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Passing Stranger
“These bags aren’t going to unpack themselves.”
Bryce: Working at an upscale hotel isn’t my first choice, but putting up with my skeezy boss, crazy hours, and demanding guests means I can pay my bills. When Riker Cavanaugh—cruel, demanding, and filthy rich—checks in, it’s easy to write him off as just another obnoxious guest. And even though he never seems happy with my performance, he keeps specifically requesting me. What’s with that?
But as I spend more time with this breathtakingly beautiful man, I’m finding Riker is much more than his gruff exterior and his expensive taste. Over late-night lobster and impromptu frozen yogurt, I begin to see a man who is deeply wounded and fiercely loyal. I’ve spent my whole life dreaming of a Prince Charming to come sweep me off my feet, but what life could a billionaire and a concierge really build together?
“I want to get to know you. If you’ll let me.”
Riker: As the CEO of an international investment business, I have no interest in playing nice with the lowest level staff at the hotel I’m staying at as I close the most important business deal of my career. I didn’t get this rich by playing nice. Between my long hours and my failed marriage, romance is about as appealing to me as flying economy. And sure, Bryce Harrison is gorgeous, funny, and unbelievably compassionate, but that doesn’t mean I care about him.
Something about Bryce gets under my skin, and for the first time in my life, someone sees right past all those walls I’ve carefully built. Bright-eyed, virginal, and nearly two decades younger than me, he is the worst possible match for a grumpy, work-addicted billionaire…but I can’t deny that, when I’m around him, I feel more alive than I have in years. My past still haunts me, but Bryce makes me believe that someone as jaded as me can find happiness. We come from two different worlds, though—will one of us have to give everything up?
Passing Stranger is a contemporary billionaire romance with enemies-to-lovers, first time, May/December, and hurt/comfort themes, plus a very happy ending!
Bryce: Working at an upscale hotel isn’t my first choice, but putting up with my skeezy boss, crazy hours, and demanding guests means I can pay my bills. When Riker Cavanaugh—cruel, demanding, and filthy rich—checks in, it’s easy to write him off as just another obnoxious guest. And even though he never seems happy with my performance, he keeps specifically requesting me. What’s with that?
But as I spend more time with this breathtakingly beautiful man, I’m finding Riker is much more than his gruff exterior and his expensive taste. Over late-night lobster and impromptu frozen yogurt, I begin to see a man who is deeply wounded and fiercely loyal. I’ve spent my whole life dreaming of a Prince Charming to come sweep me off my feet, but what life could a billionaire and a concierge really build together?
“I want to get to know you. If you’ll let me.”
Riker: As the CEO of an international investment business, I have no interest in playing nice with the lowest level staff at the hotel I’m staying at as I close the most important business deal of my career. I didn’t get this rich by playing nice. Between my long hours and my failed marriage, romance is about as appealing to me as flying economy. And sure, Bryce Harrison is gorgeous, funny, and unbelievably compassionate, but that doesn’t mean I care about him.
Something about Bryce gets under my skin, and for the first time in my life, someone sees right past all those walls I’ve carefully built. Bright-eyed, virginal, and nearly two decades younger than me, he is the worst possible match for a grumpy, work-addicted billionaire…but I can’t deny that, when I’m around him, I feel more alive than I have in years. My past still haunts me, but Bryce makes me believe that someone as jaded as me can find happiness. We come from two different worlds, though—will one of us have to give everything up?
Passing Stranger is a contemporary billionaire romance with enemies-to-lovers, first time, May/December, and hurt/comfort themes, plus a very happy ending!
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2018
100 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 18, 2018
Overall, this was a cute and romantic story with a light enemies-to-lovers feel, slow burn, and glowing HEA.
I'm going with 3 stars because:
✅ Riker was OTT rude initially, and Bryce was at once a doormat and too aggressive in chastising Riker (especially for the "tip").
✅ The prologue was not a prologue. I wish I'd skipped it because it was kind of a spoiler.
✅ There was no resolution to Riker's relationship with his dad. Much was made of Riker's dad controlling him, yet Riker made a monumental decision with seemingly no consequences. Not to be pedantic, but wouldn't the board have a say in the merger?
