Helpful Score: 1
Architect Lil is visiting friends during the Taste of Chicago event when he spots a tattooed, muscled cutie serving up ice cream. Lil, ever the flirt, is delighted to find his interest (and ogling) being returned by the younger man. A little later they make plans to have a fun no-strings-attached hookup. Theyre hot, theyre horny so why not, eh?
Though the two have some intense chemistry they dont get to have their dreamy hook-up and kiss each other goodbye as expected. Instead drama happens (lots of freaking drama) and because of it, they are able to discover that, despite their difference in appearance and age (Lil is 37, Grier mid 20s), they have a lot in common and enjoy each others company out of bed. This is new for both of them and as things go along they realize they just might be falling in love for the first time. Awwwws, I think my cold heart mightve just melted a smidge.
I have to admit this story took me a while before I warmed up to the characters and fell into their romance. It starts off too info. dumpy and I felt as if I were being bombarded with too many facts about Griers past, his family and friends (most of whom were unpleasant to the point of cruelty) and his backstory as an out gay man who has no support system. Those who should love him basically walk all over and manipulate him for their own selfish means. All of this, right out of the starting gate, was a little too much to handle. I felt Lil was getting the short-shrift and really just wanted them to get to knowing each other, minus so many issues, and for their romance to start heating up.
As the story shakes out we discover Grier has a young son named Luca whose mother, a childhood friend of Griers, is a real witch who has manipulated him into denying that hes the boys father. She uses Grier as a convenient babysitter while degrading him because hes gay. Grier has put his entire life on hold in order to stay in Lucas life and given up on his own dreams. Its so, so sad that hes such a pleaser and frustrating that he doesnt stand up for himself. He looks all tough on the outside but in reality hes too tender-hearted for his own good. When he meets Lil, hes just coming to terms with the loss of his loving mom, beginning to stand up to his dad who refuses to believe hes gay and is dealing with a nasty, rude homophobe brother who sides with Lucas mother and makes matters worse. Poor Grier, his life really bites at this point and the author really makes you feel for him. Lil is there to lend support, to listen and take Griers mind of his many problems with lots of hot sex.
Honestly, I wouldnt have blamed Lil for running far and as fast from the mess of Griers life and have to give him props for sticking it through. Hes putting others first, probably for the first time in his life, and it surprises him. I thought his slightly confused emotions were beautifully written. Theres no denying the call of true love and mind-blowing loving and he realizes that pretty quick.
Im glad I read this, despite that fact that my rambling paragraphs of complaint might make you think otherwise. When Grier and Lil are together the story buzzes with the strong emotions of brand new love and discovery. Grier ends up being stronger for knowing Lil and finds the courage and support he needs in order to get his life back on track. I despised mostly ALL of the secondary characters though with the exception of Griers old dad who did try to understand Grier. His deep love for his son was always clear even when he was being a stubborn old fool. I also liked cute little Luca, despite the fact that he had a lisp that was a bit overwritten. He was sweet and gentle much like his daddy and he loved kitties. Whats not to love?
Taste ends on a temporary fix/happy for now note and Im good with that. Id like to see more of these two experience life as a couple, and Id like to get to know Lil better but only if all of the baggage is dumped!
Though the two have some intense chemistry they dont get to have their dreamy hook-up and kiss each other goodbye as expected. Instead drama happens (lots of freaking drama) and because of it, they are able to discover that, despite their difference in appearance and age (Lil is 37, Grier mid 20s), they have a lot in common and enjoy each others company out of bed. This is new for both of them and as things go along they realize they just might be falling in love for the first time. Awwwws, I think my cold heart mightve just melted a smidge.
I have to admit this story took me a while before I warmed up to the characters and fell into their romance. It starts off too info. dumpy and I felt as if I were being bombarded with too many facts about Griers past, his family and friends (most of whom were unpleasant to the point of cruelty) and his backstory as an out gay man who has no support system. Those who should love him basically walk all over and manipulate him for their own selfish means. All of this, right out of the starting gate, was a little too much to handle. I felt Lil was getting the short-shrift and really just wanted them to get to knowing each other, minus so many issues, and for their romance to start heating up.
As the story shakes out we discover Grier has a young son named Luca whose mother, a childhood friend of Griers, is a real witch who has manipulated him into denying that hes the boys father. She uses Grier as a convenient babysitter while degrading him because hes gay. Grier has put his entire life on hold in order to stay in Lucas life and given up on his own dreams. Its so, so sad that hes such a pleaser and frustrating that he doesnt stand up for himself. He looks all tough on the outside but in reality hes too tender-hearted for his own good. When he meets Lil, hes just coming to terms with the loss of his loving mom, beginning to stand up to his dad who refuses to believe hes gay and is dealing with a nasty, rude homophobe brother who sides with Lucas mother and makes matters worse. Poor Grier, his life really bites at this point and the author really makes you feel for him. Lil is there to lend support, to listen and take Griers mind of his many problems with lots of hot sex.
Honestly, I wouldnt have blamed Lil for running far and as fast from the mess of Griers life and have to give him props for sticking it through. Hes putting others first, probably for the first time in his life, and it surprises him. I thought his slightly confused emotions were beautifully written. Theres no denying the call of true love and mind-blowing loving and he realizes that pretty quick.
Im glad I read this, despite that fact that my rambling paragraphs of complaint might make you think otherwise. When Grier and Lil are together the story buzzes with the strong emotions of brand new love and discovery. Grier ends up being stronger for knowing Lil and finds the courage and support he needs in order to get his life back on track. I despised mostly ALL of the secondary characters though with the exception of Griers old dad who did try to understand Grier. His deep love for his son was always clear even when he was being a stubborn old fool. I also liked cute little Luca, despite the fact that he had a lisp that was a bit overwritten. He was sweet and gentle much like his daddy and he loved kitties. Whats not to love?
Taste ends on a temporary fix/happy for now note and Im good with that. Id like to see more of these two experience life as a couple, and Id like to get to know Lil better but only if all of the baggage is dumped!
My first book by this author. The story is interesting, well paced, and good characterizations. The author tells us that Lil isn't fem, but then does this amazing characterization thing...every time Lil was 'on' I had a strong visual of a very fem man (gestures, dialogue, body language, the whole package).
Grier is a colorful and likable character, but it's almost worth reading this book just to watch the author develop Lil.
The book ends kinda 'happy for now' but seems to be part of a series. Since readers are treated to a peek at previous main couples, I assume Grier and Lil will appear in sequels.
Grier is a colorful and likable character, but it's almost worth reading this book just to watch the author develop Lil.
The book ends kinda 'happy for now' but seems to be part of a series. Since readers are treated to a peek at previous main couples, I assume Grier and Lil will appear in sequels.
