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Le jardin secret du bibliothécaire
On dit que les opposés s’attirent, mais est ce qu’il est intelligent de céder à cette attraction ?
Le bibliothécaire Tristan Cooper n’arrive pas à rester à l'écart de Phillip, motard rebelle et sexy – l’homme est splendide –, mais Phillip le trouve forcément studieux et ennuyeux, comme tous les petits amis de Tristan. Pourtant, il rêve d’explorer son côté sauvage, cette part de lui même qu’il ne s’autorise à vivre que dans ses fantasmes, et peut être que Phillip le débauché est exactement la personne qu’il lui faut pour se sentir libre.
Phillip, coiffeur, et sexuellement expérimenté, croit aux fins heureuses plutôt qu’aux fins heureuses jusqu’à la fin de ses jours. L’expérience lui a appris à ne pas espérer plus, jusqu’à ce qu’il rencontre le doux et vulnérable Tristan, qui semble sincèrement s’intéresser à son cœur. Mais Phillip ne se fait pas suffisamment confiance pour être l’homme que Tristan voudrait plus d’une nuit.
Avec l’aide d’un couple de grands pères cupidons, Tristan et Phillip pourraient trouver le courage de sortir de leur zone de confort pour découvrir ce qui leur a manqué toute leur vie.
Le bibliothécaire Tristan Cooper n’arrive pas à rester à l'écart de Phillip, motard rebelle et sexy – l’homme est splendide –, mais Phillip le trouve forcément studieux et ennuyeux, comme tous les petits amis de Tristan. Pourtant, il rêve d’explorer son côté sauvage, cette part de lui même qu’il ne s’autorise à vivre que dans ses fantasmes, et peut être que Phillip le débauché est exactement la personne qu’il lui faut pour se sentir libre.
Phillip, coiffeur, et sexuellement expérimenté, croit aux fins heureuses plutôt qu’aux fins heureuses jusqu’à la fin de ses jours. L’expérience lui a appris à ne pas espérer plus, jusqu’à ce qu’il rencontre le doux et vulnérable Tristan, qui semble sincèrement s’intéresser à son cœur. Mais Phillip ne se fait pas suffisamment confiance pour être l’homme que Tristan voudrait plus d’une nuit.
Avec l’aide d’un couple de grands pères cupidons, Tristan et Phillip pourraient trouver le courage de sortir de leur zone de confort pour découvrir ce qui leur a manqué toute leur vie.
Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2017
7 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Z. Allora
31 books158 followersZ. believes in soul mates, love at first sight, and overcoming all odds to find happily ever afters. Born in Upstate NY, Z. Allora and partner have spent the last fifteen years together traveling across the United States, the Middle East and Asia. These travels provide the inspiration behind many of the detailed settings and characters throughout Z.'s work. Z. received a Master degree in Psychology and Bachelor degrees in both English and Philosophy. (though Z's editors would probably question the English degree). Z. is both a writer and a huge fan of M/M romance as well as Yaoi. It is said the pen is mightier than the sword. Z. thinks all writers and publishers of M/M are promoting equality, since everyone deserves a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 9, 2017
This is a typical librarian story. Cute, geeky, adorkable.
And it's not easy to convince some geek that they're something worth waiting for, you know?
But when a librarian met a determined hairdresser, there's always hope.
I liked how much Phillip put effort to lure Tristan to open for him. And don't forget the two grandfathers! The effing matchmakers grandfathers and their conspiracy to bond their grandsons are cute.
This is a light enjoyable read. A type of book you need to read on weekend, and put a smile on your face at the end of the story. Entertaining and sweet, and I enjoyed this one.
November 7, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Tristan and Phillip are absolutely adorable together, and the writing makes the insta-love more believable and sweet, but not saccharine; moreover, the reader can see how well the two complement and help each other explore aspects of their personalities they ignored, without them changing into completely different people to be together. Phillip’s fear of the intensity of his feelings and connection to Tristan and Tristan’s steadfast determination to simply be there for Phillip and show him his love through his actions was alternately heartwarming and heartbreaking, as was the sex between them, as it was sexy, but emotionally fraught. Additionally, I enjoyed Phillip’s relationship with his best friends, Chris and Monique, especially Monique. As coworkers, Phillip and Monique interact often and the banter and care between them was delightful.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Tristan and Phillip are absolutely adorable together, and the writing makes the insta-love more believable and sweet, but not saccharine; moreover, the reader can see how well the two complement and help each other explore aspects of their personalities they ignored, without them changing into completely different people to be together. Phillip’s fear of the intensity of his feelings and connection to Tristan and Tristan’s steadfast determination to simply be there for Phillip and show him his love through his actions was alternately heartwarming and heartbreaking, as was the sex between them, as it was sexy, but emotionally fraught. Additionally, I enjoyed Phillip’s relationship with his best friends, Chris and Monique, especially Monique. As coworkers, Phillip and Monique interact often and the banter and care between them was delightful.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
Read
October 31, 20174 Hearts
This book was adorable, sexy, fun and full of UST! It was the perfect curl up with the dogs and enjoy a romance on a Sunday kind of read.
The meet cute between Phillip and Tristan is a bit two fold. We get the first almost meet as Phillip is on his motorcycle at a light admiring a Lamborghini and its driver. When he tries to compliment the driver, he gets a cold stare and a window rolled up. When Phillip arrives at his granddaddy Conrad’s house and meets Thomas Cooper his granddaddy’s friend he is introduced to Thomas’s grandson who was delivering his hot Italian car and Mr. Sexy Asshole gets a name. Tristan is nothing like the first impression Phillip got of him in the car and when he learns Tristan is the Librarian and needs a ride back to the library, Philip offers him a ride.
So Tristan is a librarian who loves his job and is the best at it. Just the movie nights and the way he reads to kids is enough to melt this reader’s heart. Phillip is a stylist who also loves what he does and even helps Tristan update his look and offers his services in other ways. Platonically, of course, but only on the surface.
Oh but these two were so adorable. I love that we get both POV’s so we know of the first impressions the men have of one another and we know exactly how their lives are lead. We need to know this because while Tristan leads what he imagines to be a boring life and was recently left by his boyfriend of two years because he wasn’t adventurous enough in bed, he wants to spice up his life. And while Phillip is the king of Grindr hookups and thinks he’s nothing better than being on his knees being a “catch and release” sort of guy, we also know he’s had his wedding tuxedo picked out since High School. But both men are stuck in what they think should be their life until the find the spark, warmth and connection that begins immediately and is fueled by small touches while watching Benny and Joon in the library.
Once Tristan confesses he wants Phillip to show him how to be more wild and free and Phillip sets out to help him any way he can. I love stories like this. Where the one helps the other “better” themselves to attract other lovers only to want him exactly how he is but does it out of friendship. While these two become fast friends, they also have unbelievable chemistry. OMG! The UST is yummy in this book. Phillip and Tristan are totally into one another but when Tristan has trouble exerting what he wants lets his low self-esteem run his actions.
Phillip is determined to show Tristan how worthy he is and that his exes were morons so after one hell of a sexy shopping trip and moments in the dressing room, Phillip finally gets Tristan out to a club for dancing. Of course, Tristan only wants to be with Phillip and finally gives in and lets his feelings be known which leads to a sensual dry humping session and first kiss. Wow. Yeah, that was something and it only gets better from here.
I really loved this story. It was lovely to watch both men want so much and know they are in the perfect place to have it all but afraid to go for it. Tristan is worried about voicing what he wants and what he feels and Phillip is convinced he’s only good for hookups that use him so when real emotions show up, when fucking turns to making love and when the realization true love may be lost; the men figure it out and the good stuff happens.
Though this is short, we do get a full story with Phillip and Tristan and my first thought about getting a librarian and a bad boy came true… in the library. Yup. There is library sex in this and it is hot.