✅ I found a few editing issues, mostly missing words.
I'm going with 3 stars because:
✅ Riker was OTT rude initially, and Bryce was at once a doormat and too aggressive in chastising Riker (especially for the "tip").
✅ The prologue was not a prologue. I wish I'd skipped it because it was kind of a spoiler.
✅ There was no resolution to Riker's relationship with his dad. Much was made of Riker's dad controlling him, yet Riker made a monumental decision with seemingly no consequences. Not to be pedantic, but wouldn't the board have a say in the merger?
✅ I found a few editing issues, mostly missing words.
July 13, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Cute but not all that*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Well, wasn't this all cute and fluffy. I liked it, but it wasn't all that. Also, I have to point out that the prologue almost made me quit the book. Prologues have a tendency to spoil, and this one pretty much did. Overall, I don't regret reading it, it was a nice, quick and fast forward read with quite a predictable story and alright characters. However, as I said, it was predictable and the characters were only alright. The book centers around Bryce ‘B’ Harrison (21) who works an entry-level job at the Coquillage hotel were Riker Cavanaugh (38), CEO of Cavanaugh Investments would be staying at Coquillage for the next three months. First meeting, Riker is cruel and demanding, and since Bryce needs the job, he does as Riker wants. However, it doesn't take long before Bryce puts him in place and so does the relationship start. Bryce was a cute character who doesn't see his worth, while Riker didn't do it for me.
Because he was right. Challenges didn’t make us weak, they helped us to become strong.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Bryce ‘B’ Harrison.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure, if you're looking for something really cute.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
June 5, 2018
Prologue - something which gives you a bit of background to the story or an insight into the past. Not a prologue - a snippet of the story you're about to read.
I don't know why but it irritates me, I don't want to read a bit where the couple is together before I've even started the story - unless it's in the past like childhood etc.
Anyway, that aside, this is actually a quite sweet Cinderfella style romance between a lonely billionaire and a hotel employee and a May to December age gap.
There's a little bit of angst and it's low to medium steam with a hint of kink in that Riker has a strong sense of wanting to take care and protect Bryce and overall it's another nice easy read.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I don't know why but it irritates me, I don't want to read a bit where the couple is together before I've even started the story - unless it's in the past like childhood etc.
Anyway, that aside, this is actually a quite sweet Cinderfella style romance between a lonely billionaire and a hotel employee and a May to December age gap.
There's a little bit of angst and it's low to medium steam with a hint of kink in that Riker has a strong sense of wanting to take care and protect Bryce and overall it's another nice easy read.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 28, 2018
2-2.5 stars
June 16, 2018
3 stars! Ok read. Took me a long time to finish this.. it just couldn't hold my interest. The relationship felt very unreal to me. I wasn't bothered by the age difference, but the MCs personalities changed so much during the relationship that it felt off. However if you are just looking for a sweet lovey-dovey story with little to no serious angst.. then its a good May-December romance with a heart-warming tale about an unlikely couple.
November 18, 2020
It was a sweet, rocky start but had a nice ending.
I didn't like Riker during the first half of the book because he was an ass to everyone he met, especially with Bryce but he redeemed himself during the second half of the book. I loved how he transitioned to some realizations that was good for him. Bryce' character was strong when he needed to be and both characters grew and complimented each other by the end. The last part was sweet and satisfying because they were both happy.
I didn't like Riker during the first half of the book because he was an ass to everyone he met, especially with Bryce but he redeemed himself during the second half of the book. I loved how he transitioned to some realizations that was good for him. Bryce' character was strong when he needed to be and both characters grew and complimented each other by the end. The last part was sweet and satisfying because they were both happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2018
Adorable
This was one of the cuter, more lovely stores I have read this year. I really like both main characters. They were both strongly developed and complimented each wonderfully. It was a straightforward story no twist or turns and it was just lovely. Nicely done!!
This was one of the cuter, more lovely stores I have read this year. I really like both main characters. They were both strongly developed and complimented each wonderfully. It was a straightforward story no twist or turns and it was just lovely. Nicely done!!
