Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Do Not Disturb
SERIES: California Crush, Book 3
AUTHOR: Mia Monroe
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 198 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2022
BLURB:
If pining was an Olympic event, I’d win the gold.
The minute Charles walks into my life, I’m done for. He’s everything I’m not- focused, serious, career-oriented. He’s also gorgeous, intelligent, and sexy as all heck. I’m allergic to relationships and my idea of a quiet night is going to only one bar. But I can’t resist my handsome coworker, even if he’s clearly not interested.
What’s a guy to do when the only person who makes me want more doesn’t feel the same? Become his friend, of course. With me by his side, I’ll show Charles all there is to love about his new life in Southern California, and if I’m lucky, he’ll take down his Do Not Disturb sign and let me in. As he uncovers his inner femme, I discover that winning his heart is a challenge I’m definitely up for.
Do Not Disturb is an opposites attract, so much pining, casual becoming serious, and discovering one’s inner diva MM romance. It is book 3 in the California Crush series, featuring endless sunny days, long stretches of beach, steamy nights, a colorful cast of characters, and men falling in love like waves crashing in the ocean. Book your vacation and meet the men of Hillcrest Hideaway.
REVIEW:
Do Not Disturb, the third book in Mia Monroe’s California Crush series, delivers the friends-to-lovers romance of Charles and London. It’s a prototypical Monroe story – a sweet, sexy, low angst, lighthearted romance between two endearing men with obvious chemistry. Monroe makes the reader root for the men to get together and doesn’t keep us in suspense about the outcome. There’s little to imperil the developing relationship and ultimate HEA.
Monroe writes love stories about people, not based on complex plots. Like the previous books in this series, Do Not Disturb revolves almost exclusively around character development – here, focusing on Charles and how he fits with London. There aren’t actions or events or even an overarching plot to drive things forward. Instead, Monroe relies solely on her characters to create the momentum for her stories.
Characters like Charles and London make that easy. Do Not Disturb focuses on Charles’ discovery of surprising things about himself and shows him pushing beyond his comfort zone to discover who he is and what makes him happy, all with London’s loving, unwavering support. Monroe establishes an effective dichotomy between Charles’ adorable glasses and bow tie-wearing “pencil-pusher” persona and his stunning, more confident, authentic persona that embraces gender fluidity. Once Charles allows himself to trust in others, and in himself, enough to let them in, he becomes more comfortable and confident in expressing what he’s feeling and who he is. In true Monroe fashion, the message is clear that Charles’ journey, as well as his ultimate destination, is perfectly acceptable and something beautiful to be embraced. This touching, introspective journey plays out along with overt, sexy, steamy scenes and titillating content, including makeup, lingerie, drag queens, and a healthy dose of exhibitionism.
Monroe is particularly adept at picking titles to convey subtext, and Do Not Disturb is a stellar example of that skill at work. As noted in the text, London initially views Charles as a man with a “Do Not Disturb sign” on him, meaning he’s so uptight and closed off that he is broadcasting “stay away” to any would-be suitors like London. Additionally, it portrays a man unwilling to take chances or to venture out into the world to try something new, especially with or in front of other people. Ironically, the entire story of Do Not Disturb is about that very thing: Charles disturbing his status quo, disrupting his equilibrium, trying new things, and discovering new things about himself. The juxtaposition of the title and the character development drives the subtext home just as Monroe intended.
If you enjoy Mia Monroe’s writing, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy Do Not Disturb. It’s faithful to her style and messaging, and there’s nothing to dislike about Charles, London, or the found family at the Hillcrest Hideaway resort/hotel. While a bit rushed and lacking some depth, it’s nevertheless an enjoyable, feel-good love story that will leave you smiling.
RATING: 
BUY LINK: