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Love Me Louder
Noah Dixon is damaged goods. After an accident leaves him physically scarred and emotionally vulnerable, dating isn’t in the cards, so he throws himself head-first into his retail job. When he’s obligated to attend his best friend’s engagement party on Fire Island, it dawns on him he’s about to spend yet another weekend feeling totally invisible and alone among a swarm of gorgeous men.
That’s when the idea of an escort comes in.
After Will Crossen was forced to put his theater major on hold in favor of two jobs to tackle his ailing mother’s hospital bills, he tells himself becoming an escort isn’t that big of a deal. It’s just another form of acting, right? He doesn’t expect his newest customer to be the cheery, overconfident sales associate he avoids like the plague at his day job. Talk about awkward.
But what happens on Fire Island stays on Fire Island…especially when a smoldering attraction sparks into flames. Will doesn’t feel so alone anymore, and for the first time, Noah realizes someone is seeing him behind all the scars. But between their jobs, Will’s massive familial responsibilities, and Noah’s vulnerabilities, they don’t stand a chance unless they find a way to let love speak louder than their demons.
That’s when the idea of an escort comes in.
After Will Crossen was forced to put his theater major on hold in favor of two jobs to tackle his ailing mother’s hospital bills, he tells himself becoming an escort isn’t that big of a deal. It’s just another form of acting, right? He doesn’t expect his newest customer to be the cheery, overconfident sales associate he avoids like the plague at his day job. Talk about awkward.
But what happens on Fire Island stays on Fire Island…especially when a smoldering attraction sparks into flames. Will doesn’t feel so alone anymore, and for the first time, Noah realizes someone is seeing him behind all the scars. But between their jobs, Will’s massive familial responsibilities, and Noah’s vulnerabilities, they don’t stand a chance unless they find a way to let love speak louder than their demons.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2018
208 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lee
58 books2,151 followersChristina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
June 25, 2018
~4.5~
I read this book in one sitting last night and reread bits and pieces today. I can't stop thinking about Noah and Will, whose relationship begins with assumptions and continues on a road of insecurity, self-doubt, and an unwillingness to love LOUDER.
After all, it's scary to be loud; it requires you to shout, to be seen.
Noah doesn't want to be seen. He suffered through a horrific accident when he was an adolescent and has the scars (actual and metaphorical) to show for it. Noah knows how to hide. He hides with shirts and long hair; he hides behind his sales persona. He hides by keeping his friends at arm's length and never putting himself out there, certainly not with someone as gorgeous as Will.
But Will, as perfect as he appears, has sorrows and problems of his own. Will's mother suffers from a serious mental illness, and Will works two jobs (at a home decor store with Noah and as an escort) to support them and pay her medical bills.
What begins as a business arrangement turns into something beautiful and deep, something abiding and TRUE ... if only the men would let go of past hurts and trust in one another.
The relationship between Will and Noah develops organically. Both MCs realize they prejudged the other unfairly. Will sees Noah, REALLY sees him, and thinks Noah is stunning not just on the inside but on the outside too. Will doesn't care about Noah's scars. He knows the kind of person Noah is and wants to take care of him.
And Noah isn't daunted by Will's home situation. He wants to help, wants to be there for Will. Even as he shies away from emotional entanglements, Noah can't help but fall for Will.
Noah's heartbreak killed me. He really believes he has to pay a man to touch him. He's scared of falling for Will, scared to believe Will wants HIM, not the money.
There's plenty of sensual moments in this hurt/comfort story: kisses, caresses, and fishnet stockings! Oh, yes, Noah has a bit of a kink.
Nothing here feels rushed, and the secondary characters—Noah's overprotective but well-meaning parents, his friends Tony and Matt who throw a big birthday/secret engagement party where Noah and Will's journey truly begins, Will's sick but not broken mom—all add to the story (instead of detracting from it).
Will helps Noah build bridges, while Noah helps Will tear down walls.
It's a beautiful thing.
I read this book in one sitting last night and reread bits and pieces today. I can't stop thinking about Noah and Will, whose relationship begins with assumptions and continues on a road of insecurity, self-doubt, and an unwillingness to love LOUDER.
After all, it's scary to be loud; it requires you to shout, to be seen.
Noah doesn't want to be seen. He suffered through a horrific accident when he was an adolescent and has the scars (actual and metaphorical) to show for it. Noah knows how to hide. He hides with shirts and long hair; he hides behind his sales persona. He hides by keeping his friends at arm's length and never putting himself out there, certainly not with someone as gorgeous as Will.
But Will, as perfect as he appears, has sorrows and problems of his own. Will's mother suffers from a serious mental illness, and Will works two jobs (at a home decor store with Noah and as an escort) to support them and pay her medical bills.
What begins as a business arrangement turns into something beautiful and deep, something abiding and TRUE ... if only the men would let go of past hurts and trust in one another.
The relationship between Will and Noah develops organically. Both MCs realize they prejudged the other unfairly. Will sees Noah, REALLY sees him, and thinks Noah is stunning not just on the inside but on the outside too. Will doesn't care about Noah's scars. He knows the kind of person Noah is and wants to take care of him.
And Noah isn't daunted by Will's home situation. He wants to help, wants to be there for Will. Even as he shies away from emotional entanglements, Noah can't help but fall for Will.
Noah's heartbreak killed me. He really believes he has to pay a man to touch him. He's scared of falling for Will, scared to believe Will wants HIM, not the money.
There's plenty of sensual moments in this hurt/comfort story: kisses, caresses, and fishnet stockings! Oh, yes, Noah has a bit of a kink.
Nothing here feels rushed, and the secondary characters—Noah's overprotective but well-meaning parents, his friends Tony and Matt who throw a big birthday/secret engagement party where Noah and Will's journey truly begins, Will's sick but not broken mom—all add to the story (instead of detracting from it).
Will helps Noah build bridges, while Noah helps Will tear down walls.
It's a beautiful thing.
July 21, 2018
I seem to be in the minority here, but I found Love Me Louder to be lackluster.
I was drawn to the book because I love a story with a scarred MC, and, though I've never been to Fire Island, NYC is my home turf. I figured that I'd give the story a shot, but I realized early on that this wasn't going to be a home run.
Almost from the start, the chemistry just wasn't there for me. I couldn't really get why these two got together in the first place, and I couldn't picture them together. I didn't feel any passion or connection between them. Also, the plot seemed muddled with the whole escort trope mixed with coworkers and personal/family drama. It was a lot for the story to handle, and I don't think the writing held up to all of the ideas.
