Review: Flying Colors by Clare London

Reviewed by SinChan
Flying Colors (True Colors #5) by Clare London
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 234pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
True Colors: Book Five

Red De Vere appears to have everything—good looks, a prestigious job, attention from the paparazzi, and a choice of lovers. But one day he takes an outrageous step too far at a formal embassy dinner, and the press turns on him. Shocked, he realizes it's time to find something better in life than partying. He envies the love that his friends Miles and Zeke have, and when he dares to consider that possibility for himself, his hopes and desires rest in his quiet, serious friend Carter Davison.

Carter loved a man who cheated on him, then died violently, and he refuses to make himself vulnerable again. He knows Red is interested; Red has been supportive and admiring since they met. And Carter's honest enough to admit he’s attracted to Red. But Carter can also think of nothing worse than being the lover of someone in the public eye. Playboy Red must stay an attractive friend, that’s all.

While Red yearns for something real, Carter has some sweet, sexy secrets that might surprise even Red. If Carter dares emerge from his shell, and Red pursues a more rewarding path, romance could spark. Then there’s no telling what might happen.

Review
This is the 5th book in the series, however, it's not necessary to read all the previous books, just the first book. There are several references to major plot points in True Colors (book 1) so reading the first book would help familiarize yourself to the characters and their personalities.

Red gets into trouble with the media and a nude photo of him prints in the newspapers. His father forces him to take a break from work and find something fulfilling to do with his life. Meanwhile, Red is still actively pursuing Carter. Carter is still recovering from his ex boyfriend's death, but can't reject Red's offer to help at a youth center where Carter spends most of his time working. Through hardships and supporting each other through emotional whirlwinds, they gradually build their love relationship.

I love the romance between Carter and Red and its fully developed. Both of them evolved and changed into better persons. Carter is a bit of a hypocrite with he says he see beyond Red's media, playboy facade, but still judges him for it. Red catches on to that and gets mad but stays with Carter. Eventually, Carter gets pass his grief and guilt (you'll find out why after reading the book) with Red's help and confesses to Red.

Red gets a push from his father to find his life's path instead of acting as an entertainment for the media. Red joins Carter on helping run a youth center for troubled teens. And there's plenty of trouble following the teens. As the newcomer, Red needs to earn their respect and make a place for himself at Carter's side.

I love the major character development that happens for the two MCs and I like their banter too. A downside for the book is the pacing. There are many natural stopping points in the story because of the slow pacing.

There is plenty of drama with various characters and trouble at the youth center but the majority of the book focuses on Carter's and Red's romance, how they support each other, and eventually become a couple in public. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Even though the story may seem a little slow, it picks up the pace towards the end. I definitely recommend this book for fans of Clare London's work and True Colors.

4 Pants Off