Book Title: Not Used To Cute
Author: Becca Seymour
Publisher: Rainbow Tree Publishing
Cover Artist: BookSmith Design
Release Date: August 22nd 2020
Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance
Trope/s: Hurt/comfort, big/small
Themes: Trust, homophobia
Length: 46 000 words/225 pages
It is a standalone story.
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Will they find the courage to take what they want?
Blurb
A bar owner who’s not looking for a relationship. A lost soul who’s afraid to trust. When Elijah and Seb meet, sparks fly. But will either of them find the courage to take what they want?
Pouring his all into his business, Elijah is perfectly content running his bar. With its prime location and its infamous drag shows, Bar QK is the place to be. Elijah is used to meeting new and sometimes interesting people, but it’s rare anyone catches his interest for anything longer than a five-minute conversation.
It takes a wandering, unfiltered surfer, who’s tired of the chase and dog-tired of people taking advantage of him, to spark long-buried interest in Elijah.
While kindness runs through his veins, Seb doesn’t believe in fairy tales. He has a past he’d rather forget and has no real expectations for his future. He believes it’s safer to not make assumptions about anything or anyone; that way, he’ll remain safe.
It takes his elusive, aloof boss, whose mixed messages are more confusing than Ikea furniture instructions, to show Seb that opening his heart can be worth the risk.
When Elijah and Seb find themselves working on a common goal, the high stakes may be just the nudge they need.
I considered all I knew about Elijah. It had been impossible to not listen to the gossip. While there’d been nothing too recent about his exploits, he had a reputation of hooking up and seemed to have a steady flow of broken hearts in his wake.
His conquests didn’t bother me. We all had histories, and who didn’t like getting off? But the thought that I may see him in action tonight made me queasy.
I shook the feeling aside as I made my way to the bar, relieved to see Mitchell on the door.
“Hey, Seb,” he greeted, offering me a wide smile. “How are you doing tonight?”
My smile mirrored his. “Good, thanks. Excited about out the show.”
He bobbed his head. “Lady Bra Ga is pretty great. Be careful though…” His brow lifted. “She has a reputation for eating pretty boys up, especially fresh faces.”
I laughed, appreciating the humour in his voice. “Noted, thanks. I’ll be sure to hide at the bar. Not sure I can handle a man-eater,” I jested.
He chuckled as he opened the door for me. “Have a good night.” A wink followed his words as I stepped into the bar.
The room was cast in dim light, the small stage to the left lit in twinkling lights. A range of bodies littered the space—small groups, a few couples, and mainly men, with what looked to be some clusters of women. A happy mumble of voices, punctuated with laughter, filtered through the space, and immediately I relaxed, loving the vibe.
I’d never not been comfortable at Bar QK, but with this busy crowd and the energy floating around the place, ease settled through me. Walking through the crowd, I returned a few smiles sent my way, not recognising anyone. I didn’t know who was a regular or who was here just for the show, but the head dips and friendly faces were a welcome sight.
As I neared the bar, I angled to the right, towards the end of the bar, when I heard my name. Lenny waved, and I gladly made my way over.
“The boss man asked for me to make sure you had a stool.” He dipped his head at the empty stool and threw me a wink.
“Oh, thanks.” Heat touched my cheeks, as not only had I forgotten to ask for myself on my way out this afternoon, but Elijah had remembered and taken care of it for me.
“What’ll it be?”
I only had just over an hour to enjoy the show before I’d have to dash out to catch the last bus, so it wasn’t like I had to pace myself. I’d also figured it was cheaper to go for a spirit simply on the grounds it would make me feel buzzed. “Vodka soda, please.”
Lenny bobbed his head and went to the shelf displaying the liquor. He grabbed the more expensive bottle, and I cringed. “Actually, the Trivoski will do, thanks.”
He glanced over at me, hand still on the Chopin. Making his way back towards me, picking up a glass en route, he said, “Boss man’s got this covered, so let’s not drink the stuff that’s going to destroy your head.”
I froze at that, the heat already in my cheeks beginning to burn. I shook my head. “Honestly, it’s fine. Even more so if he’s paying for it.”
Lenny’s gaze flicked behind me and slightly to the right before he returned his attention to making me a drink. A moment later, warmth hit my back and I stilled, knowing the presence belonged to Elijah.
Becca Seymour lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.
Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.
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