter, Paul. Anthony returns home, but he gets the chance to go back to Paris and hook up with Paul again. Paul isn't the type to settle down with one guy, but Anthony is.
This was a cute romance. I guess it was long distance, but they weren't in any type of relationship even when Anthony moved to Paris. Paul annoyed me at some points, and so did Anthony, but it worked out. It was more of a HFN than a HEA. Even though you'll get annoyed at some parts, the story tugs at the heartstrings.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
****4 STARS****
This is a story about a sweet American guy and a French Playboy. Anthony (the American) starts a little fling with sexy French waiter, Paul. Anthony returns home, but he gets the chance to go back to Paris and hook up with Paul again. Paul isn't the type to settle down with one guy, but Anthony is.
This was a cute romance. I guess it was long distance, but they weren't in any type of relationship even when Anthony moved to Paris. Paul annoyed me at some points, and so did Anthony, but it worked out. It was more of a HFN than a HEA. Even though you'll get annoyed at some parts, the story tugs at the heartstrings.
May 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, both MCs were interesting and their journey to falling in love was both believable and exciting. Neither character was perfect, but together they built something wonderful. One of the things that I love the most about Ariel Tachna's writing is how she describes the location and this book made me crave a visit to Paris. It's filled with such love and understanding of the French people that you can't help but fall in love as well!
April 24, 2016
3.5 I liked it but I don't believe Paul and Anthony talked as much about Paul's issues as they needed to
March 17, 2016
This book is happiness. Highly recommended read!
May 9, 2016
un super moment !!
très bien agencé la complémentarité des personnages, de leurs attentes et de leurs caractères.
très bien agencé la complémentarité des personnages, de leurs attentes et de leurs caractères.
November 27, 2016
Such a sweet story. Loved it so much.
January 17, 2017
3.5 stars.
June 24, 2016
This story was just not for me.
April 26, 2017
This book broke me when Anthony and Paul had to part. And then when they attempted to continue their relationship only as friends I was shouting at the Kindle, this isn't what you want, either of you. But did they listen to me? Nope, not for ages.
Paul has a lot of bad habits that have become coping mechanisms. (Although is it bad that I hated the smoking more than I hated the sleeping around. And the thing that annoyed me the most was that there was never any indication that he washed his hands after he came back from a smoking break before going to serve in the restaurant!) Thankfully these aren't just swept away and immediately cured once he falls in love with Anthony. In fact Paul had me on edge for a long time where I was worried he would fall back into the pattern of self-deprecation. I got the impression that Paul's reputation was far worse than he realised, I think he was being touted as a sure thing by hotel staff to visiting business men, this was never confirmed but there was one scene that gave me that impression.
Overall a story that had me on edge for a far portion of it and that had to work for happiness all round but that made it all the more satisfying when it came.
That the author is invested both in Paris and publishing shined through in this novel.
Paul has a lot of bad habits that have become coping mechanisms. (Although is it bad that I hated the smoking more than I hated the sleeping around. And the thing that annoyed me the most was that there was never any indication that he washed his hands after he came back from a smoking break before going to serve in the restaurant!) Thankfully these aren't just swept away and immediately cured once he falls in love with Anthony. In fact Paul had me on edge for a long time where I was worried he would fall back into the pattern of self-deprecation. I got the impression that Paul's reputation was far worse than he realised, I think he was being touted as a sure thing by hotel staff to visiting business men, this was never confirmed but there was one scene that gave me that impression.
Overall a story that had me on edge for a far portion of it and that had to work for happiness all round but that made it all the more satisfying when it came.
That the author is invested both in Paris and publishing shined through in this novel.
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