AUSTIN
MAN UP SERIES
FELICE STEVENS
M/M ROMANCE
RELEASE DATE: 04.05.18
COVER DESIGN: REESE DANTE
BLURB
I can make it by myself. The only rules I follow are my own. Love? I learned that lesson the hard and painful way—it wasn’t right for me. Sure, sometimes it gets lonely, and I wish I had a man to hold. Who’d love me. Want me. Treat me with respect. Yeah, I dance in a club, but that doesn’t mean I’m easy. Or a fool. So you, sitting in the back, watching me? I know what you want. You want me. In your bed. Under you. But I say no. It doesn’t matter how many presents you give me.
I’m not falling for you. I know who you are. But you don’t know me. You don’t know Austin.
EXCERPT
I lifted my chin. “I’m sorry, but customers aren’t allowed in here. You have to leave.”
Ignoring my statement, he closed the door behind him and stood, his face impassive, expression hard and fierce as if hacked out of granite.
“Did he hurt you?”
The softness of his voice surprised me. It didn’t reconcile with his large, imposing presence. Forgetting my previous statement, I gazed up at him from my seat, and not wishing to be at a disadvantage, stood.
“You saw what happened?”
“I did.” A twinkle lit his startling blue eyes. “You handled it perfectly.”
“Fucking asshole. He’s lucky I didn’t kick him harder.”
“The kitten has claws, I see.”
A smile curved his stern mouth, and he looked younger and impossibly attractive. A rush of desire hit me, but I couldn’t fall prey to it or him.
“I’m not a kitten, and if you think I need a protector, you can forget it. I can take care of myself.” I’d had to all my life.
“I don’t want to be your protector.” Fire replaced the smile in his eyes. “Did you like what I sent you?” He licked his lips. “Are you wearing it?”
I should have been scared. Being alone with him here could be dangerous, even though my instinct told me he’d never hurt me. But whether to listen to my body or my heart, I hadn’t yet decided. Wordlessly, I took several steps until I stood only a few feet in front of him. I peeled back the top of my shorts, exposing the frothy lace. The sparkling crystals caught the light. He reached out with a finger, then halted in midair.
“May I?”
My dick shifted in my thin shorts, and though it was impossible not to notice my rising desire, he waited for my response.
“No.”
4.5 Stars!
Austin is used to working hard, be it giving dance lessons to kids at Tyler's studio or dancing at Man Up. He doesn't let many people in, but lately, one of his return customers has been sending him gifts and much as he tries, Austin can't really get him out of his mind.
This was a different kind of book than what Felice Stevens has us used to. It's a short novella which sets things up quite nicely for the next book in the series, which will focus on Rhoades, Austin's mysterious man and it ends in a cliffhanger, but if you don't like those, you won't have to wait too long for Rhoades—Undeniable.
I really liked Austin, he's hard-working and seems determined to make it on his own, even if one word to Tyler or Marcus and he'd be able to get a better job dancing at Sparks, Marcus's club. There were hints at his past and I can't wait to find out more. And I'm very intrigued to know more about Rhoades, as it is, he's very mysterious, but he seems nice enough. The chemistry between Austin and Rhoades, despite Austin's reticence, was out of this world. They were like two magnets and just the kiss they shared had me squirming.
I also liked Austin's coworkers and his boss at Man Up, I hope we'll get at least some of their stories as the series moves forward.
Novellas, especially short ones like Austin, can be tricky. It's not always easy for the reader to connect with the story or the characters, that wasn't the case here. Felice Stevens didn't disappoint and managed to imprint this book with the emotion and character development that characterizes her and that has me hooked and salivating for more already. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn't until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth's court that her interest in romance novels was renewed. But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.
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. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
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. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
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