Book Reviews

Book Blurb

When is a kidnap not a kidnap? When it's a rescue.

Rudolf Bell does NOT need saving. But after the worst performance of his life, there are those who disagree. All he wants is to have a good time and forget everything for a while. Easier said than done when the media have done a hatchet job on him. His career's not over, though. Not until he says so.

Arlo Thomas has never forgotten the classical pianist who looks more like a rock star, even if his documentary about the precocious talent never saw the light of day. Seeing Rudolf’s bad press spurs him to drastic action. It’s not kidnap if it’s a luxurious cabin and it’s for Rudolf’s own good. Right?

When a rekindled friendship turns to passion in the remote winter wonderland location, Arlo’s determination to resist Rudolf slowly crumbles. As the days pass, Rudolf may have to admit he did need saving, and that Arlo’s the perfect man to do it.

It’s a shame snow melts and all good things must come to an end before Christmas.


Saving Mr. Bell is a MM snowed in, forced proximity, only one bed winter/holiday romance featuring a Christmas tree that just never seems to get decorated, snow, sledging, strip poker, underwear sharing, more snow, wolves of a non-shifter nature, a cozy log cabin, humor, snark, and two men who’ll hopefully learn during the course of their stay that there’s always a way to get something if you want it badly enough. 

 

Book Review

“Because that’s what friends do. They speak the truth when you’ve lost your way, pick you up and brush you off, tell you that you’re going to make it to the other side, and cheer you on until you get there.” ~  Melanie Shankle

 

Rudolph Bell, from 'Saving Mr. Bell' by H.L Day, is a brilliant pianist who dresses and acts like a rock star. On stage Rudolph is angelic, giving brilliant concerts and delighting audiences worldwide. But off-stage is a different matter. His behavior, self-destructive and dangerous, is not just a personal issue but one that threatens his career. Often even his bodyguard can't keep him out of trouble. He is rebelling, and no one except Arlo seems to notice or care.

 

Six years earlier, Arlo met Rudolph while shooting a documentary at his home, and they grew close. When his father notices this, he throws Arlo and his crew out before they can finish the film. Since then, Arlo has followed Rudolph's rise to fame and his self-destructive behavior off-stage. After reading that Rudolph crashed and burned at his most recent concert, Arlo knows he needs to do something drastic and begins formulating a plan for an unconventional intervention.

 

After giving Nelson, his bodyguard, "the slip," Rudolph ventures straight to the nearest bar, where he begins drinking almost to the point of total oblivion. When his phone rings, Rudolph has the mind to answer; predictably, his manager is not happy. After discerning where he is, she tells him she's sending a car to pick him up. Resigned, Rudolph waits at the curb for his ride. When a car pulls up, Rudolph hops in the back seat. When he realizes he is in the wrong car, it's too late to do anything about it. No amount of screaming or threatening will make the driver stop. When they arrive at their destination, Rudolph discovers Arlo has kidnapped him; he is even more furious and demands that Arlo return to town, but with a blizzard raging outside, there's no chance of that happening.

 

'Saving Mr. Bell' was full of snark and passion with relatable and realistic characters. I adored Arlo for caring enough to want to help Rudolph. It was predictable that they would fall in love, but I enjoyed their journey. It was bittersweet watching Rudolph confront the reality of his life as it was and endearing to see the lengths Arlo went to to help “rekindle” Rudolph’s love for music as well as their passion for each other. Thank you, H.L, for the enjoyable Christmas treat.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 227 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	18-November-2024
Price	$5.99 ebook, $11.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Mr-Bell-H-L-Day-ebook/dp/B0DK8X2LXP