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Author: Joel Skelton
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Word Count: 88,212
Published: 2010
Fictionwise: $6.99
The broadway producer and director team of Murphy and Wyatt finally get their big break – bringing their popular musical Dress Up to the movies. But before production can start, Wyatt needs a long-overdue break to recharge and refocus his energy and creativity. His best friend and former lover Murphy, sends Wyatt on a relaxation getaway at his private house in Maine. And to ensure that Wyatt relaxes and enjoys his time, Murphy sends his assistant Ryan to keep an eye on him. Ryan and Wyatt have an immediate connection, but Ryan does not reveal his true self to Wyatt – can their relationship survive his deception?
This story was set in several locations – New York, Los Angeles and Maine, which added variety and intrigue on its own. The lies told throughout the story, were a bit confusing at first – I had to flip back several pages after the first one was told, as I wasn’t really sure what was going on. After the initial confusion, it was very easy to follow the story (and the deception). While a fun read and a great concept and topic, I felt like the lies went on entirely too long. There were several points in which Ryan could have revealed his truth, but instead the lies dragged throughout – seeming as though they were almost forced in, to make the story longer, instead of spending time on reconciliation (which occurred at break-neck speed).
The writing was easy to read and enjoyable, and the characters were fun and relatable, although I think there was a depth missing from the plot and characters. There seemed to be several story lines that were arbitrary or rushed, and then others that was out of proportion to the story. There is hardly any sex in this one – it’s mostly glossed over, so this is not a “hot” read if that’s what you are looking for. I’d categorize it more as a m/m take on “chick lit” or comic romance, more than anything else.
Out of four…
Overall Read: ♥♥
Sex Heat: ♥
Plot: ♥♥♥
This is a great read for someone who wants to read a m/m romance story with very tame “action.” It is an easy and quick read, and a great new and fresh setting/premise, particularly for people who read a lot of m/m stories.