Its finally here!! LOVE YOU SO MADLY, the second book in the Love You So series!
Will Ben give up a lover who drives a Ferrari for one who rides the bus?
Love You So Madly
By Tara Lain
(Love You So Series, Bk 2)
Blurb:
Ben Shane has it all… and he’d like to give some of it back. While he loves his job heading a foundation that funds worthy causes around the world, his engagement to one of America’s wealthiest men leaves him feeling more like a trophy wife than a valued partner. The first warning that his relationship might not be designed to last is his irresistible lust for Dusty Kincaid, the golden-haired, bright-eyed handyman for his company.
Though Dusty is odd for a twenty-three-year-old—no liquor, no sugar, and he can’t even drive—the more Ben gets to know Dusty, the more he admires him. But is Ben going to give up a guy who drives a Ferrari for one who takes the bus? He must be mad. Dusty knows he and Ben can never work.
After all, Ben’s perfect… and Dusty isn’t. But Ben might surprise everyone with proof that he’s only madly in love.
Available for purchase at at
Kindle | Dreamspinner Press | iTunes | Nook
Excerpt
In the car Dusty said, “Can we listen to that nice music again?”
He’d noticed. “Sure.” Ben flipped on the Chopin.
For a few minutes, they rode in music. Ben cleared his throat. “Dusty, do you mind if I ask how old you are?”
“Oh sure. I’m twenty-three. How old are you?”
Ben almost laughed. As an executive in a top firm, nobody ever asked him that. But turnabout was fair. “I’m twenty-nine.”
“Wow. You’ve done a lot in your life.”
“Thank you.” Ben glanced at Dusty.
“I haven’t been able to do so much, but I’m working at it.”
“That’s what counts. Keep moving toward your dreams.”
“I like that idea a lot.” He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
“So your dad doesn’t live at home?”
“No. Never has. My mom’s taken good care of me, though.”
“Has she always been a nurse?”
“No. She had to work so hard. She was only sixteen when she had me, but she never gave me up, no matter what anyone said.” He took a deep breath and let it out in a long exhale. “And no matter how hard it was.”
“She sounds amazing.”
“She is.” He looked out the window. “It’s hard for her to, you know, let me do stuff, but she’s the best mom.”
“So you’re not married?” Ben chuckled.
Dusty mirrored the chuckle. “Not yet.”
“Have a girlfriend?” Oh, very subtle, Shane.
“No.”
“Not yet, huh.”
“Not ever. I’m gay. But I don’t have a boyfriend yet. I’d like to, though.”
Well, okay. Ben swallowed. “You would?”
“Sure, wouldn’t you?”
“I’m, uh, engaged.” Shit. Shit. Shit. When did I decide to become Mr. Purveyor of Truth?
The passenger seat became deeply silent.
Ben glanced over. Dusty’s eyes were closed, and he seemed to be breathing deeply.
“You okay?”
“What?” His eyes fluttered open.
“Sorry. Just asking how you’re doing?”
“Good, thanks. Just drop me on the curb over there.” He pointed to one of the entrances to Orange Coast College.
“How will you get back to my place?”
“Bus.” He smiled, but his glance scampered all over the place as he opened the door. “Have a great day.”
Ben couldn’t stop. He put a hand on Dusty’s arm—his sinewy, muscled, hot-as-fuck arm. “Dusty, what’s wrong? Come on, tell me.”
“Nothing, honest. Just sometimes it’s hard not to wish I was somebody else.”
Character Bio
Name – Dusty Kincaid
Age – 22
Height – 5’8”
Build – Willowy but strong
Hair – Blond and shoulder length
Eyes – Big and blue
Profession – college student studying computer science and philosophy; handyman
Family – fiercely protective single mom who worked hard to become a nurse so she could raise her son
Relationship status – single but deeply attracted to Ben Shane
Passions – working hard to take some of the pressure off his mom; not overstressing himself and maintaining his balanced lifestyle so he stays well; Ben Shane
Love You So Hard was my first Tara Lain book ever and I loved it, so when I saw there was a new book in the series, I just couldn't pass on it. It can be read as a standalone, but really, I loved book 1, so in case you haven't read it, you should give it a try.
To anybody who knows Ben, he seems to have everything, a great, fulfilling job managing a foundation that oversees charities worldwide, enough money to live life comfortably and a handsome, wealthy fiancé. If only the fiancé wasn't intent on Ben becoming his trophy husband and not focus on his job and if only Ben could stop thinking about Dusty, the foundation's handyman.
Dusty was absolutely lovely. Sweet and resourceful, determined to make the best out of his life despite his condition. I wasn't too sure about Ben at first, mostly because he was engaged and I don't particularly care for books with any kind of cheating in them, no matter if the fiancé was horrible to him, really, I have no clue why Ben accepted him in the first place, but there was just a kiss between Dusty and Ben while he was still engaged, so it wasn't too bad. Anyway, Ben won me over with how he rushed to Dusty's side when he collapsed in the building's vestibule and how he wanted to make things right for Dusty. Dusty and Ben had great chemistry and while this was very instalove, in this case, it worked very well.
I loved catching up with Craig and Jesse, who were amazingly supportive of Ben when he needed some friends that would help him decide what it was he needed to do to make things right. I also adored Mrs. Merced, she was a riot! LOL
Overall, this was a great addition to the series! It was funny and sweet, with just a dash of angst and very enjoyable! Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
About the Author
Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Erotic Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and more. Readers often call her books “sweet,” even with all that hawt sex, because Tara believes in love and her books deliver on happily-ever-after. In addition to writing dozens and dozens of romance novels, Tara also owns an advertising and public relations firm. Her love of creating book titles comes from years of manifesting ad headlines for everything from analytical instruments to semiconductors. She does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. Together with her soulmate husband and her soulmate Dog, she recently realized a vision to live where there were a lot more trees and a lot fewer cars by moving to Ashland, Oregon. She hasn’t stopped smiling since.
Mari, thank you so much for reading Love You So Madly!!! Me and Ben and dusty are all so happy you liked it. HUGS! : )
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new release Tara.
ReplyDeleteI love this series
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release! Sounds great. colby69@verizon.net
ReplyDelete