August 2, 2018
But Bryce was quickly bringing about feelings that were unfamiliar and terrifying. I wanted to protect him. I wanted to make him feel cherished. I wanted him to know that I would move mountains to keep him safe and happy and healthy.
Their first met definitely didn’t went well. Riker arrogance leave a very bad impression to Bryce. Especially when Riker seems to make Bryce jobs become more and more difficult each day. But Riker is a VIP guest and it’s Bryce job to provide and help the guest needs even if they asked for unbelievable things at very strange hours.
But as their interaction become very intense, along with that they start to know each other quite well, the relationship that was start as enemies become more and more friendly.
The comfort feels Ryker gave him when they spent their time together brought the protective side in Riker and he want to keep Bryce safe and happy even there’s consequences he must face to be always at Bryce’s side.
Will Riker sacrifices everything just to be with this ordinary guy who had slowly stolen his heart each day?
I must admit that the story a bit ‘not-logic' at some part, and there's some problems that feels 'huge' at the beginning seems to be left unsolved just like that, like Riker problem with his father who ended with no specific explanation. BUT since I’m in my best ‘cheesy mood' I found that this story is cute and lovely enough to enjoy.
Like any other typical Cinderfella story, Passing Stranger offer the very same formula about a very wealthy man who falllin for an ordinary and poor man from a lower class and after through some unfriendly scenes and misunderstanding, they finally found their happily ever after. Sounds cliché, right? But it fun enough to read.
July 6, 2018
Overall I think the concept of this book was awesome. I was really glad that we got the prologue because Riker was such a dbag at the beginning of this book I am not sure if I would have been able to like him. Bryce was super sweet and an easy character to like.
I did enjoy this book and storyline but sometimes I felt like the dialogue did not match to what we knew of the characters. I LOVED this authors book Fragile Ground and while I did not love this book, I definitely enjoyed it and will read more from them!
I did enjoy this book and storyline but sometimes I felt like the dialogue did not match to what we knew of the characters. I LOVED this authors book Fragile Ground and while I did not love this book, I definitely enjoyed it and will read more from them!
August 27, 2018
not that bad if you're willing to look past the douchebag behavior of the mc
June 8, 2018
❤👬🔥A total nightmare checks in to Bryce's hotel and, what?, morphs into a dreamboat?!
June 5, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5 stars
Keller's story of opposites growing into a supportive and mature relationship despite initial run-ins over wealthy Riker's privileged and unreasonable demands was well-written and a great read. A steamy romance that builds slowly, this billionaire meets pauper with heart of gold tale was a bit different from the previous novels I've read by Louisa Keller but did not disappoint.
It turned out that, despite growing up at opposite ends of the economic spectrum, Riker and Bryce both carry angst and issues of self worth related to their families' unwillingness to support their sexual orientation. Their apparent total lack of compatibility is only surface deep. In terms of emotional support, Bryce is actually better off than Riker, who leads a frenetic and lonely life. I liked them both and the way they were open to learning new experiences from each other to enjoy the pleasure of the other's company and get to know what makes them happy, be it gourmet food, pizza, or a few laps in the pool. A touching romance, with a totally lovely and satisfying conclusion.:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 5, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5 stars
Keller's story of opposites growing into a supportive and mature relationship despite initial run-ins over wealthy Riker's privileged and unreasonable demands was well-written and a great read. A steamy romance that builds slowly, this billionaire meets pauper with heart of gold tale was a bit different from the previous novels I've read by Louisa Keller but did not disappoint.
It turned out that, despite growing up at opposite ends of the economic spectrum, Riker and Bryce both carry angst and issues of self worth related to their families' unwillingness to support their sexual orientation. Their apparent total lack of compatibility is only surface deep. In terms of emotional support, Bryce is actually better off than Riker, who leads a frenetic and lonely life. I liked them both and the way they were open to learning new experiences from each other to enjoy the pleasure of the other's company and get to know what makes them happy, be it gourmet food, pizza, or a few laps in the pool. A touching romance, with a totally lovely and satisfying conclusion.:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 27, 2018
Opposites attracting on the very best way!
