Reviewed by Macky & Sid

TITLE: Beholding Beauty
AUTHOR: Sam Singer
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
SUMMARY: Craig Ryan’s modeling dreams crashed and burned on the streets of LA. Still, a man has to eat, and the escort biz pays well, and the sex isn’t bad. Actually, Craig enjoys his new job and benefits. That is, until a client called Dee hires him. Dee is a mystery. He keeps his face hidden and prohibits touching, even when touching his mouthwatering body becomes Craig’s fantasy.

Falling for a customer was never in Craig’s plans. But wrapped inside Dee’s peculiar requirements, there’s a sense of loneliness and pain that strikes deep within Craig, awakening his own need for something more—something with a future beyond one-night stands.

REVIEW: This is one of those short stories which are very sweet, very romantic and very enjoyable.

Craig is a gorgeous young man who wants to be a model but like a lot of guys who don’t make it, ends up working as an escort with ‘benefits’. He’s hired by a mysterious client, Dee, who insists that he doesn’t want to be seen or touched… he only wants companionship. Craig is intrigued by this quiet, shy man and after a few meetings, he grows to enjoy their platonic visits which are spent just talking or watching old movies together. Later, they even begin a tentative friendship that turns into feelings of attraction very soon and in Craig’s case, it transforms into love. But after gently breaking down Dee’s barriers and finally making love one night, Craig’s curiosity gets the better of him and he’s angrily ordered out of Dee’s life for good…or so he thinks?

Without giving too much away, I’d say it’s not a big jump to guess why Dee doesn’t want to be seen because the clues are all there and in a way the story falls down a little because of it. It’s hard to believe that during all that time they spent together, Craig never connects the dots or that he never manages to get even a glimpse of his face or body but I filed it away under the heading ‘Poetic Licence’ and just settled down to enjoy the lovely tender romance growing between them. I just wished the story had been longer because I’d have loved to have seen more of the time spent together in the six weeks that the story jumps, but it is the length it is and you get the information you get, so its a matter of accepting that and either picking holes or simply enjoying. I chose to enjoy and I’m sure many readers will, because the characters and the romance are so endearing. It finishes on a sigh-worthy HEA that gave me the warm and fuzzies and carries a lovely message that beauty isn’t always a physical thing and that everyone deserves a second chance. I found it very enchanting and its staying on my kindle. Lovely!

Macky’s Rating:

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Macky is one of the official reviewers on The Blog of Sid Love
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Sid’s Review: I recommend it because the way this story pulled me into Craig’s world, it was incredible! The writing is smooth and takes you. The characters’ emotions pierces through your heart and lets you feel what they are feeling. I loved Craig and I loved Dee. What happens in this story is touching, and also so very romantic that it gives that fluttery feeling into your stomach. The message that the author tries to give in this story is valuable and that is what makes this book so special.

I agree with Macky that there were flaws, but a story that can manage to hide those flaws and shine like a true star is definitely worth a read!

If you are looking for a romantic story to read over the weekend and feel the power of love win against all odds, your search ends here!

Sid’s Rating:

BUY LINKS: Dreamspinner Press  ||  Amazon