I also don't know if Christina Lee's style meshes with my tastes. The style of the book was very simplistic almost, and didn't do much to excite me. It felt very "tell-y" instead of showing me where the emotions were coming from, and found myself putting the book down and having to force myself to pick it up again to finish.
There wasn't anything glaringly wrong with the book, but I didn't find a whole lot that I liked about it either.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I was drawn to the book because I love a story with a scarred MC, and, though I've never been to Fire Island, NYC is my home turf. I figured that I'd give the story a shot, but I realized early on that this wasn't going to be a home run.
Almost from the start, the chemistry just wasn't there for me. I couldn't really get why these two got together in the first place, and I couldn't picture them together. I didn't feel any passion or connection between them. Also, the plot seemed muddled with the whole escort trope mixed with coworkers and personal/family drama. It was a lot for the story to handle, and I don't think the writing held up to all of the ideas.
I also don't know if Christina Lee's style meshes with my tastes. The style of the book was very simplistic almost, and didn't do much to excite me. It felt very "tell-y" instead of showing me where the emotions were coming from, and found myself putting the book down and having to force myself to pick it up again to finish.
There wasn't anything glaringly wrong with the book, but I didn't find a whole lot that I liked about it either.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
October 6, 2024
A good story. Not overly exciting or heartbreaking. It breezes along a bit. I wouldn't say it's boring, at least I read it in one go. But it doesn't have any particular highs or lows either, still charming.
I think it's something light for in-between when you still want to read something that has scares without reaching too far into the tissue box.
“You obviously think you’re some sort of troll,” Will said in disbelief. “Christ, who ruined that for you? I’d like to give him a serious ass-whooping.”
Noah glanced away. No way did he want to get into how one of his first crushes practically destroyed him by acting completely disgusted by his scars. 🥺🥀🥺
“Can I hold you a while longer?”
“For as long as you want.”
“What if I want to hold you for always?” Noah whimpered against his neck, burrowed in even closer, and that was all the answer Will needed. 🫠💗🫠
I think it's something light for in-between when you still want to read something that has scares without reaching too far into the tissue box.
“You obviously think you’re some sort of troll,” Will said in disbelief. “Christ, who ruined that for you? I’d like to give him a serious ass-whooping.”
Noah glanced away. No way did he want to get into how one of his first crushes practically destroyed him by acting completely disgusted by his scars. 🥺🥀🥺
“Can I hold you a while longer?”
“For as long as you want.”
“What if I want to hold you for always?” Noah whimpered against his neck, burrowed in even closer, and that was all the answer Will needed. 🫠💗🫠
June 25, 2018
This book is just beautiful. It's a story about love finding its place even in the most unlikely situations.
It's a book about the depths which hide under a person's outward surface. It's a book about hurt and comfort and finding the one other person in the whole world that just gets you.
Noah made a mistake when he was just small, one he still doesn't understand why, but the aftermath was life changing. Will is living with his mother, caring for her as she lives with a mental illness which is misunderstood and which costs a lot to treat.
A chance encounter at work leads to Noah finding out about Will's second job as an escort and the rest, as they say, not only is history but the excellent plot of this romance.
Christina Lee has such a deft hand with this type of narrative, she knows when to throw in a change of pace, how to write seriously sexy - and a little bit spicy - emotional scenes, when to put a bit of angst in.
I loved everything about this book, I just wish it had been a bit longer once they finally got together. There is a sweet epilogue though.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
It's a book about the depths which hide under a person's outward surface. It's a book about hurt and comfort and finding the one other person in the whole world that just gets you.
Noah made a mistake when he was just small, one he still doesn't understand why, but the aftermath was life changing. Will is living with his mother, caring for her as she lives with a mental illness which is misunderstood and which costs a lot to treat.
A chance encounter at work leads to Noah finding out about Will's second job as an escort and the rest, as they say, not only is history but the excellent plot of this romance.
Christina Lee has such a deft hand with this type of narrative, she knows when to throw in a change of pace, how to write seriously sexy - and a little bit spicy - emotional scenes, when to put a bit of angst in.
I loved everything about this book, I just wish it had been a bit longer once they finally got together. There is a sweet epilogue though.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 3, 2018
I really liked the story and characters.
It touched hard themes without being dark which sometimes can be refreshing.
It's definitely a lighter read but it doesn't ignore the difficult discussions that need to be addressed.
This one of those books that enchants you enough that you can perfectly read in one sitting.
The only reason why I didn't give this a perfect rating is the last chapter and epilogue.
I was very enchanted by the story and how the resolution wasn't something overly dramatic because in life things just work without the drama so I liked it but I felt like it was skimmed and I would have liked maybe one more chapter just really tighten things up and add little more depth to the characters.
I really liked the secondary characters and story in general.
It touched hard themes without being dark which sometimes can be refreshing.
It's definitely a lighter read but it doesn't ignore the difficult discussions that need to be addressed.
This one of those books that enchants you enough that you can perfectly read in one sitting.
The only reason why I didn't give this a perfect rating is the last chapter and epilogue.
I was very enchanted by the story and how the resolution wasn't something overly dramatic because in life things just work without the drama so I liked it but I felt like it was skimmed and I would have liked maybe one more chapter just really tighten things up and add little more depth to the characters.
I really liked the secondary characters and story in general.
July 7, 2018
2★'s = it was ok.
This is another one of those times where I feel like I just didn't read the same book as everyone else. I won't get way into it because it isn't like I hated it or have these huge complaints or anything, this was just totally not for me.
I never really felt like these two actually liked each other. There was never any serious want or need between the two of them. There weren't even longing looks or I have to stay away from you for this reason or that. They really did stay away from each other and never just had to have each other.
It just seemed really off to me and honestly I should have just stayed away from the whole escort thing to begin with. Although, that was the least of my issues.
You win some you lose some.
This is another one of those times where I feel like I just didn't read the same book as everyone else. I won't get way into it because it isn't like I hated it or have these huge complaints or anything, this was just totally not for me.
I never really felt like these two actually liked each other. There was never any serious want or need between the two of them. There weren't even longing looks or I have to stay away from you for this reason or that. They really did stay away from each other and never just had to have each other.
It just seemed really off to me and honestly I should have just stayed away from the whole escort thing to begin with. Although, that was the least of my issues.
You win some you lose some.
July 5, 2018
3.5
Me ha gustado, me ha entretenido muchísimo, pero me ha gustado más el blurb que cómo se ha desarrollado. Creo que le faltan muchas páginas, se queda escaso en la relación entre ellos, en cómo enfrentan la profesión de uno y sus problemas familiares, y la falta de seguridad en sí mismo del otro. Se presentan muchas cosas, ocurren muchas otras, y hubiese sido mejor un mayor desarrollo. Además, las conversaciones de la pareja protagonista y algunas de sus acciones son muy mecánicas, parecen salidas de la nada.
A pesar de esto, como decía, muy entretenido y con una pareja muy adorable.
Me ha gustado, me ha entretenido muchísimo, pero me ha gustado más el blurb que cómo se ha desarrollado. Creo que le faltan muchas páginas, se queda escaso en la relación entre ellos, en cómo enfrentan la profesión de uno y sus problemas familiares, y la falta de seguridad en sí mismo del otro. Se presentan muchas cosas, ocurren muchas otras, y hubiese sido mejor un mayor desarrollo. Además, las conversaciones de la pareja protagonista y algunas de sus acciones son muy mecánicas, parecen salidas de la nada.
A pesar de esto, como decía, muy entretenido y con una pareja muy adorable.
July 28, 2018
Ι just didn't like Noah. Like AT ALL.
The end.
The end.
September 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this book even if it was really really slow paced when it came to confessing their feelings to each other. But I didn’t mind that at all it fitted the story well and gave a more deeper insight into their personal situations and feelings.
I loved the coworker/ fake boyfriend/ escort trope! And it definitely hit all the spots here.
Wills and Noahs were both struggling with personal matters but both always had the others back snd lifted each other up, it was really sweet. All in all I really enjoyed their dynamic and their slow growth between them.
Also their intimate moments between were amazing! I loved them so much because the way they treated and worshipped each other was just really beautifully portrait. And Will wearing fishnet stockings …uff I enjoyed that as much as Noah did 🤭💓
I loved the coworker/ fake boyfriend/ escort trope! And it definitely hit all the spots here.
Wills and Noahs were both struggling with personal matters but both always had the others back snd lifted each other up, it was really sweet. All in all I really enjoyed their dynamic and their slow growth between them.
Also their intimate moments between were amazing! I loved them so much because the way they treated and worshipped each other was just really beautifully portrait. And Will wearing fishnet stockings …uff I enjoyed that as much as Noah did 🤭💓
August 2, 2018
2.5-3 stars.
I think this was a case of it's me and not the book. I just felt very disconnected to it and the MC's which kind of ruined the experience for me. I love Christina Lee's book and this is the first book that I've ever rated so low of hers.
The plot itself was super unique and I loved the characters. I just wish I could've connected better. It would've easily been a 5 star read for me.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I think this was a case of it's me and not the book. I just felt very disconnected to it and the MC's which kind of ruined the experience for me. I love Christina Lee's book and this is the first book that I've ever rated so low of hers.
The plot itself was super unique and I loved the characters. I just wish I could've connected better. It would've easily been a 5 star read for me.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
maybe
October 27, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F3CW7SW/...
October 28, 2018
Noah and Will took their fake relationship to a whole new level. First they pretended to be boyfriends, and later pretended they didn't develop feelings for each other. Oh, but they did, it was just easier to hide it.
There were some stupid excuses why they couldn't be together, and they didn't communicate with each other much, I know some readers don't like that, but this was a pretty good hurt-comfort read for me.
There were some stupid excuses why they couldn't be together, and they didn't communicate with each other much, I know some readers don't like that, but this was a pretty good hurt-comfort read for me.
August 17, 2025
I adored this.
It was exactly what I needed right now.
It was exactly what I needed right now.
March 5, 2024
3.5 stars
I found the characters enjoyable and with a reasonable amount of depth, and liked watching them get past their initial assumptions about the other, admit they were wrong and grow and support each other.
I also enjoy reading about regular people struggling to get by and enjoying what they do even in “regular” jobs. Like Noah enjoys working in retail and is excited to be store manager. Cute!
This was quite bittersweet by moments, and the plot line with Will's mum who's got schizophrenia and is struggling was tough, as were Noah's insecurities about scarring from an injury he sustained as a child.
There were a few scenes with the escort work that made me pretty uncomfortable but I did appreciate that it wasn't something shameful, just something Will had to do for financial reasons. I just don't particularly enjoy when MCs . If you're wondering why I'm reading books with sex worker MCs if that's the case, well that is a valid question which I have no answer to.
The narration was good, except that the narrator says "farhead" instead of "forehead" which was...odd, but this is probably just an American regional accent thing that I'm not aware of!
I found the characters enjoyable and with a reasonable amount of depth, and liked watching them get past their initial assumptions about the other, admit they were wrong and grow and support each other.
I also enjoy reading about regular people struggling to get by and enjoying what they do even in “regular” jobs. Like Noah enjoys working in retail and is excited to be store manager. Cute!
This was quite bittersweet by moments, and the plot line with Will's mum who's got schizophrenia and is struggling was tough, as were Noah's insecurities about scarring from an injury he sustained as a child.
There were a few scenes with the escort work that made me pretty uncomfortable but I did appreciate that it wasn't something shameful, just something Will had to do for financial reasons. I just don't particularly enjoy when MCs . If you're wondering why I'm reading books with sex worker MCs if that's the case, well that is a valid question which I have no answer to.
The narration was good, except that the narrator says "farhead" instead of "forehead" which was...odd, but this is probably just an American regional accent thing that I'm not aware of!
January 3, 2022
I liked it but I didn't love it.
Want to read
June 1, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/1/2021)! 🎁
July 3, 2018
It seems I'm going to be the unique duck on this one ... i.e. the voice of dissent :-/!!
The rating is in NO way a negative one!! The rating IS positive!! But as positive as the rating is (or as positive as I mean for it to be), this book was still just "okay" for me, which is why I couldn't rate it any higher [I fell short of actually LIKING it]!! This was good but I was also underwhelmed :-/!! It sucks because I generally think this author is a good author!!
True rating ... 2.5 stars ...
A few things ...
1. The beginning of the relationship between Will and Noah felt forced, stilted, and totally out-of-left-field o__O!! They went from work colleagues, to escort-client, to friends, to full blown chemistry and feelings in no time flat! To be honest, as great as it turned out to be, it seemed forced and nonsensical at the very beginning! It just felt rushed and misplaced!!
2. If you're going to give us in-depth 3-dimensional backgrounds, see the side-stories through and give us closure ... toward the end of the book, it felt as though while these backgrounds DID give Will and Noah added depth and dimension, these backstories were there simply to enhance that contrast, which in a sense was a disservice to the stories themselves AND to the secondary characters!!
Don't get me wrong, the side-plots themselves were great in theory, but in terms of the actual inception, it felt half-done and half-baked :-/!!