The grandfathers were a blast to have as match makers and I would actually love a snippet into their relationship to see what it really is. Monique and Chris were great friends to Philip and I hope they figure their mess out. But really, I feel for Phillip and Tristan and liked that we got them months after they decided to be together and that last moment was so them.
This book was adorable, sexy, fun and full of UST! It was the perfect curl up with the dogs and enjoy a romance on a Sunday kind of read.
The meet cute between Phillip and Tristan is a bit two fold. We get the first almost meet as Phillip is on his motorcycle at a light admiring a Lamborghini and its driver. When he tries to compliment the driver, he gets a cold stare and a window rolled up. When Phillip arrives at his granddaddy Conrad’s house and meets Thomas Cooper his granddaddy’s friend he is introduced to Thomas’s grandson who was delivering his hot Italian car and Mr. Sexy Asshole gets a name. Tristan is nothing like the first impression Phillip got of him in the car and when he learns Tristan is the Librarian and needs a ride back to the library, Philip offers him a ride.
So Tristan is a librarian who loves his job and is the best at it. Just the movie nights and the way he reads to kids is enough to melt this reader’s heart. Phillip is a stylist who also loves what he does and even helps Tristan update his look and offers his services in other ways. Platonically, of course, but only on the surface.
Oh but these two were so adorable. I love that we get both POV’s so we know of the first impressions the men have of one another and we know exactly how their lives are lead. We need to know this because while Tristan leads what he imagines to be a boring life and was recently left by his boyfriend of two years because he wasn’t adventurous enough in bed, he wants to spice up his life. And while Phillip is the king of Grindr hookups and thinks he’s nothing better than being on his knees being a “catch and release” sort of guy, we also know he’s had his wedding tuxedo picked out since High School. But both men are stuck in what they think should be their life until the find the spark, warmth and connection that begins immediately and is fueled by small touches while watching Benny and Joon in the library.
Once Tristan confesses he wants Phillip to show him how to be more wild and free and Phillip sets out to help him any way he can. I love stories like this. Where the one helps the other “better” themselves to attract other lovers only to want him exactly how he is but does it out of friendship. While these two become fast friends, they also have unbelievable chemistry. OMG! The UST is yummy in this book. Phillip and Tristan are totally into one another but when Tristan has trouble exerting what he wants lets his low self-esteem run his actions.
Phillip is determined to show Tristan how worthy he is and that his exes were morons so after one hell of a sexy shopping trip and moments in the dressing room, Phillip finally gets Tristan out to a club for dancing. Of course, Tristan only wants to be with Phillip and finally gives in and lets his feelings be known which leads to a sensual dry humping session and first kiss. Wow. Yeah, that was something and it only gets better from here.
I really loved this story. It was lovely to watch both men want so much and know they are in the perfect place to have it all but afraid to go for it. Tristan is worried about voicing what he wants and what he feels and Phillip is convinced he’s only good for hookups that use him so when real emotions show up, when fucking turns to making love and when the realization true love may be lost; the men figure it out and the good stuff happens.
Though this is short, we do get a full story with Phillip and Tristan and my first thought about getting a librarian and a bad boy came true… in the library. Yup. There is library sex in this and it is hot.
The grandfathers were a blast to have as match makers and I would actually love a snippet into their relationship to see what it really is. Monique and Chris were great friends to Philip and I hope they figure their mess out. But really, I feel for Phillip and Tristan and liked that we got them months after they decided to be together and that last moment was so them.
December 26, 2017
This was my first Z. Allora book and thought I would give it a try. I have to admit that this wasn’t my style. I think I’m getting old in my 36 years. I married young (23), but before that I was wild. I’m talking Phillip wild, so why did I get creeped out by his views on sex? Yeah, I’m still wondering, too.
Let me back up here for a minute. First, we have Phillip, a hairdresser with great friends and a commitment issue. He’s on every hookup there is and constantly uses his work breaks for hookups. His friends and co-workers tell him to invest in knee pads. His grandfather lives in the same community as Tristan’s grandfather and thus thrown together. Tristan is a librarian and has been told he’s dull and boring, because he likes sex in bed and routine. Tristan has had exactly 2 relationships and liked being with them both.
Originally, Phillip told Tristan not to change for anybody, but then he turns around and tells Tristan he needs a haircut and new clothes. He’s getting him “clubbing” clothes, new underwear, and contacts, so come doesn’t get on his glasses. Are you serious right now?
I still have no idea what made Tristan want to be with Phillip. Besides Phillip was hot and good in bed, what else was there that attracted Tristan? I don’t know. Because they watched movies together? I didn’t feel the love between these two. Yeah, I saw the sex, but love? No.
Overall, I just didn’t buy into the love story and that’s why I read romance. Your mileage may vary with this one.
Let me back up here for a minute. First, we have Phillip, a hairdresser with great friends and a commitment issue. He’s on every hookup there is and constantly uses his work breaks for hookups. His friends and co-workers tell him to invest in knee pads. His grandfather lives in the same community as Tristan’s grandfather and thus thrown together. Tristan is a librarian and has been told he’s dull and boring, because he likes sex in bed and routine. Tristan has had exactly 2 relationships and liked being with them both.
Originally, Phillip told Tristan not to change for anybody, but then he turns around and tells Tristan he needs a haircut and new clothes. He’s getting him “clubbing” clothes, new underwear, and contacts, so come doesn’t get on his glasses. Are you serious right now?
I still have no idea what made Tristan want to be with Phillip. Besides Phillip was hot and good in bed, what else was there that attracted Tristan? I don’t know. Because they watched movies together? I didn’t feel the love between these two. Yeah, I saw the sex, but love? No.
Overall, I just didn’t buy into the love story and that’s why I read romance. Your mileage may vary with this one.
October 16, 2017
I received a copy to review and read for Wicked Reads
This book had potential but didn't hit the mark for me. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. I just didn't really feel the connection between Tristan and Phillip. I loved their grandfathers, and I would have liked to see more of them in the book because I think they could have added so much more to the story and given it some life. The book was just a little bit boring to me and I felt a little let down when I was done reading it.
This book had potential but didn't hit the mark for me. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. I just didn't really feel the connection between Tristan and Phillip. I loved their grandfathers, and I would have liked to see more of them in the book because I think they could have added so much more to the story and given it some life. The book was just a little bit boring to me and I felt a little let down when I was done reading it.
January 23, 2018
Etwas wirklich neues hat mir diese Geschichte nicht geboten, aber die Charaktere sind liebenswert und es ist schön mit anzusehen wie sie sich finden. Es ist eine Geschichte zum Wohlfühlen, die auch ihre erotischen Momente hat.
October 25, 2017
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2017/10/25/revi...
The Librarian’s Rake by Z. Allora is a wonderful opposites attract story. The story was well written and nicely edited. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed how much Tristan changed when he started seeing bad boy Phillip. I also loved getting to meet both of their grandparents. They were a riot with their innuendos and trying to be matchmakers for their grandkids.
I liked Tristan. He has the kind of job that I have always wanted—to work in a library and be surrounded by books all day long. Yep, I could be perfectly happy re-shelving and cataloging books all day long. Although Tristan does so much more than just re-shelving and cataloging books. He also runs the story time hour for little kids and organizes movie night and other fun, interactive activities at the library, like the book of the month club. And just like all of the quiet, shy, reserved people that I know, you would be amazed, if you could see inside his mind at all of the dirty, kinky, spontaneous sexual adventures that are just waiting. Waiting for the right person that he can be comfortable enough around to share all of his dreams with. And for Tristan, it just happens to be Phillip. I also loved that Phillip didn’t pressure Tristan to do anything that he wasn’t comfortable doing. I did like that because of the attraction between them that Tristan was willing to go outside of his comfort zone and try some of the things that he had been hesitant to do.