When hotel concierge Bryce first meets Riker, he's instantly attracted. After all, who wouldn't be attracted to his good looks and the confidence he exudes? Too bad he comes off like an entitled jerk, making Bryce feel about 10 inches tall, not to mention nearly getting him fired!
Fortunately, Bryce has a lot of people skills and almost a sixth sense about getting people to communicate, and once Riker starts opening up to Bryce, they find they have much in common, despite their very different backgrounds.
I really enjoyed watching their slow-burn romance unfold, and I especially enjoyed watching them on dates. Riker would take Bryce to a black-the gala, while Bryce would treat Riker to a pizza at his favorite arcade!
But I think my aspect of this book, was how they learned to communicate with each other. When something bothered one of the characters, they talked it out and didn't let it fester. Which means there was no break-up caused a stupid misunderstanding. It was so refreshing!
Passing Stranger is a stand-alone novel and not part of a series. Each character takes turns telling the story from their point of view. Each chapter begins with poetry from Walt Whitman, a favorite of both Riker and Bryce. I hope you all love it as much as I did. Cheers!
When hotel concierge Bryce first meets Riker, he's instantly attracted. After all, who wouldn't be attracted to his good looks and the confidence he exudes? Too bad he comes off like an entitled jerk, making Bryce feel about 10 inches tall, not to mention nearly getting him fired!
Fortunately, Bryce has a lot of people skills and almost a sixth sense about getting people to communicate, and once Riker starts opening up to Bryce, they find they have much in common, despite their very different backgrounds.
I really enjoyed watching their slow-burn romance unfold, and I especially enjoyed watching them on dates. Riker would take Bryce to a black-the gala, while Bryce would treat Riker to a pizza at his favorite arcade!
But I think my aspect of this book, was how they learned to communicate with each other. When something bothered one of the characters, they talked it out and didn't let it fester. Which means there was no break-up caused a stupid misunderstanding. It was so refreshing!
Passing Stranger is a stand-alone novel and not part of a series. Each character takes turns telling the story from their point of view. Each chapter begins with poetry from Walt Whitman, a favorite of both Riker and Bryce. I hope you all love it as much as I did. Cheers!
June 6, 2018
I’m new to this author and what a great start to getting to know her work. This is the story of Bryce and Riker, Bryce is such a nice guy he works at a hotel for such a nasty horrible boss. Riker is a billionaire and he treats everyone like the dirt under his shoes but he’s also a very lonely man. When Riker meets Bryce Riker treats him like he does with everyone else with so much disdain but Bryce shows Riker another side to life and eventually they fall for each other. I loved this story even though Riker was pretty hard on Bryce he changed and became a better man. A fantastic read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
June 28, 2018
I couldn’t get past 10%. I cannot stand the rudeness of Riker, that’s not the jerk type of character that is likeable. No one should be that rude and disrespectful to other people even if they had a tortured past and hate their life. There’s no excuse to threaten somebody’s job because they didn’t unpack your clothes; which isn’t even in their job description!?!?! And just because Bryce finds him hot he doesn’t mind that treatment as much?! So if someone hot treats you like shit it’s ok?
I couldn’t read a book with a character who’s such an asshole, there’s nothing he could do in the book that would make him likeable in my eyes after that start.
I couldn’t read a book with a character who’s such an asshole, there’s nothing he could do in the book that would make him likeable in my eyes after that start.
June 11, 2018
You're always guaranteed a good story from Louisa Keller and this book is no different.
Without taking the time to know each other, we're all passing strangers but Bryce takes the time to look past Riker's a-hole exterior.
Bryce is the entry level employee who is unlucky enough to be on the desk when Riker Cavanaugh checks in for a 3 month stay at the upscale hotel. Arrogant, mean and demeaning to name a few ways in which the man thinks he's superior to others but as days pass Bryce can't help but see the little things rarely seen by anyone - loneliness, exhaustion, pain. Best when Riker notices him right back, Bryce struggles to accept the attention with all their differences.
