Self-Published
Short Story:96pgs
3.5 Pants Off
Blurb:
An Object At Rest
Quiet, down-to-earth Detroit handyman Derrick Chance has had enough loss for a lifetime and he has no intention of ever risking his heart again. Living alone in the old house his grandparents left him, with only his dog and a few close friends for companionship, he has written off the possibility of romance or even sex. He refuses to consider himself lonely, or wonders what he might be missing. His life is organized, predictable, and, best of all, risk-free.
Until the day he installs shelves for accountant Gavin Hayes. With his contradictory combination of confidence and self-doubt, Gavin draws Derrick in with an intensity he's never known. As undeniable as gravity, Derrick finds himself falling for Gavin in defiance of all his usual slow and methodical ways. But Gavin carries wounds of his own. Fresh from an emotionally abusive relationship that ended with a dangerous betrayal, his future is far from certain. Can Derrick choose passion over safety, and let himself believe that Gavin is worth the risk?
Review:
Derrick suffered a lot at a very young age. He lost his parents at 14, and at eighteen, he had to drop college to take care of his ailing grandparents, a job that was both overwhelming and left him no room for anything else. So after so suffering so much loss it comes as no surprise when Derrick cuts himself off from life. The only time he interacts with people is through work, and now and again, he spends a little time with a friend.
When he is faced with sexy businessman Gavin, his senses go on overload. Though he is not one to mix business with pleasure, Gavin’s constant flirting is making him aware of his body and feeling he's long suppressed to remain safe. Gavin keeps finding things for Derrick to fix, but he doesn’t mind because after 10 years, he wants to be close to someone, and it’s both scary and exhilarating. Derrick is coming to realize that there is more to Gavin underneath his sexy exterior and maybe he is just not equipped to handle it all.
The relationship between the men progress at a very good pace, which makes the story believable, it's not an insta love and both men have some growing to do, to achieve their HEA. Derrick struggles with his anxiety and feeling in sharing a life with someone after so long, and Gavin has a past and it wasn’t a happy one. Yes, they are attracted to each other and can find sexual release, they still walk on eggshells when it comes to an actual connection. They both are aware of their struggles, and they accept that it is a work in progress. I believe that is the most enjoyable part of the book for me, that slow progression into a relationship.
It’s not a long story, but it felt long. There was too much going on with Derrick, his fears are represented clearly but after awhile they became too exaggerated. The men were sexy together, and I enjoyed the awkward fumbling of Derrick. The tension created between the men amplified the loving when they finally came together. Though, there is no actual full on sex (penetration), it still was hot and I enjoyed it.
The book was really surprising and far surpassed what I expected. The ending left me in 'huh' mode I would still be happy if that was the way, it was going to end. I am excited for book 2.
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| 3.5 Pants Off |
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