Phillip, on the other hand, is a playboy who has lots of booty calls. But Phillip doesn’t do relationships, which he can tell is all Tristan is used to having. Will he give up his wild ways to be with Tristan? It looks like he’s going to try since the heart wants what the heart wants. And right now Phillip is obsessed with his hot librarian, and nobody else will work as a substitute. And boy does Phillip have fun corrupting Tristan and working through all of his firsts.
And no it wasn’t all sunshine and roses when they first met. They actually didn’t really like each other, and this was one of my favorite lines from when they first met. It’s part of Phillips inner monologue. “Why did assholes possess an alpha voice that made Phillip want to just drop to his knees?” Yep, after reading that I just knew that this was going to be my kind of book and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
The Librarian’s Rake by Z. Allora is a wonderful opposites attract story. The story was well written and nicely edited. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed how much Tristan changed when he started seeing bad boy Phillip. I also loved getting to meet both of their grandparents. They were a riot with their innuendos and trying to be matchmakers for their grandkids.
I liked Tristan. He has the kind of job that I have always wanted—to work in a library and be surrounded by books all day long. Yep, I could be perfectly happy re-shelving and cataloging books all day long. Although Tristan does so much more than just re-shelving and cataloging books. He also runs the story time hour for little kids and organizes movie night and other fun, interactive activities at the library, like the book of the month club. And just like all of the quiet, shy, reserved people that I know, you would be amazed, if you could see inside his mind at all of the dirty, kinky, spontaneous sexual adventures that are just waiting. Waiting for the right person that he can be comfortable enough around to share all of his dreams with. And for Tristan, it just happens to be Phillip. I also loved that Phillip didn’t pressure Tristan to do anything that he wasn’t comfortable doing. I did like that because of the attraction between them that Tristan was willing to go outside of his comfort zone and try some of the things that he had been hesitant to do.
Phillip, on the other hand, is a playboy who has lots of booty calls. But Phillip doesn’t do relationships, which he can tell is all Tristan is used to having. Will he give up his wild ways to be with Tristan? It looks like he’s going to try since the heart wants what the heart wants. And right now Phillip is obsessed with his hot librarian, and nobody else will work as a substitute. And boy does Phillip have fun corrupting Tristan and working through all of his firsts.
And no it wasn’t all sunshine and roses when they first met. They actually didn’t really like each other, and this was one of my favorite lines from when they first met. It’s part of Phillips inner monologue. “Why did assholes possess an alpha voice that made Phillip want to just drop to his knees?” Yep, after reading that I just knew that this was going to be my kind of book and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
October 27, 2017
Reviewed by Jenn for Diverse Reader
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This is a story of opposites attracting with a bit of a twist! Tristan and Phillip couldn’t be more different at first glance, but that’s what makes this book so much fun!
Tristan is a librarian and a bit stuffy, his last boyfriend broke up with him for being too boring. He is very handsome and very sweet, I think he is quite perfect. You can tell Tristan wants to let loose and have fun, he just needs the right incentive. In walks that incentive in the form of Phillip.
Philip is a hair stylist who tends to spend a lot of time on his knees. He lives by the “catch and release” motto when it comes to dating. He hasn’t met anyone to make him want more and then he meets Tris.
Tris wants Phillip to teach him how to have fun and how to be more adventurous. Philip takes Tris under his wings with a new haircut and new clothes. Philip also begins to see that Tris doesn’t need to change because Tris is so special. I love the fact that Phillip understands that he's the one changing, Tris is making him more. While Phillip is scared, he can’t deny his librarians hold on him. As these two become closer, it becomes more obvious how alike they really are.
This is such a sweet and fun book with a lot of sexy too! I loved Phillip and Tris together so much, I just kept thinking how much they fit. The good boy who wants to be bad and the bad boy who needs to be good. I loved their chemistry and their honesty with each other. Such a good read and one I know I’ll read again!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This is a story of opposites attracting with a bit of a twist! Tristan and Phillip couldn’t be more different at first glance, but that’s what makes this book so much fun!
Tristan is a librarian and a bit stuffy, his last boyfriend broke up with him for being too boring. He is very handsome and very sweet, I think he is quite perfect. You can tell Tristan wants to let loose and have fun, he just needs the right incentive. In walks that incentive in the form of Phillip.
Philip is a hair stylist who tends to spend a lot of time on his knees. He lives by the “catch and release” motto when it comes to dating. He hasn’t met anyone to make him want more and then he meets Tris.
Tris wants Phillip to teach him how to have fun and how to be more adventurous. Philip takes Tris under his wings with a new haircut and new clothes. Philip also begins to see that Tris doesn’t need to change because Tris is so special. I love the fact that Phillip understands that he's the one changing, Tris is making him more. While Phillip is scared, he can’t deny his librarians hold on him. As these two become closer, it becomes more obvious how alike they really are.
This is such a sweet and fun book with a lot of sexy too! I loved Phillip and Tris together so much, I just kept thinking how much they fit. The good boy who wants to be bad and the bad boy who needs to be good. I loved their chemistry and their honesty with each other. Such a good read and one I know I’ll read again!
October 21, 2017
This was a cute, somewhat likable novella, especially if you’re looking for a quick mental palate cleanser. When Tristan and Phillip meet at the retirement community where their grandfathers live, they start out becoming friends. It eventually becomes more physical with both still making assumptions that the other won’t want them for more than that. The outcome is kind of predictable and they eventually navigate their lack of communication. The grandfather aspect is pretty minimal but their story could be quite interesting.
I have to say, character development is not very strong and I never understood where Phillip’s issues stemmed from. Tristan was confusing, as a two-year relationship was mentioned but he barely had even vanilla sexual experience, from what I read anyway. The secondary characters, Phillip’s friends, did add some interest. Plot is minimal and I think the aim was for a romantic comedy feel, so it was occasionally amusing. It’s not overwhelmed with sex scenes, by any means, which I appreciated, however, it’s almost insta-love. It’s cleanly written and edited well.
* An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review with Hearts On Fire Reviews*
I have to say, character development is not very strong and I never understood where Phillip’s issues stemmed from. Tristan was confusing, as a two-year relationship was mentioned but he barely had even vanilla sexual experience, from what I read anyway. The secondary characters, Phillip’s friends, did add some interest. Plot is minimal and I think the aim was for a romantic comedy feel, so it was occasionally amusing. It’s not overwhelmed with sex scenes, by any means, which I appreciated, however, it’s almost insta-love. It’s cleanly written and edited well.
* An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review with Hearts On Fire Reviews*
October 24, 2017
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
Really good story that I completely enjoyed! It started off a tad slow with a bit of filler and inane details but picks up nicely. The characters round out and become very interesting and the story begins to fly by easily.
Tristin is a buttoned up, prim librarian. He's been told he's boring by past lovers. He doesn't do hook ups and hardly ever takes chances. Philip is just the opposite. He's the hook up king. The two meet through their grandfathers and begin a relationship with Philip teaching Tristin how to loosen up. Thing is, Tristin only wants to loosen up WITH Philip. I really enjoyed the funny banter of Philip's friends and coworkers. There was steam when the two finally paired off and there's also very tender moments. The book was all around a good, fun read.
Really good story that I completely enjoyed! It started off a tad slow with a bit of filler and inane details but picks up nicely. The characters round out and become very interesting and the story begins to fly by easily.
Tristin is a buttoned up, prim librarian. He's been told he's boring by past lovers. He doesn't do hook ups and hardly ever takes chances. Philip is just the opposite. He's the hook up king. The two meet through their grandfathers and begin a relationship with Philip teaching Tristin how to loosen up. Thing is, Tristin only wants to loosen up WITH Philip. I really enjoyed the funny banter of Philip's friends and coworkers. There was steam when the two finally paired off and there's also very tender moments. The book was all around a good, fun read.
Read
October 23, 2019Cute, quick romance between a librarian who wants to be less staid and a hairdresser who wants a meaningful relationship (although he doesn't know it yet).
October 1, 2019
DNFing at 25%. So far, there is no romance and no crazy bunny sex either. There are also no real introductions into this relationship neither by the author nor the characters, just a quick blessing from the grandparents. In the end, there is a lot of sex talk but so far no action what. so. ever.
There is no conflict. There is one unlikable female bully who is supposed to be a friend. There is one man-whore and one prude who wants to be a man-whore. Everyone and everything is about sex, but only in the talks.
Not sure where (or how? why?) the Spyder comes in, since its owner lives in the same 55 & over community as the other not-so-very-well-off residents.
Could not read one word past Monique being a frigging bitch in Chapter 3.
I am willing to give the author another try, tho.
There is no conflict. There is one unlikable female bully who is supposed to be a friend. There is one man-whore and one prude who wants to be a man-whore. Everyone and everything is about sex, but only in the talks.
Not sure where (or how? why?) the Spyder comes in, since its owner lives in the same 55 & over community as the other not-so-very-well-off residents.
Could not read one word past Monique being a frigging bitch in Chapter 3.
I am willing to give the author another try, tho.
November 1, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I really enjoyed this story. Phillip definitely does his best to not let emotions get into his sex in order to guard his heart. Tristan has never really had a great relationship or great sex and hopes that Phillip will help him learn to be more adventurous. Both of these men just need a little push from those around them to open up to some new things.
Phillip has been trying to convince himself that he is happy with everything in his life but Tristan causes him to re-think how he has viewed sex and relationships. Tristan decides to bide his time when it comes to Phillip, he knows what they have is special he just needs to come to terms with it. I felt for Phillip and how he hurt himself while trying to protect himself from the pain of rejection. I can’t say that he is quite the rake that Tristan thought he was. However, when Phillip decides to admit his feelings he jumps in with both feet.
Cover art by Anna Sikorska is great and I love the visual of the two characters together.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I really enjoyed this story. Phillip definitely does his best to not let emotions get into his sex in order to guard his heart. Tristan has never really had a great relationship or great sex and hopes that Phillip will help him learn to be more adventurous. Both of these men just need a little push from those around them to open up to some new things.
Phillip has been trying to convince himself that he is happy with everything in his life but Tristan causes him to re-think how he has viewed sex and relationships. Tristan decides to bide his time when it comes to Phillip, he knows what they have is special he just needs to come to terms with it. I felt for Phillip and how he hurt himself while trying to protect himself from the pain of rejection. I can’t say that he is quite the rake that Tristan thought he was. However, when Phillip decides to admit his feelings he jumps in with both feet.
Cover art by Anna Sikorska is great and I love the visual of the two characters together.
January 28, 2025
“Grandfather matchmaking fantasies aside, a quick round of sex was all there could ever be between them, and something told Phillip that Tristan wasn’t that kind of guy. Whereas Phillip was. He was strictly catch and release… usually in his mouth, and he was gone before he swallowed.”
‘The Librarian’s Rake’ is my first read by Z. Allora and I can easily admit to enjoying the writing style. Seeing as I have quite the soft spot for a bad boy, I figured Tristan and I would see eye-to-eye fairly easily. I had a feeling Phillip was going to be a tough nut to crack, for both of us.
Tristan has a very solid reason for holding his fantasies in check even though the two boyfriends he has had in his life both ended it with him because Tristan is boring, never wanted to do anything fun, and was unimaginative about sex. His reason is a very good one but I was hoping, against hope, that Phillip would be the man to give Tristan the security and safety he needed to let go. Phillip, on the other hand, isn’t boring in his sex life - he’s just too afraid to risk anything more - although that certainly isn’t what he tells himself. Tristan is too afraid to take the bull by the horn and Phillip is too afraid of only being seen as an easy time.
I really enjoyed the fact that the author took the story in a direction I wasn’t expecting. What I was anticipating, and the author wrote it very well, was the miscommunication between Tristan and Phillip. Neither man feels good enough for the other, so practically everything they say to each other is misconstrued, and within their own minds simply reinforces the belief that the other could never be interested in them in “that way”. Thank goodness for meddling grandpas with a lot of common sense, way too much free time, and best friends who only want what’s best - with a lot of snark from one of them. The fact that Phillip is constantly trying to keep any tender or heartfelt emotions out of the way so his walls don’t crumble, and Tristan is trying desperately to be the “oh so suave man about town (or sex)” that he believes Phillip wants, doesn’t help the situation.
I adored my first venture into this author’s writing and ‘The Librarian’s Rake’ won’t be the last of hers I ever read. Tristan and Phillip are wonderful characters and I greatly enjoyed their slide into love and a happy ever after.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
‘The Librarian’s Rake’ is my first read by Z. Allora and I can easily admit to enjoying the writing style. Seeing as I have quite the soft spot for a bad boy, I figured Tristan and I would see eye-to-eye fairly easily. I had a feeling Phillip was going to be a tough nut to crack, for both of us.
Tristan has a very solid reason for holding his fantasies in check even though the two boyfriends he has had in his life both ended it with him because Tristan is boring, never wanted to do anything fun, and was unimaginative about sex. His reason is a very good one but I was hoping, against hope, that Phillip would be the man to give Tristan the security and safety he needed to let go. Phillip, on the other hand, isn’t boring in his sex life - he’s just too afraid to risk anything more - although that certainly isn’t what he tells himself. Tristan is too afraid to take the bull by the horn and Phillip is too afraid of only being seen as an easy time.
I really enjoyed the fact that the author took the story in a direction I wasn’t expecting. What I was anticipating, and the author wrote it very well, was the miscommunication between Tristan and Phillip. Neither man feels good enough for the other, so practically everything they say to each other is misconstrued, and within their own minds simply reinforces the belief that the other could never be interested in them in “that way”. Thank goodness for meddling grandpas with a lot of common sense, way too much free time, and best friends who only want what’s best - with a lot of snark from one of them. The fact that Phillip is constantly trying to keep any tender or heartfelt emotions out of the way so his walls don’t crumble, and Tristan is trying desperately to be the “oh so suave man about town (or sex)” that he believes Phillip wants, doesn’t help the situation.
I adored my first venture into this author’s writing and ‘The Librarian’s Rake’ won’t be the last of hers I ever read. Tristan and Phillip are wonderful characters and I greatly enjoyed their slide into love and a happy ever after.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
November 5, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
2.5 stars
This was my first Z. Allora book and thought I would give it a try. I have to admit that this wasn’t my style. I think I’m getting old in my 36 years. I married young (23), but before that I was wild. I’m talking Phillip wild, so why did I get creeped out by his views on sex? Yeah, I’m still wondering, too.
Let me back up here for a minute. First, we have Phillip, a hairdresser with great friends and a commitment issue. He’s on every hookup there is and constantly uses his work breaks for hookups. His friends and co-workers tell him to invest in knee pads. His grandfather lives in the same community as Tristan’s grandfather and thus thrown together. Tristan is a librarian and has been told he’s dull and boring, because he likes sex in bed and routine. Tristan has had exactly 2 relationships and liked being with them both.
Originally, Phillip told Tristan not to change for anybody, but then he turns around and tells Tristan he needs a haircut and new clothes. He’s getting him “clubbing” clothes, new underwear, and contacts, so come doesn’t get on his glasses. Are you serious right now?
I still have no idea what made Tristan want to be with Phillip. Besides Phillip was hot and good in bed, what else was there that attracted Tristan? I don’t know. Because they watched movies together? I didn’t feel the love between these two. Yeah, I saw the sex, but love? No.
Overall, I just didn’t buy into the love story and that’s why I read romance. Your mileage may vary with this one.