Riker is about to start on the biggest merger of his career so everything should be perfect; his hotel room, the food, the staff. Not so much the last one as Riker comes to notice one man in particular yet struggles to allow any friendliness through. As the two tentatively circle each other and grow closer, who will come out of this with their heart intact?
This is a wonderful cinderfella story between Bryce and Riker. Both have troublesome pasts with father issues but have dealt with it differently, having vastly different personalities but I think this is great for the two of them as it brings out the best in the other. Bryce gets his chance to shine and Riker is truly shown love and care. Riker is truly horrible when we first meet him but gradually with Bryce's help, he shows redeemable qualities, especially when it comes to Bryce.
I love the speed that the story takes, there's no rushing from one point to the other, just letting it evolved with the characters.
We meet a couple of other characters, Kara is Bryce's best friend and biggest supporter and Grant, his boss and another negative character. Together they bring a bit more depth to the story. Kara offers up her friendship throughout it all and Grant.....well be just needs a punch to the face :-D
This is a stand-alone romance, a rage to riches style story with some tender moments, some hot and some funny. A great mix for an enjoyable story
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
Without taking the time to know each other, we're all passing strangers but Bryce takes the time to look past Riker's a-hole exterior.
Bryce is the entry level employee who is unlucky enough to be on the desk when Riker Cavanaugh checks in for a 3 month stay at the upscale hotel. Arrogant, mean and demeaning to name a few ways in which the man thinks he's superior to others but as days pass Bryce can't help but see the little things rarely seen by anyone - loneliness, exhaustion, pain. Best when Riker notices him right back, Bryce struggles to accept the attention with all their differences.
Riker is about to start on the biggest merger of his career so everything should be perfect; his hotel room, the food, the staff. Not so much the last one as Riker comes to notice one man in particular yet struggles to allow any friendliness through. As the two tentatively circle each other and grow closer, who will come out of this with their heart intact?
This is a wonderful cinderfella story between Bryce and Riker. Both have troublesome pasts with father issues but have dealt with it differently, having vastly different personalities but I think this is great for the two of them as it brings out the best in the other. Bryce gets his chance to shine and Riker is truly shown love and care. Riker is truly horrible when we first meet him but gradually with Bryce's help, he shows redeemable qualities, especially when it comes to Bryce.
I love the speed that the story takes, there's no rushing from one point to the other, just letting it evolved with the characters.
We meet a couple of other characters, Kara is Bryce's best friend and biggest supporter and Grant, his boss and another negative character. Together they bring a bit more depth to the story. Kara offers up her friendship throughout it all and Grant.....well be just needs a punch to the face :-D
This is a stand-alone romance, a rage to riches style story with some tender moments, some hot and some funny. A great mix for an enjoyable story
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
June 7, 2018
* I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
I LOVE Louisa Keller's books and her writing style. It is really good.
I was super excited after reading blurb, it sounded like sth I needed - hot, older millionaire and young, inexperience boy falling for each other. It should be amazing.
The story is fast paced and super sweet. There is some angst and bad memories but mostly this is a cute love story with a happy ending. MCs are fine - Riker is a cold hearted workaholic but he is authentic (at first) and Bryce is a super nice, naive and poor boy. He didn't have a nice childhood and was kicked out of home but he still sounds childish.
The plot is good, characters are ok but I had a problem with realism. The story itself was fine, but the amount of "I want to take care of You", how "perfect" Bryce was and how sugary sweet everything was annoyed me. I didn't have a problem with how unrealistic was the idea of a super rich guy like Riker falling in love with a poor, innocent Bryce. He could lust after him, use him but love? It's fine through, it is a romance after all. I just wish there was something in between - it felt like at first we met Riker as a nasty, terribly rude asshole with insomnia and then magically after two conversations with Bryce he turned into a nice, protective man who cared more about his young lover than about his company, career and everything else. People like Riker DO NOT change so easily.
The story emphasized the differences between rich and poor. Theoretically Riker should be happy, but he didn't enjoy his life, he was always angry, tired and frustrated. He needed Bryce to show him that money's not the most important thing in life and thanks to him learnt to enjoy little things. They were good for each other and definitely complemented each other.