3. Though this book was virtually unputdownable because it WAS interesting, I WILL give this book that credit, the HEA/HFN felt rushed, very lacklustre, and anti-climactic!! It's like we went on this long car ride, the ride itself was an entertaining activity, but then we reached our destination and I couldn't be bothered to get out of the car (so to speak)! It was THAT uneventful!!
Also, authors, Epilogues are NOT a pass on writing a proper HEA!!! Epilogues are NOT supposed to be your HEA/HFN, they're supposed to be a FOLLOW-UP to the glorious HEA you've already provided us; a glimpse into the future and down the line; a secondary HEA if you will!!!
I feel like this author used her Epilogue as a copout by ending the book on a relatively ambiguous - albeit pleasant - note, and used the Epilogue to give us a watered down, wishy-washy HFN!!
There were two points of uncertainty that the author raised at the end and I couldn't - for the life of this book - understand WHY an author would do that!! She quickly tried to dispel that uncertainty, but the damage was done (in my opinion) ... I mean, why bring it up?!!? What's the point?!!? The book is done and we're at the HFN; so why insert that niggle of self-doubt?!!? It makes the shoddy HFN you've tried to build even less certain!!
I get that some will say that this is how life is sometimes!! To that I will say: THIS ISN'T SUPPOSED TO BE RIDICULOUSLY REMINISCENT OF REAL LIFE AND ALL ITS COMPLEXITIES!!!! This is fiction, this is romance, give us a friggin' GLORIOUS - WELL EARNED - HEA!!!!!!!!!
4. OH and this book ends at 94%!! WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THAT?!!? Authors, knock it off!!
5. All in all, this book WAS fun, it WAS positive, it WAS a nice book, and I fully believe that Will and Noah will eternally continue on as a rock solid and deliriously happy couple!! That's the power of imagination and with how the book ended, I have ZERO reason not to believe that; it does lean - or at least HINT in that direction!! BUT, I felt many copouts were had in this book and while I believe the author TRIED to charge full steam ahead, she ran out of said steam and stopped just shy of the finish line in some ways!! I need to mull over a few thoughts and perhaps I'll better elaborate on this specific train of thought, but for now, I'm sure whoever reads this - whether they've read the book or not - will know what I mean!!
We DO get a sweet ending and a sweet epilogue, but it’s still oddly ambiguous, given the tiny niggles the author plants!! I’m disgruntled!!
I do suggest "you" to give this book a try because your opinions may differ from mine and hey, who knows, you might really like this book! It's nice enough to give a try!!
For me though, like I said, it was just meh! It was okay!!
The rating is in NO way a negative one!! The rating IS positive!! But as positive as the rating is (or as positive as I mean for it to be), this book was still just "okay" for me, which is why I couldn't rate it any higher [I fell short of actually LIKING it]!! This was good but I was also underwhelmed :-/!! It sucks because I generally think this author is a good author!!
True rating ... 2.5 stars ...
A few things ...
1. The beginning of the relationship between Will and Noah felt forced, stilted, and totally out-of-left-field o__O!! They went from work colleagues, to escort-client, to friends, to full blown chemistry and feelings in no time flat! To be honest, as great as it turned out to be, it seemed forced and nonsensical at the very beginning! It just felt rushed and misplaced!!
2. If you're going to give us in-depth 3-dimensional backgrounds, see the side-stories through and give us closure ... toward the end of the book, it felt as though while these backgrounds DID give Will and Noah added depth and dimension, these backstories were there simply to enhance that contrast, which in a sense was a disservice to the stories themselves AND to the secondary characters!!
Don't get me wrong, the side-plots themselves were great in theory, but in terms of the actual inception, it felt half-done and half-baked :-/!!
3. Though this book was virtually unputdownable because it WAS interesting, I WILL give this book that credit, the HEA/HFN felt rushed, very lacklustre, and anti-climactic!! It's like we went on this long car ride, the ride itself was an entertaining activity, but then we reached our destination and I couldn't be bothered to get out of the car (so to speak)! It was THAT uneventful!!
Also, authors, Epilogues are NOT a pass on writing a proper HEA!!! Epilogues are NOT supposed to be your HEA/HFN, they're supposed to be a FOLLOW-UP to the glorious HEA you've already provided us; a glimpse into the future and down the line; a secondary HEA if you will!!!
I feel like this author used her Epilogue as a copout by ending the book on a relatively ambiguous - albeit pleasant - note, and used the Epilogue to give us a watered down, wishy-washy HFN!!
There were two points of uncertainty that the author raised at the end and I couldn't - for the life of this book - understand WHY an author would do that!! She quickly tried to dispel that uncertainty, but the damage was done (in my opinion) ... I mean, why bring it up?!!? What's the point?!!? The book is done and we're at the HFN; so why insert that niggle of self-doubt?!!? It makes the shoddy HFN you've tried to build even less certain!!
I get that some will say that this is how life is sometimes!! To that I will say: THIS ISN'T SUPPOSED TO BE RIDICULOUSLY REMINISCENT OF REAL LIFE AND ALL ITS COMPLEXITIES!!!! This is fiction, this is romance, give us a friggin' GLORIOUS - WELL EARNED - HEA!!!!!!!!!
4. OH and this book ends at 94%!! WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THAT?!!? Authors, knock it off!!
5. All in all, this book WAS fun, it WAS positive, it WAS a nice book, and I fully believe that Will and Noah will eternally continue on as a rock solid and deliriously happy couple!! That's the power of imagination and with how the book ended, I have ZERO reason not to believe that; it does lean - or at least HINT in that direction!! BUT, I felt many copouts were had in this book and while I believe the author TRIED to charge full steam ahead, she ran out of said steam and stopped just shy of the finish line in some ways!! I need to mull over a few thoughts and perhaps I'll better elaborate on this specific train of thought, but for now, I'm sure whoever reads this - whether they've read the book or not - will know what I mean!!
We DO get a sweet ending and a sweet epilogue, but it’s still oddly ambiguous, given the tiny niggles the author plants!! I’m disgruntled!!
I do suggest "you" to give this book a try because your opinions may differ from mine and hey, who knows, you might really like this book! It's nice enough to give a try!!
For me though, like I said, it was just meh! It was okay!!
June 8, 2020
I wasn't too keen on a different book by this author but I thought I'd give this a try. I've come to realise i just down really enjoy this authors writing style. So i guess it's me and not the book?
July 5, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Oh I really liked this one! I found it really sweet and moving with some great character development and a lot of depth. This is a very character-driven story and Lee does a really nice job showing us how these guys each have their own vulnerabilities and issues that have affected their outlook on life. Noah is still haunted in many ways by his accident and he has a lot of insecurities about how others see him. Even as Will shows him affection and tells him he is attracted to Noah, he can’t always let himself believe it. It is so rewarding to see him slowly realize that Will does really like him, that he sees Noah as a person and not the man with the scars. For his part, Will carries a heavy burden of responsiblitiy in taking care of his mom. He worries about her health and their finances, as well as what her condition may mean for his own health. Noah is someone who takes a bit of that burden from him, who gives him support and is there for him in ways that Will really needs. These guys just fit together so well, each taking care of one another. There is a lovely tenderness here to their interactions that really made the story have some emotional weight I appreciated.
The pacing works nicely here as well. Much of the story takes place over the weekend in Fire Island where the guys really start falling for one another. But Lee smartly doesn’t try to pull the whole story together in two days. Instead, we see that weekend become the foundation upon which the guys build their relationship and it helped it all feel much more real to me. I could believe in these guys and I was rooting for them because it was clear how good they are for one another.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Oh I really liked this one! I found it really sweet and moving with some great character development and a lot of depth. This is a very character-driven story and Lee does a really nice job showing us how these guys each have their own vulnerabilities and issues that have affected their outlook on life. Noah is still haunted in many ways by his accident and he has a lot of insecurities about how others see him. Even as Will shows him affection and tells him he is attracted to Noah, he can’t always let himself believe it. It is so rewarding to see him slowly realize that Will does really like him, that he sees Noah as a person and not the man with the scars. For his part, Will carries a heavy burden of responsiblitiy in taking care of his mom. He worries about her health and their finances, as well as what her condition may mean for his own health. Noah is someone who takes a bit of that burden from him, who gives him support and is there for him in ways that Will really needs. These guys just fit together so well, each taking care of one another. There is a lovely tenderness here to their interactions that really made the story have some emotional weight I appreciated.
The pacing works nicely here as well. Much of the story takes place over the weekend in Fire Island where the guys really start falling for one another. But Lee smartly doesn’t try to pull the whole story together in two days. Instead, we see that weekend become the foundation upon which the guys build their relationship and it helped it all feel much more real to me. I could believe in these guys and I was rooting for them because it was clear how good they are for one another.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 4, 2018
“Sometimes people need you to love them a little louder!”
Do you ever read a book and feel so viscerally protective of a character that you just want to pull him out and hug him? That was me with Noah.
Noah has significant scars from an accidents in his childhood and he’s really, really self-conscious about them. People who flitted in and out his life didn’t help him at all, which has lead him to develop a really poor sense of self-esteem. He really tugged at my heartlines, he was already insecure and the situation him and Will found themselves in really tested his limits.
Will is his mysterious coworker, and suprise, he’s also the escort he unknowingly hired to be his “boyfriend” at a party. Both Will and Noah have some preconceptions about each other, but as they start to get to know each other they realize how superficial they were both being. They connect on a really deep emotional level and develop a strong connection. What starts as a business transaction first becomes a friendship, and then so much more. The chemistry between them is just as brilliant, they’re almost magnetic together. I’ll be thinking about those fishnets, lol.
Overall, I really liked this story. It was sweet, funny, hot and emotional. It had a naturally developped relationship, great side characters, and a realistic representation of mental illnesses. I think the ending was a tad rushed, but I enjoyed ride nonetheless. :)
Do you ever read a book and feel so viscerally protective of a character that you just want to pull him out and hug him? That was me with Noah.
Noah has significant scars from an accidents in his childhood and he’s really, really self-conscious about them. People who flitted in and out his life didn’t help him at all, which has lead him to develop a really poor sense of self-esteem. He really tugged at my heartlines, he was already insecure and the situation him and Will found themselves in really tested his limits.
Will is his mysterious coworker, and suprise, he’s also the escort he unknowingly hired to be his “boyfriend” at a party. Both Will and Noah have some preconceptions about each other, but as they start to get to know each other they realize how superficial they were both being. They connect on a really deep emotional level and develop a strong connection. What starts as a business transaction first becomes a friendship, and then so much more. The chemistry between them is just as brilliant, they’re almost magnetic together. I’ll be thinking about those fishnets, lol.
Overall, I really liked this story. It was sweet, funny, hot and emotional. It had a naturally developped relationship, great side characters, and a realistic representation of mental illnesses. I think the ending was a tad rushed, but I enjoyed ride nonetheless. :)
July 5, 2018
This was a really sweet story. I do wish we’d gotten more of their story after they became a couple as well as a longer epilogue.
October 10, 2021
Darum geht's:
Noah hat sich von seinen Freunden und seiner Familie distanziert, seit ein Unfall ihm Narben und ein emotionales Trauma eingebracht haben. Doch als sein bester Freund bei einer Party vor allen Gästen einen Heiratsantrag bekommen soll, kann Noah nicht fern bleiben. Um wenigstens nicht der einzige bedauernswerte Single dort zu sein, kommt er auf die Idee, sich bei einem Ecortservice einen Begleiter zu engagieren. Dass sich hinter dem Namen "Max" ausgerechnet sein Kollege Will aus dem Einrichtungshaus verbirgt, konnte er nicht ahnen.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Noah hat sich von seinen Freunden und seiner Familie distanziert, seit ein Unfall ihm Narben und ein emotionales Trauma eingebracht haben. Doch als sein bester Freund bei einer Party vor allen Gästen einen Heiratsantrag bekommen soll, kann Noah nicht fern bleiben. Um wenigstens nicht der einzige bedauernswerte Single dort zu sein, kommt er auf die Idee, sich bei einem Ecortservice einen Begleiter zu engagieren. Dass sich hinter dem Namen "Max" ausgerechnet sein Kollege Will aus dem Einrichtungshaus verbirgt, konnte er nicht ahnen.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
June 10, 2024
Maybe a 2 star read at "just okay" but bonus points for having interesting characters I haven't experienced in previous books. One is a burn victim and the other is the caretaker for his schizophrenic mom. It was nice to see both approached with dignity and respect.
June 28, 2018
It's not like I had any doubt I'm going to LOVE this one. My only problem was, lack of time prevented me from reading the whole thing in one day. This story broke my heart and pieced it up together. Will and Noah were MADE for each other. What they saw in one another is exactly what love stories is made of and made for. The story is told from both Noah and Will which I really enjoyed. They both had their issues and so seeing it from each ones perspective gave this book a really beautifully sensitive feel.
Will Crossen aspires to be an actor, but needing money to pay the bills, mostly his mother's who is dealing with Schizophrenia made him postpone his love for acting in favor of a steady job in retail. He is okay at what he does, but it's not his only occupation. He also works as an escort. Most of his work is keeping company with people who can effort to pay to have their loneliness disappear even if for one night. For Will it's a sort of acting. He doesn't mind it, and the money is good so..
