I really liked this book. The couple who fall in love are a 26 year old male prostitute and a 35 year old female writer. The author’s writing flows really nicely and she writes really great dialogue. Lots of funny and cute scenes (Mrs. Thatcher!!!! Lol!!). But the subject matter is very gritty and doesn’t really hide anything. But the story is very heart warming and the HEA is very sweet.
The book didn’t make me cry at any point – which usually is something I want in a 5-star read (happy tears count) but it was still very touching. The evil bitch woman who has a hold on the hero is even more evil than Fifty’s Mrs.Robinson *shudder*.
Both the hero and heroine are very likeable and you want to root for them (neither is annoying in any way). Also, it’s nice to see the whole prostitution subject dealt with so candidly and that it didn’t ruin their chances at a relationship.
I loved that both the hero and heroine are smart and intelligent and don’t do stupid things. Never once did I want to slap one of the characters or throw the book at the wall.
It’s a very easy read. Flows nicely. Doesn’t drag. Has funny moments. Sweet moments. Definite tortured/damaged hero. Understanding/openminded/strong heroine. A very sad backstory for the hero. And a lovely ending 🙂
It’s along the same lines as Finding Home (by Lauren Baker and Bonnie Dee). Still different. But similar category. Chances are if you like one, you’ll like the other.
Warning : the book has instances of male rape and underage prostitution (alluded to, not graphically described).
4 stars
When Ryan meets Sara, his new next-door neighbor in a rickety old San Francisco apartment building, both are in a state of emotional turmoil. Ryan, a high-priced prostitute, is trying to break free of his old life, but his handler, Catherine, won’t let him.
Sara’s medieval mystery series has just been terminated by her publisher, and she is now trying to write a historical thriller. Sara doesn’t dare make the first move toward deepening their relationship because she is older than Ryan, not as physically attractive, and halfway convinced he is gay and that if she pushes him she will lose his friendship, which she values.
In this realistically gritty, sometimes violent, and gripping tale, Leone reveals the seamier side of society’s maneuvering while she spins an unconventional romance between two unhappy people who find that love, like respect, can grow out of friendship and shared experiences and that new beginnings are indeed possible for those with the determination and courage to pursue them.
