Reviewed by Amber

TITLE: Pluck and Play #5

SERIES: With A Kick

AUTHOR: Clare London

PUBLISHER: Jocular Press

LENGTH: 106 pages

BLURB:

Everyone knows Curtis Wilson around the Soho business scene: a hard-working, budding young entrepreneur, who can get you supplies of whatever you need, and always with a joke and a laugh. Only Curtis knows that’s a purely public persona. Secretly, he’s still licking his wounds after being beaten up by his ex-lover, and he’s not about to let his guard down again.

Handsome Riley Richmond was born to be a cowboy, on his father’s side at least. But after his parents’ deaths, he finds himself stranded this side of the Atlantic, an anachronism in the bustling capital, and without financial capital. His consolation is his music, albeit he’s not a very successful busker and he loses his only decent piano gig after standing up for Curtis against a homophobic bully.

After that, they keep meeting, partly by accident, partly by Riley’s design. He’s smitten, and doesn’t mind letting Curtis know. Their music brings them together – Riley’s guitar playing and Curtis’ sharp, sexy poetry are a powerful combination. But Curtis still has some unfinished business with his ex-lover that he’s struggling to handle on his own. Riley intends to be the man Curtis calls on for help, whether he likes it or not. He’ll do whatever it takes to show Curtis that people can still be trusted to be honest and caring – even if it means walking them both into danger.

REVIEW:

So, with this book I did something I absolutely never, ever do. I started a series at book 5 without having read any others in the series. I did this for a few different reasons; first, I absolutely loved the blurb. Without a doubt it had me extremely interested. And second, which I think is most important was the publisher classified it as a standalone. That’s all I needed…I was sold. And you know what, this book was damn good. So good, in fact that I am now going all the way back to book 1 and starting them from the beginning. I never felt lost while reading this story, if anything the snippets of past characters only wet my appetite and made me want to know more about them. I’d say that’s a job well done!

Curtis Wilson tries very hard to make everyone believe he’s incredibly happy. What no one really knows is that every day is a struggle plus he’s still mentally healing from an abusive past relationship. He hustles every day trying to make his business take off. He gives himself wholeheartedly to the business, ensuring his customers happiness by making sure he’s reliable. On one of his deliveries he’s verbally attacked and almost physically injured when a stranger steps up to defend him.

Riley Richmond is intrigued and attracted to Curtis Wilson, has been since he laid eyes on him. A chance altercation at one of his jobs lands him face to face with Curtis and a homophobic chef. Without a second thought Riley defends Curtis which marks the beginning of a very sweet but tentative relationship.

I unconditionally LOVED Riley in this book. He melted me from the beginning. I loved how he sang those songs, even though Curtis cringed. It totally tickled me; maybe I thought he was doing it for attention. I don’t know but it endeared him to me all the more. The way he was with Curtis, was magic. So patient, so loving, so open!!

These two have to battle childhood scars, abusive ex’s, and their own personal demons to be together and going through that with them was something special.

This book was great and memorable. It was a pleasure to read it and I honestly can’t wait to read the first 4!!

Get it!!! You won’t be disappointed.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

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