I LOVE Louisa Keller's books and her writing style. It is really good.
I was super excited after reading blurb, it sounded like sth I needed - hot, older millionaire and young, inexperience boy falling for each other. It should be amazing.
The story is fast paced and super sweet. There is some angst and bad memories but mostly this is a cute love story with a happy ending. MCs are fine - Riker is a cold hearted workaholic but he is authentic (at first) and Bryce is a super nice, naive and poor boy. He didn't have a nice childhood and was kicked out of home but he still sounds childish.
The plot is good, characters are ok but I had a problem with realism. The story itself was fine, but the amount of "I want to take care of You", how "perfect" Bryce was and how sugary sweet everything was annoyed me. I didn't have a problem with how unrealistic was the idea of a super rich guy like Riker falling in love with a poor, innocent Bryce. He could lust after him, use him but love? It's fine through, it is a romance after all. I just wish there was something in between - it felt like at first we met Riker as a nasty, terribly rude asshole with insomnia and then magically after two conversations with Bryce he turned into a nice, protective man who cared more about his young lover than about his company, career and everything else. People like Riker DO NOT change so easily.
The story emphasized the differences between rich and poor. Theoretically Riker should be happy, but he didn't enjoy his life, he was always angry, tired and frustrated. He needed Bryce to show him that money's not the most important thing in life and thanks to him learnt to enjoy little things. They were good for each other and definitely complemented each other.
June 11, 2018
This is an interesting May/December romance but I had a difficult time reading it. Even though it is well-written and Louisa Keller is one of my favorite authors this book just isn't for me. Not liking either of the MC's made it impossible for me to love this book. Riker is an entitled jerk who apparently changes into a nice guy overnight after meeting Bryce. I find it hard to believe that it's that easy for him to change. Bryce is young and inexperienced but he falls for Riker even after he treats him like crap. The dynamic between them doesn't make sense until much later in the book and by that point it felt like it was too late. I love Bryce's friend Kara and how supportive she is and I like how protective Riker is when Bryce is mistreated by other people. The slow progress of their physical relationship is my favorite part of the story as it makes sense considering how inexperienced Bryce is. I like how everything is resolved in the end and I look forward to reading Louisa Keller's next book.
February 16, 2020
Skip over the prologue. Start with chapter one. (Unless you enjoy spoiling yourself about the couple dynamic before they even meet. I, at least, much prefer reading things in chronological order.)
This book was lovely. Oh, it had some issues, sure. Questionable editing in places, some overly dramatic scenes, a bit of immaturity in the writing sometimes. However, it was the kind of OTT stuff that I enjoy, so I was having a good time with it. I connected with the characters and even shed a tear a time or two.
I’m a sucker for the rich-asshole-character meets not-rich-not-asshole-character trope that this book had in spades. After the initial assholeishness though, I was positively surprised by how thoughtful and mature Ryker was. I think the author handled the progress of their physical relationship and Bryce’s inexperience in a really good way.
If you want a fun read, sweet read and think the story sounds appealing, definitely give this one a go.
This book was lovely. Oh, it had some issues, sure. Questionable editing in places, some overly dramatic scenes, a bit of immaturity in the writing sometimes. However, it was the kind of OTT stuff that I enjoy, so I was having a good time with it. I connected with the characters and even shed a tear a time or two.
I’m a sucker for the rich-asshole-character meets not-rich-not-asshole-character trope that this book had in spades. After the initial assholeishness though, I was positively surprised by how thoughtful and mature Ryker was. I think the author handled the progress of their physical relationship and Bryce’s inexperience in a really good way.
If you want a fun read, sweet read and think the story sounds appealing, definitely give this one a go.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! Riker is a real jerk. He's a billionaire with an attitude and pretty clueless all around when it comes to dealing with people. Bryce is a staff member at the hotel that Riker is staying at, and he tends to shrink into himself when bullied or faced with people who try to take advantage of him. While they seem like an unlikely couple, they end up being the perfect match. Riker helps Bryce realize that he is worth more than he thinks, and gives him confidence. Bryce helps Riker realize that life should be driven by your desires, not by those of other people. They learn a lot from each other, and it was beautiful to watch them grow. They were wonderful together, and I loved this.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by the author
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by the author
January 2, 2019
Characterizations were inconsistent, making the characters appear mercurial. Riker went from being an ass to a sweetheart with precious little development taking him there. Bryce kept vacillating between doormat and spunk.
