Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: The Time of My Life
AUTHOR: Nora Phoenix
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 354 Pages
RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2018
BLURB:
Denver is determined to realize his lifelong dream of becoming a singer. That’s why entering in The Right Note TV contest is the biggest opportunity he’ll ever get. After everything he’s been through with the boyfriend (now ex) from hell, he will not risk losing himself ever again, especially over a guy.
Judah has almost hit rock bottom. His dream to make it as a singer and musician is all but dead. Added to that, he’s broke and he’s about to outwear his welcome with his friends. Taking part in The Right Note is his last chance, but he cannot afford to show who he really is at the risk of permanently alienating his conservative family.
Denver doesn’t want to be drawn to Judah, ’cause the guy spells trouble in every way. But the heart wants what it wants, and Denver seems unable to say no, even when Judah keeps switching from hot to cold on him.
When Judah meets Denver, he knows he’s in deep, deep trouble. He fights the attraction with everything he’s got, but Denver draws him in like the sun. Being with him comes at a price, however, and it’s not just jeopardizing winning the contest. When Denver’s ex stirs up trouble, Judah has to make a decision. Is Denver worth putting everything on the line for?
The Time of My Life is a steamy stand-alone MM romance with a sweet HEA. Please note trigger warnings for domestic abuse and rape.
REVIEW:
I am mesmerized by this new author. Her ability to build a story that sucks you in and won’t let you stop turning the pages is what I look for in an author and a book.
Denver, a truly talented and gifted musician, that currently teaches middle school students the art of music, is taking a big chance to follow his dream of becoming a famous musician. He is auditioning for the show “The Right Note”. There he meets fellow contestant Judah. There are some really mixed vibes coming off Judah that he can’t put his finger on. Both me are very talented and have the right “stuff” to go far in the competition. Judah is struggling to just stay warm and fed. He has worn out his welcome at all his friends places. He has to get picked for this show or his music career will be coming to a screeching halt for him to just survive. How does and out and proud gifted musician and a “so far deep-in-the-closet that he doesn’t even acknowledge his wants” man forge a friendship that might just break them both?
I totally fell for these sweet young men. There is a certain naïve sweetness that makes you want to bundle them up and protect them so they don’t loose anymore of what unfortunately they have. First Denver, I ached for his past with his loser of an ex. To put someone so sweet through all he has had to suffer is a testament to his strength that he can even function at all. And watching everyone step forward to stop Cody from coming anywhere near Denver showed how wonderful and loved he is. Then we get Judah. From the start you get the sense that there is more to him than meets the eye but I never expected his backstory. Both of these sweet young men are broken but with each other that can help mend the past and make a bright future. I loved how everyone around them want to protect these boys but Denver’s mom stole that award for a loving but fierce protector.
I was a surprised as you are that I gave this story anything less than 5 Hearts. I love this author and her ability to write books that capture my heart. Here is where my trouble lies. The blurb tells us that this is a standalone with a HEA. I have to respectfully disagree with this. I have waited for 48 hours to write this review because I had a “What the heck?” moment when I turned the last page. I am in extremely high hopes that we get the answer to the question left hanging in a next book in the series. I need my conclusion. Although the ending was gushing in sweetness I NEED the answer. I also feel that we have a lot more to hear about these boys as they traverse stardom. I also believe that Tim and Nathan will need to be with them, as it is very common to have stars with personal protection details. And I totally believe that Tim and Nathan’s story is screaming to be told. And that book will be scorching hot! Great book that I sincerely hope is the start of a new series.
RATING: 
BUY LINK: