Friday, January 25, 2019

Release Blitz: His Uptown Guy (The Landmarks Series) by Felice Stevens (Review+Giveaway)

Title: His Uptown Guys (The Landmarks Series)

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: MM Romance Release

Date: January 24, 2019

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

When Jesse Grace-Martin loses his father on 9/11, his charmed life is gone forever. People look menacing, and the streets no longer seem safe. After experiencing a brutal mugging, Jesse retreats to his apartment in the landmark Dakota building. Five years later, his first attempt to walk outside those famous gates again is a disaster—except for meeting the gorgeous maintenance worker who helps him through his crushing panic attack. Jesse can’t stop thinking about the guy but hesitates to reach out, knowing he has little to offer.

Dashamir Sadiko has big dreams. Money in the bank tops his list, and his peek into the life of the uber-wealthy at his job at the Dakota is all the incentive he needs. Struggling to work full-time and go to college, Dash desperately wants to break the cycle of poverty his parents had hoped to leave behind in Albania. When the two men become friends, Dash isn’t sure what to expect but can’t help his growing attraction to sweet and sexy Jesse. It’s nice to see how the other side lives, but his affections can’t be bought; Dash wants to be his own man.

Defying the Dakota’s co-op rules, the two share lunches, their hopes and dreams, and ultimately their hearts. Jesse slowly regains his courage, but he’s worried he’ll never be the person he once was and that he’s not good enough for Dash. And Dash isn’t convinced the son of poor immigrants’ has a place at the table with a blue-blood, trust-fund man. Jesse needs to realize that money can’t buy happiness and love, while Dash must learn to trust that what they have is real, that he’s more than Jesse’s walk on the wild side with an uptown guy.--

4 Stars!

I liked Jessie. I can't imagine how hard it would be to be almost completely alone and unable to leave your apartment. He is an amazingly sweet guy. I could see how much he wanted to get out and do things again; it was wonderful to see him try to move forward no matter how hard it was. His first steps toward freedom lead him to Dash.

Dash is a great guy. He's trying his best to make a good life for himself by working, going to school, and helping his mother out. I can understand his reluctance to get involved with Jessie, but was glad to see him give their connection a chance. I liked how he protected his mother and Jessie. He was wonderful about encouraging Jessie without being too pushy.

I think that while they came from different backgrounds, they meshed well and brought out the best in each other. Their relationship initially moves slowly as Jessie has his own issues and is pretty forthright about them. In addition, Dash is not supposed to be mixing with the residents of the building and has school on top of his job. I liked that they spent time hanging out initially and getting to know each other. Their conflicts made perfect sense and I could see both sides of the issues. I was glad when Jessie finally made the connection and tried to make amends.

I loved Miranda, Jessie's assistant/friend. She was a wonderful friend to Jessie. For most of the book, I felt like Dash about Jessie's mother. While I sympathized with her loss, I can't help but think her actions didn't help. I was surprised when Jessie confronted her; I think their conversation was well overdue and helped both of them greatly. I liked what little I saw of Henry, Jessie's stepfather. I loved how he handled the meeting he had with Dash and his mother.

Overall, this was a wonderful book with great characters. Any fan of the author will probably enjoy this one as well.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. She believes that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, Her characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.

Felice has written over twenty books in the gay romance genre. Her books been translated into German, French and Italian. Her novel. One Call Away, part of her Soulmates series, was mentioned in Buzzfeed as one of the best “Out for You” gay romances of 2017.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. She recently retired from the practice law and now daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.