Backstories were cliched, but at least the author put a decent amount of thought into fleshing them out.
Side characters were just stock characters. None of them left a particularly deep impression.
The connection between the characters was sudden and hard to believe. The whirlwind romance was kind of hindered by the fact that the chemistry was just not... there.
Story trajectory was predictable. That's a note, not a criticism, because you get what you signed up for, and this book is pretty up-front about what it is.
Backstories were cliched, but at least the author put a decent amount of thought into fleshing them out.
Side characters were just stock characters. None of them left a particularly deep impression.
The connection between the characters was sudden and hard to believe. The whirlwind romance was kind of hindered by the fact that the chemistry was just not... there.
Story trajectory was predictable. That's a note, not a criticism, because you get what you signed up for, and this book is pretty up-front about what it is.
June 5, 2018
Well, I must confess I begun this one with some trepidation. I usually don't like billionaire romances, don't enjoy the idea of money being the instrument to sweep someone off their feet. I should have know better, though. It's Louisa Keller, after all.
So yes, this is not your usual billionaire romance: here the billionaire learns to compromise and enjoy other walks of life.
I also enjoyed that this is a slow burn because of both characters deciding that's the best choice for them. And the characters are both so truly loveable. Funny and sympathetic, we see them grow and become better persons.
A lovely story, as always with this author.
So yes, this is not your usual billionaire romance: here the billionaire learns to compromise and enjoy other walks of life.
I also enjoyed that this is a slow burn because of both characters deciding that's the best choice for them. And the characters are both so truly loveable. Funny and sympathetic, we see them grow and become better persons.
A lovely story, as always with this author.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. I agree with some other reviewers that the relationship is a little implausible. I think it unlikely in real life that Riker would have looked twice at Bryce, but it's a beautiful love story nonetheless, and that is what made it worth reading for me. After all, part of why I read is to enjoy the fairy-tale endings in unlikely connections. Implausible does NOT mean impossible. The story is well-written and engaging, and I liked the way Riker and Bryce both changed and improved their lives after meeting and falling in love with each other.
I received an ARC without obligation. This is my honest, voluntary review.
I received an ARC without obligation. This is my honest, voluntary review.
June 13, 2018
A slow burn romance with two very different men who find common ground and love. Bryce and Riker are an unexpected pairing because they are such different people. Bryce is somewhat an innocent even though life has not been kind to him and Riker is so very jaded. They find a commonality once a confrontation occurs and this develops into a friendship and then so much more.
The writing is very good and the characters are developed. These guys do learn from each other and their progress is really awesome to watch. The author did a great job of building the romance to a 'fairy tale' ending.
The writing is very good and the characters are developed. These guys do learn from each other and their progress is really awesome to watch. The author did a great job of building the romance to a 'fairy tale' ending.
June 16, 2018
I normally don't like May-December romances because the characters have a connection that is lacking something because of the age differences, but the chemistry between Bryce and Riker is electric. And this is despite the horrible way Riker treated Bryce when they first met. Riker is considerate, only when it comes to Bryce, and the story is a very slow burn. I liked how Riker understood his personality to a T and although he is miserable and demanding, he doesn't want to change until he meets Bryce. It's a good story, a long build-up that is completely worth it for these two characters who you are rooting for by the end.
June 19, 2018
4.5 Goodreads stars for me.
I struggled with the first couple of chapters, but I understand why Louisa Keller needed to write Riker in that light in the beginning. At times, I wanted to reach my arm through my kindle screen and punch Riker repeatedly in the gut....not the face, the gut. My anger died down as the story progressed and I will admit that I loved everything by the time the novel was finished. I was smiling so much during the epilogue that my face hurt. I could picture myself there as an on-looker watching this amazing moment and just being happy that I had the opportunity to see it.
