Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Fade In

SERIES: Tales of Bryant #3

AUTHOR: V.L. Locey

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 116 Pages

RELEASE DATE: January 22, 2020

BLURB:

Will Devon and Caiden discover that their new love is a wrap after the filming ends?

Weddings, champagne, and slow dancing. It’s a lethal combination and one that has led film student Devon Maxwell into one awkward predicament. Brought in at the last minute to help his friends Isamu and Brian during their Bryant Park wedding, Devon was not prepared for Caiden Dell to sweep into his life. The spark of attraction between him and the hip film executive was instantaneous. That spark led them right into Caiden’s big bed for a night of pleasure that Devon will never be able to duplicate no matter how many takes life gives him.

To make things even more complicated, Caiden offers the recently vacated job of office intern to him. He’d be a fool to turn down an offer to work at Budgie in the Dell, the hottest LGBT film production company in the Big Apple. Looks as if Devon’s hopes of working in film are about to come true. He’s ready for days filled with tiring shoots, long hours, and irate actors. He just never dreamed his nights would overflow with passion, laughter, and whispers shared with a gorgeous, older lover.

REVIEW:

I really do love this little series. Yeah, some might say it has that Pretty Woman feel. Actually, I think that was actually said in one of these stories. I think. But it’s sweet and fun. And it has that little bit of angst to make it just perfect. Because we all know, life isn’t all sunshine and roses. 

For Devon, in fact, life has been downright crappy. From being kicked out because he was gay, to actually being homeless, and having to take a helping hand when he felt lower than low. He just couldn’t take much more. And his friend, who he was crushing on for a while, Isamu, has just gotten married. So he drank. And a lot. And ended up sleeping with Isamu’s boss after the wedding. Panicking and not knowing what to do, he calls Isamu on his honeymoon but is finally talked down by Caiden. Caiden is good for him. Wanting to spoil him like crazy but being what he needs in the bedroom too. But it’s more than that. He sees what a good student Devon really is and wants him to succeed. But Devon can’t get past the voices in his head from his hateful father, and past the shame in feeling like he can’t make it on his own. And when it comes time for Caiden to leave for a shoot, it’s miserable. But he’s too proud to fight for something he might think will last. And too scared to really let someone love him. And if he can’t get past it, will there ever be a future for him and Caiden or will it truly be over?

My only thing with these stories, is I want to smack Caiden and Brian so bad sometimes. The posturing with these two is ridiculous. Jealousy over nothing. It’s just insane. They act worse than children on the playground most days. But sometimes it’s really funny. What I love though, is that Caiden really is good for Devon. He’s patient with him, he shows him what he needs to succeed. He’s doing all he can to be everything Devon needs. But truthfully, they both have their hangups from their pasts that are causing both of them to be a little scared and holding back. And in some ways, it’s smart to take it slow when you aren’t sure. But the problem is, when you don’t keep the lines of communication open, then doubts and fears blow up. And that’s no good for anyone. And that’s what happened with these two. They didn’t really have that talk they needed to. In Caiden’s defense, he tried, but Devon wasn’t ready. Devon had to be ready to accept what Caiden was offering before it could go any farther. 

Relationships aren’t easy. Especially when you seem to come from two different worlds. And sometimes things have to come to a head before you can get to the heart of the matter. Thankfully, it works in stories like these. Hopefully, it works in the real world too. This is great little series. You guys need to read it.

RATING: 

BUY LINK:

Amazon