2.5 stars
This was my first Z. Allora book and thought I would give it a try. I have to admit that this wasn’t my style. I think I’m getting old in my 36 years. I married young (23), but before that I was wild. I’m talking Phillip wild, so why did I get creeped out by his views on sex? Yeah, I’m still wondering, too.
Let me back up here for a minute. First, we have Phillip, a hairdresser with great friends and a commitment issue. He’s on every hookup there is and constantly uses his work breaks for hookups. His friends and co-workers tell him to invest in knee pads. His grandfather lives in the same community as Tristan’s grandfather and thus thrown together. Tristan is a librarian and has been told he’s dull and boring, because he likes sex in bed and routine. Tristan has had exactly 2 relationships and liked being with them both.
Originally, Phillip told Tristan not to change for anybody, but then he turns around and tells Tristan he needs a haircut and new clothes. He’s getting him “clubbing” clothes, new underwear, and contacts, so come doesn’t get on his glasses. Are you serious right now?
I still have no idea what made Tristan want to be with Phillip. Besides Phillip was hot and good in bed, what else was there that attracted Tristan? I don’t know. Because they watched movies together? I didn’t feel the love between these two. Yeah, I saw the sex, but love? No.
Overall, I just didn’t buy into the love story and that’s why I read romance. Your mileage may vary with this one.
October 18, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
This is a fun and fluffy and sexy read. There is more than a nod to classic romance in this contemporary story but there is also a hint of cheeky self awareness that I absolutely loved.
Tristan is a buttoned up librarian who is resigned to people thinking he’s more than a bit boring. Until his grandfather sets him up with Phillip, a motorcycle riding hair stylist with a serious Grindr habit. These two are perfect opposites and I loved the way they were drawn to each other from the start.
This is a quick and easy read but I did fall in love with both Phillip and Tristan. I love the way Phillip gets Tristan to come alive in the bedroom and I love the way Tristan gets Phillip to open up emotionally.
Beyond Tristan and Phillip, I couldn’t help but love their randy grandfathers and Phillip’s friends made me smile.
This is a fun and fluffy and sexy read. There is more than a nod to classic romance in this contemporary story but there is also a hint of cheeky self awareness that I absolutely loved.
Tristan is a buttoned up librarian who is resigned to people thinking he’s more than a bit boring. Until his grandfather sets him up with Phillip, a motorcycle riding hair stylist with a serious Grindr habit. These two are perfect opposites and I loved the way they were drawn to each other from the start.
This is a quick and easy read but I did fall in love with both Phillip and Tristan. I love the way Phillip gets Tristan to come alive in the bedroom and I love the way Tristan gets Phillip to open up emotionally.
Beyond Tristan and Phillip, I couldn’t help but love their randy grandfathers and Phillip’s friends made me smile.
March 28, 2018
1,5 stars
June 18, 2018
Ce jardin secret , je dois prévenir qu'on en verra pas trop la verdure et que l'on va tout de suite basculer dans un roman à la plume pétillante (limite explosive ) , pleine d'humour et pour certains lecteurs accro à leur anthologie de la prose combat ,probablement trop vulgaire;ce qui nous emmène dans les amoures chaudes , très chaudes de Phillip et Tristan.
Le style est aussi drôle que parfois surprenant de "crudité" ,on oscille sans cesse entre fou rire et métaphore géniale et on a presque l'impression d'avoir à faire à une auteure hyperactive complètement obsédée (elle s'en explique d'ailleurs très bien en fin de livre ).
Une romance classique dans son contenu avec un long "mais non c'est trop duuuuuur je peux pas t'aimeeeeeeeer et je te meriiiiiite pas" et très rafraîchissante par son contenant qui forcement procure l'addiction habituelle a ce genre de m/m et honnêtement là j'ai succombe lamentablement a cette addiction.
Une drôlerie ultra présente (oui moi j'avoue j'ai un humour gras à mi chemin entre Kaamelott et Bernie mais là franchement c’était vraiment bon de rire presque à chaque page) ,un humour qui te scotche un sourire goguenard tout du long et ce avec un vrai début en fanfare!
L'histoire, une fois de plus, de deux hommes que tout oppose mais pas tant que ça en fait , et qui refoulent chacun de leur cote rêves et fantasmes.
Quand le sexy-coiffeur-motard-rebelle et extraverti mené par son gout du sexe, dans un rapport aux hommes plutôt glauque, cache ses envies d'amour durable et de routine domestique, le discret bibliothécaire qui est justement plombé dans une vie morne, lui rêve, de ruelle sordide et de corps bousculés dans la moiteur d'une étreinte torride.
Leur attirance est bien entendu immédiate et le rapprochement pour une fois n'arrive pas trop vite nous délectant d'un quotidien, il est vrai, plutôt calme pour Tristan et complètement déjanté pour Phillip et ses amis Chris et Monique (qui eux aussi vous reservent un panel de bonnes répliques).
Des personnages secondaire plus ou moins présents selon, mais qui sont tous comme une goutte d'eau supplémentairement dans cet océan d'amour, d'amusement et de sexe.
Deux univers qui se percutent avec délice et donnent vie, aux choix, à des scènes drôles et d'autres bien plus tendres , que ce soit l'un ou l'autre on a l'envie immédiate de les serrer chacun dans nos bras et bien qu'on lira surement des critiques sur le langage utilisé il serait vraiment dommage de s’arrêter à ça et ne pas reconnaître la dimension tendre et comique de ce récit.
Le rythme ne faillit presque jamais et pourtant la fin, un poil bâclée je pense, perds de cette dynamique qui m'avait tant réjouit depuis le début du livre pour tomber dans un mode plus guimauve qui ne ressemble pas du tout à l'ensemble du roman.On a donc droit a notre happy-end sous forme de bouffée d'air chaud à l'odeur de barbe à papa qui nous donne envie de lécher tout ce qui passe à proximité (perso y avait que mon chien dans les parages je me suis donc abstenue...)
Un roman qui n'a d'autres buts que de nous divertir (et c'est franchement le cas ),qui navigue entre sexualité débridée ,même si ça reste toujours soft, et gros moments de tendresse tout poisseux comme du sirop .
Une plume complètement boostée à ...je ne sais pas à quoi tourne l'auteur en fait mais ça fait de l'effet...matinée de graveleux au ton complètement actuel, un mm qui sent bon le pur mm, la romance entre mecs vu par un esprit féminin déchaîné pour des lectrices qui le seront tout autant en terminant ce livre. A lire sous un bon ventilo pour éviter les coups de chaud et bien s’équiper d'un second degré qui fait tant défaut ces derniers temps.
Yop.
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com/
Le style est aussi drôle que parfois surprenant de "crudité" ,on oscille sans cesse entre fou rire et métaphore géniale et on a presque l'impression d'avoir à faire à une auteure hyperactive complètement obsédée (elle s'en explique d'ailleurs très bien en fin de livre ).
Une romance classique dans son contenu avec un long "mais non c'est trop duuuuuur je peux pas t'aimeeeeeeeer et je te meriiiiiite pas" et très rafraîchissante par son contenant qui forcement procure l'addiction habituelle a ce genre de m/m et honnêtement là j'ai succombe lamentablement a cette addiction.
Une drôlerie ultra présente (oui moi j'avoue j'ai un humour gras à mi chemin entre Kaamelott et Bernie mais là franchement c’était vraiment bon de rire presque à chaque page) ,un humour qui te scotche un sourire goguenard tout du long et ce avec un vrai début en fanfare!
L'histoire, une fois de plus, de deux hommes que tout oppose mais pas tant que ça en fait , et qui refoulent chacun de leur cote rêves et fantasmes.
Quand le sexy-coiffeur-motard-rebelle et extraverti mené par son gout du sexe, dans un rapport aux hommes plutôt glauque, cache ses envies d'amour durable et de routine domestique, le discret bibliothécaire qui est justement plombé dans une vie morne, lui rêve, de ruelle sordide et de corps bousculés dans la moiteur d'une étreinte torride.
Leur attirance est bien entendu immédiate et le rapprochement pour une fois n'arrive pas trop vite nous délectant d'un quotidien, il est vrai, plutôt calme pour Tristan et complètement déjanté pour Phillip et ses amis Chris et Monique (qui eux aussi vous reservent un panel de bonnes répliques).
Des personnages secondaire plus ou moins présents selon, mais qui sont tous comme une goutte d'eau supplémentairement dans cet océan d'amour, d'amusement et de sexe.
Deux univers qui se percutent avec délice et donnent vie, aux choix, à des scènes drôles et d'autres bien plus tendres , que ce soit l'un ou l'autre on a l'envie immédiate de les serrer chacun dans nos bras et bien qu'on lira surement des critiques sur le langage utilisé il serait vraiment dommage de s’arrêter à ça et ne pas reconnaître la dimension tendre et comique de ce récit.
Le rythme ne faillit presque jamais et pourtant la fin, un poil bâclée je pense, perds de cette dynamique qui m'avait tant réjouit depuis le début du livre pour tomber dans un mode plus guimauve qui ne ressemble pas du tout à l'ensemble du roman.On a donc droit a notre happy-end sous forme de bouffée d'air chaud à l'odeur de barbe à papa qui nous donne envie de lécher tout ce qui passe à proximité (perso y avait que mon chien dans les parages je me suis donc abstenue...)
Un roman qui n'a d'autres buts que de nous divertir (et c'est franchement le cas ),qui navigue entre sexualité débridée ,même si ça reste toujours soft, et gros moments de tendresse tout poisseux comme du sirop .
Une plume complètement boostée à ...je ne sais pas à quoi tourne l'auteur en fait mais ça fait de l'effet...matinée de graveleux au ton complètement actuel, un mm qui sent bon le pur mm, la romance entre mecs vu par un esprit féminin déchaîné pour des lectrices qui le seront tout autant en terminant ce livre. A lire sous un bon ventilo pour éviter les coups de chaud et bien s’équiper d'un second degré qui fait tant défaut ces derniers temps.
Yop.
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com/
December 8, 2017
This book is a short and fun read, low on angst, high on downright cuteness and all-around romance. It paces well, the characters are well drawn, and the plot believable (even with a teensy bit of exaggeration for effect).
Phillip Valentine is a hair dresser. He’s been going through a transition of sorts—one would say that he is growing up. He’s taking his job more seriously, as well as the relationships in his life. The king of Grindr hookups, Phillip has low expectations of himself and his life. “Forgotten” by his parents, Phillip clings to the relationship that he has with his grandfather, keeping everything and everybody else at a superficial level. Timing is everything, and I think that Phillip had to get to a point where the hookups had lost their allure to be able to let Tristan in.
Tristan is a dork. He’s a librarian and loves being within the walls of the library, and amongst its books. People have always been too much for Tristan to understand or relate to; though safe in the library, he runs lots of different programs and knows all the patrons by heart. Tristan’s last boyfriend dumped him for being too boring and Tristan longs to break out of his shell and do something daring for once.
A chance meeting, a ride home on the back of a motorcycle, and the dance begins. Phillip is more than happy to help Tristan become more outgoing—as friends. And Tristan is more than willing to hold onto Phillip and hope for more than friendship. After all, a boy can dream, right? These two spend a good portion of this book dancing around each other. Each boy is so afraid of putting himself out there, but the chemistry is undeniable. The suspense and the tensions become tauter as these two spend time with each other, and when they eventually give in, the resulting explosion is so worth the wait.
Allora’s snarky, witty sense of humor and writing style keep this book flowing. They have created a wonderful opposites attract storyline, and it was heartwarming to read. I loved how Phillip became “more” when he met Tristan, and that he knew it was Tristan who was making him that way. Tristan becomes Phillips rock, and Phillip becomes Tristan’s rainbow. It’s a great short story, and I highly recommend it for a lazy afternoon when your book just needs to make you laugh and leave you with a smile.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
Phillip Valentine is a hair dresser. He’s been going through a transition of sorts—one would say that he is growing up. He’s taking his job more seriously, as well as the relationships in his life. The king of Grindr hookups, Phillip has low expectations of himself and his life. “Forgotten” by his parents, Phillip clings to the relationship that he has with his grandfather, keeping everything and everybody else at a superficial level. Timing is everything, and I think that Phillip had to get to a point where the hookups had lost their allure to be able to let Tristan in.
Tristan is a dork. He’s a librarian and loves being within the walls of the library, and amongst its books. People have always been too much for Tristan to understand or relate to; though safe in the library, he runs lots of different programs and knows all the patrons by heart. Tristan’s last boyfriend dumped him for being too boring and Tristan longs to break out of his shell and do something daring for once.
What would it be like to have the attention of this wild… rake? Rake! Goodness Christmas! How did he get trapped in the Regency novel the library book club insisted on reading this month? He might as well be the desperate virgin duchess whose elderly husband died before he bedded her, with all of Tristan’s lack of experience in comparison to the man in front of him.
A chance meeting, a ride home on the back of a motorcycle, and the dance begins. Phillip is more than happy to help Tristan become more outgoing—as friends. And Tristan is more than willing to hold onto Phillip and hope for more than friendship. After all, a boy can dream, right? These two spend a good portion of this book dancing around each other. Each boy is so afraid of putting himself out there, but the chemistry is undeniable. The suspense and the tensions become tauter as these two spend time with each other, and when they eventually give in, the resulting explosion is so worth the wait.
The concerning question of how a press of his leg even registered on Phillip’s heat index chased around his head. No answer came forth, but he couldn’t deny when their knees finally touched; that moment beat out any of the deliciously dirty experiences he’d ever had by a mile.
Allora’s snarky, witty sense of humor and writing style keep this book flowing. They have created a wonderful opposites attract storyline, and it was heartwarming to read. I loved how Phillip became “more” when he met Tristan, and that he knew it was Tristan who was making him that way. Tristan becomes Phillips rock, and Phillip becomes Tristan’s rainbow. It’s a great short story, and I highly recommend it for a lazy afternoon when your book just needs to make you laugh and leave you with a smile.
After a bit more sucking, Phillip pulled off him and licked his talented tongue along the shaft. He added, “Sucked off in the romance section. Maybe this is the key to fighting illiteracy?”
He came… in the library… in his boyfriend’s mouth. God bless Shakespeare! And every writer who has ever taken pen to paper.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
August 12, 2019
The Librarian’s Rake is the typical opposites attract story. It stars Tristan Cooper, a librarian, and Phillip, a hairdresser. It’s told in third person from both characters povs.
July 27, 2021
Quand Phillip Valentine, le coiffeur aux 452 coups d'un soir (en 15 mois certes...) va voir son grand-père, il ne s'attend certainement pas à croiser une Lamborghini et un magnifique jeune homme, qui s'avère être le petit-fils du petit ami du-dit grand-père.
Quand Tristan Cooper, bibliothécaire, amène sa Lamborghini à Pop-Pop, son grand-père, il ne s'attend certainement pas à vivre sa première ballade en moto avec un jeune homme superbe, petit-fils du petit ami du-dit Pop-pop.
Bien que fort différents, les deux hommes sympathisent rapidement.
Récemment plaqué par son petit ami qui s'ennuyait avec lui, Tristan se dit qu'il est temps de vivre de nouvelles expériences et qui de mieux que son nouveau pote, le coiffeur sexy et sensuel, pour les lui enseigner. Phillip se retrouve à relooker Tristan et les voilà partis en boîte pour s'amuser un peu... mais la leçon de séduction fonctionne tellement bien qu'ils rentrent ensemble.
