Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: A Model Escort
SERIES: Dreamspun Desires #77
AUTHOR: Amanda Meuwissen
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2019
LENGTH: 230 Pages
BLURB:
Shy data scientist Owen Quinn is brilliant at predictive models but clueless at romance. Fortunately, a new career allows him to start over hundreds of miles from the ex he would rather forget. But the opportunity might go to waste since this isn’t the kind of problem he knows how to solve. The truth is, he’s terrible at making the first move and wishes a connection didn’t have to revolve around sex.
Cal Mercer works for the Nick of Time Escort Service. He’s picky about his clients and has never accepted a regular who is looking for companionship over sex—but can the right client change his mind? And can real feelings develop while money is changing hands? Owen and Cal might get to the root of their true feelings… if their pasts don’t interfere.
REVIEW:
Owen is a wiz at data modeling, and his latest crime predictive models could save many lives. He believes in it so much that Owen moves three hundred miles away from his hometown to promote the product to the right people. The move also has the advantage of putting plenty of distance between himself and his controlling ex, Harrison Marsh. Alone in a new city, Owen’s sister Alyssa leaves him the details of an escort company – in case he needs a plus one for social events and wasn’t ready for a date.
Cal works for Nick Of Time escort agency. Cal’s organizational qualities regarding his life makes him meticulous to some, anal to others. He’s good at his trade and is a popular request. He has a schedule, he has rules, he has regulars, and they all want sex. Cal doesn’t do an arm candy only service for a regular.
Cal doesn’t want sex – he wants company and to snuggle. So, when Cal accepts Owen on his schedule, why does he begin breaking the rules. Maybe, having hit forty, some aspects of Cal’s life don’t leave him as contented as they once did.
I’ll say this now – I loved this story. I couldn’t tell you what tense it’s in because I was too engrossed in the story. The tale is written in the third person from the views of Cal and Owen. While reading, nothing on the page made me stop to think, that’s technically wrong.
Cal is charm personified with a vulnerable side, and Owen is, open, adorably geeky, and every action screams lack of human interaction. Owen, thrust into a world outside his comfort zone must navigate the waters like an emerging turtle heading for the sea – neck out and swimming for his life.
Paying for his time, Cal helps Owen and the two become closer. That’s when the lines between what is real, and services rendered become blurred. Both desires more, but the financial aspect throws suspicion on actions. Cal is there to please, so how does Owen know what is real. Owen wants to kiss Cal, but only if Cal wants to kiss him back – i.e. not paid to do it.
Both Cal and Owen have sage style friends who point out the obvious and are there as backup. There are also some cast members whom I adored. Frank is a scene-stealer. I love his interactions with Owen. He tells the truth, manages to put a foot in his mouth and redeem himself all at the same time. I also loved Lara – she’s a kickass slip of a thing who will protect her flock, no matter how much money the client has.
I liked that Owen doesn’t keep his thoughts and anxieties from Cal. The only secret each keeps from the other is their growing attachment. Owen considers Cal a good friend, but the flow of money to Cal and the agency is a wall between them.
As with all good books, a few spanners are thrown into the works to ensure true loves path has some rough times. Such as gossip, clients, exes. Angsty arcs last for an appropriate amount of length for the story. Sure, a couple of things that happen are a touch convenient, but that could also come under the banner, karma, or meant to be.
My emotions got a workout. I found myself grinning one minute and happy, hopeful the next and heart in my mouth soon after. But to see the emergence of a geeky soul into a fully-fledged… I think dragonfly, and a man on a dangerous path find contentment was a beautiful thing to behold.
RATING: 
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