Resisting the Dream by Ann Marie James
Book 3 in the Everyone’s Mechanic series
General Release Date: 14th September 2021
Word Count: 57,607
Book Length: NOVEL
Pages: 233
Genres:
ACTION AND ADVENTURE,CONTEMPORARY,EROTIC ROMANCE,GAY,GLBTQI
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Book Description
Nikolai is the fun-loving, flamboyant cousin of Sergei Barinov. He doesn’t know a lot about cars but is happy working as the desk person at Everyone’s Mechanic while he completes his doctorate in finance and accounting. While his parents never accepted who he was, he at least had Cousin Sergei’s family to love and support him. Comfortable in his own skin, he dresses according to his mood, which could be a skirt and makeup or sweatpants. He has crushed on Brandon since he met him but has never been able to be around him without doing something embarrassing. He would love a chance to show Brandon that he’s not just style without substance.
Brandon began interning with Sergei’s company in college and has since worked his way up to be his right-hand man. He is very regimented, likes his routines and needs to stay focused to complete his many duties for Sergei. Brandon is also balancing secretly raising his now-fifteen-year-old brother. He has watched from afar as Nikolai went from being a gangly, awkward teenager to a stunning adult. Brandon might wish he could take the time to get to know Nikolai better, but he doesn’t feel he can add one more thing to his already-full plate.
When Sergei tasks the pair to work together to plan an LGBTQ youth center, sparks fly. Will they decide to take a chance—or will outside forces ruin the possibility before they can even get started?
Reader advisory: This book makes references to addiction, alcohol, attempted violence and drug use.
Nikolai was strangely quiet during lunch, keeping his head down and focusing on eating. Brandon noticed that he wasn’t the only one shooting the man concerned glances. Finally, when he couldn’t stand it anymore, he set down his fork and knife and turned so he was facing him directly. “What’s up with you?”
Nikolai startled and met his gaze. “I don’t know what you mean?”
“First, no makeup, and you’re dressed…I don’t know, not like you. There is no pizazz to that outfit at all.”
“Pizazz?” Nikolai chuckled. “Who uses the word ‘pizazz’?”
“I do.” Brandon crossed his arms defensively. “Don’t deflect.”
“I’ve just had a rough morning is all.”
“You also said you didn’t wear makeup because it makes me uncomfortable.”
“You can’t deny it does.”
“Yes, but not because I don’t like it.”
“What?”
“What do you mean ‘what’? You have to know you’re gorgeous.”
“I am?”
Brandon was blown away by the absolute surprise on Nikolai’s face, before he scowled. “Stop fishing for compliments. You know you are.”
“It’s nice to know you think so. Thank you.”
Brandon couldn’t tear his gaze away from Nikolai’s shy smile and the obvious pleasure at his comments—that was until Sergei’s voice made them both jump and turn to look at him.
“What do you mean you had a rough morning?” Sergei asked.
Stuart smacked him on the shoulder. “Can’t you see they were having a moment?”
“I wanted to know why he had a rough morning. It’s concern.”
Brandon couldn’t hold back his chuckle at Sergei’s indignant tone. “It’s all good. I want to know the answer to that, too.”
He turned back to look at Nikolai to find Nikolai biting his lip and obviously debating with himself about something, before rolling his eyes and making some sort of decision. He whispered what sounded like “All right, Sensei, all right,” which made no sense before squaring his shoulders and facing Sergei.
“Two of my students at the dojo got into a fight today. One of them had been using what he was learning to harass a classmate at school. The other student took offense—as he should have.”
“What do you mean one of your students?” Sergei cut in, sounding absolutely shocked.
“I teach two self-defense classes for women, one Tiny Tiger class and one Junior Tiger class at the dojo. I also take class there two days a week.”
“That’s what you do there?”
“I go four days a week, Sergei. What did you think I did there?” Nikolai looked equal parts amused and insulted as he asked the question.
Stuart spoke before Sergei could reply. “You said he’s been going since he was twelve, Sergei, and you know what a perfectionist he is. Did you really think he wasn’t at least a black belt by now? What level are you, anyway?”
Nikolai dropped his gaze back to his plate as a blush came up on his cheeks. “Um. Second-degree black belt. I test for my third-degree sometime this year.”
“What?” Sergei’s bellow shocked them all.
“What do you mean ‘what’? I think it’s pretty self-explanatory.”
Sergei counted off on his fingers. “First, you didn’t let me know when you defended your thesis. Second, I find out you are a second-degree black belt, and you have never mentioned it? What the hell, Nikolai?”
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Ann Marie James
Ann Marie James is fluent in two languages, English and sarcasm. She believes that you will never learn anything new if you don’t read as much as you can, and/or talk to every stranger you meet. She always looks for the best in people and to treat people the way she wants to be treated. Above all Ann Marie believes in love, whatever form it takes. Relationships are hard, love is the glue that keeps it together.
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