Et voilà Phillip, pour la première fois de sa vie, face à quelqu'un qui prend soin de lui et qui le respecte, ce qui le chamboule totalement et il réagit à sa façon, en fuyant... ce qui finalement n'étonne pas Tristan, persuadé d'être trop ennuyeux pour le flamboyant coiffeur.
Mais tout n'est peut-être pas perdu...
Une mignonne petite romance plutôt sympathique, des personnages drôles et attachants, des amis fidèles et rentre dedans, de l'humour et beaucoup de sexe ... bref, une lecture très agréable, même si j'ai trouvé la fin un peu too much dans le cliché.
Quand Tristan Cooper, bibliothécaire, amène sa Lamborghini à Pop-Pop, son grand-père, il ne s'attend certainement pas à vivre sa première ballade en moto avec un jeune homme superbe, petit-fils du petit ami du-dit Pop-pop.
Bien que fort différents, les deux hommes sympathisent rapidement.
Récemment plaqué par son petit ami qui s'ennuyait avec lui, Tristan se dit qu'il est temps de vivre de nouvelles expériences et qui de mieux que son nouveau pote, le coiffeur sexy et sensuel, pour les lui enseigner. Phillip se retrouve à relooker Tristan et les voilà partis en boîte pour s'amuser un peu... mais la leçon de séduction fonctionne tellement bien qu'ils rentrent ensemble.
Et voilà Phillip, pour la première fois de sa vie, face à quelqu'un qui prend soin de lui et qui le respecte, ce qui le chamboule totalement et il réagit à sa façon, en fuyant... ce qui finalement n'étonne pas Tristan, persuadé d'être trop ennuyeux pour le flamboyant coiffeur.
Mais tout n'est peut-être pas perdu...
Une mignonne petite romance plutôt sympathique, des personnages drôles et attachants, des amis fidèles et rentre dedans, de l'humour et beaucoup de sexe ... bref, une lecture très agréable, même si j'ai trouvé la fin un peu too much dans le cliché.
October 15, 2017
Quietly Shelving Stereotypes and Preconceived Notions
rake
noundated
noun: rake; plural noun: rakes
a fashionable or wealthy man of dissolute or promiscuous habits.
When I received this ARC I was thrilled and intimidated. I have never had the opportunity to read a book before it's release. Then again I'm not a writer so putting together a review seemed like a daunting task, but here goes...
First of all I started this book with some preconceived notions of my own. Having read all of the authors other books I felt I knew what to expect. I was wrong, pleasantly so, but wrong nonetheless.
Our two main characters Tristan and Phillip take us on a fun heartfelt trip around those notions and maybe a stereotype thrown in for good measure. With a good cast of secondary cast members around them for support Tristan and Phillip have, what I truly feel, a story worth reading. I'm so glad that Z Allora wrote it. I did enjoy it so.
rake
noundated
noun: rake; plural noun: rakes
a fashionable or wealthy man of dissolute or promiscuous habits.
When I received this ARC I was thrilled and intimidated. I have never had the opportunity to read a book before it's release. Then again I'm not a writer so putting together a review seemed like a daunting task, but here goes...
First of all I started this book with some preconceived notions of my own. Having read all of the authors other books I felt I knew what to expect. I was wrong, pleasantly so, but wrong nonetheless.
Our two main characters Tristan and Phillip take us on a fun heartfelt trip around those notions and maybe a stereotype thrown in for good measure. With a good cast of secondary cast members around them for support Tristan and Phillip have, what I truly feel, a story worth reading. I'm so glad that Z Allora wrote it. I did enjoy it so.
October 25, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Phillip is supposed to be a bad boy hairdresser on a motorcycle who has no interest in relationships. Tristan is a librarian who is said to be boring and bookish. When the two first interact, Tristan is more a stuck-up snob. Their grandfathers seem to be developing a relationship and decide to push Tristan and Phillip together. The biggest problem these two men have is themselves. They have very set in stone notions about themselves and will have to grow up and come out of their comfort zones.
This novella was a little slow going, and I wasn't really a fan of either character. The grandfathers in this story seemed more interesting, and I would have loved to follow their story. ;) As I've said many times, novellas are difficult in my opinion. You have a limited number of pages to introduce characters and a relationship, especially when the two MC's don't have any prior knowledge or interaction with each other. For me, I would have liked more character development and relationship development and less time spent on getting naked **gasp**. Tristan did have his hang-ups in regards to sex, but I'd think those could have been fixed with the build-up of the relationship and getting to know each other. I just didn't get what I needed from the characters to have an invested interest in their relationship and where it was going.
This story was 123 pages and a quick read. The grandfathers in the story definitely were the highlight for me, just because they had so much orneriness on the page. I wish I had felt the same way for Tristan and Phillip! Tristan and Phillip did find love, so this had a HEA ending.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Phillip is supposed to be a bad boy hairdresser on a motorcycle who has no interest in relationships. Tristan is a librarian who is said to be boring and bookish. When the two first interact, Tristan is more a stuck-up snob. Their grandfathers seem to be developing a relationship and decide to push Tristan and Phillip together. The biggest problem these two men have is themselves. They have very set in stone notions about themselves and will have to grow up and come out of their comfort zones.
This novella was a little slow going, and I wasn't really a fan of either character. The grandfathers in this story seemed more interesting, and I would have loved to follow their story. ;) As I've said many times, novellas are difficult in my opinion. You have a limited number of pages to introduce characters and a relationship, especially when the two MC's don't have any prior knowledge or interaction with each other. For me, I would have liked more character development and relationship development and less time spent on getting naked **gasp**. Tristan did have his hang-ups in regards to sex, but I'd think those could have been fixed with the build-up of the relationship and getting to know each other. I just didn't get what I needed from the characters to have an invested interest in their relationship and where it was going.
This story was 123 pages and a quick read. The grandfathers in the story definitely were the highlight for me, just because they had so much orneriness on the page. I wish I had felt the same way for Tristan and Phillip! Tristan and Phillip did find love, so this had a HEA ending.
Rating: 3.5 stars
November 9, 2017
Review originally posted over at JLR: https://justlovereviews.com/2017/10/2...
This book was short but I really enjoyed it. I feel like the story was developed enough without being too cluttered. I don’t expect novellas to be as deep or thorough as full-length novels, so when they are, I am very happy.
To be honest, I was not sure if I was going to like this book. I love the nerd/librarian thing and opposites attract but I’m not fond of the super experienced/not-experienced match-up, unless it’s done well. A lot of the time the more experienced person ends up being kind of predatory and the less-experienced one becomes super passive. It’s just not my thing. In this book, Phillip, the more experienced one, was hesitant to start sleeping with Tristan for fear of getting his heart broken.
Phillip’s hesitation meant that they didn’t have sex right away even though it’s what Tristan wanted. I liked this because it meant that we got a nice tease and good, believable chemistry built up before they ended up together. This was smart because the reader got to see how good they were together and it made the relationship more believable. Usually an author has more pages to make a relationship more believable to the reader so they can throw more stuff in without it being a problem.
Tristan was my favorite. He was a nerdy, quiet librarian but he wasn’t overcome by timidness and low self esteem. I don’t mind when authors have someone timid or when they are doubtful that the other person would like them. However, sometimes it drags on too long and they seem whiny. Tristan wasn’t sure of himself but he liked Phillip enough to try to push past it. When it seemed that Phillip wasn’t going to open up to him romantically Tristan backed off. It was a nice back and forth.
Phillip ended up surprising me. He slept around in order to protect his heart, but he wasn’t mean to Tristan and he didn’t aggressively push him away. It was nice to see a character who sleeps around not ashamed of it but also not continuing the behavior when they meet someone they want to be with. The whole “I’m going to bury my feelings for this person with sex” thing is kind of overdone. Or at least, I’m done with it. Also, Phillip’s characterization wasn’t created as the opposite of Tristan in everything. Their sexual experiences were opposite but their personalities were more three dimensional than that.