Noah Dixon works at the same place will does, but he LOVES his job in retail. It's what he wants to do in life and he is also really good at it. It's what makes him smile and put himself out there everyday. Will, seeing the cheerful Noah from the side, have his own prejudice about who Noah is, and for Noah, Will is a sort of enigma. He is quiet, barely interacts with the other workers at the shop and doesn't hang out with them after work.
Yet putting them in a different environment would produce totally two different people than what each perceive. Noah does love his job and enjoys it, but he only appears with cloths which hides his huge scar tissue. He is totally self conscious of how un-attractive it is.. and since he is this "average" guy, he feels it's no wonder he will probably spend his whole life on his own.. Will can be actually a fun and easy going guy, but taking care of his mother and his other job prevents him from becoming friends with the guys and gals he works with. It's not personal really..
Just when Noah was wondering how he is going to deal with going to his best friends (secret) engagement party with all the beautiful single men all around him, he stumbles upon the agency Will works in and chance has it, Will turns out to be the man the agency offers even if it puts both in a very uncomfortable spot. But Will doesn't want to turn down the money, and he actually sees Noah needs his help so he accepts though he is still unsure of the whole idea.
Spends a few days in the stunning villa by the sea where Noah's best friend lives with his lover sets the best place for the two to get to know each other. For both the whole experience is a bit confusing.. They are both attracted to one another but Noah is still very insecure about his looks, especially with how gorgeous Will is.. and Will suppose to be on the job and it doesn't FEEL like a job, and it doesn't FEEL like he is being fake anything.. boyfriend OR just friend to Noah. They enjoy each other's company, they open up, they talk about their lives, their secrets and desires, and everything gets even more complicated whenever they think about how limited their time is together and when it's all over with, they are going to get back to working together, but nothing more CAN be a possibility. Especially not for Will who can't be in a relationship when he has so much on his plate at the moment.
There's still a lot for both to deal with once the "vocation" is over and their lives return to it's routine. Yet though everything is the same, it's also different. They're a lot for them to figure out now..
I can say so much more about this one. But I really rather not.. I"ll just say I LOVED this book SO MUCH. It was so tender and heart breaking all together. I was with tears in my eyes in so many instances, seeing how both have their plates full with life's difficulties. There's this instance where Tony (Noah's best friend) proposes to his lover Matt, and it makes them both ask one another do they see THAT in their future. It was HEART BREAKING hearing their answers but it was also a bit comforting knowing Christina would make it all work out in the end. Both Noah and Will went through a journey together, from keeping their distance from the world (and each other) to seeing each other in more than just the stereotypes, opening up, sharing, and helping each other with his own burden - Matt giving Noah another perspective to his relationship with his parents from his own point of view as someone who cares for his mother, and Noah cherishing and encouraging Will to do what makes him happy. It was simply beautiful.
We also have sweet and funny guests in this one - Sebastian Clarke and Tate Sullivan (aka "Frieda Love") from "The Hardest Fall" which is also one of my absolute favorite books by Christina so if you haven't read it - YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD! It's a part of a series but can totally be read as a standalone. Frieda actually have a big role in this one, even if she meets the guys for one night.. you'll have to read and see how she does her magic ;)
If I wasn't clear up until this point - this book is a MUST READ!
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
Will Crossen aspires to be an actor, but needing money to pay the bills, mostly his mother's who is dealing with Schizophrenia made him postpone his love for acting in favor of a steady job in retail. He is okay at what he does, but it's not his only occupation. He also works as an escort. Most of his work is keeping company with people who can effort to pay to have their loneliness disappear even if for one night. For Will it's a sort of acting. He doesn't mind it, and the money is good so..
Noah Dixon works at the same place will does, but he LOVES his job in retail. It's what he wants to do in life and he is also really good at it. It's what makes him smile and put himself out there everyday. Will, seeing the cheerful Noah from the side, have his own prejudice about who Noah is, and for Noah, Will is a sort of enigma. He is quiet, barely interacts with the other workers at the shop and doesn't hang out with them after work.
Yet putting them in a different environment would produce totally two different people than what each perceive. Noah does love his job and enjoys it, but he only appears with cloths which hides his huge scar tissue. He is totally self conscious of how un-attractive it is.. and since he is this "average" guy, he feels it's no wonder he will probably spend his whole life on his own.. Will can be actually a fun and easy going guy, but taking care of his mother and his other job prevents him from becoming friends with the guys and gals he works with. It's not personal really..
Just when Noah was wondering how he is going to deal with going to his best friends (secret) engagement party with all the beautiful single men all around him, he stumbles upon the agency Will works in and chance has it, Will turns out to be the man the agency offers even if it puts both in a very uncomfortable spot. But Will doesn't want to turn down the money, and he actually sees Noah needs his help so he accepts though he is still unsure of the whole idea.
Spends a few days in the stunning villa by the sea where Noah's best friend lives with his lover sets the best place for the two to get to know each other. For both the whole experience is a bit confusing.. They are both attracted to one another but Noah is still very insecure about his looks, especially with how gorgeous Will is.. and Will suppose to be on the job and it doesn't FEEL like a job, and it doesn't FEEL like he is being fake anything.. boyfriend OR just friend to Noah. They enjoy each other's company, they open up, they talk about their lives, their secrets and desires, and everything gets even more complicated whenever they think about how limited their time is together and when it's all over with, they are going to get back to working together, but nothing more CAN be a possibility. Especially not for Will who can't be in a relationship when he has so much on his plate at the moment.
There's still a lot for both to deal with once the "vocation" is over and their lives return to it's routine. Yet though everything is the same, it's also different. They're a lot for them to figure out now..
I can say so much more about this one. But I really rather not.. I"ll just say I LOVED this book SO MUCH. It was so tender and heart breaking all together. I was with tears in my eyes in so many instances, seeing how both have their plates full with life's difficulties. There's this instance where Tony (Noah's best friend) proposes to his lover Matt, and it makes them both ask one another do they see THAT in their future. It was HEART BREAKING hearing their answers but it was also a bit comforting knowing Christina would make it all work out in the end. Both Noah and Will went through a journey together, from keeping their distance from the world (and each other) to seeing each other in more than just the stereotypes, opening up, sharing, and helping each other with his own burden - Matt giving Noah another perspective to his relationship with his parents from his own point of view as someone who cares for his mother, and Noah cherishing and encouraging Will to do what makes him happy. It was simply beautiful.
We also have sweet and funny guests in this one - Sebastian Clarke and Tate Sullivan (aka "Frieda Love") from "The Hardest Fall" which is also one of my absolute favorite books by Christina so if you haven't read it - YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD! It's a part of a series but can totally be read as a standalone. Frieda actually have a big role in this one, even if she meets the guys for one night.. you'll have to read and see how she does her magic ;)
If I wasn't clear up until this point - this book is a MUST READ!
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
June 24, 2018
4.5 stars
Noah Dixon and Will Crossen work together at a home store. Noah is a great salesman who comes off confident and charismatic when dealing with customers. Will is a bit more reserved, mysterious, and closed off. They do not particularly like each other.
But when Noah figures out that Will has another job as an escort, he asks for advice. He has a party to go to that he does not want to attend alone. And that starts up a whole new aspect of their interactions.
As they start to spend time together as a fake couple for the weekend. It becomes much more obvious that Noah is not confident at all. Due to his issues, he is self deprecating, lonely, awkward, anxious, fearful, and feels unworthy of love. I felt so bad for him that he was so conditioned to feel like he did not matter and that no one could look past his scars.
Will has his own personal problems and fears causing him anxiety. He has to do things he is not happy about in order to take care of responsibilities. He also keeps people at arm's length. But in social situations, he can use his acting skills and put on a good show if needed.
But as lines get blurred and things get more complicated it is hard to see what is fake and what is real. Both have such fears, insecurities, and scars whether they be physical or emotional. Both are usually afraid to open up and be vulnerable, but somehow they find themselves telling each other their secrets. As feelings develop and there seems to be a little hope that they might be able to move past their personal issues, they have to face outside circumstances that cannot easily be resolved. It is messy, complicated, and intense. They want so bad to be together, but don't know how to make it work.
These characters had so much depth to them. I really felt for them. They both had such struggles and really needed someone to see them, accept them, and love them unconditionally. But they also did not think they were worthy or that anyone could truly love them. They were so vulnerable, lonely, and felt so hopeless that they made my heart hurt. I felt their pain, but also the little pockets of happiness. Just the small gains in self acceptance and self worth were so significant. Their passion and understanding of each other's issues meant everything.
The side characters included Noah's friends Tony and Matt, and a cameo of a couple from a previous book. Their families and co-workers also influenced some parts of their story.
This was a heartfelt, emotional, fake-boyfriend-to-real-connection of two damaged and lonely men. Their dynamics changed throughout the story as they got to know one another. It was told in dual points of view so we got to experience their true worries and feelings on a personal level. These guys needed and wanted each other, and craved true acceptance, comfort, and care. And it would take them sharing their broken parts to have a chance of becoming whole.
But can they love each other louder than their fears and overcome the external factors keeping them apart?
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter
Noah Dixon and Will Crossen work together at a home store. Noah is a great salesman who comes off confident and charismatic when dealing with customers. Will is a bit more reserved, mysterious, and closed off. They do not particularly like each other.
But when Noah figures out that Will has another job as an escort, he asks for advice. He has a party to go to that he does not want to attend alone. And that starts up a whole new aspect of their interactions.
As they start to spend time together as a fake couple for the weekend. It becomes much more obvious that Noah is not confident at all. Due to his issues, he is self deprecating, lonely, awkward, anxious, fearful, and feels unworthy of love. I felt so bad for him that he was so conditioned to feel like he did not matter and that no one could look past his scars.
Will has his own personal problems and fears causing him anxiety. He has to do things he is not happy about in order to take care of responsibilities. He also keeps people at arm's length. But in social situations, he can use his acting skills and put on a good show if needed.
But as lines get blurred and things get more complicated it is hard to see what is fake and what is real. Both have such fears, insecurities, and scars whether they be physical or emotional. Both are usually afraid to open up and be vulnerable, but somehow they find themselves telling each other their secrets. As feelings develop and there seems to be a little hope that they might be able to move past their personal issues, they have to face outside circumstances that cannot easily be resolved. It is messy, complicated, and intense. They want so bad to be together, but don't know how to make it work.
These characters had so much depth to them. I really felt for them. They both had such struggles and really needed someone to see them, accept them, and love them unconditionally. But they also did not think they were worthy or that anyone could truly love them. They were so vulnerable, lonely, and felt so hopeless that they made my heart hurt. I felt their pain, but also the little pockets of happiness. Just the small gains in self acceptance and self worth were so significant. Their passion and understanding of each other's issues meant everything.
The side characters included Noah's friends Tony and Matt, and a cameo of a couple from a previous book. Their families and co-workers also influenced some parts of their story.
This was a heartfelt, emotional, fake-boyfriend-to-real-connection of two damaged and lonely men. Their dynamics changed throughout the story as they got to know one another. It was told in dual points of view so we got to experience their true worries and feelings on a personal level. These guys needed and wanted each other, and craved true acceptance, comfort, and care. And it would take them sharing their broken parts to have a chance of becoming whole.
But can they love each other louder than their fears and overcome the external factors keeping them apart?
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter
June 30, 2018
Love Me Louder is such a sweet romance. Will is 29 and Noah maybe around mid 20s, but the way they act around each other makes them seems much younger. Both of them dealt with a lot of insecurities, Noah insecure about his body and Will had to resort to working as an escort to support his mum. Noah and Will are co-workers that hardly communicate with each other, but when Noah found out that Will works as an escort, he decided to hire Will for a weekend getaway at Fire Island.
I always game for these fake relationship stories and this one sounds right up my alley. The difference is that Noah is so much more shy than I could imagine. He is so insecure about his body and no matter how kind and accepting Will is towards him, Noah just couldn't believe it. There are some push and pull in regards to their budding friendship because Noah keep questioning everything Will did and most of the time chalked it up to Will being a 'professional'. While Will is often in dilemma due to his work as an escort, he feels that no matter how he feels about Noah, it didn't change his circumstances.
I do consider this as a slow burn romance, as Noah and Will spend most of the book being unsure about embracing their feelings for each other. All the tentative touches, longing feelings is just too much to bear. Initially, I wish for more page time whereby Noah and Will are simply happy together as oppose to second guessing everything. However, when the final chapter came around, I find myself totally satisfy with how things turn out even though it took some time.
I always game for these fake relationship stories and this one sounds right up my alley. The difference is that Noah is so much more shy than I could imagine. He is so insecure about his body and no matter how kind and accepting Will is towards him, Noah just couldn't believe it. There are some push and pull in regards to their budding friendship because Noah keep questioning everything Will did and most of the time chalked it up to Will being a 'professional'. While Will is often in dilemma due to his work as an escort, he feels that no matter how he feels about Noah, it didn't change his circumstances.
