Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Cole
SERIES: Gentlemen of Emerald City #2
AUTHOR: L.A. Witt
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
LENGTH: 7 hours and 57 minutes
RELEASE DATE: February 15, 2022
BLURB:
Parker
This pro hockey thing is amazing! I’m playing in the big leagues. I have money for a change. And suddenly all the men who wouldn’t give me the time of day are falling all over themselves to hook up with me.
The only problem is that I’ve never been with anyone. That’s just what I need—some random hookup leaking it to the press that I’m a virgin who’s lousy in bed.
Maybe what I need is a little help from a professional.
Cole
Clients who want to lose their virginity are a dime a dozen. There’s something about Parker, though. Something that makes my heart go a little wild every time he books me, and it isn’t the money.
He’s better in bed than he thinks. He needs confidence, not guidance, and I’m happy to give him both.
But is it wrong to wish he’ll never stop coming back?
Gentlemen of the Emerald City
Cole is Book 2 of Gentlemen of the Emerald City, a sexy series centered around the high class, high-dollar Gentlemen of Seattle’s most exclusive escort service. Each book is full of snark, sass, and sweetness, and like any Emerald City client, you’re guaranteed a happy ending.
Content warning: Moderate on-page struggles with disordered eating.
REVIEW:
NOTE: This is the second book in this series and does contain spoilers for the first book. It can, however, be listened to as a standalone.
Parker is an rookie professional hockey player on the Seattle team. He’s gotten his first goal and he’s celebrating. He’s also propositioned. But he’s never ever been with anyone. He’s a 25 year old virgin and he’s nervous and embarrassed. One of his teammates gets the truth out of him and so he suggests that Parker use an escort service. His teammate Smitty highly recommends Emerald City to help him get over the hump, as it were. Parker was closeted for a long time and he’s finally more comfortable with his sexuality but he really wants move forward.
Parker feels a little weird about it, but damn it, it’s time he get over this. He’s been so worried about how obvious it would be to anyone he was with that he has no experience. Like none. But Cole, the guy he books from Emerald City is really reassuring. He’s a sometimes model and escort and he is very honest with Parker from the beginning and really sets him at ease.
Parker books Cole several times when he’s in town. And then they start spending more time together. While Parker travels, Cole sees other clients. Surprisingly Parker doesn’t feel bad about that. Cole is very transparent with him. They end up face-timing when Parker’s on the road and spending time together when they are both free and in town. As time goes by though, they both really look forward to the time that can be together. And they miss each other when they aren’t in the same city.
Parker’s teammates begin to suspect that he’s seeing someone. Cole begins to suspect hat he’s a bit in over his head with Parker. He knows that they have definitely gone beyond escort/client parameters. Cole has some past issues – mostly having to do with body image and also with being left behind/not good enough for anyone to stay. He truly thinks that no one is going to stay with him based on his history and the men he’s dated. Plus he knows he’s falling for Parker.
Cole decided it’s better to call things off rather than wait for Parker to realize how much better he can do than Cole. He’s absolutely convinced that Parker only has feeling for him because he’s his first. Parker’s none too happy that Cole has decided this for him and that he can’t know his own mind. Thankfully, both guys have some helpful friends and guidance that give them some perspective 😉
I really enjoyed this new story of this series and have been waiting a while for it 🙂 Cole and Parker are both such nice guys! Parker was adorable in his naivete and his desire to NOT be a virgin. Cole was so understanding and also such a great tutor. He was always calm and sure and transparent with Parker. His ability to put Parker at ease is what really set their relationship up for success. I liked how they became friends. When Cole decided to call it off because he was in too deep and his insecurities drove him to leave Parker, I was happy that didn’t drag on for too long since they were both obviously miserable – as evidenced by the reaction and observations of their friends. Their reunion was sooo lovely.
As usual Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration levels up anything he narrates. Parker is believable surprised and excited and apprehensive about his first kiss, his first everything. Cole is the gentlest of men opening up to Parker about himself and his past and what he’s learned and sharing how their isn’t a right way and certainly not only one way to be in the world. His insecurities were palpable in this story and the emotional depth of his character were well portrayed by the narrator. this combination of Michael Ferriauolo and L.A. Witt is always a winner and this is no exception. I can’t wait for the next audio in this series to be out 🙂 Recommended.
RATING:
BUY LINKS:
Audible