I’m half and half with the side characters. I really liked Tristan’s and Phillip’s grandfathers. I want a book about their romance because they were really cute and I enjoyed their unsubtle approach to matchmaking. Phillip’s friends were ok but they had their own relationship “drama” going on and I wasn’t into it. Otherwise, I liked them.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. It was well paced, written, and plotted out. The chemistry was there and I actually enjoyed these two MCs together. If you are looking for a quick, relaxing read I would recommend picking this up.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was short but I really enjoyed it. I feel like the story was developed enough without being too cluttered. I don’t expect novellas to be as deep or thorough as full-length novels, so when they are, I am very happy.
To be honest, I was not sure if I was going to like this book. I love the nerd/librarian thing and opposites attract but I’m not fond of the super experienced/not-experienced match-up, unless it’s done well. A lot of the time the more experienced person ends up being kind of predatory and the less-experienced one becomes super passive. It’s just not my thing. In this book, Phillip, the more experienced one, was hesitant to start sleeping with Tristan for fear of getting his heart broken.
Phillip’s hesitation meant that they didn’t have sex right away even though it’s what Tristan wanted. I liked this because it meant that we got a nice tease and good, believable chemistry built up before they ended up together. This was smart because the reader got to see how good they were together and it made the relationship more believable. Usually an author has more pages to make a relationship more believable to the reader so they can throw more stuff in without it being a problem.
Tristan was my favorite. He was a nerdy, quiet librarian but he wasn’t overcome by timidness and low self esteem. I don’t mind when authors have someone timid or when they are doubtful that the other person would like them. However, sometimes it drags on too long and they seem whiny. Tristan wasn’t sure of himself but he liked Phillip enough to try to push past it. When it seemed that Phillip wasn’t going to open up to him romantically Tristan backed off. It was a nice back and forth.
Phillip ended up surprising me. He slept around in order to protect his heart, but he wasn’t mean to Tristan and he didn’t aggressively push him away. It was nice to see a character who sleeps around not ashamed of it but also not continuing the behavior when they meet someone they want to be with. The whole “I’m going to bury my feelings for this person with sex” thing is kind of overdone. Or at least, I’m done with it. Also, Phillip’s characterization wasn’t created as the opposite of Tristan in everything. Their sexual experiences were opposite but their personalities were more three dimensional than that.
I’m half and half with the side characters. I really liked Tristan’s and Phillip’s grandfathers. I want a book about their romance because they were really cute and I enjoyed their unsubtle approach to matchmaking. Phillip’s friends were ok but they had their own relationship “drama” going on and I wasn’t into it. Otherwise, I liked them.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. It was well paced, written, and plotted out. The chemistry was there and I actually enjoyed these two MCs together. If you are looking for a quick, relaxing read I would recommend picking this up.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 30, 2023
2.75★ rounded up
Unfortunately this was a bit of a dissapointment. This books idea of romance is just not for me but that's more of a me thing than the story's fault. The book itself is fine.
I had so high hopes and was so looking forward to this, but it was just okay, a kind of nice book in parts, but not at all what I was hoping and looking for.
There is no real "spark". Neither between the two MC's nor in the story overall. And in this case I don't mean chemistry, because sex and attraction are there. And yes, it is nice and for most people a pretty important part in a relationship, but here, it was just overwhelming everything. I mean, nearly everything here was about the sexual relationship, there was not nearly enough on page to make me believe this relationship would work. Some short scenes thrown in to show emotional vulnerability and inner confusion don't make up for 90% of the rest. I needed more connecting, even with the explicit focus on all thing physical here. I can appreciate the change in Tristan, to actually find a different side of himself, to be more open after living caged in by himself and his exe's expectations for so long. Most other book do the typical 'taming' not the 'release into the wild' of their characers, and that's refreshing. And realistic.
Unfortunately I am the "Tristan before" not the "Tristan after" type, which means, that exactly these elements are not for me, at least not without a solid foundation and relationship development. I can not really enjoy this with so little else. Maybe if it was longer, showing me a real build- up, this could work for me. In this form, it does not.
Unfortunately this was a bit of a dissapointment. This books idea of romance is just not for me but that's more of a me thing than the story's fault. The book itself is fine.
I had so high hopes and was so looking forward to this, but it was just okay, a kind of nice book in parts, but not at all what I was hoping and looking for.
There is no real "spark". Neither between the two MC's nor in the story overall. And in this case I don't mean chemistry, because sex and attraction are there. And yes, it is nice and for most people a pretty important part in a relationship, but here, it was just overwhelming everything. I mean, nearly everything here was about the sexual relationship, there was not nearly enough on page to make me believe this relationship would work. Some short scenes thrown in to show emotional vulnerability and inner confusion don't make up for 90% of the rest. I needed more connecting, even with the explicit focus on all thing physical here. I can appreciate the change in Tristan, to actually find a different side of himself, to be more open after living caged in by himself and his exe's expectations for so long. Most other book do the typical 'taming' not the 'release into the wild' of their characers, and that's refreshing. And realistic.
Unfortunately I am the "Tristan before" not the "Tristan after" type, which means, that exactly these elements are not for me, at least not without a solid foundation and relationship development. I can not really enjoy this with so little else. Maybe if it was longer, showing me a real build- up, this could work for me. In this form, it does not.
October 25, 2017
Tristan is adorable and has been very unlucky in his past boyfriends.
Phillip is a bad boy in his own imagination, more likely he’s also been unlucky and his reactions are different.
Together these two are so much fun and very readable. There are also charismatic secondary characters, Monique and Chris are great, but the stars of the show are the Grandads.
I totally enjoyed this mainly feel good romance and by the end I did.
Phillip is a bad boy in his own imagination, more likely he’s also been unlucky and his reactions are different.
Together these two are so much fun and very readable. There are also charismatic secondary characters, Monique and Chris are great, but the stars of the show are the Grandads.
I totally enjoyed this mainly feel good romance and by the end I did.
October 25, 2017
What a wonderful story! Opposites attract. It starts with the grandparents and that is a whole other side story! I'd love it if she wrote about the 2 granddads! They were a fun part of the story. The boys are so fun. I enjoyed the story so much. Z. has always had a wonderful style to her writing and this story is no different. I loved it. I loved how we got just a little bit more down the road as the story ended. That is so fun!
If you want someone fun and wonderful, read this book!!
If you want someone fun and wonderful, read this book!!
June 25, 2018
Bien, bof, je ne sais pas. Enfin si, je crois que ce livre aurait mérité plus de développement, moins de focalisations et aurait gagné en crédibilité avec plus de... personnel. Par exemple, on ne voit que les grands pères au début, et le "couple" d'amis du coiffeur ^^ Je crois que ça résume l'entourage. Le retour de l'ex, j'ai juste rigolé avec le haussement de sourcils en conséquence... Non, définitivement, ça aurait pu être beaucoup mieux ^^
November 20, 2017
Stodgy, inexperienced librarian and the flamboyant, slightly-slutty stylist
This nicely smutty story includes an entertaining meeting of the shy, relatively inexperienced and conservatively appareled librarian and the flamboyant, hook-up artist excited to teach him a trick or two.
3.5 stars rounded up for the theme and the wonderful interplay between semi-virginal and the slightly slutty
This nicely smutty story includes an entertaining meeting of the shy, relatively inexperienced and conservatively appareled librarian and the flamboyant, hook-up artist excited to teach him a trick or two.
3.5 stars rounded up for the theme and the wonderful interplay between semi-virginal and the slightly slutty
March 22, 2018
A sweet read for a quiet afternoon.
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