Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Kicked out by his father at age sixteen, English student Luke Corbin’s used to trading on his looks and charm to keep a roof over his head until he can make it big as a journalist. He goes for men with money, power and looks, in that order, and he doesn't let emotions get in the way. But when his lover tells him it’s over, Luke finds himself homeless—just as his final exams are looming.

Moving in with geeky chemical engineer Russell may be a step down for him, but Luke can’t afford to be choosy. Fully prepared to put out as usual, Luke’s confused and frustrated when Russell refuses to take advantage of him—and even more so when he finds out Russell’s saving himself for someone special. 

The more time he spends with the shy, honourable man, the more Luke finds himself bowled over by Russell’s sweetness and integrity. But just as he’s coming to terms with his own wish to be that special guy for Russell, Luke has to face facts: he’s fallen for the one man he can't seem to charm.

Book Review

JL Merrow has brought more than one smile, giggle, and outright laugh to me while reading her stories. She is unapologetically British and I love every moment of her tales, her characters, and her dialogue. I was looking forward to reading about a young man with, perhaps, too much experience in the ways of the world, and another with none.

Luke is exactly how I pictured him from the blurb. I definitely felt bad for him for having been kicked out at sixteen, but he has managed so far, and he doesn't apologize for it. I applauded him for going to university and having a plan for himself. He simply had no idea that meeting Russell was going to make such a difference. I'm not sure I can say I liked Luke right from the start, and it had nothing to do with him trading his looks and body for a place to stay. No, it had more to do with the extremely jaded way he sized everything up. Of course, he has led a fairly jaded life these last years, so I'm sure it is a normal reaction for him.

“It’s all right, Russell,” I told him before he could say anymore, because the thought of him trying to tell me tactfully that I was a worthless piece of shit was more than I could bear. It wasn’t like I didn’t know it already. “I know. You want to meet someone special."

These two were incredibly sweet and adorable together, although it took a bit to get there. I definitely liked Luke a lot more by the end and Russell was simply a nerdy geek holding fast to his dreams, and who wouldn't like him? The author definitely gave this story more depth than is hinted at in the blurb, but I wasn't surprised by that at all. A remarkably loving story that I enjoyed immensely.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel
Heat Level
Publication Date	20-March-2017
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Pricks-Pragmatism-Southampton-Stories-Book-ebook/dp/B06XS1FPCP