I do consider this as a slow burn romance, as Noah and Will spend most of the book being unsure about embracing their feelings for each other. All the tentative touches, longing feelings is just too much to bear. Initially, I wish for more page time whereby Noah and Will are simply happy together as oppose to second guessing everything. However, when the final chapter came around, I find myself totally satisfy with how things turn out even though it took some time.
June 28, 2018
4.5*
Love Me Louder completely overwhelmed me. It’s such an emotional, heart-wrenching story that will punch you right in the feels. But it’s also very sweet and heartfelt and hopeful.
I loved the journeys Noah and Will went through during the course of this book. They each had their own burdens weighing them down and to see them come out on the other side happier, lighter, and more content felt like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders! I loved how, after an initial hesitation, these 2 came to mean so much to each other. They learned to trust and open their hearts. I'm so happy that Noah and Will found each other.
Noah is one of those characters that just kills me! He’s damaged- not just physically, but emotionally as well. My heart didn’t just break for him, it shattered. I wanted to wrap him up in my arms and carry him away. Finding that business card was the best thing that could have happened to him. The best thing that could have happened for him, and for Will as well.
Love Me Louder completely overwhelmed me. It’s such an emotional, heart-wrenching story that will punch you right in the feels. But it’s also very sweet and heartfelt and hopeful.
I loved the journeys Noah and Will went through during the course of this book. They each had their own burdens weighing them down and to see them come out on the other side happier, lighter, and more content felt like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders! I loved how, after an initial hesitation, these 2 came to mean so much to each other. They learned to trust and open their hearts. I'm so happy that Noah and Will found each other.
Noah is one of those characters that just kills me! He’s damaged- not just physically, but emotionally as well. My heart didn’t just break for him, it shattered. I wanted to wrap him up in my arms and carry him away. Finding that business card was the best thing that could have happened to him. The best thing that could have happened for him, and for Will as well.
July 2, 2018
5 +++++
This may very well be my new favorite set of Christina Lee characters. I absolutely LOVED both Noah and Will from the very beginning and these two men were absolutely perfect for one another and they were beautiful, both on the inside and out.
I loved that Will didn’t see Noah’s scars, he only saw the beauty of the man that was beneath those scars. This story was heartbreaking at times, yet also heartwarming and filled with so much hope, friendship and love.
As always, Ms. Lee’s writing is stellar, the story is well-written and she drew me into Noah and Will’s world from the first word and kept me captivated until the last.
Will and Noah were lovable and nurturing and you couldn’t help but root for them to find a way to be together and get their much deserved HEA. I loved getting to know them, as well as getting to meet some new characters and I adored catching up with some old and much loved favorites.
I can’t say enough how much I loved and recommend this story!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
This may very well be my new favorite set of Christina Lee characters. I absolutely LOVED both Noah and Will from the very beginning and these two men were absolutely perfect for one another and they were beautiful, both on the inside and out.
I loved that Will didn’t see Noah’s scars, he only saw the beauty of the man that was beneath those scars. This story was heartbreaking at times, yet also heartwarming and filled with so much hope, friendship and love.
As always, Ms. Lee’s writing is stellar, the story is well-written and she drew me into Noah and Will’s world from the first word and kept me captivated until the last.
Will and Noah were lovable and nurturing and you couldn’t help but root for them to find a way to be together and get their much deserved HEA. I loved getting to know them, as well as getting to meet some new characters and I adored catching up with some old and much loved favorites.
I can’t say enough how much I loved and recommend this story!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
July 3, 2018
I think hoovering this book in a day is a good indication for 5 stars, no?
Noah and Will’s story is a beautiful and emotional tale of two men who are discovering each other. They always say “don’t judge a book by its cover” (although sometimes we do that, I do as well – but I digress) and this is doubly true for our MCs.
Attending his best friend’s party alone, being the only single guy, isn’t very appealing to Noah, so he hires an escort to accompany him for the weekend. While normally Noah hangs our with his friends but remains solitary, this time he’s mostly a part of the group. He’s letting loose, enjoying the party. Because Will is showing him the way to his old self.
Noah’s road to healing emotionally from an accident that’s left him scarred horribly, and doing what he can to stay hidden is very much tied to Will’s unconscious need to be seen. When realizing there’s so much more to Noah than what Noah himself thinks, Will does what he can to show him just that. Mostly when facing him with the fact that if he doesn’t loosen up, their arrangement will be revealed.
While falling in love with Will, Noah answers a need in Will that isn’t very obviously stated in the story, but transfers strongly through emotions. His base desire to be seen and feel he’s not alone.
I couldn’t put this book down. It was everything I hoped it would be, and more. (the more being an awesome homage to Tate and Sebastian – you’ve gotta read it if only just for more of Tate).
Noah and Will’s story is a beautiful and emotional tale of two men who are discovering each other. They always say “don’t judge a book by its cover” (although sometimes we do that, I do as well – but I digress) and this is doubly true for our MCs.
Attending his best friend’s party alone, being the only single guy, isn’t very appealing to Noah, so he hires an escort to accompany him for the weekend. While normally Noah hangs our with his friends but remains solitary, this time he’s mostly a part of the group. He’s letting loose, enjoying the party. Because Will is showing him the way to his old self.
Noah’s road to healing emotionally from an accident that’s left him scarred horribly, and doing what he can to stay hidden is very much tied to Will’s unconscious need to be seen. When realizing there’s so much more to Noah than what Noah himself thinks, Will does what he can to show him just that. Mostly when facing him with the fact that if he doesn’t loosen up, their arrangement will be revealed.
While falling in love with Will, Noah answers a need in Will that isn’t very obviously stated in the story, but transfers strongly through emotions. His base desire to be seen and feel he’s not alone.
I couldn’t put this book down. It was everything I hoped it would be, and more. (the more being an awesome homage to Tate and Sebastian – you’ve gotta read it if only just for more of Tate).
June 30, 2018
3.5 Stars
As always, there is a lot to like in this Christina Lee romance. She thoughtfully looks as the tension between care taking and being cared for as well as class expectation in this pretend relationship romance as well look based judgements.
We get the fun of pretend date/forced proximity between these very different co workers. Watching these two slowly reveal themselves is grand and hot too.
A few things are a bit too neat but overall a really fine love story I read in one sitting.
As always, there is a lot to like in this Christina Lee romance. She thoughtfully looks as the tension between care taking and being cared for as well as class expectation in this pretend relationship romance as well look based judgements.
We get the fun of pretend date/forced proximity between these very different co workers. Watching these two slowly reveal themselves is grand and hot too.
A few things are a bit too neat but overall a really fine love story I read in one sitting.
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