I struggled with the first couple of chapters, but I understand why Louisa Keller needed to write Riker in that light in the beginning. At times, I wanted to reach my arm through my kindle screen and punch Riker repeatedly in the gut....not the face, the gut. My anger died down as the story progressed and I will admit that I loved everything by the time the novel was finished. I was smiling so much during the epilogue that my face hurt. I could picture myself there as an on-looker watching this amazing moment and just being happy that I had the opportunity to see it.
September 18, 2018
Meh’d.
It was okay, I guess. If you’re into cheesy books with lots of “Oh, Ryker” & “Oh, Bryce”, boring cheesy hand jobs, rubbing against each other and blowjobs, one (1) proper sex scene (boring) and a character that’s more boring and weak than a doormat while letting literally everyone walk all over him then be my guest.
I know everybody is angry at Ryker for being a dick and that’s totally fine since he was one but man, was Bryce boring. And infuriating. How does an adult like that survives in this world?
I dint enjoy this lmao and if all the other books of the author are like this....*sigh* I...sad.
It was okay, I guess. If you’re into cheesy books with lots of “Oh, Ryker” & “Oh, Bryce”, boring cheesy hand jobs, rubbing against each other and blowjobs, one (1) proper sex scene (boring) and a character that’s more boring and weak than a doormat while letting literally everyone walk all over him then be my guest.
I know everybody is angry at Ryker for being a dick and that’s totally fine since he was one but man, was Bryce boring. And infuriating. How does an adult like that survives in this world?
I dint enjoy this lmao and if all the other books of the author are like this....*sigh* I...sad.
June 7, 2018
There were a lot of good things here, but the characters are a bit too over the top for me; Riker was a SOB beyond what normal human beings are, but the plus side to that is that he had a nice character development; and Tobias was too mean even for an antagonist.
It was a nice take on the billionaire romance since for once the billionaire compromises instead of whisking away their partner to a life in luxury . It is insta-love - not my favorite - but an okay story.
It was a nice take on the billionaire romance since for once the billionaire compromises instead of whisking away their partner to a life in luxury . It is insta-love - not my favorite - but an okay story.
June 10, 2018
If you enjoy a Cinderella-ish story, within the May/December troupe, then this is a must read for you.
In Passing Stranger you have Bryce, the young, inexperienced kid working in an upscale hotel to make ends meet. And, in all honesty, he is struggling to do that. And this poor boy...I just wanted to reach in and hug him multiple times during this story.
Sure Riker comes in and saves the day but geeeez he was an a-hole deluxe on the way to savior.
These two men, completely different and from different worlds, saved each other and it was just, all in all, a cute/sweet story!
In Passing Stranger you have Bryce, the young, inexperienced kid working in an upscale hotel to make ends meet. And, in all honesty, he is struggling to do that. And this poor boy...I just wanted to reach in and hug him multiple times during this story.
Sure Riker comes in and saves the day but geeeez he was an a-hole deluxe on the way to savior.
These two men, completely different and from different worlds, saved each other and it was just, all in all, a cute/sweet story!
June 9, 2018
Passing Stranger
Sweet May-December deal.
I kinda can't believe the December part was such a douche at the beginning but turns out he just needed to practice a little human interaction. The May side worked wonders with that.
It all turned HEA for everyone. The fcktons of money didn't hurt a bit either.
Solid story.
Keep reading 📖
Sweet May-December deal.
I kinda can't believe the December part was such a douche at the beginning but turns out he just needed to practice a little human interaction. The May side worked wonders with that.
It all turned HEA for everyone. The fcktons of money didn't hurt a bit either.
Solid story.
Keep reading 📖
July 19, 2018
Passing starnger
I just loved this book.Keep up the good work,I think I just read it again.and i so glad you kept them together.I'm a woman but if I ever come back i want to be a gay man.They are so sweet and loveable.not like women .i don't know they seem so tender and more romancet
I just loved this book.Keep up the good work,I think I just read it again.and i so glad you kept them together.I'm a woman but if I ever come back i want to be a gay man.They are so sweet and loveable.not like women .i don't know they seem so tender and more romancet
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